Now that the days are a little shorter, I have more time to read the newsletters that hit my inbox or mailbox and catch up on my backlog of industry related podcasts I have been meaning to get to. There seems to be a significant uptick in trying to define what is maternal whether it be in sale catalogs or articles talking about the ideal commercial female. Very frequently, that definition relies heavily on a visual description that includes moderate frame, good udders and plenty of capacity. Cows that are too big don’t fit my environment. Udders that break down are a liability to a cow herd. There also needs to be some capacity to these cattle or they will be very susceptible to falling out of the cow herd in the dry years. Those are all very good generalizations of what a cow should look like. However, none of those descriptors indicate what a “maternal” cow should be able to actually do.
If you have ever met me in person, one thing will become very apparent to you instantly. I am certainly an outlier in the population for height. As much as I would like to attribute my 6’7” frame to the nutritional merits of above average beef consumption in my developmental years, I think the gallon of whole milk per day growing up (and 3-4 a week still) has just as much to do with it as anything. A childhood of nutrient dense protein consumption paired with forced child labor on the farm and a little bit of running and weight lifting in my later years have left me still in decent shape as a 6’7” 34-year-old well past his athletic prime. Due to my height, I get asked all the time if I played basketball (I can hold my own), but if I replied telling you instead I swam at a high level you would believe me without hesitation. Much like the visual description of what a cow should look like, I would say I probably fit the visual description of a washed-up competitive swimmer. The truth is, if we went more than down and back at a swim meet, a team of third graders would probably beat me with ease. I don’t have much trouble keeping my head above water at the pool or the lake but I am far from a “swimmer.” At the highest levels of competition, most athletes do tend to look alike if the outcome is determined by a stop watch or a measuring tape. Due to years of specified training, swimmers, marathoners, sprinters and shot putters tend to have frames and physiques identical to one another in their respective events. In timed and measured events, there aren’t the same level of team politics or dynamics that can be blamed for an individual’s lack of success in a given sport. You didn’t fail to reach your athletic potential because the “coach didn’t like you” and someone else started over you. The clock doesn’t lie. The data is there to tell you who is better than whom and everyone can see it.
Despite the countless times I walked past the swim team facilities in Louisville and Knoxville on my way to play pick-up basketball, a coach never saw me and ran out from behind their desks and begged me to swim for them because I looked a certain way. However, far too many people (nearly everyone) start their evaluation based on looks when it comes to their cow herd. As an industry, we have the cow herd data to give us tools to select for maternal functionality in cattle. If we select for heifer fertility, calving interval, and production at weaning, a cow will tell us exactly what she needs to look like to be successful in a certain environment. Much like athlete’s bodies will adapt to look a certain way through training over time, a population of cattle will adapt to look a certain way through breeding over time if selected with consistent objectives. Just because a cow looks a certain way does not mean she
will be successful. In fact, I have found that those breeders that make the data an afterthought when it comes to maternal selection and select visually for that broody “look” have actually taken their cattle in the wrong direction when it comes to maternal efficiency metrics Much like me in the pool, they don’t perform like you may expect despite visual indicators. When we select on data for generations of what maternal should do, we find a look very similar but with a much different outcome. In our cow herd, we have a population of cows that at 6 years old are 1250-1300 lbs. and 51-52 inches tall. They have a natural thickness to them and are very clean made and attractive cattle. They are structurally sound on feet and legs that allows them to travel the pastures well, and they have udders under them that don’t break down. They also produce calves the market wants to buy because they are made the right way and not too short or too soggy.
If you want to move your commercial cow herd in the direction of maternal functionality and not just maternal look, track a little bit of data and draw some hard lines in the sand when it comes to your principles. Track your birthdates and weaning weights so you can calculate 205-day adjusted weaning weights on your calf crop (this is the cow equivalent of checking the clock in a track meet). Breed your heifers at 15 months of age to calve at 24 months old and if they don’t breed, get rid of them. Pregnancy check your cows and if they don’t fit your calving season ship them as well. This a very elementary starting point with several nuances (that I am happy to talk through with you over the phone), but it is an important one. You also have to select your bulls and purchase replacement females from a breeder with the same philosophy and principles. If you don’t, what are you doing is no different than throwing me in the pool instead of on a basketball court and asking me to do anything other than embarrass myself. It probably isn’t going to go well. If you select on what you think a functional female should look like, you will get cattle that look a certain way but have no selection towards performance or maternal efficiency. If you select on performance and maternal criteria, you will get cattle that will tell you what they need to look like to perform in their setting. Distinguishing between the two is the difference between qualifying for the Olympics and getting beat by a bunch of third graders.
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
KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:
Kelly
Todd
Bradon
Rachel
Amelia
Danny
Jake
Dan
Debby
Katie
Alex
Becky
Kelly
President's Thoughts
Jeff Pettit KCA President
It has been a busy time since we visited last!
Back in mid-October we had our groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center at the University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Research Farm in Versailles. As I walked the proposed building site, I was in amazement of the beauty of the property and the magnitude of the possibilities for the future of animal agriculture in Kentucky.
I have to share a little secret with you. Back several years ago when KCA agreed to take on the management of the UK Eden Shale Farm, I was a little skeptical and scared. I was not sure we were ready to tackle that job. The farm needed a lot of work. However, it has proved to be an awesome opportunity for everyone involved. This partnership with UK and the numerous private industry partners has resulted in educational, research and practical farm applications that have helped producers all across the USA and beyond! I see the KLIC taking all of this to the next level, education, research, work-force development, public-private partnerships, value-added product development, culinary training, and not to forget, food security. Keep your eyes open; it will be fun to watch!
We have to also recognize that God is in control, and we need to be careful to not get in his way! If we seek his discernment and guidance, his vision is always bigger and better than we can comprehend. KCA leadership and staff have been working on this project for years, and we encountered many of what we thought were obstacles and roadblocks. Now I look back and recognize these were not roadblocks nor obstacles but rather guardrails that kept us from accepting something less than the blessing that we have today! Another monumental event was the result of 2024 presidential election and what that means for the future of agriculture. We have to be pro-business, procapitalism, pro-growth and develop ways to produce more food for the growing population of our country. We have to find ways to protect the future of agricultural land and to encourage the next generation to keep the family farm in production. This will take all of us working together, thinking outside the box and not being impeded by further regulations. By having the executive branch, the senate and house all working together, this hopefully will be beneficial for this process to be successful for all aspects of agriculture.
In closing, I also realized this month how short my time remaining as the president of KCA actually is! One responsibility I have as president is to seat the Nomination Committee to select your next round of leadership for KCA. I
am thankful that we have so many good and talented people willing to serve our organization. As I have traveled this past year, KCA is truly blessed. So many other cattlemen’s associations across the country are struggling to just exist and KCA continues to thrive. Why? Because our producers, our staff and our leadership are passionate about what they do. Never lose the passion!
Remember your windshield is bigger than your rearview mirror for good reason!
Commissioner's Corner
Jonathan Shell Agriculture Commissioner
During this holiday season, are you planning to celebrate at a festive gathering with family and food? Maybe you’re hosting a traditional Christmas dinner or providing a dish for a holiday potluck or New Year’s Eve party.
If you’re unsure about what to serve or bring, may I make a suggestion? I encourage all Kentuckians to support our local farmers and producers by incorporating products grown or raised in Kentucky into your celebrations.
Christmas is a time of togetherness and gratitude. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen our communities. One powerful way we can do this is by choosing to purchase local Kentucky Proud foods.
The average meal travels 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate, resulting in lost nutritional value and taste every mile of the way. Buying Kentucky Proud foods decreases this distance and ensures that you're eating fresh and nutritious foods, while supporting Kentucky's farm families.
Buying local means supporting the next generation of farmers. Kentucky has a proud heritage of family farming, passed down through generations. By purchasing from local farmers, you’re helping to preserve this legacy and ensure that our agricultural industry continues to flourish. Whether it’s through a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, at a local farm store or through your neighborhood farmers market, your dollars make a difference in sustaining the rural economies that make our commonwealth so unique.
Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, and our farmers work tirelessly year-round to provide us with fresh, nutritious and high-quality products. From poultry and pork to sweet potatoes and squash, Kentucky's farms offer a bounty of seasonal goods that can make your holiday meals special and more meaningful.
Local products aren't limited to just what's on your dinner table. Kentucky is home to some of the finest craft makers, offering everything from jams and jellies to handmade wreaths, candles and woolen goods. As you shop for gifts this holiday season, consider purchasing from Kentucky artisans and farmers markets. Many of our state’s small businesses are agriculture-based and depend on strong holiday sales to thrive.
I invite everyone to visit our Kentucky Proud website at KyProud.com or stop by your local farmers market to discover the wide variety of Kentucky-grown and Kentucky-made products available.
This holiday season let’s come together in support of Kentucky’s farmers and producers. By choosing local, we can ensure our agricultural traditions thrive and that our commonwealth continues to be a beacon of farm-fresh goodness for generations to come.
I wish you and your family, and all of our state’s farmers and farm families, a Merry Christmas!
HappyHolidays
From all of the livestock auction and dealer members of the Kentucky Livestock Marketing Association, we wish you a Merry Christmas. We appreciate the support of our customers in trusting the auction method to market their livestock and look forward to working with you in the new year.
Thoughts From Dave
Dave Maples Executive Vice President
I say it every year, and I will say it again this year. It is hard to believe that this is the December issue. 2024 has been a good one for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. On Oct. 22, we held a groundbreaking for the new Livestock Innovation Center−a center that will house the KCA offices and other agriculture groups. Please know that this was a ceremonial groundbreaking, and the real work will not start until mid-year next year. There are a great number of people that need to be thanked, but I really want to thank our Kentucky agriculture leadership, our KCA officers, board members, and the membership of both KCA and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation for allowing our staff to work on a project like this. It takes a visionary organization to take on a project of this degree. A public-private partnership between a trade organization like KCA and the University of Kentucky, the state’s land-grant university, is not something that you see every day, and it’s really special.
The vision of this venture goes back to the origin of the farm when the proposal to the General Assembly was made. It said there would be a learning center provided to the various Kentucky agriculture groups on the Woodford County farm. For various reasons, but mainly budgetary, the learning center was cut. If we play our cards right over the years, this center can really be a good thing for Kentucky agriculture. That farm is one of the nicest farms that you will ever visit, and from the research standpoint, the facilities are some of the best. More than likely you don’t know the level of research projects or the researchers that you have working on your behalf.
