Cow Country News - December 2019

PAGE 32

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9/3/19 11:08 PM

SALE DATES: December 3: Guthrie • December 4: Springfield • December 5: Owensboro • December 10: Richmond • December 11: Lexington January 9: Springfield • January 15: Lexington • January 28: Guthrie • March 11: Lexington • June 17: Lexington • June 25: Springfield

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COLUMNISTS 7 Tim White: President’s Thoughts 8 Ryan Quarles: Commissioner’s Corner 10 Dave Maples: Farm Decisions 12 Baxter Black: A Hundred Years from Now 14 Nathan Lawson: The Most Peaceful Place 22 Chris Teutsch: Pasture Renovation: Principles and Plans 28 Dr. Michelle Arnold: Emergency Calf Management After

Difficult Birth 62 Jeff Lehmkuhler: Separating the Distillery Feedstuffs

FEATURE STORIES 13

Overcoming Barriers to Entry for the Next Generation of Ranchers

18

An Open Letter to the Livestock Industry

19

Legislative Update

20

Leadership Program Finishes Second Session

24

Where Your Checkoff Dollar Goes, Part 1

25

Food Waste Partnership Announced

30

Property Owner Owes No Legal Duty to Neighboring Cattle Farmers

for Harm Caused by Poisonous Yew Bushes

31

State Conservation Cost-Sharing Could Get a Boost

32

2020 KCA Convention & Ag Industry Trade Show

39

NCBA Supports Effort to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

40

Roundworms May Be Weighing Down Your Beef Herd

42

Why Ecosystems and Their Management Are the Essence of Land

Stewardship 44

Why Sustainability?

53

Winter Feeding: Paying Attention to the Details 16-17 26-27

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County News Economic & Policy Update

46-47 Membership 48-49

Kentucky Beef Council

50-51

Kentucky Beef Network

57

Kentucky Angus Association News

60

Calendar of Events

60

Advertisers Index

61 Market Report 61

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Classifieds

Darrel Eastridge 270-469-5389 COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

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OAK HOLLOW PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS CATTLE

What Is Good Information Worth?

When you go to buy a used truck, what questions do you ask?

You want a vehicle history. You want to know if it has been in any accidents. You want to know if routine maintenance is done. Many of you even want to know the mechanic that has done the maintenance. Are there any underlying problems that are about to happen once you get that vehicle home? There is a reason certified pre-owned cars cost more and people demand them. They have been inspected and verified by a reputable source.

Why do we not value this same information in our cow herd?

Even good producers ask nearly zero questions about the females they bring into their cow herds. What does she look like? Is she bred? Is she the breed type and age I want? That is like saying a truck is good enough because it is the make and model you want, there’s no body damage and it starts. You would never do that on a vehicle that’s anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000.

Kentucky cattle producers have $10,000 to $15,000 invested in land, infrastructure and equipment for EVERY cow on their farm. If you own the cow, the acreage to run the cow, the work truck, the tractor and the barns, you will have that much invested for every single cow on your farm. If you are running 30 cows would you sell the cows, equipment and 60-90 acres they’re running on for under $300,000? I am guessing no. We all have this much invested yet many people only use the eye test to select the animals to give them a return on that investment.

What would you consider “good” information on a commercial cow? What is her exact birth date? Did she breed at 15 months to calve at 24 months of age? Did she calve unassisted? Has she calved every year after that? How much did her calf weigh compared to the other cows in the herd? How did her mother do on hot fescue? How did her sire’s mother do on hot fescue? What has her exact vaccination and mineral program been throughout her entire life? What is this kind of information about a cow worth?

This is all information we provide on our commercial cows. We move a majority of our cows after their third calf to allow for a high heifer retention rate. We provide all that “good” information on every single cow COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

that leaves our farm. We pull the registration papers and sell the cows as top end commercial cows. They are priced where you can make money retaining their heifer calves and marketing their steers.

A bred four-year-old cow that has raised 3 calves already has a much higher chance of weaning you three calves in a row than that bred heifer. There is a 93% probability the cow will still be weaning you calves at 7.

Research shows the older cow will bring you an extra 60-70 lbs. on every calf over those next 3 calves. She will also give you a heifer calf you want to keep as a replacement. The probability an average commercial heifer breeds back and weans you 3 calves in a row is 57% and that is being generous.

Current projections are that there is less than $100 a head profit in cow calf production this year. A bank CD will give you a greater return than a commercial cow herd. Even at the peak of the calf market, you were only getting 3.5% return. A cow that fails to wean you a calf is giving you a -3.5% return on that production unit for the year. With those returns and what you have invested, the worst thing you can do is buy replacement females without knowing all the information. You have to make every single dollar count. We have over 75 commercial females between three and five years old ready to make a positive impact in your herd. Give us a call, and we would love to talk to you about how to generate positive returns.

Joe Lowe II M.S. Agricultural Economics University of Tennessee, Knoxville 2013

BRED COMMERCIAL COWS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY BULLS FOR SALE KENNETH D. LOWE (270) 202-7186 JOE K. LOWE II (270) 202-4399 WWW.OAKHOLLOWANGUS.COM SMITHS GROVE, KENTUCKY

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K E N T U C K Y CAT T L E M E N ’ S AS S O C I AT I O N 2 019 L E A D E R S H I P KCA REGIONAL DIRECTORS: REGION 1

Daniel Hayden, VP*.................(270) 570-2815 Bobby Bell................................(270) 547-8547 Gary Woodall...........................(270) 725-0819 Ricky Haynes............................(270) 945-9057 Don Pemberton........................(270) 889-3885 Wayne Johnson.......................(270) 303-6354 John Walpole..........................(270) 542-7534 Martin Hayden........................(270) 281-4076 John (JJ) Tucker....................(270) 617-0301 Dennis Wilson.........................(270) 952-1714 Caleb Jenkin...........................(270) 952-0767

REGION 2

KCA 2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS: PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Tim White 3664 Military Pike Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 509-5401

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

PRESIDENT ELECT

PAST PRESIDENT

Steve Dunning 8200 Antioch Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240 (270) 498-8180

Bobby Foree 2440 Eminence Road Eminence, KY 40019 (502) 939-4607

VICE PRESIDENT Chris Cooper 2140 Tates Creek Road Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 200-7711

KCA PROGRAM CHAIRMAN Jeff Pettit 5745 US Highway 41 S Seebree, KY 42455

(270) 836-2963

KBC CHAIRMAN

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

KBN CHAIRMAN

Cary King 250 Bright Leaf Drive Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859) 734-2173

KCA’S PAST PRESIDENTS: 1972-73

Jere Caldwell† - Boyle

2001

Larry Clay - Perry

1974-77

Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln

2002

Jack Kimbrough† - Shelby

1978-79

Larry Lovell - Union

2003

Mark Williams - Crittenden

1980-82

John Masters† - Mason

2004

Paul Napier - Lincoln

1983-85

Seldon Hail† - Laurel

2005

Eddie Young - Washington

1986-87

Bob Vickery† - Wayne

2006

Greg Ritter† - Barren

1988

Glenn Mackie - Bourbon

2007

Don Pemberton - Christian

1989

Dale Lovell - Muhlenberg

2008

Billy Glenn Turpin - Madison

1990

Steve Henshaw† - Union

2009

Scotty Parsons - Christian

1991

Jerry Fraim - Grayson

2010

Corinne Kephart - Shelby

1992

Glen Massengale† - Wayne

2011

Greg Robey - Mercer

1993

Dell King - Christian

2012

Mike Bach - Bath

1994

Kenneth Lowe - Warren

2013

Don Reynolds - Hart

1995

Dr. J.L.Cole - Monroe

2014

Steve Downs - Marion

1996

Harvey Mitchell - Mercer

2015

Gary Woodall - Logan

1997

Jim Naive† - Spencer

2016

David Lemaster - Clark

1998

Shelby Hughes - Logan

2017

Chuck Crutcher - Hardin

1999

Hoppy Lovell - Barren

2018

Bobby Foree - Henry

2000

Charles Miller - Jessamine

†(Deceased)

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COW COUNTRY •

Joe Lowe, VP*..........................(270) 202-4399 Craig Thompson......................(270) 590-5174 Trent Jones.............................(270) 590-5266 Chuck Crutcher.......................(270) 272-6269 Alison Brockman....................(270) 403-3205 Steven Green..........................(270) 528-1720 Reva Richardson.....................(270) 735-2959 Mike Bullock..........................(270) 563-5012 Dr. Kenneth Green...............(270) 589-7175 Adam Maulden.......................(270) 590-1005 Kirk Cecil.................................(270) 692-7698 Hunter Galloway....................(731) 332-0098 Rayetta Boone........................(270) 230-5488 Gerry Bowman........................(270) 427-6922 Adam Estes..............................(270) 537-3761 Phyllis Gentry..........................(502) 331-1146

REGION 3

Danny Cooper, VP*...................(606) 782-4809 Chris Browning........................(502) 682-4535 Wanda Hawkins.......................(502) 321-5602 Irvin Kupper.............................(502) 807-5617

Allan Bryant..............................(502) 548-1379 Kevin Perkins............................(502) 269-7189 Larry Bryant.............................(502) 706-1777 Maynard Stetten......................(502) 609-4986 Jerry Oak.................................(502) 525-7248 John Allison.............................(502) 220-3170 Lincoln Clifford........................(859) 954-0102

REGION 4

Jeremy Jones, VP*.................(859) 749-2233 Lisa Baesler.............................(859) 509-5020 David Lemaster.......................(859) 749-0258 Ron Ray...................................(859) 825-8516 Bo Tate....................................(859) 661-2325 Donovan Pigg..........................(859) 749-9675 Randy Werner........................(859) 771-5280 Danielle Harmon.....................(606) 748-8059 Ronnie Lowe...........................(606) 782-5058 Clay Wills.................................(859) 749-8248 Jason Crowe............................(859) 582-0761

REGION 5

Phillip Reese, VP*......................(859) 339-0450 Herman Benge.........................(606) 862-6451 Steve Downs...........................(859) 805-1278 Brent Woodrum......................(859) 397-1078 Ian Thomas..............................(859) 613-2453 Anne Bays................................(615) 478-8450 Danny Ray Spalding................(859) 336-0444 Greg Robey...............................(859) 734-0067 Eddie Young.............................(859) 262-5682 Adam Chunglo.........................(859) 613-2985 C. Mike Spalding....................(270) 669-6587 Tommy Glasscock....................(270) 692-4336 * Denotes member of Executive committee

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 12 176 PASADENA DRIVE • LEXINGTON, KY 40503 • PHONE: (859) 278-0899 FAX: (859) 260-2060 • WWW.KYCATTLE.ORG • INFO@KYCATTLE.ORG Executive Vice President Dave Maples

KBC Director of Consumer Affairs Anna Hawkins

Director of Kentucky Beef Council Nathan Lawson

Membership Coordinator Nikki Whitaker

Staff Accountant Kelly Tucker

Publication Coordinator Carey Brown

Director of Kentucky Beef Network Becky Thompson

Graphic Designer Todd Brown

KBN Industry Coordinator Dan Miller

Office Manager Mackenzie Miller

KBC Director of Education Niki Ellis

Video Production Specialist Danny Coy

KBC Director of Product Development Katelyn Hawkins

National Advertising Sales, Livestock Advertising Network, Debby Nichols (859) 321-8770, Cathy Campbell (609) 581-7644

COW COUNTRY NEWS is published monthly by THE KENTUCKY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any material which he feels is unsuitable for the publication. Although the highest journalistic ethics will be maintained, the KENTUCKY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION limits its responsibilities for any errors, inaccuracies, or misprints in advertising or editorial copy. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements made against the publisher.

DECEMBER 2019

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PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS TIM WHITE Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President Happy Holidays to everyone! As this year comes to an end, I am sure that you have had your fill of me talking about cattle, so I would like to take this time to elaborate on a different subject.

One that has been heavy on my heart to share with you all. Yes, I am beyond grateful for the beef industry and all the opportunities it has provided for my family and I, but as the Christmas season approaches I want to expand on the true reason for the season.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and to be thankful for his never-ending grace. This time of the year brings great joy to me as it means that my family will be all together celebrating what we have to be thankful for. My wife and I raised our kids on the foundation of having strong faith in God. We always told them that no matter where they are in life, to depend on God and trust his calling.

As our country is in a state of division over politics, religion, morals, etc., I feel that it is important that we focus on seeing the good. All the media wants to portray is the negative things that build a wall within our country, and I honestly believe this is due to the fact that our country has strayed away from the Christian principles that it was founded on. In the Bible it states, “I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). This scripture relays the message that on our

COW COUNTRY •

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own we can only accomplish so much; however, there are no limits to what we can achieve when we abide in God. He doesn’t ask us to be perfect, he asks that we give our best and let Him do the rest.

As I began to write this, I became worried of the reactions that could come from it.

I do not want to offend anyone, I just feel that if I do not take this opportunity to share my faith, then I am not doing my job as a follower of Christ. I am not here to cast judgement and pretend that I always have it all together. That is not the case at all. I struggle, I fail, I have doubts; but I overcome these obstacles by casting my fears and worries on him.

I have found deep comfort throughout my life by relying on God and letting his guiding hand lead me. I hope that I have given you all something to think about as you read this. Even if this only affects one person, I will see it as a victory.

As we celebrate the holidays, let us be thankful and appreciative as we spend time with our loved ones.

As my term as your KCA President is coming to an end, I hope that I not only advocated for the betterment of our industry, but I hope that I have made an impact on someone’s life. I’ve always told my kids that in everything they have done; in 10 years people aren’t going to remember what you did, they are going to remember how you made them feel.

Thank you all for letting me share not only my passion for the beef industry, but for letting me share my faith as well.

Have a blessed month.

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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER RYAN QUARLES Commissioner of Agriculture Thank you, Kentucky voters, for allowing me to serve as your commissioner of agriculture for another four years. I am humbled by your confidence in me and your approval of the job we have done so far. We have made much progress over the past four years, but much remains to be done.

A major priority for our second term will be the expansion of international trade. Kentucky farmers have been harmed by unfair retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural products. The Trump Administration has issued trade mitigation payments to cushion the blow, but I know you want trade, not aid. In the meantime, I was proud to lead the firstever Kentucky agricultural trade mission to Canada during USMCA negotiations, and I appointed a senior trade advisor at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to strengthen our international marketing efforts. We will not sit still while trade negotiations with China and other nations play out. We will stand up and urge countries around the world to look to

Kentucky when buying ag products.

Related to trade, we must remain constantly vigilant against the threat of foreign animal disease in our livestock herds. Kentucky is at a distinct advantage compared to other states with two stateof-the-art livestock disease diagnostic laboratories and a team of experienced, dedicated professionals in the state veterinarian’s office. We will continue to look for ways to strengthen our biosecurity efforts and streamline our traceability system while minimizing expense to the producer and protecting producer data.

Recently, I touched on the idea of a largescale beef processing plant in Kentucky.

Such a facility would create revenue and jobs while adding value to Kentucky beef. But first, we must answer questions about funding, scale, producer interest, and other issues before we can make an informed decision. This is a conversation I would like to have in the months to come.

Another of our goals in my second term will be to make Kentucky the agricultural

technology hub of the nation. Kentucky is blessed to have public and private facilities doing cutting-edge research to develop useful and even life-saving products while making agriculture more efficient and profitable. We need to leverage the advantage of having Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and agricultural sustainability, in our backyard. And we look forward to completion of the AppHarvest mega-greenhouse in Rowan County.

We will build on the work we’ve done to make Kentucky the epicenter of America’s resurgent hemp industry, reduce food insecurity in the Commonwealth, and expand the Kentucky Proud program.

And we will continue to modernize the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to serve you even better.

Catalogs or more information available by contacting Tim Dievert.

56TH ANNUAL WINTER SALE CKAA Sales Pavilion, Danville, KY January 25, 2020 KENTUCKY ANGUS SWEEPSTAKES 64TH ANNUAL SHOW & SALE March 6-7, 2020 Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY

Everything we have done in my first term was to put Kentucky first. That will continue to be our North Star in my second term as we work to justify your confidence and run a Kentucky Department of Agriculture that will make you all proud.

in the

CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION & NCBA TRADE SHOW FEBRUARY 5 - 7, 2020 Henry B. González Convention Center

Tim Dievert 478 Dry Fork Rd. • Danville, KY 40422 Office:859/236-4591 (C)859/238-3195 • tdievert@dievertsales.com www.dievertsales.com

Contact Tim now for consignments in the KY Beef Expo Sweepstakes Sale.

Merry Christmas!

in the

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COW COUNTRY •

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depression then the chance of making it are greater. I hope this young man makes it. The cattle business is a hard business and it takes a lot of fortitude to make it in this game.

FROM DAVE’S DESK

FA R M D E C I S I O N S DAVE MAPLES Executive Vice President Farmers are resilient and we often talk about how bad it is and it is often not good but for the most part we find a way to adapt. This year has been hard from the weather to trade issues, a packing plant fire to increased competition it has been a hard year. The conversations have been hard and the emotional cycle has been near the high point. I have the pleasure of getting to listen to a lot of different people with the conversation as of late being mostly on the negative side.

I did have the pleasure of talking to a beginning cattleman and his family. This young man, a year or so out of college at WKU, is in the process of expanding his cattle operation. I have thought about his decision many times and again while attending the Kentucky Beef Conference at the Fayette County Extension office.

Patrick Linnell with CattleFax spoke

and one of Patrick’s slides was titled the “Cycle of Market Emotions”. During the presentation the decision about expanding now could be a good business decision on this young man’s behalf. The “emotional cycle” starts with optimism, then excitement, followed by thrill, euphoria (this is the point of Maximum Financial Risk) then on the down side one experiences anxiety, denial, fear, desperation, panic, depression (the point of Maximum Financial opportunity) then hope, relief and back to optimism.

This cycle has been played out many times over the years. People get caught in the euphoria of the business and buy when cattle are too high and then they go through the cycle and get out before the cycle is complete. On the other hand, if you are just starting out and you get in when the cycle is at the lowest point of

I had just spent time in a couple of auction markets and as I drove home the thoughts went through my mind that we still have too many cattle that are presented to the market place that are simply not market ready. There were too many calves that were not weaned or castrated, light weights with horns and no vaccination protocol and presented as a single animal unit. When you see a group of seven black, weaned steers sell with a vaccine program behind them they bring 15 cents a pound more than anything else selling that day. The message should be rather clear.

So back to the Kentucky Beef Conference and the advice from CattleFax. Patrick said, “that high return producers don’t compromise on these four things: Animal Health, Nutrition, Genetics, and Marketing with the understanding that all of these should lead to better reproduction and fertility in the cow herd.” The presentation also included the stair steps to profitability. The first step was the undermanaged cattle

which fall in the red all the time. The next step is average cattle which bring average price. The next step up is the weaned calf program where on average they will bring $3 to $5/cwt more. Step four is the certified vaccination program where you could expect a $5 to $9/ cwt bump up followed by natural or premium programs +$2 to $12/cwt, and source and age verified programs could add +$1.50 to $2.00. Then you have the performance history, or cattle with feedlot/carcass history and those cattle were projected to add $2 to $5/cwt.

I know we have talked about many issues over the past three months but it gets back to our cow herd and what decisions do we have control over on our farms to get through this depressed time. CattleFax, as well as the University of Kentucky Extension Beef specialists, and just about every beef publication that comes in your mail box or your social media string has lined out the steps. A good start in becoming a high return producer is to do a good job with the basic management practices. You may not get rich but over time you can build a nice herd and a nice business.

As I read somewhere “run the farm with your steers and build wealth with your heifers.”

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DECEMBER 2019

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ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW

Moly Manufacturing

BAXTER BLACK, DVM W WW. BA X T ERBL ACK.COM

Life has always been a balancing act between the haves and have-nots.

Less populated industrial countries use the major portion of fossil fuel while third world countries still farm by hand and recreate. The world population is expected to increase by a billion every upcoming decade.

If we could snap our fingers and by magic, make some change that might save the earth from its inhabitants, what would we do?

“Birth control,” said Steve.

“You mean anything?” asked J.D. “Yup . . .” I said. “I’d transport everybody into the future 100 years to see how the earth would have been taken care of under their generations.”

A great idea. . . though hard to predict. But we could compare it to someone in the past lookin’ forward to today. My grandpa was born in 1866 in Bonham, Texas. Twenty years later he had moved to Oklahoma, staked a claim in the land run of ‘89, married and started a family. He was a farmer, horseman and fiddle player. If he was suddenly transported at age 53 to today, how would his world have changed?

First, I think he’d notice there’s a lot more people . . . and a lot less farmers. Yet these

farmers are producing enough to feed their neighbors. The absence of draft horses and mules would be a shock. He’d see smoking diesel tractors draggin’ discs, combines, cotton pickers and corn pickers through the fields. The number of bushels yielded per acre might leave him speechless as would dairy cows that milk 70 lbs a day, a 100,000 head feedlots, hog and chicken confinement barns and the loss of selfsufficiency on the family farm.

However, the air would be less breathable, the water less palatable, the work ethic less valued, family time less taken, sunsets less viewed and neighbors less trusting.

The environment would have been compromised by farming in order to feed the 3 times increase in population. As less good farm ground was available due to urban encroachment more technological innovations would have been required to keep up.

So, what is our world gonna be like in 100 years? It’s hard to predict, but there is one guarantee that should keep farmers busy improving our methods . . . there’s gonna be a lot more people to feed.

Thank God for modern farming methods, science and technology, and most of all for the cowboy and the farmer who always get up every day to feed the world. That won’t change.

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COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

OV E R C O M I N G BA R R I E R S TO E N T RY F O R T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F R A N C H E R S Dan Childs, Senior Agricultural Economics Consultant, Noble Foundation The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been saying for years that the average age of the American farmer is going up. The latest estimate of the average age is 59.3 years, as the baby-boom generation gets older. As a result, it has been estimated that 70% of the land in agriculture will change hands by 2031. This is a startling forecast and one worth contemplating in terms of how the transition will occur.

U.S. Net Farm Income 2000-2019

The number of farmers and ranchers in the United States has been decreasing, with the latest estimate just a bit more than 2 million in total. Fewer children are being raised on farms or ranches, too, and many of those who have are choosing other occupations, with no plans to return to the farm or ranch. Young people who have developed an interest in agriculture but do not have farm roots face a variety of barriers to entry as beginning farmers.

According to the balance sheet of agriculture, the total value of all U.S. farm assets is just over $3 trillion. When divided equally among the estimated number of farmers in the U.S., the average investment per farmer is $1.5 million, with the majority of that being in land. So how does an interested young person get started, when the day one could buy land and expect to pay for it by working it is long gone?

Land: Own or Lease?

It is generally agreed that the biggest barrier of entry to agriculture is the price of land. When the price of land prohibits entry into agriculture, what is the best alternative? Typically the answer is to lease it from a landowner.

Lease payments are usually much lower than land payments, even in today’s lowinterest-rate environment. However, leasing does come with challenges. Often landowners will only negotiate one- to three-year terms. It is usually not feasible to develop infrastructure through permanent structures or invest in longterm soil health improvements with lease terms no longer than three years. Aging farmers need to be more amenable to

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, Farm Income and Wealth Statistics longer term-lease agreements or willing to recognize improvements lasting longer than the lease term by cost-sharing or including a refund clause if the lease is terminated.