We had a presidential election this past month, which will bring changes. On the local level, we are in the middle of a dean and vice president
search for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment. It is not like electing the president of the United States of America, but it sure hits closer to home when it comes to educating our children and providing extension programs that share knowledge that researchers have discovered.
I don’t have a crystal ball, but I would expect you will see some shifts in the Kentucky beef complex this next year. It only goes to reason with the smaller cow herd, you will more than likely see few auction markets. Also, with the opening of new large-scale packing plants closer to Kentucky, we will see new players in the game battling for those high-quality Kentucky cows and calves.
I was reading an article in Dairy Herd Management that caught my attention. It was titled, “Rethinking Food Production: Balancing Abundance with Sustainability.” One of the paragraphs in the article was, “the task facing today’s farmers is to produce more with less, which means making better use of our resources. This approach requires a shift in priorities—from quantity to quality. Not only do we need to enhance production methods, but we must also ensure that the food we produce efficiently reaches those in need.”
Over the past year, three of the top five meat packing plants have been in the KCA office. They wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have a need. All were asking questions about the “suppliers,” which is the new term for farmers. I think my dad would like that term better than “vendor,” which is how he is described as a poultry grower. The shorter supply of cattle to these plants is on the horizon, and the sustainability questions are being asked more. Again, it will be very interesting to see how our industry reacts to all the different variables within our industry that are in play.
ALL AGES WELCOME SCHEDULE A GROUP VISIT CHOOSE YOUR LESSON PLAN CATERING IS AVAILABLE
THE YARDS is an education center focusing on the science and practices of the beef industry. Educational opportunities provide a unique learning experience based on its location in the Blue Grass Regional Stockyards Marketplace. This environment fosters complex thinking, experiential learning, and life skill application.
BARREN COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Ken Wininger
Barren County Cattlemen’s held their monthly meeting on Oct. 17. The meal and program were sponsored by B&B Fencing and Burkmann Feeds. Pictured from left are Stan Buchanan, John Reed, Dr. Charles Townsend and Mark Crain.
GRANT COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Timothy Henry
The Grant County Cattlemen held their recruitment dinner. We would like to thank the guest speaker 2024 National Cattlemen's Beef Association Trailblazer Amanda Hall for a great presentation. The evening was filled with good fellowship and a delicious meal. A big thank you to everyone for making the evening a success.
MEADE COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Ben Smith
The grills were hot, but the weather was not. Regardless, it still was a great, fun-filled fall day in Meade County. The Meade County Cattlemen's Association sponsored their annual Beef Cookoff in conjunction with the Great Pumpkin Pursuit Watermelon and Pumpkin weigh-off at Roberts Family Farm in Guston. Once again, this event was well attended and garnered lots of interest both within and outside of the community. Even though the winning pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 1,791 pounds, beef is still what's for dinner!
WASHINGTON (Oct. 22, 2024) –Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) slammed the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s unhinged recommendations that propose replacing high-quality proteins like beef with beans, peas and lentils.
“The preview meeting of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee this week stands out as one of the most out-of-touch, impractical and elitist conversations in the history of this process,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “After 22 months of public discussion and lip service to transparency, we are disappointed by the number of chaotic new directions that were proposed at the literal last minute. We would laugh at the suggestion that beans, peas and lentils are going to replace lean red meat and fill all the nutrient gaps Americans are facing if it weren’t such a dangerous and deceptive idea.”
“We’ve had more than four decades of Dietary Guidelines advice, and during that time red meat consumption has declined, yet obesity and chronic disease is on the rise. 70% of the calories in the U.S. diet are plant based. Now, the committee wants to reduce red meat intake even further, marginalizing the 80% of the population who identify themselves as meat eaters,” said NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science and Registered Dietitian Dr. Shalene McNeill.
“These recommendations put some of the most vulnerable at risk for nutrient gaps, especially older Americans, adolescent girls and women of child-bearing age. Beef contributes only 5% of the calories in the American diet, but more than 5% of essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorous, iron, B6, niacin, protein, zinc, choline and B12. It’s baffling that we are trying
to get Americans to cut out red meat when the evidence indicates nutrient deficiencies and chronic disease are increasing as red meat consumption declines. As a registered dietitian and nutrition scientist, I am concerned that basing guidelines on highly academic exercises, hypothetical modeling and weak science on red meat will not produce relevant or practical guidelines and will not help us achieve healthier diets.”
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is tasked with delivering recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the agencies craft the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
FUTURE AGRICULTURAL LEADERS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CATTLECON 2025
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Nov. 13, 2024) – CattleCon 2025 invites future agricultural leaders to San Antonio, Texas, to experience the largest cattle industry event of the year, Feb. 4-6. Courtesy of Culver’s and Nationwide Insurance, FFA and 4-H members can receive free trade show admission on Thursday, Feb. 6, which includes access to a variety of educational events.
The first 250 FFA members and 250 4-H members to register will receive complimentary Thursday NCBA Trade Show admission. FFA members and alumni are also invited to the Culver’s
Blue Jacket Social, a special gathering designed for networking, sharing experiences and building lasting relationships.
NCBA Trade Show attendees can explore more than nine acres of displays and exhibitors offering the latest advancements, from equipment and technology to pharmaceuticals and feed supplements. In addition to finding the right product or service to solve any problem, there are a variety of educational opportunities within the show.
Attendees can stop in the Learning Lounge to enjoy informal, faceto-face talks in an intimate setting right on the trade show floor. The popular Stockmanship & Stewardship Demonstration Arena also returns with stockmanship experts providing lowstress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance educational sessions, industry updates and facility design sessions. Cattle Chats will feature beef industry educational sessions, and the Chutes and Scales Showdown will offer a side-by-side comparison of equipment where producers can watch cattle run through chutes then get hands-on experience. To receive free Thursday NCBA Trade Show registration, FFA members must use the code FFACULVERS, and 4-H members, 4HNW. In addition, children 12 and under receive free trade show admission with a paying adult. A variety of other registration options are also available. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org.
Changes Coming to CAIP Bull Cost-share Program
Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky Professor
Kentucky and Tennessee have similar bull purchasing costshare programs but have traditionally had different Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) requirements. Over the past several years, we have been working together to develop guidelines that are uniform and better for beef producers. This fall, the guidelines committees of the two states met and came to consensus on a set of EPD guidelines that are now consistent. The Kentucky Ag Development Board met and approved these EPD requirement changes to the CAIP bull cost-share program starting Jan. 1, 2025. Some of the major changes are highlighted in this article, however, pay close attention to the full requirements before purchasing a bull for cost-share funding.
• The number of bull categories has been reduced to three; Balanced Trait/Maternal, Terminal Sire and Carcass Merit. There is no longer a Heifer Acceptable category, however, recommended minimal Calving Ease Direct (CED) or Birth Weight (BW) EPDs are provided for those that plan to breed the bull to heifers. As a note, Tennessee combines their Terminal Sire/Carcass Merit categories, but in effect bulls that qualify in one state will also qualify in the other.
• We attempted to avoid any drastic changes to EPDs, but some EPDs for some breeds were different between the states, and in those cases, we settled on a compromise. We will meet jointly in the future and discuss any future changes. The requirements will not change from year to
year unless a change is made to a breed’s evaluation system or both states agree that a change is appropriate. When this happens, we will make every attempt to minimize changes.
• The number of EPDs/Selection Index used to qualify has been reduced. There are only EPD requirements for CED/BW and Growth traits OR CED/BW and an appropriate Economic Selection Index value depending on the breed. There is no longer a milk requirement for Balanced Trait/Maternal, however a range is recommended for producers to consider staying within. There are also recommendations for maximum Mature Weight EPDs and minimum Docility EPDs when available.
• The formatting has changed. Instead of all breeds’ requirements being listed in a table for each bull category, they are now listed by breed
with the requirements and recommendations for each category.
All bulls will still be required to be genomically tested and have Genomically Enhanced EPDs (or a CED accuracy of .25 or greater)! Seedstock producers should contact your breed association for more information on how to accomplish this. Buyers should not purchase a bull that has not been tested and have him tested after the fact –this may cause the EPDs to change, and he may no longer
As a reminder, the guidelines to qualify a bull for CAIP cost-share are only a small part of the overall information you should use to purchase your bull. The bull still needs to be visually appraised for structure, muscling, body capacity and docility. The bull should have an adequate scrotal circumference and pass his Breeding Soundness Exam. Also, there may be EPDs for many other traits available for your breed that are of economic importance to you, and when available they should help inform your decision. The University of Kentucky has many factsheets that can help in your bull selection decisions, so for more information contact your local agriculture and natural resources agent.
These new requirements will be implemented starting Jan. 1, 2025. Please bear with us as we make this transition. We will try to work through any issues that arise. In the long run, this will simplify bull purchases across the KY/TN state line and will improve the program overall.
KCA, Partners, Break Ground on Livestock Innovation Center
VERSAILLES, KY – An exciting new chapter for Kentucky’s livestock industry began Oct. 22 as livestock producers joined Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association staff and their legislative, academic and industry partners to break ground the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center.
“This facility will be designed to benefit our producers by using and communicating new technology and research from the farm to help them become more profitable and their operations more sustainable, not just in the immediate future but for future generations,” said Dr. David Williams, chairman of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation and the center’s construction oversight committee.
The center was made possible through a two-year, $22 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation in April. This appropriation was passed in House Bill 1, which funded several one-time infrastructure projects from state’s budget reserve trust fund.
Located on 15 acres at the University of Kentucky’s C. Oran Little Research Center in Versailles, the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center is a unique public-private partnership between the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the University of
Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The two organizations have had a wonderful working relationship for many years.
“We are excited for them not only to be our partners, but also our neighbors,” said Nancy Cox, dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
“The Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center will complement our new Meat and Food Workforce Development Center that will also soon be built on the farm. Both centers will work to advance livestock production and develop value-added products for the industry. It’s one of most wonderful public-private partnerships I’ve experienced during my time at UK.”
The center will serve as the central coordinating location for advancing livestock and agricultural production within Kentucky and around the eastern United States. To accomplish this, center staff will work with industry and university partners to find innovative answers to industry challenges, increase producer marketing opportunities and net farm income, support the next generation of producers and improve the sustainability of the industry.
The center will also be home to a Culinary Training Center, which will help increase consumer demand
for value-added products and provide education and workforce development opportunities for employees in food processing, manufacturing, restaurant and retail industries.
“It’s really unbelievable to be at this point and imagine all the partnerships and possibilities that are in front of us,” said Jeff Pettit, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association president and vice chair of the center’s construction oversight committee. “I really think this center will impact producers all over the eastern U.S. and make us hub for protein production across the region.” The idea for the center began five years ago with the completion of a long-range plan conducted by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. The project has strong support from the Kentucky Livestock Coalition which includes members from the Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Board, Kentucky Poultry Federation, Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, Kentucky House Council, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Farm Bureau and others.
More information about the center is available at www. livestockinnovationcenter.org.
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.
JANUARY 15-17 • OWENSBORO
Early Bird Registration (October 21 - December 13) $60 Registration (After December 13) $85
Event Cost Number Attending Totals
Full Registration
(Includes Trade Show and Business Meetings)
Trade Show Only
Junior Registration (21 years or younger)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Evening Banquet
$60 x =
$25 x =
$25 x =
$70 x = choose one Steak Chicken
Banquet Preferred Seating (Table of 10)
Ladies Program
$720 x =
$50 x =
Total Amount Due Names as they should appear on badges. Please only one family or individual per registration form.
REGISTER BEFORE DECEMBER 13 and be
to win one of two $50 CABELA'S
Mail to: KCA Convention Registration 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, Kentucky 40503 Or Fax: (859) 260-2060
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
Beef Efficiency Conference
Maximizing Efficiency: Balancing Nutrition, Genetics, and Forage for Success
Cooling Clover Mineral for Heifers
Dr. Brittany Davis USDA-ARS Forage Research Center
9:00-11:30 Beef Efficiency Conference – Maximizing Efficiency: Balancing Nutrition, Genetics, and Forage for Success Cooling Clover Mineral for Heifers - Dr. Brittany Davis, USDA-ARS Forage Research Center What is Optimum for Your Operation? - Dr. Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Finding Forage Efficient Cows - Dr. David Lalman, Oklahoma State University
10:00 Trade Show Opens
11:30 Welcome Lunch
1:30-3:30 Opening General Business Session Welcome 2024 Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Convention – Jeff Pettit 2024 KCA President FMD Preparedness & Prevention – Dr. Franklyn Garry Colorado State University
4:00-5:00 Women's Session 1: Mental Health + Ag : Breaking the Stigma to Continue A Legacy
6:00 Trade Show Closes
7:30-10:00 KCA Roundup Reception Best Burgers of Owensboro Tasting Event – J’s Good Grub & Kim’s Diner, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef
JANUARY 17
6:30-5:00 Registration Hours
7:00-9:00 County President Breakfast (Invitation Only)
8:00 Trade Show Opens
9:30-10:15 KJCA - Ice Breakers with KJCA Board
10:00-11:00 Regional Meetings
Region 1 - West Ballroom A
Region 2 - West Ballroom B
Region 3 - West Ballroom C
Region 4 - West Ballroom D Region 5 - West Ballroom E
10:15-11:15 KJCA - Trade Show Scavenger Hunt
11:00 KCA - Concessions Lunch at The Kentucky Legend Cafe
11:15-12:00 KJCA - Beef Jerky Trail Mix Lab
12:00 KJCA - Lunch
12:30-2:00 Closing Business Session 2024 Financial Review - Ken Adams, KCA Treasurer Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center Update - Nikki Whitaker, Director of Operations & Policy NCBA Legislative Update- Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association A Year in Review and 2025 Outlook - Dave Maples, KCA Executive Vice President
1:00-2:00 KJCA - Beef Marketing Challenge
2:00 Trade Show Closes
2:00-3:00 KJCA - Beef Leadership Town Hall
2:30-3:30 Understanding your Checkoff Dollars - Panel Discussion
2:30-3:30 Women's Session 2: Creating a Terrarium (Session Two Ticket Required)
2:30-4:30 Forages at KCA - Matching Genetics to Forage Resources Developing Genetics for Forage Based Systems-Dan Glenn, Deep Grass Graziers Genetics for Fescue Based Systems-Dalton Bennett, Knoll Crest Farms Forage Update - Ray Smith
3:00-3:45 KJCA - Officer Meeting (Current KJCA Board Members Only)
3:45-4:45 KJCA - Board of Director Elections
5:00-6:00 KCA Leadership Alumni & Past President’s Reception (Invitation Only)
6:00 Evening Banquet (Ticket Required) KCA & KBC Awards 2025 KCA Hall of Fame Inductions Foundation Auction
Partnerships in Action: Building and Bringing More
State beef councils across the country gathered in Denver, Colorado, Oct. 15-18, for the annual Partnerships in Action (PIA) conference to learn about national Beef Checkoff programs and discuss ways those efforts can be expanded in Kentucky. Coordinated by the Federation of State Beef Councils and funded by the Beef Checkoff, PIA brings state beef councils together to build a stronger state and national partnership.
Topics discussed during the event highlighted how the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and state beef councils work together to drive demand for beef. Attendees learned about program strategy, current consumer trends and preferences, and upcoming Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. promotions. Nearly 80 staff from 32 state beef councils participated in the event, including Bradon Burks, Kelly Baird, Alex Scott, Amelia Carter and Carey Brown from the Kentucky Beef Council.
“This event is beneficial because we can work together with other states to find the best ways to educate consumers and promote beef,” said Carey Brown, Kentucky Cattlemen's Association Chief Operating Officer. “I always learn something new and bring ideas home to implement in Kentucky.”
December 4 @ 6:00 PM
December 6 @ 7:00 PM
December 7 @ Noon KY Certified Hereford Influence
December 12 @ 6:00 PM
December 14 @ 2:00 PM
December 18 @ 6:30 PM
The Kentucky Beef Council is part of the Federation of State Beef Councils and voluntarily invests in the federation to enhance the national Checkoff and leverage producer dollars through a coordinated partnership. The federation was established in 1963 by grassroots producers as a more concerted and focused effort to conduct national beef research and promotion programs.
For more information about how the Kentucky Beef Council is driving the demand for beef, visit www.kybeef. com.
7:00
Randall Paul Napier of Stanford passed away on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at the age of 85. Paul was born on April 16, 1939 in Salem, Indiana to the late Darrell and Elgie Padgett Napier. Paul's life was a testament to the virtues of hard work, dedication and a deep-seated love for family and community.
Paul graduated from Stanford High School in 1957 and went on to serve as a charter employee at IBM. His professionalism and commitment to excellence saw him retire after 30 years as a quality engineer in the manufacturing field. However, it was his unwavering passion for farming that truly defined his life. He served as the Lincoln County Cattlemen's Association president and treasurer. He also served as president of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association and was proudly inducted into their Hall of Fame. He also served as director with the Lincoln County Farm Bureau Federation. Paul's dedication to the farming community reached beyond titles and honors; he was a mentor to young farmers through FFA, nurturing their growth and fostering their passion for the land. The masonic community also recognized his devotion, honoring him with an award for 60 years of service. He was a member of the Calvary Hill Baptist Church.
(Bob); one son, Randy Napier (LeeAnn); one brother, Gary Napier (Kathy); one sister, Verda Hendry; five grandchildren, Holly Tapscott, Emily Deatherage, Samuel Crowe, Rachel Crowe and Shelby Wren; six greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Elgie Napier; one brother, William Kenneth Napier; and one sister, Marilyn Floyd.
A one-day service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at Spurlin Funeral Home in Stanford. Visitation was from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service began at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Tommy Tapscott officiating. Burial followed at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Calvary Hill Building Fund, P.O. Box 482, Stanford, KY 40484.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wanda Taylor Napier; two daughters, Joni Crowe and Andrea Jeffries
LEADERS IN GRASS
Active Pallbearers are Mark Taylor, Mike Taylor, Billy Shane Napier, Doug Tillett, Greg Smith and Richard Floyd. Honorary Pallbearers were the Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association directors. We invite you to share your memories, stories and photos of Randall on his memorial page. Your tributes will serve as a reminder of the incredible life he lived and the remarkable man he was, filled with love, faith and service. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, just as he did in life.
The Heart of America Grazing Conference ROCKS Kentucky…Make America Graze Again!
Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center at Princeton
The Heart of America Grazing Conference was a resounding success! The three-day event had more than 400 participants from as far away as New York. Although, most participants were from Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. This month, I would like to share some of the highlights from day one of the conference.
The conference began with a pasture ecology workshop at Glenmar Farms in Cecilia. The workshop covered various topics with the overarching theme of managing complex grassland ecosystems. Specific topics included soil and soil health, bale grazing, dung beetles, fencing and watering systems for controlled grazing, using annual forages in grazing systems, eastern gamagrass for summer grazing and silvopasture establishment and management. The remainder of this article is a photo essay of the Pasture Ecology Workshop.
S Steve Blandford from the Kentucky NRCS demonstrates the importance of soil aggregation for capturing and storing water in pastures. Rainfall runs off soil with poor aggregation and structure, resulting in loss of both soil and water. In contrast, well-managed pasture soils have higher water infiltration rates and the ability to store that water for later use. This helps to mitigate short-term drought in grazing systems.
S Nate Haan, University of Kentucky assistant professor, hands out dung beetles at the Pasture Ecology Workshop. There are more than 20 species of dung beetles found in Kentucky’s pastures. The most prevalent species are Onthophagus hecate, Onthophagus pennsylvanicus, and Onthophagus taurus. How we manage our worming and fly control programs can greatly impact dung beetle populations.
Q Dung beetles hard at work at Jennifer and Whit Morris’s Farm in Southside, Virginia. Dung beetles make great employees on cattle farms since they recycle nutrients, reduce parasites and flies, mix and aerate soils, enhance plant growth, and even reduce methane emissions from dung pats.
S Lincoln Pyles, farm owner, tells workshop participants how he has used hay feeding to build soil fertility in poor pastures. Lincoln strategically places hay bales in late fall and early winter and unrolls them just prior to feeding. By using a hotwire, he limits access to several bales at a time. It is important to remember that every ton of hay contains around 40 lbs. N, 15 lbs. P2O5, and 50 lbs, K2O. How we manage hay feeding impacts if we are taking advantage of fertilizer nutrients and organic matter contained in hay.
R Workshop participants got in a soil pit to learn about inherent characteristics of the soil that can and cannot be impacted through good grazing management. Coupling a perennial sod with good grazing management results in better soil aggregation, which improves water infiltration, reduces runoff and erosion, and increases water storage. The bottom line is that good grazing management improves the water cycle in grassland ecosystems.
S Matt Poore from the Amazing Grazing Program at North Carolina State University discusses the fine points of using temporary fencing to manage grazing. When selecting a temporary post, things to consider include UV stabilization of plastic components, length and diameter of the spear, ease of getting wires in and out of the lugs, and size of the step-in foot. Selecting the “right” tools will make your experience with temporary fencing much more pleasant.