Operating Capital and Debt Concerns A second barrier common among many people wanting to have their own farm is operating capital. Granted, there is a greater awareness by some lenders such as the Farm Service Agency and the Farm Credit System, which have created special credit standards for young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers to be able acquire financing. However, then debt becomes a concern. As noted in the below figure, U.S. farm income has been somewhat of a roller coaster. Managing debt in such an uncertain landscape can

be very difficult.

Ensuring the Future

Profitability and Risk Management

The U.S. has not had to depend on another country for food, and that is a great blessing. We have achieved national food security because of the work ethic and productivity of American farmers and ranchers. Yes, there are obvious reasons for the U.S. to trade with other countries and benefit from our comparative advantage. Fair trade between countries helps both consumers and producers.

This brings us to a third barrier: the lack of consistent profitability. The perils present in production agriculture are many. At the end of each day, every agricultural producer must be an astute risk manager. First and foremost, weather risks could be at the top of the list, with markets or commodity prices not far below, followed by government policy, including regulations, trade, tax and labor laws. Many other risks exist that challenge consistent profitability.

Considering all these factors, it becomes apparent that agricultural producers truly have a genuine passion for the work they do and the contribution they make to feed the world, despite the risks.

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Much work lies ahead for the U.S. as we navigate the transition of farmland to the next generation. It is paramount that the transition is made to people who have the same passion and dedication to production agriculture as past generations, who have made U.S. agriculture the envy of the world.

13

CHECKING ON THE CHECK-OFF

THE

MOST

PEACEFUL

NATHAN LAWSON Director of Kentucky Beef Council Life never stops when you’re in the business of producing food. For beef farmers the work is never over and the pace seems to increase as the growing season ends and winter sets in. Nutritional needs of cattle increase, health risks are greater and the time it takes to accomplish daily tasks lengthens.

It seems like we just finished cutting hay for the season and here we are entering winter! Regardless of the challenges, the seasons changing throughout the year has always been one of my favorite things about Kentucky. I’m sure you’ve heard the common saying, “Don’t like the weather today in Kentucky? Stick around, it will change!” Oddly enough, even as I write, we’ve just experienced one of those wonderful weather swings, upper 50’s and sunny yesterday to upper teens and snowing today! I guess one could say it keeps us on our toes.

PLACE

decision that we would pass on the poultry and instead enjoy smoked brisket at our family’s Christmas gathering.

Since then, beef has been a part of our Christmas celebration and continues to be a family favorite at Christmas dinner. We all have those unique tastes that may have been a family tradition for generations, or maybe we’re looking to start a new tradition at the dinner table. How does your family enjoy beef at family gatherings? Do you have a favorite Holiday Taste? Let us know. We’d love to highlight a beef recipe from your family during the Holidays.

Christmas is such a wonderful time and I have always enjoyed Christmas morning on the farm. We all work hard to produce food year-round, day in and day out, hustling from tasks to task, but Christmas morning is special. There’s just something about a cow barn at sunrise on Christmas day. In my opinion, it’s the most peaceful place on the planet, even the cattle seem more at ease. Such a humble setting for the birth of a savior.

Maybe you find that pleasure, peace and joy with your family, and on your farm Christmas morning as well. I can assure you that my children aren’t quite there yet, as they’ll be anxiously waiting for my return to the house, excited and ready to gather around the tree! My hope is, that as another year draws to a close, we can all enjoy the blessings of Christmas and the peace that it brings.

Each season seems to carry with it a unique set of opportunities, challenges and experiences. For your Kentucky Beef Council, we see the winter season, especially Christmas and New Year’s, as a time to highlight those favorite beef recipes that bring us all to the table.

Beef, more than any other protein on the market, provides an enjoyable eating experience. We eat what we want and we want to enjoy what we eat. The pleasure in eating beef is something it has always been known for! So much so, that “Pleasure” is one of the three pillars (People, Pleasure, Protein) that are central to the promotional efforts of your checkoff. What better time to highlight the great taste of beef than the holiday season? Be sure to follow the Kentucky Beef Council on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for great beef recipes, or check out Beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

You might find your next family favorite!

Taste is a powerful sense that can take us back to a specific place or point in time.

If you’re like me, you can recall a favorite taste from your grandmother or mother’s kitchen that brings back wonderful memories of past family gatherings.

Several years ago, my mom made the 14

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

16th Annual

GENETIC EXCELLENCE Angus Bull Sale

VISIT US TODAY! ALL AGES WELCOME • SCHEDULE A GROUP VISIT AND CHOOSE YOUR LESSON PLAN • CATERING IS AVAILABLE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2020 | 12:00 NOON Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion | Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN

Selling 80+ Registered Angus Bulls & 125 Commercial Heifers 2020 Genetic Excellence Sires ELLINGSON CHAPS 4095 S POWERPOINT WS 5503 SAV RESOURCE 1441 MAR INNOVATION 251 CTS REMEDY 1T01 SS NIAGRA Z29 PLUS MANY MORE

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.

NELLIS@KYCATTLE.ORG (859) 382-4303

REAL WORLD CATTLE FOR REAL WORLD CATTLEMEN To request a catalog or if we can be of any assistance

Bulls are available for viewing by appointment

please do not hesitate to contact us

All cattle will be available for viewing the Friday night and

We would love to help you any way we can

Saturday morning before the sale

View our Sale Book at www.geneticexcellence.com RICHARD BROWN

Spring Oak Farm

9 3 1 - 2 3 9 - 9 7 8 5

rdbrown@twlakes.net

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

DAVID HOLT

Holt Farms

9 3 1 - 3 9 7 - 1 7 5 1 dlholt@twlakes.net

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

KENT BROWN

Jared Brown and Son

9 3 1 - 2 6 5 - 9 2 0 0

jbsangus@twlakes.net

15

BATH COUNTY NEWS

BARREN COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Randy Warner

Submitted by James A. Bailey The Barren County Cattlemen’s meeting was held Thursday evening, October 17th at the Barren County High School Trojan Academy. During the meeting Charles Townsend representing Burkmann Feeds presented a program on Insight into Beef Globally. Pictured from left to right are Stan Buchanan of B & B Fencing Co, Charles Townsend, John Reed of Burkmann Feeds and Don Wilson, treasurer of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association. A delicious steak dinner was served which was sponsored by Burkmann Feeds of Glasgow and B & B Fencing Co.

Bath County Cattleman cooked ribeyes and burgers at the annual Court Day held in Preston. In 4 days they sold 2,785 ribeyes and 1,370 burgers.

HOLIDAY SALE! QTY

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shipping

DELIVERY INFORMATION NAME

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CVC

To order, return this form by fax at (859) 260-2060, return by mail to 176 Pasadena Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40503, email mmiller@kycattle.org, or call (859) 278-0899.

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COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

BRACKEN COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Beth Moore The Bracken County Cattlemen’s Association held their meeting on October 24, at 6:30 at the extension office. This month’s meeting was sponsored by Farm Credit Services and Hinton Mills and both groups made a short presentation to the members about the services they can provide. A delicious meal of steak, baked potatoes and salad was cooked by the grilling committee and served by the FFA students along with dessert of cherry and blackberry cobbler and Dennis and Lisa Leap from the Lenoxburg Store cut the steaks for the meal. Committee reports were given and announcements about upcoming events were given.

Bracken County FFA

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The speaker for this evenings meeting was Mr. Tim White, President of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Mr. White spoke to the members about many of the projects the Kentucky Association has been working on. He discussed how money from the check off program is used for promotion, research and education and he informed members of the availability of group health insurance through the KCA. A silent auction was held to raise money for the scholarship program and numerous door prizes were given away. The next meeting will be held in February, 2020. We look forward to seeing everyone then!

One of our youngest members, Thomas Barker who won an “Eat Beef” license plate

www.kycattle.com

www.kentuckycattlemensbeef.com

Cattlemen’s Assoc.

KBC Twitter: @kybeef

www.kybeef.com

www.beefsolutionsllc.com

The YARDS: @TheYARDS

KBC Snapchat: @kybeef

www.beefinthebluegrass.com

www.beefsolutionsverified.com

KBC Pinterest: @kybeef

www.kybeefnetwork.com

youngproducerscouncil.weebly.com

KJCA Facebook: @kyjuniorcattlemen

www.edenshalefarm.com

www.learntheyards.com

www.slnllc.com

KCA Facebook: @kycattlemen

www.cph45.com

KCA Twitter: @kycattle

www.livestockadvertisingnetwork.com

KCA YouTube: The Kentucky

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

YPC Facebook: @youngproducerscouncil ESF Facebook: @EdenShaleFarm KBC Facebook: @kybeef

KBC YouTube: KYBEEF Kentucky Cattlemen’s Beef Facebook: @kycattlemensbeef Kentucky Cattlemen’s Beef Instagram: @kycattlemensbeef

KBC Instagram: @kybeef

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FEATURE

A N O P E N L E T T E R TO T H E L I V E STO C K I N D U ST RY Jessica Judge Our fast-paced society often doesn’t leave extra time for reflection on the little things in life that bring us the most joy and happiness. As agriculturists and livestock raisers, we know this all too well.

Amongst farming, feeding and caring for livestock, daily chores, traveling to shows and our daily lives, it seems there isn’t any room left in the day to stop and appreciate all the things we have to be thankful for. More importantly, when we are caught up in the moment of victory or defeat, we often forget to give thanks where thanks is truly due. Yet it is during the holiday season that we get more opportunities to gather with family and loved ones, and we quickly realize how truly blessed we are and how much of what we have to be thankful for is deeply rooted in our ties to the livestock industry. So, to the industry that shapes us all and drives our innermost purpose and passions, this one’s for you:

times when we aren’t so lucky, you have brought people into our lives that will still be proud, still support us and still stand by our sides during the lowest of lows.

For the memories, joys and challenges, we are thankful.

For giving us an incredible life – Thank you At the end of the day, we can’t thank you enough for this life and all that is has to offer in the short term and long term.

We are thankful to have a passion for agriculture and animal life that fuels us every day. We are thankful to be a part of contributing to something far bigger than ourselves, something that provides food, shelter and comfort for our country and our world. Thankful to have an outlet that helps raise our kids and teach them what life is all about. And thankful to have something so special that it can be continually passed from one generation to the next.

For providing the tangible essentials that bring us together – Thank you What would bring us together in love and fellowship during the holidays if we didn’t have the essential things that you provide? From the outside looking in, the food at our table and the place we get together seems like an expected commodity that’s guaranteed. Yet we all know that without livestock and agriculture there would be no warm food to unite us for special occasions, no dining room table and no home to gather in and share memories. For this, we are not only thankful that you provide the basic materials we need to survive, but we are grateful that you give us a platform to teach our kids what it means to be a part of this industry; an industry that provides food, well-being and livelihoods for so many.

For providing the intangible lessons that shape our lives – Thank you As we sit down and think about the things we can be thankful for, there is no question the skills we have and the lessons we have learned date back to the time we have invested through 18

involvement with you. Growing up in the livestock industry gives us a gateway connection to livestock production and agriculture sustainability. This teaches us the value of hard work, diligence, passion and determination. Raising livestock shows us how to be responsible, care for others and act with honesty and integrity.

Working alongside parents, mentors and role models gives us an appreciation for learning and teaches us to value the resources around us and treat others with respect. We would never get the chance for these opportunities anywhere else if it wasn’t for you.

For showing us family extends far beyond blood – Thank you When you grow up involved with livestock you quickly find that the word family is used loosely because it’s truthfully such a broad term. You have shown us that family is more than those who call you dad, mom, sister or brother. Family are the ones who join your team and stick COW COUNTRY •

by you through tough competition, victory and failure. Family are those who travel many miles and sacrifice personal benefits to support you. Family are those who begin as friends, but through time spent, memories shared, and challenges overcome, soon turn into so much more.

While these “family” members may not always be at the table during the holiday season – you have shown us that this industry cultivates families and villages everywhere to be thankful for.

For showing us joy in the good times and the bad – Thank you We are thankful for what you give us and teach us, in good times and in bad. Being involved with livestock has brought us the joy of working long hours in the barn with family and friends, who all are striving toward obtaining a common goal. You have provided opportunities to accomplish our dreams with victories in the ring that bring smiles to our faces and tears to our eyes. And even in the

DECEMBER 2019

Our promise to you is to never let our passion die, never lose faith in the goodness you bring to the table and to always focus on the next generation and how they will carry on the legacy of being involved in livestock. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you today, tomorrow, during a win, during a loss and EVERY.DAY. for all that you do.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST FOR AVIAN PREDATOR MANAGEMENT FLEXIBILITY On November 5, a letter signed by 15 U.S. Senators and 23 Members of Congress, was sent to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Margaret Everson. The letter requested that the Service promulgate new rules to increase flexibility in the MBTA permitting process to empower livestock producers to protect their livelihoods. The bipartisan, bicameral letter was led by Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-2).

INTRO OF REAL MEAT ACT OF 2019 On October 28 the bipartisan introduction of the Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 by U.S. Reps. Roger Marshall (R - 1st Dist., Kansas) and Anthony Brindisi (D - 21st Dist., N.Y.) was introduced.

Specifically, The Real Meat Act will: 1. Codify the Definition of Beef for Labeling Purposes • Establish a federal definition of beef that applies to food labels; • Preserve the Congressional Intent of the Beef Promotion and Research Act;

2. Reinforce Existing Misbranding Provisions

to Eliminate Consumer Confusion • FDA has misbranding provisions for false or misleading labels; • Prevent further consumer confusion with alternative protein products; • Clarify the imitation nature of these alternative protein products; 3. Enhance the Federal Government’s Ability to Enforce the Law • FDA will have to notify USDA if an imitation meat product is determined to be misbranded; • If FDA fails to undertake enforcement within 30 days of notifying USDA, the Secretary of Agriculture is granted authority to seek enforcement action.

“Consumers should be able to rely on the information on food labels they see on the shelves to be truthful and not deceptive,” Rep. Marshall said. “For years now, alternative protein products have confused many consumers with misleading packaging and creative names for products. With this bill, consumers can be sure that the meat products they are buying are indeed real meat.”

INTRO OF HOURS OF SERVICE LEGISLATION Bipartisan legislation was introduced on October 30 by U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (D – 2nd Dist., Minn.) and Lloyd Smucker (R - 11th Dist., Penn.) that would provide flexible and commonsense relief from Hours of Service (HOS) rules for agricultural haulers.

The Responsible & Efficient Agriculture Destination (TREAD) Act would ensure that the current Hours of Service exemption that applies to the 150-air-mile radius from the source of an agricultural commodity adds the same 150 air mile radius flexibility to the back end of a trip, or the destination. The bill also clarifies that this exemption would apply in every state yearround, as agriculture and specifically livestock move across this country every day.

BEEF LABELING PRACTICES National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President, Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, released the following statement in response to a letter from U.S. Sens. John Thune (S.D.) and Mike Rounds (S.D.) regarding beef labeling practices: “NCBA understands that the practices alleged

in the letter from Senator Rounds and Senator Thune are a concern to cattle producers and we share a commitment to clear and truthful labeling. In August, in response to a proposal brought forward by our grassroots members, NCBA formed a working group to examine the prevalence of the alleged mislabeling practices.

We are in the process of gathering information related to current industry labeling practices so we can fully understand the scope of the issue as we identify solutions that work for the industry.

“In general, NCBA members are opposed to requesting additional government regulation on our industry. Until we understand the scope of labeling practices currently being utilized, any rush to regulate is an irresponsible step that can create unnecessary and burdensome government mandates. NCBA is actively seeking information on beef labeling practices.

“The creation of government policy or regulation is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the problem and the involvement of many stakeholders. As our industry is fully aware, any rush toward government regulation can create unintended consequences that take years to unwind.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention January 16-17, 2020 Owensboro Convention Center

NEW COMMISSION RATES PUT MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET 30 hd feeders on ticket $20 per head

Cattlemen’s Convention Internet Sale Friday, January 17 at 4:00 PM

40 hd feeders sell together $13 per head

Maysville

Lexington

Campbellsville

Great Meadows Genetic Influence Feeder Sale Monday, December 9, 2019

Monthly Cow Sale Friday, December 6, 2019 7:00 PM

Lexington CPH Sale Wednesday, December 11, 2019 5:30 PM Lexington Hay Sale Saturday, December 14, 2019 1:00 PM Monthly Cow Sale Wednesday, December 18, 2019 6:30 PM Albany Monthly Cow Sale Friday, December 13, 2019 6:00 PM(CST)

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

Richmond Hog, Goat & Sheep Sale Monday, December 9, 2019 1:00 PM Richmond CPH Sale Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6:00 PM Monthly Cow Sale Friday, December 13, 2019 1:00 PM

Stone Gate Sired Calves Sale Tuesday, December 3, 2019 12:00 PM Monthly Cow Sale Friday, December 20, 2019 6:30 PM South Monthly Cow Sale Friday, December 20, 2019 6:30 PM Blue Grass Regional Marketplace Brunch with Santa & Holiday Pop Up Market Saturday, December 14, 2019 10:00 AM—2:00 PM

bgstockyards.com

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

19

FEATURE

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FINISHES SECOND SESSION Nikki Whitaker Class IX of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Leadership Program had their second session November 5-6 in Bowling Green. Twenty participants from all over Kentucky are participating in the two-year program sponsored by Alltech. The purpose of the program is to improve leadership and communications skills, provide an understanding of the organization of the beef industry, and encourage interest in the political and economic facets of the industry.

The theme for the second session was business and advocacy. These two topics go hand in hand for rural businesses.

20

According to a Nielson report, 83% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know. This trust is why advocacy marketing is so powerful and why it’s such an important part of growing a business.

On day one of the two-day session, the group toured two farms that do a great job advocating their business and agriculture. First was Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green where the Chaney family has turned their dairy operation into a successful agritourism spot. Then the group toured Oak Hollow Angus where father and son team, Kenneth

COW COUNTRY •

and Joe Lowe, are working together to grow their purebred operation by incorporating technology and marketing into their business plan.

Prior to the start of the second session, the class was required to complete the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Masters of Beef Advocacy Program (MBA). The MBA program is a selfdirected online training program designed to equip beef producers and industry allies with the information they need to be everyday advocates for the beef industry. To conclude the program, Anna Hawkins, Director of Consumer Affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council, presented a media training to the class on the second day of the program. This

DECEMBER 2019

training teaches how to prepare for every media opportunity facing cattle producers and the beef industry. Ms. Hawkins also gave insight on how to speak to consumers when speaking one on one or in front of a camera.

The group also heard from Dr. Jordan Shockley with the University of Kentucky Ag Economics department who gave a Business 101 presentation on farm management strategies for improved decision-making and from Dr. Nevil Speer who presented on understanding the cattle market and how to use risk management tools.

Session 3 will be held February 25-26 in Frankfort, KY.

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DECEMBER 2019

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FORAGES

PA S T U R E R E N O VAT I O N : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P L A N S CHRIS D. TEUTSCH UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, Princeton, Kentucky

Pasture renovation can be defined as a series of practices that will result in longterm changes in the health, productivity and botanical composition of pastures.

These practices include interseeding legumes and grasses, fertilization, liming, weed control, and improved grazing management.

Successful renovation requires planning, timelines, and attention to detail. Before reseeding pastures, it is important to determine why the previous stand did not persist.

It is essential that these problems be addressed in the long-term pasture management plan.

Figure 1. Newly established tall fescue stand on a grazing dairy near Elkton.

Renovation Principles Pasture renovation does not always mean reseeding. Weak pastures can often be improved by simply resting, fertilizing, liming, controlling weeds, and implementing rotational grazing.

For this to work, desirable plant species must be present in adequate densities.

Pastures that have large spaces between plants (>6”) may require stands be thickened by no-tilling in desirable species.

Control weeds. Weeds occur in pastures for a number of reasons including poor fertility, overgrazing, and use of forages that are not adapted to the region and soil conditions. It is critical that these issues are addressed prior to reintroduction of desirable grasses and legumes. The 1. http://bit.ly/2CMA0SM 22

best time to control weeds is the season prior to renovation. Control of perennial broadleaf weeds can be accomplished using herbicides, but severe injury to desirable legumes will likely occur. It is essential that broadleaf weeds be controlled prior to interseeding legumes.

For more information on herbicides for pastures see UK’s Broadleaf Weeds of Kentucky Pastures1, AGR-207 and Weed Management in Grass Pastures, Hayfields, and Other Farmstead Sites, AGR-172. 2 Adjust soil fertility. Soil testing is an important first step in pasture renovation. Without proper soil fertility, pasture renovation will not be successful.

Lime and fertilizer should be applied according to soil test recommendations.

Soil acidity is a major factor limiting pasture growth in Kentucky. Acidic conditions reduce nutrient availability, root growth, and nitrogen fixation of legumes. Lime not only corrects soil acidity, but also supplies calcium and magnesium. In a perfect world, lime applications should be made the season prior to reseeding to allow for adequate time to react with the soil. For more information on soil sampling, contact your local extension office or see UK publication AGR-1, Lime and Nutrient Recommendations.3 Suppress sod and reduce surface residue prior to interseeding or overseeding.

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

Sod can be suppressed by hard grazing in late fall and early winter. Overgrazing reduces the competitiveness of the sod and eliminates plant residue.

This allows for seed to reach the soil surface and establish good soil-seed contact, which is essential for germination and emergence. It also allows reduces “hair pinning” when no-till seeding, Hair pinning occurs when residue is pressed drill slit and prevents seed from making adequate contact with the soil.

Choose adapted forage species and use certified or proprietary seed. Successful pasture renovation requires that forage species be adapted to the soil conditions

2. http://bit.ly/2DplDnQ

3. http://bit.ly/2Xc5KJR COW COUNTRY •

present in the pasture and the region of the state where it will be grown. If the forage is not regionally adapted the chance of maintaining a healthy sod is low. Use certified seed or a proprietary variety which is adapted to your climatic region. This will ensure you are getting high quality, weed-free seed. For more information on forage species and varieties that are well adapted to Kentucky, visit the UK Forages webpage4 and click on “Variety Trials”.

Inoculate legume seed. Legumes form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen fixing bacteria in which nitrogen from the air is fixed into a plant available form. There is no need for nitrogen fertilizer when legumes make up more than 25% of the stand. rating indicates more than 25% clover. Legume seed should always be inoculated with the proper strain of nitrogen fixing bacteria before seeding. In most cases, legume seed comes preinoculated. If the seed is not preinoculated or has been exposed to adverse conditions (high temperatures), a prepackaged inoculum available from the seed dealer should be mixed with the seed just prior to seeding.

Ensure good soil to seed contact. There are a number of different seeding methods, regardless of the method the objective is always the same; to achieve good soil-seed contact. This helps to ensure that the seed will germinate and emerge in a timely manner.

Frost seeding is accomplished by broadcasting seed onto the soil surface in late winter/early spring. The freezing and thawing cycles results in the formation of cracks incorporates the seed into the soil.

In order for frost seeding to be successful the seed must reach the soil surface and be broadcast early enough that adequate freeze-thaw cycles take place to incorporate the seed. In Kentucky, the ideal time to frost seed would be late January and early February. This method works best with clovers and annual lespedeza. It does not work as well with grasses and alfalfa. For more tips on maximizing frost seeding success, see the UK Master Grazer webpage.