S Workshop participants competing in a “reel race.” Not all fencing reels are created equal. Some are faster; some are easier to use, and some are more durable. Choosing a good quality reel is important since you will be using it on a regular basis, and you want it to last for more than a year or two
S Jeff Lehmkuhler of UK talks about low-cost solar pumping systems that can be used for watering livestock in remote locations. Having access to water is one of the biggest limitations to implementing improved grazing management. The good news is that the NRCS has several programs that can help livestock producers design and install improved watering systems. More information can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ bdhub2ex.
S At Glenmar Farms, we developed a temporary watering system using a trash pump and 1-inch black plastic roll pipe. The system moved water from an existing pond under a road into a pasture with no water. Once the system was primed, water was delivered passively via a siphon. In this photo, Glen and Lincoln Pyles (left) and Landry Dunbar (right) are setting up the system.
R Students in the Pasture Ecology Workshop explore the size and architecture of roots from various cool- and warm-season annual forage species. Although annuals can be a profitable part of grazing systems, they tend to be expensive. Potential niches for annuals in grazing systems include as a transition crop between perennial sods and for growing and lactating livestock (dairy).
Q The root system of berseem and crimson clover six weeks after planting. In addition to a prolific root system, legumes form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in which nitrogen gas from the air is fixed into a form that can be used by plants.
S Lincoln Pyles of Glemar Farms talks about utilizing eastern gamagrass for summer grazing and how he utilized a fire and frost seeding clover to overcome a severe nimblewill infestation during establishment.
S Workshop participants learn about different approaches to establishing silvopasture. Although silvopastures have a number of advantages, one of the most important roles that they play is providing shade for grazing livestock during the summer months.
Grassland ecoystems are complex, and we are managing much more than just forages and livestock! The most important thing that you can do is just get started! You are going to make mistakes…graze too early or too
FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS
late, too tight or not close enough, or when it is too wet or dry, but that’s ok. These systems are resilient, and we just adjust our management and go on. So, get a grazing plan together and let’s Make America Graze Again!
I would like to thank Lincoln Pyles
FORAGES AT KCA • Jan. 17, 2025 • Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro
2024 ALFALFA AND STORED FORAGE CONFERENCE • Feb. 25, 2025 • Fayette County Extension Office, Lexington
FEATURED VIDEO
This month’s featured video is Capturing the Beauty of Forages by Jimmy Henning. This presentation was given at the Heart of America Grazing Conference Banquet on Oct.15 in Elizabethtown. Watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWbRBVV1y8I&t=1612s.
FEATURED PUBLICATION
This month’s featured publication is Frost Seeding Clover: A Recipe for Success by Chris Teutsch, Ray Smith, and Jimmy Henning. This publication is available at https://tinyurl. com/3pj2bkh6 or at your local extension office.
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. Animals that cannot be trained to respect electric fencing should be culled.
FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS
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• If available, graze crop residues and cover crops that will not overwinter.
• Begin grazing stockpiled pastures. Graze pastures with orchardgrass and clover first. Save pastures with tall fescue for late winter grazing.
Ø
• Use polywire to strip graze pastures. Starting at your water source allocate only enough forage for 2-3 days. No back fence is needed during the winter months.
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• Make plans to frost seed red and white clover onto closely grazed pastures in February.
• Test hay and develop supplementation strategies to maintain body condition of cows.
• Utilize hay rings to reduce hay waste.
• Feed hay on your worst paddocks to build fertility.
• Move hay points around to improve nutrient distribution.
• Make plans to attend Forages at KCA.
and his family at Glenmar Farms for hosting the workshop and the Master Grazer Team, Caroline Roper, Brittany Hendrix, Whitney Peck and Taylor Wynn for all their help in planning and carrying out this workshop.
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Yearlings and two-year-olds available.
Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.
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Bonnie’s Christmas Wishes
One of the perks to this job is being able to visit chute- side while working cattle. We’ve talked about kids and grandkids, the Buckeyes and Boilermakers, all kinds of dogs both those who work and those for looks, who paid too much for what bull, wireless load bars (no cables folks!), and in recent years where to find ear tags, penicillin, and TSU’s.
We’ve dined on pizza, burgers and bbq, doughnuts and chocolate, and my personal favorite on a cold blus- tery day beef and noodles over mashed potatoes. Shout out to Maplecrest Meats for that.
This year I have put a request in to Santa for many of you. A shiny new set of scales. I hope you’ve been good. Just know if your scales didn’t work that’s a big club. I’ve learned where to buy gas and likewise where not to. Thanks to you my honey do list still includes sharpen clipper blades and change the oil in my truck. If you asked my opinion and I sent you on a goose chase in search of your next herd bull, I hope it was worth it. If I came to your county fair, all I have to say is “Thank goodness for farm kids.” This crazy world we live in needs you now more than ever.
As we bid farewell to yet another year I hope you get to share some time with family and friends over the holi- days. A sincere thank you for inviting me to your farms and ranches. You all are the true leaders of our in- dustry. Here’s to the next calf crop. I’ll see you soon.
Bonnie Bradford St. Marys, Ohio
(419)235-4133
CUP Certified Carcass Ultrasound
Ionophore Toxicosis in Beef Cattle FAQ
Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)
Ionophores - What are they and why are they used?
Ionophores are feed additives used in the beef industry since 1975 as growth promoting agents and for control of coccidiosis. The approved ionophores for use in cattle in the U.S. include monensin (Rumensin®Elanco Animal Health; Monovet®90 - Huvepharma), lasalocid (Bovatec® - Zoetis) and laidlomycin propionate (Cattlyst® - Zoetis). Although all ionophores act similarly, this article will focus primarily on monensin as far more information is available due to its longstanding and widespread use in the beef industry.
Technically, monensin is a “monovalent carboxylic polyether ionophore antibiotic” produced by the fungus Streptomyces cinnamonensis. Ionophores are so named because they carry (the Latin root “phor” means carry) “ions” across normally impervious biological membranes, leading to disruption of normal cellular functions and cell death. When properly fed, ionophores beneficially alter the normal rumen microflora (bacteria, protozoa and fungi), resulting in increased efficiency of energy metabolism and improved nitrogen metabolism. In addition, monensin changes the ratio of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, increasing propionic acid production and reducing butyric and acetic acids, a change that ultimately provides more energy through increased production of glucose. Monensin is specifically labeled in beef cattle for 1) improved feed efficiency in mature beef cattle and cattle fed in confinement for slaughter; 2) increased rate of weight gain in stockers, feeders and replacement heifers; and 3) the prevention and control of coccidiosis in all classes of cattle (except veal calves) caused by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. In addition to its label claims, feeding monensin to cattle is known to reduce the incidence of bloat, rumen
acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. More information on the use of Rumensin in beef cattle may be found at the following link: https:// farmanimal.elanco.com/us/beef/ products/rumensin.
Is ionophore intoxication (poisoning) a frequent occurrence?
Not at all! Ionophores are considered safe and effective when used in the approved species receiving the recommended amounts per label directions. Monensin has a relatively wide margin of safety in cattle after a short acclimation period to the drug. Poisoning mostly occurs either from accidental contamination of feed and feed supplements for the wrong species (horses, for example) or errors in feed mixing or product selection resulting in excessively high concentrations in the diets of cattle. At high doses, ionophores affect the heart and skeletal muscle cells, causing cellular degeneration and death. An overdose may cause symptoms ranging from anorexia to severe heart and skeletal muscle damage or sudden death. There is no antidote or specific treatment for ionophore toxicosis except general supportive care. Of primary importance is the recognition of the clinical signs in multiple animals within a group of cattle as potentially feed-related, and to remove suspect feeds or minerals until testing can confirm or deny exposure.
What are the maximum approved feed concentrations of monensin for different classes of beef cattle?
Confusion can easily arise when looking at dosages and units used for ionophores. In general, feedlot cattle dosages are given in grams monensin/ ton of complete feed (g/ton) since feedlot cattle in confinement are fed a total ration delivered daily. Feedlot cattle should receive 5-40 grams monensin/ton of complete feed to provide 50-480 mg monensin per head per day.
The pasture or dry lot cattle dosage is 50-200 mg monensin per head per day. The methods used to deliver the ionophore include mixed in as a complete feed, mixed and used as a top dress, or offered "free-choice" in a loose mineral, protein or mineral block form. The label concentrations may be expressed in grams/ton or parts per million (ppm) and may include additional instructions to mix the drug with grain.
What are the symptoms of an ionophore overdose?
In cattle, the onset and severity of symptoms depends on the animal’s weight, the amount consumed and if this was the animals’ first time to consume feed containing an ionophore. Symptoms may develop quickly or may be delayed for days to weeks after exposure and include:
Heart and lungs from a cow with heart failure due to ionophore toxicosis. The lungs have a wet appearance compatible with pulmonary edema. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Janes, UKVDL.
1. Sudden death; cattle are found dead with no symptoms noted previously;
2. Feed refusal, reduced feed intake or complete anorexia (off feed), usually within 24 to 36 hours after consuming a high dose (this is considered the most consistent symptom observed); water intake may also be negatively affected;
3. Dullness, lethargy, depression;
4. Diarrhea, signs of abdominal pain (24-48 hours post-consumption);
5. Weakness, ataxia (stumbling, incoordination, loss of balance), muscular stiffness (associated with higher dosages), muscle tremors;
6. Difficult, rapid and/or labored breathing, especially with higher dosages;
7. Recumbency (Down) and death within 3 to 14 days of ingestion of the contaminated feed but potentially 30 days or more after poisoning; Cattle that appear to recover from the initial overdose may develop heart failure due to the death of heart muscle cells. Heart failure looks similar to pneumonia with difficult, labored breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs, and calves may die suddenly if exercised or stressed. Deaths and/or poor performance can occur for extended periods after exposure depending on the severity of the heart damage and scarring of the heart muscle. Producers with death losses due to a known mixing error should delay filing insurance claims for at least 30 days after a deadly exposure. In addition, the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) should be contacted (www. FARAD.org) by a veterinarian for meat withholding information to determine when the remaining animals may be legally sold. How much monensin is required for intoxication?
The adverse effects of monensin for cattle and other species are welldocumented and known to be dose dependent. In addition, the greatest risk of poisoning occurs in cattle
not acclimated to an ionophorecontaining ration. The monensin LD50 for cattle (the amount of monensin expected to cause the death of 50% of exposed animals) is not firmly established but has a published range by the manufacturer of 21.9-35.8 mg monensin/kg BW (Elanco, 1978). Cattle that survive an acute overdose will generally develop anorexia for several days following the incident so repeated daily intake of a high level of monensin is unlikely. However, the presence of a toxic amount of monensin in feed does not deter consumption when it is first offered.
How much lasalocid does it take for intoxication to occur?
There is relatively little information regarding the toxicity of lasalocid. The recommended dose is 1 mg lasalocid/kg BW, and clinical signs of anorexia and diarrhea develop at 1025 mg/kg BW. Deaths from lasalocid have occurred at 50 mg/kg BW and above. At 50-100 mg/kg BW, muscle tremors have been noted within 3 hours of a toxic dose. Lasalocid deaths occurred between 2-22.5 days after a 50 mg/kg BW dose and within 1-2 days after a 100 mg/kg BW dose.
How much laidlomycin does it take for intoxication to occur?
The Freedom of Information (FOI) summary for laidlomycin (NADA 141-025, 1994) provides some toxic dosage information for laidlomycin in cattle. Cattle offered a dosage 1050 times higher than the approved dosage developed anorexia within 12 hours of the first dose, profuse watery diarrhea within 24 hours of the first dose, weight loss, decreased to absent rumen motility, slow heart rate by day 3 and depression. One animal died four days after the last dose due to heart-muscle damage.
How is ionophore toxicosis diagnosed?
A full postmortem examination or “necropsy” at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory is recommended. Cattle that die quickly within the first few days after an overdose may not have obvious abnormalities on necropsy that can be seen with the naked eye
but the damage to the heart muscle cells can be seen microscopically. Typical findings include heart and skeletal muscle degeneration that look like pale or yellow areas within the muscle. Secondary problems that develop from heart failure such as wet, heavy lungs, and an enlarged, pale liver are frequently found. In addition to necropsy, samples of the suspected feeds and all feed labels and delivery tickets should be collected and submitted for ionophore analysis. Samples should be taken of all sources of feed and mineral as soon as a problem is suspected and, if possible, from the exact location where the animals were fed. Ionophore intoxication usually involves a recent change in feed or mineral supplementation and generally affects more than one animal. This “change in feed” may be a new batch of feed delivered, new ration formulation, new method of mixing, same ration fed to new group of animals, same ration made by a different feed mill, same ration but in a different form (such as pelleted), or new bag of minerals offered. Unfortunately, samples of feed taken for testing may not represent what the cattle actually ate, especially in cases of incomplete mixing of ingredients or if the suspected feed was from the bottom of the feed bin and new feed has been delivered. It is imperative to interview everyone involved in feeding and mineral supplementation for the past week. Ask what was fed and when, and if any feed refusal was noticed or unusual amount of feed was left in the bunk. Gather as much evidence as possible, fully document this information, and provide it to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory to help guide the investigation. Although it is nearly impossible to determine individual monensin exposure, the heavier and more aggressive animals tend to consume the largest amount of feed and receive the highest doses.
One consistent mistake made by cattle producers is offering a medicated mixing mineral to cattle free-choice. “Mixing minerals”
containing ionophores are designed to be mixed in at least 1 pound of non-medicated feed before offering to cattle daily to control intake. In addition, the label clearly states cattle should receive no more than 100 mg/ head/day contained in not less than 1 pound of feed for the first 5 days of feeding. “Free choice” products, on the other hand, are formulated specifically to limit intake and reduce the risk of overconsumption. The feeding directions on the label should be followed carefully and all cautions observed. Cattle can eat enough medicated mineral to cause intoxication, especially when offered concurrently with ionophoremedicated feeds. The potential also exists for overconsumption of monensin when a new bag of medicated mineral is offered if cattle are salt-deprived, either due to prolonged periods without access to minerals or if the available mineral has hardened due to excess moisture and is difficult to consume. Additionally, excessive rain on exposed mineral can dissolve and leach away salt, increasing the concentration of the remaining ionophore. Careful use of the correct product, reading label ingredients and recommendations and feeding in weather-protected feeders will help prevent problems.
Will analysis of rumen contents for ionophores prove an overdose?
Definitive diagnosis of ionophore toxicosis is not a simple task. Diagnosis is based on a history of exposure to an excessive dosage of ionophore and either sudden death or evidence of heart damage and failure on necropsy. The ionophore concentrations in rumen contents and other tissues are difficult to interpret and, if several days passed between exposure and death, concentrations can be too low to detect. Information about when the animal last ingested monesin and prior daily monensin intake are necessary to interpret the data. Otherwise, the presence of ionophores simply proves it was consumed but does not confirm an overdose.
What if all findings point to ionophore toxicosis but no overdose is found?
One complicating factor that is poorly understood is the interaction of monensin with other compounds (such as tiamulin, oleandomycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides, or furazolidone) that can result in clinical monensin toxicosis, despite using the feed additive within the approved range. One hypothesis proposed to explain this increased toxicity is certain antibiotics may delay clearance of monensin by the liver, resulting in its accumulation to toxic levels. In an unusual case published in 1999, macrolide antibiotic residues found in dried distillers grains within the feed appeared to affect the otherwise safe levels of monensin, leading to clinical ionophore poisoning. In any case, it is critical to obtain a thorough history regarding all other drugs the animals received concurrently with the suspect feed to make this diagnosis.
Important take-home points:
1. The greatest risk for intoxication is when cattle receive a feed containing an ionophore for the first time because the rumen microflora are not adapted to the new ingredient. Many products containing monensin require an acclimation period during which cattle should receive no more than 100 mg per head per day for the first 5 days of feeding.
2. Feed ingredients must be monitored when they are delivered and initially fed, especially when a ration change has been implemented. Rapid recognition of anorexia and diarrhea within 24 hours of the introduction of a new feed or mineral, followed by the prompt removal of the new feed may help avoid more severe consequences and losses.
3. Implement standard operating protocols for feeding cattle on the farm to reduce the risk of mistakes. Employee training is essential. Do not assume that employees new to feeding cattle know the differences in feed
ingredients and the importance of correctly measuring them. Communicate what employees need to do, why it is important, and then follow-up to ensure it is done correctly.
4. Thorough mixing is necessary to ensure the ionophore is evenly distributed throughout the feed. In addition, minimizing the sorting of feed ingredients by cattle is critical to ensure consistent intakes since cattle will pick out (or “sort”) the ingredients they like best and eat those first if given the opportunity.
5. When offering feed containing ionophores, make sure a freechoice medicated mineral is not available at the same time.
6. Follow label mixing directions for correct drug delivery when using a medicated mixing mineral rather than offering it free choice.
7. It is the producer’s responsibility to read the feed label ingredients to ensure purchase of the correct product prior to offering it to cattle.
Example of Mixing Instructions for a Medicated Feed Supplement:
"Feed at rate of 440 ppm monensin mixed in 0.45 kg of feed"
Conversion: 440 mg monensin/kg supplement x 0.45 kg/pound = 200 mg monensin in 1 lb feed.
The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations regarding all types of drugs in animal feeds may be found at the following website: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=1219f1e875dbdd97d2eed1d4e2069116&mc=true&n=sp21.6.558.b&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML#se21.6.558_1311.
In summary, ionophores are an excellent supplement in beef cattle and very safe when fed according to label directions. There are other possible causes of symptoms resembling ionophore toxicosis in cattle such as from consumption of cardiotoxic (heart damaging) plants (Cassia occidentalis or Coffee senna, Taxus spp., some milkweed species, white snakeroot, mountain laurel and others), gossypol, and seleniumtoxicosis or deficiency (nutritional myopathy) that cause skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration and necrosis. Work with your veterinarian to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis.
Prospects for Winter Backgrounding 2024-2025
Greg Halich associate extension professor Kenny Burdine extension professor
Tight cattle supply has largely driven cattle markets in 2024. Markets did see a small pullback in late summer but have actually improved counterseasonally over the last few weeks. Calf prices are higher than they were this time last year and about $100 per cwt higher than they were in fall 2022. The same can largely be said of heavy feeder cattle, although the price improvement is a bit less dramatic. Feed prices have continued to decrease, which is impacting the cost of gain in cattle growing programs. Hay prices are harder to generalize as markets can vary greatly from county to county. All of these factors should be taken into consideration when one considers placement of calves into backgrounding programs this fall, and this article will walk through the expected profitability of those programs.
At the time of this writing (Oct. 22, 2024), March 2025 CME feeder cattle futures were trading around $244 per cwt. As winter backgrounders consider purchasing calves this fall, these late winter futures prices provide market expectations for feeder cattle sale prices. With an early spring futures price of $244, and an estimated -$6 basis, an 800 lb. feeder steer in Kentucky would be expected to bring around $1,904 (800 lbs. @ $238 per cwt) in March. Of course, actual basis is heavily impacted by local market conditions, lot size, cattle quality, location and numerous other factors. The -$6 basis discussed previously assumes that cattle are of relatively good quality and are sold in potloadsized groups.
The AMS Kentucky Weekly Livestock Auction Summary for the week ending on Oct. 19 reported a state average price for 450-500 lb. steers of $284 per cwt and a state average price for 500-550 lb. steers of $273 per cwt. This market will continue to evolve as we move through the fall and additional costs could be incurred putting together groups of calves for placement. For the purposes of the
first table, we estimated the purchase price for a 500 lb. steer at $280 per cwt, or something close to $1,400 per head. There is always a large range in calf prices, so individuals are encouraged to apply this process to the type of calves they typically buy.
Cost estimates are also needed for wintering those calves and selling them in the spring. While we provide an estimate for a specific winter program, costs will vary based on local conditions and the specific backgrounding program. Feed is the major cost, and producers should consider all potential feeding options including commodity feeds, corn and corn silage. For this scenario, we will consider a single program where calves are fed 1.5% of their body weight per day of a 3-way blend of corn gluten, soy hulls and shelled corn and another 1.5% of their body
per day of grass hay. While performance will vary, we will assume a rate of gain of 2.5 lbs. per day, which would put on
300 lbs. in approximately 120 days. The 3-way blend is valued at $240 per ton and grass hay at $100 per ton. Health costs are assumed to be $30 per head, transportation costs are estimated to be $15 per head, and
Table 1. Winter Backgrounding Budget Estimate, Fall 2024
selling/marketing expenses are set at $25 per head. An interest charge of 7% is included and death loss is assumed to be 2.5% for 500 lb. steers and 2% for 600 lb. steers (discussed later in the article). These costs will vary by location and operation, so readers are encouraged to come up with their own estimates.