Minimum tillage seeding is accomplished by disturbing 40-60% of an established sod. This can be done using a disk, field cultivator, or other tillage implement.

The tillage implement does not need to penetrate the soil more than 2-4 inches.

The use of tillage helps to suppress the sod and expose bare soil. After tillage, the seed is broadcast onto the soil surface and drug and/or cultipacked.

This seeding method can be used to reintroduce both perennial grasses and legumes or to overseed annual grasses and legumes into an established sod. Depending on the species being established, this seeding method can be successful in either late summer or early spring.

Figure 3. Josh Duckworth no-tilling a novel tall fescue demonstration on his farm near Princeton.

Figure 2. Rehannon pampell, former master grazer coordinator, frost seeding red clover 4. https://forages.ca.uky.edu/

DECEMBER 2019

No - tillage seeding is accomplished by using a no-till drill. This seeding

5. http://bit.ly/2QjMZD8

6. http://bit.ly/33QlbKH

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requires more effort and attention to detail, but generally produces more consistent results than frost seeding.

No-till seedings can be made in either late summer or early spring. Because notillage seeding does not disturb the sod, it is especially important to suppress the sod and reduce residue prior to planting.

Placing the seed too deep in the soil is a common mistake that results in stand failures. It is critical that seeding depth is checked every time the drill is used since seeding depth can vary with soil conditions. Small seeded forages like orchardgrass, tall fescue, and clover, should never be planted deeper than ½ inch.

Control post seeding competition.

Regardless of the seeding method, it is absolutely essential that competition from the existing sod and weeds be controlled after the seed has germinated and the seedlings have emerged.

Failure to control competition during establishment allows weeds and established vegetation to successfully compete for water and nutrients and shade new seedlings. This will lead to stand failure. Although competition can be controlled by clipping, the best practice is allowing animals to graze the pasture immediately after overseeding until the seedlings have germinated and grown to height that they start to become grazed off. At that time animals should be removed and pastures should be grazed intermittently to a height just over the seedlings.

Timing renovations. Like most things in life, timing is everything and pasture renovations are no different. The ideal time for establishing or thickening pastures with cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and orchardgrass is late summer or early fall. Spring seedings of cool-season grasses should be avoided due to high weed pressure from warmseason annual grasses such as crabgrass and foxtail. Frost seeding clover and annual lespedeza is best accomplished in late winter or very spring. If your goal is to introduce a warm-season annual such as sorghum-sudangrass or pearl millet into a thin pasture, then interseeding should be done in late spring or early summer.

Making a Renovation Plan Wet conditions last winter resulted in many pastures needing renovation.

Unfortunately, an extremely dry late summer and fall prevented seedings in many areas of the state. So the question becomes how do we move forward from here? If you have not already seeded, you 7. http://bit.ly/2NOiALC COW COUNTRY •

have missed this fall’s seeding window.

Below are some options to consider.

Option 1: Reseed cool-season grasses in February and March. While this is not the ideal situation, it can work in some cases. The key is making sure to get the cool-season grasses planted early so they have the maximum amount of time to get canopy closure and establish a strong root system prior to summer. Even so, competition from summer annual grasses will likely be heavy and may lead to weak and failed stands. This option also provides limited grazing during the spring, summer and fall while the coolseason grasses are becoming established.

Heavy grazing during this period will weaken or kill stands.

Option 2: Plant a summer annual grass in late spring and cool-season perennial grass in late summer.

Warm-season annual grasses such as sorghum-sudangrass, sudangrass, and pearl millet planted in late spring after the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees F, will emerge quickly and form a canopy that keeps summer annual weeds from germinating. They will also provide ample forage for summer grazing or haying. In late summer or early fall they can be grazed or hayed, the regrowth sprayed with a non-selective herbicide, and cool-season perennial grasses planted. For more information on managing summer annual grasses, see UK’s publications, AGR-231, pearl millet6 and AGR-232, Sudangrass and Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrids.7 Option 3: Overseed an improved crabgrass and annual lespedeza. This option is not for everybody, but can provide high quality summer grazing.

After the chance of frost has passed in the spring, smooth pastures with a harrow or pasture drag, broadcast the crabgrass or crabgrass-annual lespedeza mixture, and cultipack. This mixture can be grazed or hayed during the summer months and a cool-season annual can be planted in late summer summer or early fall to provide winter and spring grazing.

The beauty of crabgrass is that although it is truly a warm-season annual grass, it acts like a perennial through prolific reseeding. So next spring, a volunteer stand can be stimulated with light tillage and cultipacking. If your goal is to reseed a perennial cool-season grass in the late summer, use Option 2. For more information on managing crabgrass, see UK’s publication AGR-232, Crabgrass.8 For more information on renovating your pastures, stop by your local extension office or visit the UK Forage webpage.4

8. http://bit.ly/342CcRK

DECEMBER 2019

9. http://bit.ly/334djUz

PLANT SPECIES

SEEDING RATE (LB/A)

Red Clover alone

6-8

Ladino Clover alone

1-2

Red Clover + Ladino Clover

4-6 and 1-2

Annual Lespedeza alone

10-15

Annual Lespedeza + Ladino Clover

8-10 and 1-2

Red Clover + Ladino Clover + Orchardgrass

4-6 and 1-2 and 8-10

Red Clover + Ladino Clover + Tall Fescue

4-6 and 1-2 and 10-15

Annual Ryegrass

15-25

Small Grain

90-120

Small Grain + Annual Ryegrass

90 and 15

Crabgrass Alone

4-6 lb/A

Crabgrass + Annual Lespedeza

3-4 and 8-10 lb/A

Pearl Millet

15-20 lb/A

Sorghum-Sudangrass

20-25 lb/A

Table 1. Seeding rates for grasses and legumes commonly used for pasture renovations in Kentucky.

This month’s featured videos are from the 2019 Kentucky Grazing Conferences held in Boone and Christian Counties. The theme of these conferences was “Kicking the Hay Habit: Optimizing Profitability”. The playlist can be found on the KYForages YouTube Channel.9 Featured Upcoming Events: Forages at KCA Tall Fescue: Past, Present, and Future Owensboro Convention Center, West Ballroom D • January 17, 2020, 2:00 to 4:00 PM • More information at https://kycattle.org/convention.html 2020 Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference Hardin County Extension Office • 111 Opportunity Way • Elizabethtown, KY 42701 • February 20, 2020 • More information at http://bit.ly/33SkGQf Featured Publication: This month’s featured publication is: 2018 Long-Term Summary of Kentucky Forage Variety Trials by G.L. Olson, S.R. Smith, J. C. Henning, and C.D. Teutsch. You can access it by visiting http://bit.ly/2rLfjEh or visiting 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 • 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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23

FEATURE

W H E R E YO U R C H E C K O F F D O L L A R G O E S , PA R T 1 Greg Hanes, CEO, Cattlemen’s Beef Board Created 34 years ago through a vote of producers all over the country, the Beef Checkoff launched to add support to the industry through promotion and research to ultimately grow beef demand. After all, if beef producers aren’t promoting their product, who will? The program started in 1985 with a simple process: pay $1 per head of cattle at the time of sale. It’s something you may only do few times a year or maybe you do it several times a month. Most likely it shows up as a line item on your sale barn receipt or you might send in a check through the private treaty program. Did you know those dollars are contributing a larger, multi-faceted program?

And do you know the journey your dollar takes once it leaves your hand?

The Beef Checkoff Dollar: When the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order was created, the producers involved wanted the process to be a simple one. The idea of “one head / one

dollar” seemed to be the best and fairest way to easily pull together assessments on cattle to fund the state and national programs. At the time, those founding producers had the forethought and experience to understand that the program needed national exposure and reach, as well as “boots on the ground” to provide local experience and feedback from back home. By creating a joint effort between state beef councils and the national office of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the checkoff was assured to have input from producers from all over the country.

When you pay your dollar, it is collected and sent to your state beef council office.

There the money is split: fifty cents to your state, fifty cents to the national office. Why the split? Because producers desire the efficiency of a national, unified voice and the promotional power of the national Checkoff programs (Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner campaigns, national

research, media relations, etc.) combined with the customized support at the local level at home. State beef councils support their states through unique consumer and producer events, information, and outreach.

Why The Dollars Live At The State And National Level: Before the Beef Checkoff was created, the beef industry’s promotion and research efforts were somewhat fragmented. Multiple organizations were duplicating efforts and there was no central coordinated effort to reach a greater audience of consumers and keep the spotlight on beef in an increasingly competitive protein marketplace. The checkoff was built to bring those organizations together into a unified voice, to improve efficiencies, and to build shareable – yet customizable – resources to increase beef demand.

By coordinating efforts, funding, and ideas, great things have been happening

as resources are shared across multiple platforms and audiences. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board office works with national contractors to develop targeted programs and information that can be shared at the state level. State beef councils use their local resources to build programs, create local, targeted campaigns, and develop research for their own particular group of consumers. Contractors share with states, states share with other states, contractors share with contractors. This unified front creates a powerful web of support for producers and helps to build demand for beef throughout the country. After all, if beef producers aren’t promoting their product, who will? To be continued…

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef. com.

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COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

Lawson Tractor & Implement Lebanon

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FEATURE

F O O D WA S T E PA R T N E R S H I P A N N O U N C E D Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new partnership with the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, the latest effort in the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative launched by the three federal agencies in 2018.

Through this Memo of Understanding (PDF, 938 KB), USDA, EPA, and FDA will formalize industry education and outreach efforts with the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Food Marketing Institute, and the National Restaurant Association, the three founding partners of the Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA). The FWRA represents three major sectors of the supply chain: food manufacturing, retail, and restaurant and food service. The Alliance pursues three goals: reducing the amount of food waste generated; increasing the amount of safe, nutritious food donated to those in need; and diverting food waste from landfills.

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

“USDA shares many common goals with the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, including our belief in the power of teamwork,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We are proud to join this public-private partnership to prompt action throughout the food system.”

“EPA is proud to build upon the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative through this partnership with leaders of the Food Waste Reduction Alliance,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

“Reducing food loss and waste has many environmental and social benefits. By collaborating with these major segments of the food supply chain, we are making progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste by 50 percent by 2030.”

“The FDA strongly supports our shared goal of reducing the amount of food that Americans waste through important efforts like today’s agreement,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D.

“The issues of food waste and food safety go hand in hand and we will continue to work with our federal partners and other stakeholders on enhancing our efforts to reduce food waste and do it safely. We are committed to doing all that we can to support safe and sound food policy decisions that are good for our families, good for our communities, and good for our planet.”

Federal officials shared the news today at the 2019 Food Waste Summit, hosted

by ReFED, a nonprofit that uses a datadriven approach to combat food loss and waste. At the event, federal officials also recognized the growing cadre of U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions, a group of corporations and organizations that have made a public commitment to reduce food loss and waste in their U.S. operations by 50 percent by the year 2030.

In the U.S., more than one-third of all available food goes uneaten through loss or waste. Food is the single largest type of

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waste in our daily trash. In recent years, great strides have been made to highlight and mitigate food loss and waste, but the work has just begun. When food is tossed aside, so too are opportunities for economic growth, healthier communities, and environmental protection – but that can change through partnership, leadership, and action.

The Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative is a collaborative effort (PDF, 579 KB) among USDA, EPA, and FDA to reduce food loss and waste through combined and agency-specific action.

Individually and collectively, these agencies contribute to the initiative, encourage long-term reductions, and work toward the goal of reducing food loss and waste in the United States. These actions include research, community investments, education and outreach, voluntary programs, public-private partnerships, tool development, technical assistance, event participation, and policy discussion.

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ECONOMIC & POLICY UPDATE

P R O S P E C T S F O R W I N T E R BAC K G R O U N D I N G I N 2 019 / 2 0 2 0 Kenny Burdine and Greg Halich, University of Kentucky A good portion of Kentucky struggled with drought from late July until early October. Dry conditions, combined with normal seasonal declines in calf val­ues, resulted in calf prices falling by more than $20 per cwt from their April highs. Winter background­ ing profitability has a significant impact on calf pric­es as those winter backgrounders are competing with feedlots to purchase calves for placement in the fall. The purpose of this article is to examine poten­tial returns to backgrounding programs for the up­coming winter.

At the time of this writing (October 22, 2019), March 2020 CME© feeder cattle futures were trading around $138.50 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 $138.50, and an estimated -$6 basis, an 800 lb feeder steer in Kentucky would be expected to bring around $1,060 (800# @ $132.50 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 potload sized groups. Producers considering winter background­ ing should make some estimate of a late winter sale price as they start to consider what can be paid for calves this fall.

The Kentucky Livestock and Grain Market Report for the week ending on October 18th reported a state average price for 450-500 lb steers of $139.39 per cwt and a state average price for 500-550 lb steers of $136.98 per cwt.

This market continues to evolve and additional costs could be incurred putting to­gether groups of calves for placement. For the pur­ poses of this article, we estimated the purchase price for a 500 lb steer at $140 per cwt, or something close to $700 per head.

Larger groups of high quali­ty calves would certainly sell for more than this, 26

so individuals are encouraged to apply this process to the type of calves they typically buy.

We also need cost estimates on wintering those calves and selling them in the spring. While we pro­ vide 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 weight 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 value at $200 per ton and grass hay at $80 per ton. Health costs are assumed to be $25 per head, transportation costs are estimated to be $8 per head, and selling/marketing expenses are set at $17 per head. An interest charge of 6% is in­cluded and death loss is assumed to be 2%. 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 $17 per head, which assumes that producers are paying the re­ duced 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 also important. We have assumed $25 per head, which is likely sufficient to include mass medication of all calves. However, this is a decision that the in­ dividual producer should make and adjust their cost estimates accordingly. With these caveats in mind, the following table shows

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expected returns to the program described above.

As can be seen in Table 1, projected returns are $95 per head this winter based on the assumptions dis­ cussed previously. Producers are strongly encour­aged to modify these assumptions for their individu­ al 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. Pro­ ducers 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 back­ grounding 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 $132.50 per cwt and the projected return is $95 per head.

A $12 per cwt decrease in sale 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 1 reported estimated returns to placement of a 500 lb steer this fall at one specific purchase price. Table 2 shows a side-by-side comparison of ex­pected 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 bodyweight. A few other costs also increase, such as mineral, transpor­ tation and interest.

DECEMBER 2019

Table 1: Winter Backgrounding Budget Estimate # units

unit

price/ unit

total

800

lbs

$1.325

$1060

Stocker Calf

500

lbs

$1.40

$700

Hulls/Gluten

0.585

tons

$200

$117

Hay

.585

tons

$80

$47

Mineral

1

head

$10

$10

Vet/Medical

1

head

$25

$25

Selling/Marketing

1

head

$17

$17

Hauling

1

head

$8

$8

Other (water, etc)

1

head

$10

$10

Interest

6%

rate

Death loss

2%

Revenues Feeder Expenses

$14 $17

Total Expenses

$965

Return to Land, Capital, and Management

$95

Table 2: Expected Vatiable Costs Fall 2019 Feed

$117

$140

Hay

$47

$56

Vet/Medical

$25

$25

Mineral

$10

$12

Commission/Sale

$17

$17

Trucking

$8

$10

Interest

$14

$15

Death Loss

$17

$17

Other (water, etc)

$10

$10

Total Variable Costs

$265

$303

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

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ECONOMIC & POLICY UPDATE Table 3: Target Purchase Prices For Various Gross Profits Fall 2019 Gross Profit

500 lb Steer

600 lb Steer

$25

$1.54

$1.38

$50

$1.49

$1.34

$75

$1.44

$1.30

$100

$1.39

$1.26

$125

$1.34

$1.22

Notes: Based on costs in Table 1 and sales price of $1.325 and $1.2985 for 800 lb and 900 lb sale weight respectively for 500 lb and 600 lb purchased steers.

The cost estimates from Table 2 are used to esti­mate target purchase prices for both 500 and 600 steers, given a target gross return, in Table 3. A range of gross returns from $25 to $125 per head were used to create Table 3, which are used to esti­mate a range of purchase prices. For 500 lb steers, target purchase prices ranged from $1.34 to $1.54 per lb. For 600 lb steers, target purchase prices ranged from $1.22 to $1.38 per lb.

Here is an example of how this works for a 500 lb steer, targeting a $75 gross profit per head: 800lb steer x $1.325 (expected sale price) $1,060 Total Variable Costs -$265 Target Profit -$75 Target Purchase Cost $720 Given the assumptions of this analysis, expected returns to winter backgrounding are moderate given the late-October’s calf market and late winter CME(c) 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 ontracting, futures and options, LRP insurance, and other stratefgies. Figure 1 depicts March CME(c) Feeder Cattle Futures from DTN over the last seven months. Note that the March CME(c) Feeder Cattle Futures contract is up nearly $10 per cwt from where it was in early September and has seen a trading range exceeding $30 per cwt since April. While it does appear that the market is offering some opportunity for winter backgrounding, the last few months, as well as the last few years have provided a reminder as to how unpredictable these markets are. Therefore, some additional effort should be applied to manage downside price risk. Winter backgrounders should carefully calculate their breakeven purchase prices for calves and be opportunistic as they approach this fall.

Figure 1. March 2020 CME (c) Feeder Cattle Futures from DTN (close 10/21/19).

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

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

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27

FEATURE

E M E R G E N C Y C A L F M A N AG E M E N T A F T E R D I F F I C U LT B I R T H MICHELLE ARNOLD DVM-Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, University of Kentucky

Last month’s article, “Goodbye Metal Tags, Hello RFID” regarding the new identification regulations have recently been retracted. USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced Friday (Oct. 25) it has suspended its plan to phase-in the use of electronic ID (RFID) tags for cattle and bison. APHIS said in a statement the policy shift was in response to executive orders from President Trump that have highlighted the need for transparency and communication of issues “before placing any new requirements on American farmers and ranchers.” In its statement Friday, APHIS said the factsheet was removed because it “is no longer representative of current agency policy.”

“Dystocia” is defined as a difficult or prolonged calving, whether or not human assistance was necessary for delivery of the calf. Factors known to cause dystocia include a mismatch between small pelvic size of the dam and large calf size, abnormal calf presentation (for example, backwards or head turned back), and maternal factors such as weak labor, insufficient dilation of the cervix, or a uterine twist or torsion. Thin cows often experience prolonged labor and calves are born weak and slow to stand and nurse. Inappropriate timing of intervention or excessive force applied during delivery may cause additional stress and injury to an already weakened calf. Following dystocia, a calf is 6 times more likely to get sick than a calf born normally, with most deaths occurring within 96 hours of birth.

The key event in the transition from life inside the uterus to an independent existence is the initiation of breathing. As the lungs inflate, blood is enriched with life-sustaining oxygen. The first breath is the hardest to take and is comparable to the first hard push of air necessary when inflating a balloon. In order to help breathing begin after a difficult delivery, immediately place the calf upright on its sternum (breastbone) to maximize 28

ventilation (Figure 1). Calves should have their nose and mouth cleared of any fluid or other physical obstruction, either by hand or suction bulb. Calves should not be hung upside-down or swung around by their rear legs to remove fluids by gravity. These procedures cause the abdominal organs to push against the diaphragm, making it even more difficult to expand the lungs. Calves should make active respiratory movements within 30 seconds of being delivered.

If spontaneous breathing does not begin, it is important to stimulate respiration.

Many methods have been tried but very little published information is available as to their usefulness. Once the calf is placed on its sternum, vigorous stimulation of the calf by rubbing the head and body and placing a finger or piece of straw in the nose should initiate a gasping reflex that helps bring air into the lungs. Mouth-to-mouth or mouthto-nose resuscitation is very difficult to do effectively. Establishing a tight seal to prevent air leakage is difficult but, even more importantly, the air blown in usually goes down the esophagus and fills the stomach, making the situation worse for the struggling calf. To avoid these problems, a veterinarian may use an endotracheal tube with an inflatable cuff to provide positive pressure ventilation effectively. Certain prescription medications such as doxapram may also be used to stimulate respiration although severely affected calves do not always respond to it. Veterinarians may also use injectable sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis, a condition that often follows dystocia in which the calf’s blood is more acidic than it should be due to the lack of oxygen. In general, cardiac resuscitation is not attempted in calves born without a heartbeat as there is very little chance of survival. Similarly, calves that do not respond to respiratory stimulation techniques and cannot sit up on their own after 10 minutes are unlikely to survive.

In moving from the uterus to the outside COW COUNTRY •

Figure 1: Meconium staining (yellow color) is an indicator of calf stress during delivery Placing the calf on the sternum (as pictured) maximizes ventilation of the lungs. environment during birth, newborn calves often experience a dramatic shift in temperature. Calves delivered normally maintain their body temperature (thermoregulation) by shivering and by mobilizing energy from brown adipose (fat) tissue. Simple, natural physical activities such as standing, walking, and consuming colostrum will also generate body heat. Following a difficult birth, calves have an impaired response to cold temperatures. Inadequate oxygen can reduce muscle tone and prevent shivering as well as decrease the calf’s ability to utilize its brown fat. Calves with thermal stress and low energy are slow to stand and nurse, limiting their ability to warm themselves through this natural physical behavior. These calves should be exposed to an infrared heater or placed in a warm bath to improve rectal temperature, blood oxygen level, and respiratory rate. If electric heating pads

DECEMBER 2019

are used, they must be closely monitored because pads can get hot enough to cause burns, particularly if the calf is unable to move off the pad. Heat lamps must also be monitored to prevent burns.

The single most important factor in calf survival after a calf establishes its breathing, is receiving and absorbing an adequate amount of good-quality colostrum. It is essential that all calves receive 3-4 quarts of colostrum within the first 6 hours of life, preferably 2 of those quarts within an hour of birth.

Since a calf is unlikely to voluntarily suckle after dystocia, it is recommended to feed colostrum via stomach tube (“esophageal feeder”) within one hour of birth if there is any doubt as to the calf’s vitality. Calves that are wedged in the pelvic canal for prolonged periods may be born with a swollen head and/or tongue.

This condition will usually resolve itself

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

within one to two days but feeding the calf with an esophageal feeder is required until the calf is able to suckle. Colostrum contains immunoglobulins that form the calf’s immune system as well as nutrients vital to the newborn such as fat-soluble vitamins and sugars. A weak newborn calf left to suckle the cow without assistance is a major cause of “failure of passive transfer” (FPT) of antibodies from dam to calf because of delayed consumption of colostrum. FPT increases susceptibility to infectious diseases, increases neonatal sickness and death and has long-term effects on growth and performance if the calf survives.

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

Major problems in the calf may arise days to weeks after a complicated delivery.

Excessive force applied during delivery may result in trauma such as fractures of the legs, ribs and vertebral column and damage to the spinal cord. The extent of these injuries may not be obvious at birth but will become apparent over the next one to two weeks. The umbilicus (or “navel”) may become infected due to prolonged contact with the ground, predisposing the calf to infections carried by the bloodstream to all major organs and death follows shortly afterward.

Mild antiseptics can be used on the umbilical cord but avoid strong, caustic

agents as these will cause irritation and inflammation of these sensitive tissues.

Maintaining a clean, dry calving area and ensuring adequate high-quality colostrum ingestion quickly after birth are the best methods to prevent disease in fragile newborns.