Several of these cost estimates are worth careful consideration. For example, we have assumed selling/ marketing expenses of roughly $25 per head, which assumes that producers are paying the reduced commission rates associated with large groups. However, many producers will be selling in smaller groups and likely paying higher commission rates on a per-head basis. Vet and medicine costs are assumed $30 per head, but they, of course, will vary considerably depending on the type of calves purchased. With these caveats in mind, Table 1 shows the expected returns to the program described above.
As can be seen in Table 1, projected returns are $131 per head this winter based on the assumptions previously discussed. Producers are strongly encouraged to modify these assumptions for their individual programs to better reflect calf values and expected spring basis, as well as cost estimates and feed prices for their area. It is also worth noting that labor, depreciation and interest on owned capital are not included in the budget, so the return shown is a return to land, capital and management. Producers should ask themselves if that return adequately compensates them for their time, capital investment, management and risk.
The two key assumptions made in Table 1 include the cost of the calves being placed and the expected sale value in the spring. Changes in calf placement costs will greatly impact winter backgrounding returns. For every $5 per cwt decrease in the purchase price of the calves, the return to land, capital and management increases by $25 per head. The second assumption, the sale price for the feeder steer won’t be known with certainty until spring. Note that the assumed spring sale price in the analysis is $238 per cwt and the projected return is $131 per head. A $16 per cwt decrease in sale price ($221.7 per cwt price) would result in actual returns falling to $0. While feed price does not have as large an impact on profit as sale price, a $25/ ton decrease in the price of the 3-way blend would increase expected profit by $15, and vice versa.
Table 2 shows a side-by-side comparison of our assumed costs for placement of a 500 lb. steer and a 600 lb. steer. The same feeding and gain assumptions are made, but feed costs are higher for the 600 lb. steer due to his increased body weight. A few other costs also increase, such as mineral, transportation and interest.
The cost estimates from Table 2 are used to estimate target purchase prices for both 500 and 600 lb. steers, given a target gross return, in Table 3. A range of gross returns from $50 to $150 per head was used to create Table 3, which is used to estimate a range of purchase prices. For 500 lb. steers, target purchase prices ranged from $2.76 to $2.95 per lb. For 600 lb. steers, target purchase prices ranged from $2.54 to $2.70 per lb. In both cases, a profit potential is present, although expected returns are likely less attractive than last year at this time.
Here is an example of how this works for a 500 lb. steer, targeting a $100 gross profit per head:
800 lb. steer x $2.38 (expected sale price).......$1,904
Total Variable Costs....................................$375
Table 3 can also be used to adjust target purchase prices to your cost
structure. If your costs are $25 per head higher than the assumptions made in this analysis, then you would shift each targeted profit down by one row. For example, you would use the $125 gross profit to estimate a $100 gross profit if your costs were $25 higher. An alternative approach would be to spread the additional costs over the purchase weight. In that way, each $1 increase in costs reduces target purchase price by $0.20 per cwt for a 500 lb. steer and $0.17 per cwt for a 600 lb. steer.
Given the assumptions of this analysis, returns to winter backgrounding have the potential to be attractive given the late-October calf market and late winter CME Feeder Cattle Futures. However, given the importance of expected sale price on returns, winter backgrounders are encouraged to explore opportunities to manage downside price risk through contracting, futures and options, LRP insurance and other strategies. March CME Feeder Cattle Futures have been very volatile over the last seven months, trading around $260 in late spring and early summer, then dropping down to around $230 in late summer and early fall. While it has increased up to the mid $240’s, it has been a clear reminder of how volatile the feeder cattle market can be. Thus, time spent planning risk management strategies is likely time well spent. Winter backgrounders should carefully calculate their breakeven purchase prices for calves and be opportunistic as they approach this fall.
The Agricultural Economics Department publishes the Economic and Policy Update towards the end of each month. Each issue features articles written by extension personnel within the department and other experts across the country.
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
Table 3. Target Purchase Prices for Various Gross Profits, Fall 2024
MEMBERSHIP
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:
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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.
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Mollie Goode
The Farmer's Dollar: Exploring Kentucky’s Impact on Nebraska Beef
The 2024 Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) helped kick off November with great success. On this year's trip, a group of 10 students, including myself, had the opportunity to develop skills that will help us become more effective beef advocates. This year's attendees want to give a huge thank you to the Kentucky producers for making this once in a lifetime opportunity available to Kentucky's youth. With over 60 applications for this year’s program, we were humbled and honored that the selection committee chose us.
The experiences the Kentucky Beef Council provides for students, like myself, paired with knowledge gained during this year's trip, will have a lasting impact on the future of Kentucky's cattle production. At the beginning of the trip, we took time to learn more about the Beef Checkoff, which deepened our understanding of the true value behind the farmer’s dollar. Just how Kentucky's small family farms have been pillars in agriculture for decades, the Beef Checkoff has been a strong cornerstone of the beef industry. During the trip, we went into each day knowing that every opportunity, connection and learning moment was funded through the hard work and dedication of our cattle producers. For each of us attendees, this trip wasn’t just about growing in our leadership but making the most of every opportunity to give back to the individuals who got us there.
I can confidently say the Beef Checkoff didn’t just fund the NYBLS program but invested in future research, future marketing and future consumer education by teaching us all just a little bit more about the industry we all confidently love.
Before the leadership symposium began, we took industry tours throughout Missouri and Nebraska to further our knowledge of all aspects of the beef industry. Each of us drew closer to Kentucky's marketplace while deepening our understanding of Nebraska beef. Every stop came together to create the symphony that is cattle production.
Among our first stops in Missouri was a visit to the American Hereford Association and National Beef Leathers LLC. These tours were a powerhouse of information surrounding sustainable agriculture. As consumers are showing more interest in sustainability, these tours offered valuable insight into often hidden sustainable practices.
During the tour at the American Hereford Association, Shane Bedwell, the association’s chief operating officer and director of breed improvement, explained how the Hereford breed has made a significant impact on the industry with their genetics can being a great addition to crossbreeding programs, which improves the overall herd value.
At National Beef Leathers LLC, Janio Rocha, technical manager, showed how transforming cowhide–a byproduct of the meat industry– can create an entirely new, profitable sector. The next time you step into your leather boots, take a moment to appreciate all the operations that brought that upcycled product to life.
On day three of the trip, we traveled to BioZyme Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim and CLAAS of America to explore how each company is changing the game for all players. At each stop, we had the incredible
ATTENDEES
Addison Lawson Spencer County
Evan Cotton Caldwell County
Halle Hudnall Scott County
Landon Miller Nelson County
Laney Pease Fleming County
Madison Wright Owen County
Matthew Estes Barren County
Mollie Goode Christian County
Myah Conner Russell County
Samantha Pecco Fleming County
opportunity to see the manufacturing process of each product unfold. By the end of our tours, we were driven with excitement to keep learning more. The companies made each product come to life for consumers and proudly represented their contribution to the agriculture industry.
The next day, we started the morning off with a tour of Nebraska Beef, a beef processing plant that was the largest many Kentucky attendees had ever seen. After the stop, it became clear how significant Nebraska is to the beef industry as a whole. This plant, along with others in that state, can process a significant number of cattle each day to help fulfill the United States’ demand for beef in the supply chain.
Later in the day, we toured the University of Nebraska’s Feedlot
Innovation Center and Weber
Feedyard to see exactly where research meets profitability. These two stops demonstrate how small improvements across the board can contribute to greater profit margin in cattle production. We also stopped by the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association to have lunch with Libby Schaneman, director of communications and federal government affairs, and discussed the future of industry as a whole. This stop provided interesting details about the similarities and differences between the issues facing both of our states. To round out the day, we toured the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium for some football fun.
The day the symposium began we traveled to Lone Creek Cattle Company and Certified Piedmontese where Dylan Vock and Clay Chihasz explained how they not only provide high quality cuts of beef, but have become a channel for positive agriculture discussion. The Piedmontese breed offers a product unlike anything else. The meat's lower fat content and tenderness provides a beef meal for everyone.
During the symposium, Kentucky attendees were divided amongst 45 of Nebraska's best youth. The leadership program's unique design tasked each group with the innovation of a new beef menu item. The group project was designed to showcase individual talent coming together to provide quality work. Congratulations to Kentucky attendee Matthew Estes for representing Kentucky well, and taking home first place in the competition. Congratulations also goes to attendees Samantha Pecco and Evan Cotton for receiving second and third places.
Overall, the week was unforgettable, and each of us gained a deeper appreciation for the important role Kentucky plays in Nebraska's beef industry. Once again, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Kentucky producers for giving us the opportunity to serve as ambassadors of the Kentucky Beef Council. May we all continue to reflect the dedication and diligent process that is raising cattle.
The 2024 Cattle Traceability Rule: Frequently Asked Questions For
Producers From National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Becky Thompson Director of Kentucky Beef Network
What was required under the 2013 animal disease traceablity (ADT) rule?
In January 2013, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued regulations regarding animal disease traceability for interstate movements. The 2013 final Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rule required certain classes of cattle to have an “official identification device or method” before moving across state lines. Which devices and methods counted as an official means of identification was left up to the discretion of the APHIS administrator. Since then, APHIS has been accepting the following devices and methods as official identification for cattle moving interstate:
• Metal tags (readable by sight, nonelectronic)
• RFID tags (readable by sight, and a form of electronic ID)
• Additionally, if there was an agreement between the shipping and receiving state or tribal animal health authorities, APHIS also accepted:
• Brands registered with a recognized brand inspection authority and accompanied by an official brand inspection certificate.
• Tattoos accepted by a recognized breed association and accompanied by a breed registration certificate.
• Group/Lot ID.
Which classes of cattle were subject to the 2013 ADT rule?
The 2013 requirements applied when the following classes of cattle were moved across state lines: sexually intact cattle at or over the age of 18 months; all female dairy cattle of any age; male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; and all cattle used for rodeo, recreational events, showing, or exhibitions.
What is now required under the 2024 ADT Rule?
APHIS is now requiring that approved ear tags be both visually and electronically readable to count as official identification for interstate movement of covered cattle.
Which cattle are subject to the 2024 ADT rule?
This part of the regulations has not changed. The 2024 rule applies to sexually intact cattle at or over the age of 18 months; all female dairy cattle of any age; male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; and all cattle used for rodeo, showing or exhibitions.
When does the 2024 rule go into effect?
The implementation date is November 5, 2024. Cattle tagged with a metal tag or a plastic, non-RFID official identification tag prior to that date will be grandfathered in. That tag will be considered acceptable for interstate movement for the duration of the life of that animal.
What classes of cattle are not impacted by the updated rule?
• The 2024 rule does NOT apply to beef cattle under 18 months of age.
• The 2024 rule does NOT apply to cattle who are not leaving the state (moving intrastate only). At the same time, the updated rule also does not change or cancel any existing requirements for disease monitoring. For example, if you are in Washington state and are required to have an 840 tag as proof of Bangs vaccination, that state requirement still stands.
• The 2024 rule does NOT apply to “commuter herds,” cattle who are moving across state lines from pasture to pasture based on a movement permit agreed to by the livestock owner and the state or tribal animal health official. In those cases, brands and tattoos accompanied by the appropriate certificate and shipper-receiver agreement will continue to suffice as official animal identification, per the existing regulations.
What kind of electronic tags fulfill the new requirement?
Currently, the only EID technology approved by APHIS is an 840 tag. 900
KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK
series tags do not fulfill the requirements of this rule, because they are not approved as an official means of identification by APHIS.
What information is encoded in the EID tag?
840 tags are only encoded with the 15-digit AIN number. The tag itself does not record or transmit owner-specific information and no proprietary business information is stored in animal disease traceability databases. That said, the records kept by tag distributors contain more information, including the addresses of producers. EID tags do not measure, record, or transmit environmental information, such as emissions. They are also different from GPS devices; while they do log a data point when they are scanned (ex. When a tagged animal runs through a reader at a sale barn), they do not collect constant location data while cattle are grazing on the ranch. What about data on the distribution of tags and who has them?
The records kept by veterinarians, device managers, or other parties who distribute EID tags to producers include the animal identification number (AIN) which is specific to each individual animal, the date the tag was distributed, and the PIN or LID that corresponds to the producer’s operation/location. Under current regulations, any state, tribe, accredited veterinarian, or other organization (like a state cattle association) who distributes official identification devices must maintain these records for a period of five years. The 2024 rule clarifies that existing requirement by requiring that distributors also enter this information into an APHISdesignated database. Additionally, tags used for official identification cannot be reused. Distribution records do not contain any environmental information. Where can I get 840 tags in Kentucky? You can call the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Office of State Veterinarian to obtain your free 840 tags at 502-573-0282 Option #3.
Eden Shale Update
Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network
It was still dark as I climbed into my pickup to head to the farm. The stars were visible and a low crescent moon hung on the western horizon. There was a chill in the early morning air, but that would all change quickly as the sun started to rise causing the temperatures to do the same. It would be a bright and beautiful fall day for our annual Open House Field Day at Eden Shale Farm.
We host this field day every year on the third Saturday in October. It is our chance to showcase the new projects we have been working on for the past year. And every year, we get a good crowd of new folks that have never been to Eden Shale. This year, we had over 100 people come and enjoy the day with us.
In all, it has been another great season of hosting people at the farm. This year we hosted 20 tours and welcomed over 400 people through our gates. We continue to see new people attend the tours, and we are excited that so many folks continue find our work valuable.
I continue to be impressed with the diversity of our visitors, both in their occupations and where they are from. We had the opportunity to host high school ag teachers from across the state for a professional development
day, then later we had science teachers from all over the United States join us for similar training. Both days with these teachers were wonderful as they were eager to learn the information so that they could take it back to their classrooms and share it with students. There is no doubt that those two days will have a lasting impact on agriculture for years to come.
Other notable groups that visited Eden Shale were the KCA Leadership Development class, The Berry Center, Accelerating Appalachia, West Virginia Conservation Agency, Kentucky Division of Water, NRCS, as well as a group of cattle producers
from the Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia).
In total for 2024, Eden Shale Farm has hosted 20 farm tours totaling 405 people. Those in attendance were from 62 Kentucky counties, 22 U.S. states, and five foreign countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Nigeria and Jamacia).
It is our goal to spread good ideas throughout agriculture, not only in Kentucky but throughout the United States and around the world. Thank you to all those who have taken the time to visit the farm this year. It certainly has been our pleasure to share our time together. From our farm to yours, Merry Christmas.
Photo by Jake Harrod
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
SIMMENTAL
KEVIN AND RACHEL BARRON
Crestwood, Ky
(502) 905-5851
rkbarron812@gmail.com
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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
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1939 Huntertown Road
Versailles, KY 40383
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Chris Allen 859-351-4486 callenuky@hotmail.com
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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
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PLEASANT HILL FARMS
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JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS
Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY
Keith: (270) 635-0723
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Reese: (270) 635-1137
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DUTCH CREEK ANGUS FORAGE GENETICS
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HERITAGE FARM
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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
I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well as we head into the holiday season. It is that time of the year again where we need to start preparing for the Kentucky Angus Sweepstakes Show and Sale held in conjunction with the Annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo. To make this event a true success please start thinking about possible entries. This show and sale has always offered some of the best Angus Cattle around, and this year will be no exception. We need your entries and want to see this event grow!
The dates for the 2025 Kentucky Sweepstakes Show and Sale will be Friday, February 28th and Saturday, March 1st. The event will be held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. The entry fee is $150.00 per entry. As in past years the Kentucky Sweepstakes Committee will work with the directors and the members to manage and coordinate this event. It is important to start thinking about entries. All entries can be mailed to:
Wesley Womack
610 Frank Wade Rd. Pembroke, KY 42266
Or emailed to: womackcattle@aol.com
Please follow up and make sure your entries and information is received!
Please pay close attention to the following deadlines. These are production deadlines set by the Angus Journal to ensure all information is included in the catalog. If you do not have all your entry information by the deadline, please contact me and provide what you have so we can save ample space in the catalog.
ALL ENTRIES, FEES, FOOTNOTES AND PICTURES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 1, 2025
January 3, 2025 – all materials submitted to Angus Media
January 31, 2025 – print catalog (allow 5 days for printing)
February 7, 2025 – mail catalogs First Class (3 weeks prior to sale)
Haltered cattle - will be shown in the traditional format by age class breaks, will include a junior owned division.
Embryos – adding the option to consign embryos to the sale.
Phenotype and Genotype cattle – part of the un-haltered division, offering the opportunity for breeders and producers to enter PGS cattle. Will be stalled and show separately in the pen show.
Un-haltered cattle - will be stalled and shown in a pen format, breeders and producers can enter open heifers, bred heifers and cow calf pairs. As we have offered in previous years our Kentucky Angus Juniors and committee members will watch and care for your un-haltered cattle on the days they are to be on display if you are unable to be in Louisville.
The ring and barn set up will be like past years. The committee will provide more information on health requirements, stalling, and lot tag numbers as they become available. We look forward to receiving your entries and please contact myself or another committee member regarding any questions you might have!
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely, Wesley Womack
270-484-0556
KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION
AA LAND & CATTLE
KENTUCKY GELBVIEH
Joe Piles, President............................................................................................................................(502) 507-3845
Niles & Betty K Bray • 1568 Bray Ridge Road Bedford, KY 40006 • (502) 255-3584
BEE LICK GELBVIEHS
Eddie Reynolds
CD FARMS
277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419
606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C)
Bulls & Females for sale
Clayton & Debbie Cash 1214 Ottawa School Road • Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994
CLIFFORD FARMS
3459 KY HWY 1284E
Cynthiana, KY 41031
Since 1937 (859) 234-6956
BRIAN W. DYER, DVM
Owner/Manager
GELBVIEH/BALANCERS
2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717
Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909
Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty
BRIAN W. DYER, DVM
Owner/Manager
GELBVIEH/BALANCERS 2050 Glasgow Road • Burkesville, KY 42717
Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia • (270) 864-5909
CD FARMS
PADON FARMS
Clayton & Debbie Cash 1214 Ottawa School Road Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994
GELBVIEH BULLS & FEMALES FOR SALE 1012 Shelby Road • Salem, KY 42078 Thad Padon (270) 836-5518
Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty
PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM
UPCOMING EVENTS
KILBOURNE GELBVIEH
East Bernstadt, KY 606-843-6583 cell 606-309-4662
Black Replacement Heifers & Bulls Available Embryo transplant & AI sired calves
MOCKINGBIRD HILL FARMS
Gary & Pat Tilghman • Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family • Lindsey & Garland Gilliam Family 690 Lick Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com Registered Gelbvieh & Angus cattle for sale
GELBVIEH & BALANCERS PO Box 781 • Eddyville, KY 42038 (270) 601-6830 • rdowenfarms.com • sales@rdowenfarms.com
Call William McIntosh for more information. (502) 867-3132
AA LAND & CATTLE
Friday May 28 - May 30
Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC Registered Gelbvieh Cattle 106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743
DONE
WRIGHT
Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers Cynthiana, KY Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323 luke.arthur93@gmail.com
AGJA Eastern Regional Junior Show “Run for the Roses”
Gary & Pat Tilghman Lindsey Tilghman Jones Family Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family 690 Lick Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.
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
Saturday, January 25, 2025 • Nelson County Extension Office • 317 S. Third Street Bardstown, Kentucky 40004 • 11:30 am eastern time • Lunch will be served prior to
Kentucky Hereford Association
Kentucky Hereford Association
Toby & Debby Dulworth 2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 • dogwood@brtc.net Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com
“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” Breeding cattle for sale at all times.
“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”
John Tucker II 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Hudson, KY 40145 270-617-0301
1999 Walnut Hill Rd. Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 271-9086 cell (859)533-3790
“Bulls always for Sale”
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DEC 4 Profit through Performance Feeder Sale Lexington, KY 20
DEC 5 CPH-45 Sale Owensboro, KY
DEC 5 Traditions Hereford Influence Sale Stanford, KY 20
DEC 6 Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale Red House, VA
DEC 6 BG Campbellsville Monthly Cow Sale Campbellsville, KY 20
DEC 6 Blue Ribbon Bred Heifer Sale Lexington, KY 20
DEC 7 Kentucky Hereford Association Autumn Sale Lexington, KY 20
DEC 7 Heartland Highland Fall Cattle Auction Springfield, MO 45
DEC 7 Uwharrie Ridge Farms Production Sale Denton, NC
DEC 10 CPH-45 Sale Guthrie, KY
DEC 12 Kentucky Certified Hereford Influence Feeder Sale Lexington, KY 20
DEC 12 Charolais Influenced Feeder Calf Sale Stanford, KY 20
DEC 14 Christmas Pony Sale Lexington, KY 20
DEC 18 BG Lexington Monthly Cow Sale Lexington, KY 20
DEC 20 BG South Monthly Cow Sale Stanford, KY 20
JAN 4 Genetic Excellence 21st Annual Angus Bull Sale Cookeville, TN 29
JAN 16-17 KCA Convention and Ag Industry Trade Show Owensboro, KY 6
JAN 18 Oesterling Angus 20th Annual Production Sale Batesville, IN 2
JAN 25 Kentucky Gelbvieh Association Annual Meeting Bardstown, KY 42
FEB 4-6 Cattle Con 2025 San Antonio, TX
FEB 20 CPH-45 Sale Owensboro, KY
FEB 22 Pleasant Hill Farms Spring Production Sale Rockfield, KY 3
FEB 24 Woodall Angus Farm 30th Annual Sale Quality, KY 11
MAR 1-2 Kentucky Beef Expo Louisville, KY
MAR 8 Bluegrass Gelbvieh Alliance Sale Lexington, KY
APR 12 Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull and Female Sale Red House, VA
SALERS
DIAMOND J SALERS
Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-379-1558
DIAMOND J SALERS
WILLIS FARMS
Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-305-8747
Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 • 502-803-5011 drwc21@aol.com • Purebred + Optimizer Breeding bulls & Heifers for sale.