In summary, success in saving a calf after a difficult delivery will depend largely on the condition of the calf at birth. Some will suffer major trauma during delivery resulting in severe bruising, fractured ribs, bleeding in the central nervous system, and other maladies resulting in death irrespective of treatment. Other

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

calves will be born with a heartbeat but not breathing; these calves are good candidates for resuscitation. Establishing a straight airway by placing the calf on its sternum, initiating breathing through vigorous rubbing of the head and body and tickling the nasal passages with a piece of straw, and establishing a warm body temperature are the cornerstones to immediate calf survival. Once the calf is stable, early delivery of high quality colostrum is essential for passive transfer of immunoglobulins, energy, and longterm survival.

29

LEGAL NEWS

P RO P E RT Y OW N E R OW E S N O L E G A L D U T Y TO N E I G H B O R I N G C AT T L E FA R M E R S F O R H A R M C A U S E D BY P O I S O N O U S Y E W B U S H E S CANDACE SMITH Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC

The Kentucky Court of Appeals recently ruled that cattle farmers should be vigilant about potential dangers on their property line. Saufley v. Reed, 576 S.W.3d 601 (Ky. App. 2019). In Saufley v. Reed, fifteen cows died after fatally consuming poisonous yew bushes that had grown from a neighbor’s property onto the cattle farm. The Court of Appeals ruled that the farmers could not sue for the death of their cattle. This is because Kentucky follows the “Massachusetts Rule,” which generally gives property owners the right of “self-help,” but not the right to bring a lawsuit for damages caused by the “normal droppings of leaves and debris from [its] tree.” Id. at 603-04; Schwalbach v. Forest Lawn Mem. Park, 687 S.W.2d 551, 551-52 (Ky. App. 1985). When Kentucky first adopted the Massachusetts Rule, the Court of Appeals explained, [A]n owner of land is at liberty to use his land, and all of it, to grow trees. Their growth naturally and reasonably will be accompanied by the extension of boughs and the

penetration of roots over and into adjoining property of others . . . The neighbor, though without right of appeal to the courts if harm results to him, is, nevertheless, not without remedy. His right to cut off the intruding boughs and roots is well recognized . . . His remedy is in his own hands. . . .

Schwalbach, 687 S.W.2d at 551-52 (citations omitted). “Self-help” under this rule generally means a property owner has “the right to cut encroaching branches, roots, and other growth to the property line, but may not enter the adjoining property to chop down the tree or plant or cut back growth without the adjoining property owner’s consent.”

Lane v. W.J. Curry & Sons, 92 S.W.3d 355, 360 (Tenn. 2002). Although some states allow property owners to bring legal actions in addition to self-help, states like Kentucky that follow the Massachusetts Rule do not.

When Kentucky courts have applied the Massachusetts Rule in a general way to find property owners were not liable for

damages, the courts emphasized that the results were fact dependent and may have been different if the trees were rotten or dead, if the property owner knowingly planted poisonous vegetation, if the property owner regularly visited the property, if the property was not rural, if the property owner was aware (or should have been aware) of the threat, or if the party that was harmed had tried to trim the vegetation or raised a concern with the property owner. Saufley, 576 S.W.3d at 603-04; Schwalbach, 687 S.W.2d at 551-52. Therefore, Kentucky courts have left open the possibility that a particular situation might create legal liability. Moreover, while Kentucky courts recognize a property owner’s right to “self-help,” there are limitations to this right and the property owner may only cut vegetation “back to the property line.” Saufley, 576 S.W.3d at 603-04.

As a result, the primary lesson from the Court of Appeals’ recent decision is that cattle farmers should be vigilant about vegetation encroaching onto their property from neighboring lands. If there is reason to believe harmful vegetation

is crossing onto a farmer’s property, an attorney can provide guidance tailored to the circumstances.

Candace Smith is an attorney at the law firm Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC, in Lexington, Kentucky, where she practices in the areas of property, agriculture, mineral, and business law.

These materials are public information and have been prepared solely for educational purposes. These materials reflect only the personal views of the authors and are not individualized legal advice. It is understood that each case is fact-specific, and that the appropriate solution in any case will vary.

Therefore, these materials may or may not be relevant to any particular situation. Thus, the authors and Steptoe & Johnson PLLC cannot be bound either philosophically or as representatives of their various present and future clients to the comments expressed in these materials. The presentation of these materials does not establish any form of attorney-client relationship with the authors or Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. While every attempt was made to ensure that these materials are accurate, errors or omissions may be contained therein, for which any liability is disclaimed.

@kycattlemensbeef

for more information, visit kentuckycattlemensbeef.com

Available at Kroger!

30

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

STATE CONSERVATION COST-SHARING COULD GET A BOOST applications—would be the first in 25 years, she said.

State conservation cost share funds available for farm soil and water conservation projects in Kentucky could soon get a boost.

Projects covered by conservation costsharing in addition to manure storage structure construction are fencing, water well protection, cropland and forest erosion control, pasture renovation, and more. Conservation cost share funds come from Kentucky’s share of the 1998 national tobacco master settlement agreement and additional state funds, says the division.

Current regulation governing the Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Program limits farmers to a 75 percent cost share up to $7,500 per project, with a higher cap of $20,000 for animal waste projects such as manure storage structures, Kentucky Division of Conservation Director Paulette Akers told the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee yesterday.

The division intends to file a revised regulation with the state, however, that would set the cap at $20,000 for all conservation practices.

Akers said conservation cost-sharing is averaging the state $6 million to $7 million per calendar year.

“We would not be able to do this without the fabulous partnerships we have with the conservation districts staffs, the people on the ground who work on one on one with the farmers and enter all of these applications in,” said Akers.

The increase in the $7,500 cap—which Akers said applies to around 53 percent of all state conservation cost-sharing

She also credited the Kentucky Division of Water, the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other agencies for the regulatory change which Akers said has received the go-ahead from the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission, which administers the cost share program with assistance of local conservation districts.

Kentucky’s conservation cost-share balance currently stands at around $12.5 million, said Akers, although that amount doesn’t reflect funds that have been obligated but not spent. That includes $3 million from fiscal year 2017, $1.8 million from fiscal year 2018, and $4.2 million in obligated funds have yet to be spent for fiscal year 2019. That leaves an actual balance of around $3 million, she told the committee.

be obligated as soon as early next year based on cost-share applications by this year’s Dec. 15 cut-off. Approval is based on ranking criteria and funds available, according to the division.

“That may use that $3 million up,” she said.

Committee Co-Chair Sen. C.B. Embry Jr., R-Morgantown, thanked Akers for the presentation, calling it a “very thorough presentation, very informative.”

Akers said that $3 million balance may

The Division of Conservation is part of the Department for Natural Resources, which is part of the state Energy and Environment Cabinet. According to the Cabinet’s website, the division provides assistance to the state’s 121 conservation districts by helping “to develop, administer and implement sound conservation programs across the state.”

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COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

31

FEATURE

2020 January 16 - 17, 2020

Owensboro Convention Center

The 2020 KCA Convention will be held January 16-17, 2020 in Owensboro, KY. The program will provide cattle producers the opportunity to learn and meet other farmers from across the state. In addition to cattle farmers, the meeting will feature an Ag Industry Trade Show.

“The Convention allows all farmers to visit the trade show with over 100 booths, attend educational sessions, and mingle with other producers, all in one place” said Tim White, KCA Convention Chairman.

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is happy to welcome the Beef Efficiency Conference, hosted by the Kentucky Beef Network and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, back to the KCA Convention. This year’s conference will involve speakers discussing how production efficiency begins with a healthy calf. Dr. Gordon Jones will welcome the attendees followed

by Dr. Jason Smith discussing wintertime nutritional management and considerations for optimizing cowherd productivity and calf health. Dr. Don Givens will be discussing vaccination and management for optimizing calf health and finishing the conference will be Dr. David Smith discussing anticipating and avoiding health problems at calving time.

“The Kentucky Beef Network, University of Kentucky and Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association are pleased to host this great group of speakers from across the United States discussing some very timely topics in beef production.

The Beef Efficiency Conference allows cattle producers an opportunity to hear some of the beef industry’s top leaders discuss how to make our own Kentucky farms more efficient” says Becky Thompson, Kentucky Beef Network Director.

ADDITIONAL SESSIONS WILL ADDRESS OTHER ISSUES FACING TODAY’S LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY, INCLUDING: KJCA –Starting Thursday morning at 10:00am, Junior Cattlemen members will partake in a Beef Skillathon practice contest to prepare for the state skillathon contest.

That afternoon, members will hear from Dr. Sara Place about the truths on beef’s impact on the environment. On

Friday morning, from 9:00a – 9:30a members will receive beef industry updates from the CEO of NCBA, Colin Woodall. From 10:00am-12:00pm, junior members will compete in the Beef Quiz Bowl. Participants will answer beef and beef cattle questions in a quick recall style, in the Trade Show Exhibit Hall. On Friday afternoon, Junior Officer and Director elections will take place during the membership meeting starting at 3:00pm, followed by a reception at 4:00pm.

Attend the Opening General Session on Thursday afternoon to hear Dr. Sara Place from Elanco Animal Health discussing animal agriculture in a sustainable food system. Hear from Kentucky Beef Network, Kentucky Beef Council, and Beef Solutions will give their annual reports on their program activities.

Battle of the Burgers Cookoff – Thursday evening will put cooking skills to the test in this cooking competition featuring cooking teams from across the state and sponsored by Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef. Several teams will have the opportunity to face one another and see who can grill up the best burger. See page 38 for more information on the competition.

A Taste of Owensboro - The culinary landscape of Owensboro is diverse – from burger joints, bakeries, to Bar-B-Que. During the taste of Owensboro, you will have an opportunity to enjoy some of the best of Owensboro’s culinary community. The Taste of Owensboro is a celebration of our community of great food and great people.

Trivia Game Night- Join us for a new event in the Trade Show on Thursday night. Come test your knowledge of cows, Kentucky, and more in a six round, team trivia contest! The top 3 winning teams will receive a cash prize! In addition, a silent raffle will be held throughout the evening and various door prizes will be given out in between rounds. Come have some fun and win great prizes! Spectators welcome.

County President’s Award Breakfast – What better way to bring the leaders of our industry together to celebrate and showcase their accomplishments than this awards breakfast. This event is to award the County President’s for a job well done for the 2019 membership year and plans are in place to make this an extra special event.

This is an invitation only event for 2019 County Presidents and their guests.

Meeting of the House of Delegates – The House of Delegates will meet in their respective regional caucus Friday morning. The authority of the House of Delegates will be to elect the various Board of Directors and to review, develop and recommend any resolutions to the General Assembly at the Closing General Session.

Delegates and Resolutions must be provided, in writing to the KCA office by December 31st, prior to the Convention.

Silent Auction – The Silent Auction has long been a great way for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation to raise money and you can be a part of this great tradition.

Donate a gift that is unique to your farm or county. By

donating to the Silent Auction, you are helping to put money back into the KCA Foundation that helps to fund the KCA Leadership Program and Scholarships.

Closing Session- Join us on Friday to hear from NCBA CEO, Colin Woodall discussing issues facing cattle producers. Plus, Dave Maples will give his KCA Annual report and hear from Ken Adams, KCA Treasurer with our annual financial report and Carey Brown, with our annual communications report.

Forages at KCA – The annual Forages at KCA program will feature discussions on tall fescue: past, present, and future. Dr. Chris Teutsch will welcome the attendees followed by Dr. Garry Lacefield discussing the history of tall fescue. Dr. Ray Smith will then discuss tall fescue variety updates followed by tall fescue research updates

by Dr. Michael Flythe. Finishing the program, Dr. Chris Teutsch, will be talking about practical considerations for utilizing tall fescue in grazing systems.