DEL-SU FARM
WILLIS FARMS
Howard & Sue Edwards • 420 Rose Rd • Somerset, KY 42501 606-679-1675 • Jeriah Privett • 606-416-1154
Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 502-803-5011 • drwc21@aol.com
KNOB LICK FARM - BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE
Larry Cox • Tina Cox-Lynch • Amanda Cox Gibson • 1315 Knob Lick Road • Irvine, KY 40336 • 606-723-3077 • 606-975-1716
WINDS FARM N ew Castle, Kentucky
13th
13th
PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS
BULLS FOR SALE Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability.
POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE
19–20-month-old Polled Hereford bulls. Good selection. Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available. JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000
RED FULLBLOOD LIMOUSIN BLACK
PUREBRED LIMOUSIN For sale year-round at farms Cows, bulls, heifers and semen A C H Holdings, Bowling Green, KY Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685
REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS
Many blaze faced. Excellent EPD’s. Semen Tested. Delivery Available. Maximize your profit with proven performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP cost-share. Adam Wheatley 502349-2665
BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times. Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126
8TH ANNUAL FALL HIGHLAND AUCTION
Heartland Highland CattleAssociation & Registry
Longest and Largest Highland Auction Saturday, December 7, 2024 • 10:00 AM Springfield Livestock Marketing Center Springfield, MO • Interstate 44 Exit 70 Registered and unregistered Highland cows, heifers, bulls, crossbred and steers. www.highlandauction.com heartlandhighlandcattle@gmail.com (417) 345-0575
RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098 Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663
Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net Contact us for cattle and semen availability. Annual Production Sales: More Than a Bull Sale – 3rd Saturday in March • Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May • Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October
HOT YEAR-END DEALS
REDBARN DECEMBER DEALS
Artex manure spreaders- IN STOCK Meyer and Cloverdale TMR mixers in stock Zero down $$$$ for 11 months Kubota 90 skid loader Esch 12 ft drill $47,500 Meyer 4618- super clean $26,500 NH 100 TL- cab loader- 2wd-$28,000 JD 567- string -$19,995 New Holland BR 7060-string - $11,995 Farmco feeders- in stock JD 5420- 4wd canopy- loader $26,500 JD 6715- 2wd canopy- 16 PS- $$$$
Call Charlie for a hot deal today!!!! 859-608-9745
CATTLE WORKING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Filson Head Gate, Chute and Palpation Gate $2,500 or best offer Priefert Sweep Tub Unit with Backstop and Two Gates $2000, 502-439-2497
Coping with Low Precipitation
Jeff Lehmkuhler University of Kentucky, Extension Professor
⃣ None
⃣ D0 Abnormally Dry
⃣ D1 Moderate Drought
⃣ D2 Severe Drought
⃣ D3 Extreme Drought
⃣ D4 Exceptional Drought
As the fall continues to provide us with extremely dry conditions, fall growth of forages will be limited this year. The recent Drought Monitor map above shows continued dry conditions for much of the cow-calf producing states. Recent cattle on feed reports suggest heifer retention for expansion of the cow-calf industry likely has not occurred as heifer placement into feed yards continues to be high. As most of Kentucky is considered to be abnormally dry but not entering into severe drought conditions, weathering the dry period may provide an opportunity for reaping high feeder prices in 2025. However, cow-calf producers should be developing a drought plan as we move through the fall and winter just in case we miss out on fall precipitation. Below are a few tips to consider when navigating these dry fall conditions.
Things to consider include:
1. Monitor body condition and record – Be sure to record body condition scores of cattle and monitor condition every month. Excessive losses in body stores reflect insufficient nutrient intake and should be corrected. Excessive body tissue loss can reduce milk production, lengthen anestrus and reduce herd productivity.
2. Feed hay early – Total dry matter intake is negatively impacted when forage availability is limited. Providing stored forages, such as hay, early in the fall when pastures are not growing from lack of precipitation will help reduce body condition loss.
3. Cull – As market prices remain strong, now may be a time to consider culling opens, cows with structural issues, cows at the
~ = Dominant Impacts
S = Short-Term typically <6 months (e.g. agriculture, grasslands)
L = Long-Term typically >6 months (e.g. hydrology, ecology)
Author: Brian Fuchs National Drought Mitigation Center OCTOBER 29,2024
Realeased Thur, October 31 Valid 8am EDT
bottom of list production-wise or those with poor disposition.
4. Early wean – Lactation significantly increases the nutrient needs of cows. Weaning calves can be done with confidence as early as 90 days with success, but waiting until calves are 120 days will reduce post-weaning management needs. Weaning will lower the nutrient demand for cows and aid in maintaining body condition.
5. Substitute forage with grain – Using low-starch, highly digestible fibrous coproduct feedstuffs, such as soybean hulls, wheat middlings, beet pulp and others, can be used as means to increase energy intake. When providing coproduct or grain supplements, forage intake is not reduced on a 1:1 ratio. The actual forage intake may only be
decreased by about 0.5 lb. of dry matter for each pound of supplement dry matter offered.
6. Consider feeding an ionophore – Research has shown providing beef cows with 200 milligrams of an ionophore, such as monensin, reduces gaseous energy losses associated with rumen fermentation. Research from Kentucky found that feeding an ionophore to beef cows maintained similar body condition and weights when cows were offered 15% less hay compared to cows that were not provided monensin. Ionophores must be mixed in with at least 1 lb. of grain for beef cows but can be offered free choice in mineral mixtures or tubs to feeders and replacement heifers.
7. Have municipal water as a back-up – As limited precipitation continues to linger, ponds, streams, creeks and springs dry up. Cows need 10-20 gallons of water each day. Limiting water intake will result in reduced dry matter intake and production. Having a waterer that is connected to a municipal water supply will ensure that cattle will have access to clean water. Don’t forget to ensure the water supply is turned on, tank floats are working and the tanks have been cleaned.
8. Consider creep feeding for fall-born calves – Nursing calves will have a fully functional rumen around 6-10 weeks of age. Reduced forage availability and quality will reduce milk production by the dam, but also limit nutrient intake of the calves. Limited forage nutrient intake and reduced milk consumption will reduce weaning weights and prevent calves from meeting their genetic potential for gain. Creep feeding can provide access to additional feed and increase the nutritional plane of calves. Creep feeding may be in the form of higher quality forages or grain supplementation.
9. Control internal parasites – Young cattle are most susceptible to internal parasites. Work with your veterinarian to monitor fecal egg counts and develop a protocol to control internal parasites.
10. Liquidate – In the event that forage and/ or water resources are not available, the best option may be to sell the herd. Starving cattle is unacceptable and not an option. As an owner of livestock, it is your responsibility to ensure cattle are provided access to forage and water. Selling cattle during a high market and waiting for to buy back when prices fall can be a viable option.
I am hoping that we receive some much-needed precipitation before frost to improve pasture conditions. However, the shortened day lengths and lingering frost will limit forage production. Develop your plans and be ready to act rather than hoping for rain next week.
TIMELY TIPS FOR DECEMBER
Spring-Calving Cow Herd
• Be sure that weaned heifer calves are on a feeding program that will enable them to reach about 65% of their mature weight before the start of the breeding season. Rations should be balanced to achieve gains sufficient to get heifers from their current weight to that “target” weight. Heifers should reach their target weight about 30 days before the start of the breeding season.
• Body condition is important. Plan an adequate winter program for cows to be at least body condition score 5 (carrying enough flesh to cover the ribs) before the calving and breeding season. This will help them breed early in the spring. Thin cows should be fed to regain body condition prior to winter. Don’t let cows lose weight/condition. Supplementation will most likely be needed. Find low-cost supplemental feeds to meet the nutrient needs of cattle.
• Divide the herd into groups for winter feeding:
• weaned heifer calves
• first-calf heifers, second-calvers and thin, mature cows
• the remainder of the dry cows which are in good body condition
• herd sires
• Begin feeding the lowest quality forage to dry cows which are in good condition during early winter and save the best hay for calving time or for weaned calves.
• Order and number ear tags for next year’s calf crop this winter. It is also a good time to catch up on freeze branding and replacing lost ear tags.
Fall-Calving Herd
• The fall breeding season has started. Breeding can best be accomplished on stockpiled fescue pasture; otherwise, cows with calves should be fed 25-30 pounds of good quality hay or its equivalent. Supplement with grain, if needed, and minimize hay waste. DON’T ALLOW THESE COWS TO LOSE BODY CONDITION PRIOR TO OR DURING THE BREEDING SEASON. It is easy to wait too long to start winter feeding.
• If you haven’t turned bulls out yet, have a Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) performed on them (even if you used them this spring). A BSE is a risk management tool to accurately identify infertile bulls.
• Observe performance of bulls during breeding season. Watch cows for return to estrus, if you see several in heat, try to determine the cause and consider changing bulls.
General
• Complete soil testing pastures to check for fertility and pH.
• Consider putting down geotextile fabric and covering with gravel in feeding areas before you begin hay feeding to minimize waste of expensive hay. Or, perhaps, construct concrete feeding pads for winter feeding areas.
• Another option to consider for winter feeding is bale grazing. Bale grazing helps spread nutrients across the pasture and can have regenerative effects on your pastures.
• Monitor body condition and increase feed, if needed, for all classes of cattle. It often gets cold in December, and the nutrients needs of cattle increase as temperatures fall below their comfort level. Be especially mindful of cold, wet conditions and increase energy availability. Consult your nutritionist to ensure that your rations are meeting the nutrient requirements during stressful weather