Industry Disruptors –New to convention this year, join us for two sessions on alternative proteins, and Checkoff Dollars. During session 1 we will discuss alternative proteins with Dr. Sara Place, from Elanco, and their impact to farmers and Nathan Lawson will be addressing the question of what are we doing in Kentucky to address this issue. Session 2 we will be featuring a discussion on how your Beef Checkoff dollars are collected and their guidelines for how they can be spent with Greg Hanes, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Collin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Dave Maples, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association.

Ladies Program- The Ladies Program is all about holiday entertaining and décor this year! Please sign up when registering to spend the afternoon learning how to make a charcuterie board and paint your own HOME wall décor sign. Each HOME sign will have 3 different “O” options, and you will get to paint all three to decorate throughout the year.

KCA Leadership and President’s Reception – This reception brings together eight alumni classes of the KCA Leadership Program. Joining the leadership graduates will be the past and present KCA State Presidents. This invitation only event is sure to be an impressive gathering of leaders throughout our state.

Evening Extravaganza – This is one night you don’t want to miss! The evening begins with a steak dinner, 2020 KCA Hall of Fame Inductions, live Foundation Auction, and many other awards.

The 2020 KCA Convention will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center at 501 W 2nd St. There are several hotels available in the area. Find the list of hotels on page 33. The cost for full registration is $50 up to December 1st and $75 thereafter, KJCA member registration will be $10.

Full Registration includes the Beef Efficiency Conference, trade show admission, Forages, Regional & Business meetings, and the welcome lunch but does not include any other meals. For an updated schedule or to register online, visit www.kycattle.org or call 859-278-0899.

www.kycattle .org/convention.html 32

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 7:00 - 6:00

Registration Hours

Registration Booth

10:00

Beef Efficiency Conference: Production Efficiency Begins with a Healthy Calf Wintertime Nutritional Management: Considerations for Optimizing Cowherd Productivity and Calf Health - Dr. Jason Smith, Texas A&M Vaccination and Management to Optimize Calf Health - Dr. Dan Givens, Auburn University Vet School Managing for Health: Anticipating and Avoiding Health Problems at Calving Time Dr. David Smith, Mississippi State Vet School Trade Show Opens

10:00 - 12:30

KJCA - Beef Skillathon

Riverview Room

11:30

Welcome Lunch

Exhibition Hall

8:00 - 11:30

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: HAMPTON INN & SUITES DOWNTOWN

West Ballroom A-C

OWENSBORO/WATERFRONT 401 W 2ND STREET

Exhibition Hall

OWENSBORO KY 42301 270-685-2005 RATE: $119

Opening General Business Session West Ballroom A-C

4:00 - 4:30

Sara Place, Elanco Animal Health Kentucky Beef Network Annual Report, Kentucky Beef Council Annual Report, Beef Solutions Annual Report KJCA - Beef and the Environment, with Dr. Sara Place

4:30

Battle of the Burger - sponsored by Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef

Exhibition Hall Stage

6:00

A Taste of Owensboro

Exhibition Hall

270-683-1111

6:30

Trivia Game Night

Exhibition Hall

RATE: $115

9:00

Trade Show Closes

1:30 - 3:30

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 6:30 - 5:00 Registration Hours 7:00 - 9:00 County President Breakfast (Invitation Only) 8:00 Trade Show Opens 8:30 - 3:00 Silent Auction 9:00 - 9:30 KJCA - Beef Industry Updates, with Colin Woodall Regional Meetings Region 1 Region 2 10:00 - 11:00 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 10:00 -12:00 KJCA - Beef Quiz Bowl Closing Business Session 12:30 - 2:00 Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association KCA Treasurer’s Report, KCA Annual Report 2:00 Trade Show Closes 2:00 - 4:00 Industry Disruptors Session 1: Alternative Proteins - Andy Bishop (Moderator), Nathan Lawson, Dr. Sara Place Session 2: Structure of the Beef Checkoff - Tim White (Moderator), Dave Maples, Colin Woodall, Greg Hanes Forages at KCA: Tall Fescue - Past, Present, and Future The History of Tall Fescue – Dr. Garry Lacefield, UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence Tall Fescue Variety Update – Dr. Ray Smith, UK Plant and Soil Sciences 2:00 - 4:00 Tall Fescue Research Update – Dr. Michael Flythe, USDA Forage-Animal Production Research Unit Practical Considerations for Utilizing Tall Fescue in Grazing Systems – Dr. Chris Teutsch UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence 2:30 - 4:30 Ladies Program: Holiday Entertaining and Décor 3:00 KJCA - Officer Elections (Current KJCA Board Members Only) 3:15 KJCA - Annual Membership Meeting & KJCA Board of Director Elections 4:00 KJCA - Reception 4:00 Internet Feeder Calf Sale 5:00 - 6:00 KCA Leadership Alumni & Past President’s Reception (Invitation Only) Evening Banquet KCA & KBC Awards 6:00 2020 KCA Hall of Fame Inductions Foundation Auction COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

Riverview Room

Registration Booth West Ballroom E Exhibition Hall Riverview Room West Ballroom E West Ballroom D West Ballroom A West Ballroom B West Ballroom C Exhibition Hall

HOLIDAY INN & SUITES 701 WEST FIRST STREET OWENSBORO KY 42301

HAMPTON INN SOUTH 615 SALEM DRIVE 270-926-2006 RATE $109 COURTYARD OWENSBORO 3120 HIGHLAND POINTE DRIVE 270-685-4140 RATE: $112

East Ballroom A-D

FAIRFIELD INN OWENSBORO West Ballroom A-C

800 SALEM DRIVE OWENSBORO, KY 42303 270-688-8887 RATE $92

West Ballroom D

East Ballroom E Riverview Room Riverview Room Riverview Room Convention Center Lobby East Ballroom E

Online Registration is open! www.kycattle.org/convention.html

East Ballroom A-D

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

33

January 16 - 17, 2020 • Owensboro Convention Center KCA CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

Event

Number Attending

Cost

Totals

Full Registration

(Includes Trade Show, Beef Efficiency Conference, Forages, Welcome Lunch, Regional & Business Meetings)

Trade Show Only

(Includes Beef Efficiency Conference, Forages, & Welcome Lunch)

Student / KJCA Registration (21 years or younger)

$75

x

=

$25

x

=

$10

x

=

FREE

x

=

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

NAME

NAME

NAME

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

COUNTY (Required)

PHONE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 Beef Efficiency Conference (9:30am - 11:30am)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 Evening Banquet

EMAIL

$50

x

=

Banquet Preferred Seating (Table of Ten)

$600

x

=

Ladies Program

$20

x

=

CREDIT CARD TYPE

CREDIT CARD NO.

EXPIRATION DATE

SIGNATURE

Mail to: KCA Convention Registration 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, Kentucky 40503

Total Amount Due

Questions?

Call Mackenzie Miller at 859-278-0899 or email mmiller@kycattle.org

34

COW COUNTRY •

Or Fax: (859) 260-2060

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

Thursday, January 16 2020 10:00 -12:30: Beef Skillathon Open to all Kentucky Jr Cattlemen’s Association members as a practice contest leading up to the state skillathon contest. This will focus ONLY on beef and beef cattle, no other species. Areas will be the same as those found at the state contest. Contest rules can be found on the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Convention tab. The contest rooms will be closed to only participants and contest staff. If a participant needs extra accommodations please contact Niki Ellis nellis@kycattle.org prior to the contest.

1:30-3:30 Opening General Business Session KJCA members will be encouraged to attend and learn about the happenings in the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association.

4-4:30 Beef and the Environment with Dr. Sara Place

Friday, January 17 2020

Members will hear from Dr. Sara Place about the truths on beef’s impact on the

9-9:30 Beef Industry Updates from Colin Woodall

environment

10:00 – 12:00: Beef Quiz Bowl

4:30 Battle of the Burger

Open to all Kentucky Jr Cattlemen’s Association members. This will be a live quiz

KJCA will have at least one team competing in the Battle of the Burger. Team/teams

bowl, with teams of 3-4. Age divisions will not be assigned. Participants will answer

will sign up at convention.

beef and beef cattle questions in a quick recall style. The rules will be the same as previous years, and can be found on the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association website

6:30 Game Show Night

under the youth tab. This year, the contest will be held in the trade show to allow

KJCA will have team to participate in the game show night.

more room for spectators.

2:30 KJCA Officer Elections- Current Board Members ONLY 3:00 KJCA Annual Membership Meeting & KJCA Board of Directors Elections.

4:00 KJCA Reception

KJCA CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM JANUARY 16 - 17, 2020 • OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER • OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY NEW! REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.KYCATTLE.ORG!

List your name as it should appear on badges.

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

COUNTY

PHONE

ZIP

Event

Cost

KJCA Registration

$10

Evening Banquet

$50

EMAIL

Send pre-registration with payment to KCA Convention: 176 Pasadena Drive – Lexington, KY 40503 Call Niki Ellis with questions at 859-278-0899 Visit www.kycattle.org for full agenda COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

x No. Attending

= Totals

Total Due:

35

F R E E

2020

BEEF

E V E N T

EFFICIENCY CONFERENCE

F R E E

TALL FESCUE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE EFFICIENCY CONFERENCE

JANUARY 16 • 9:30 - 11:00 AM CST

JANUARY 17 • 2:00 - 4:00 PM CST

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER WEST BALLROOM A-C

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER WEST BALLROOM D

Held in conjunction with the 2020 KCA Convention

Held in conjunction with the 2020 KCA Convention

The History of Tall Fescue

Wintertime Nutritional Management: Considerations for Optimizing Cowherd Productivity and Calf Health Dr. Jason Smith, Texas A&M

Dr. Garry Lacefield, UK Research and Education Center, Emeritus

Tall Fescue Variety Update

Managing for Health: Anticipating and Avoiding Health Problems at Calving Time Dr. David Smith, Mississippi State Vet School

Dr. Ray Smith, UK Plant and Soil Sciences

Tall Fescue Research Update

Dr. Michael Flythe, USDA Forage-Animal Production Research Unit

Vaccination and Management to Optimize Calf Health Dr. Dan Givens, Auburn University Vet School

36

COW COUNTRY •

E V E N T

Practical Considerations for Utilizing Tall Fescue in Grazing Systems - Dr. Chris Teutsch, UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 • 6:30PM CST

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER EXHIBITION HALL Held in conjunction with the 2020 KCA Convention Join us Thursday night for Trivia Night at the KCA Convention and enjoy a night filled with trivia, raffles, and a cash bar! Trivia is free to play and open to all ages. Each trivia team can include up to 5 people. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams with the most points and to the team with the Best Team Name. Additional door prizes will be awarded throughout the night.

Come test your knowledge of cows, Kentucky, and more in a six round team trivia contest!

Trivia instructions will be thoroughly explained before starting and each team will be provided with a score card and a stack of answer sheets. Spectators welcome!

TRIVIA TEAM REGISTRATION FORM Register your team by January 1st and receive 5 bonus points for your team! Registration will also be available on-site.

TEAM NAME (Get creative!)

COUNTY

TEAM MEMBER #1

TEAM MEMBER #2

TEAM MEMBER #3

TEAM MEMBER #4

TEAM MEMBER #5

To register, send the completed form to any of the following: MAIL: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association - 176 Pasadena Drive, Suite 4 - Lexington, KY 40503 EMAIL: mmiller@kycattle.com • PHONE: 859-278-0899 • FAX: 859-260-2060 Contact Mackenzie with any questions!

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

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Does your County Cattlemen’s Association have the best grilling team in the state of Kentucky?

PROVE IT, at the 2020 Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention!

BATTLE OF THE BURGER! Owensboro Convention Center • Thursday, January 16th at 4:30 p.m Teams of up to four members are welcome to enter the burger cook-off.

Members must be active dues-paying KCA members.

Counties may send more than one team, but no more than three teams per county.

Single person teams are welcome to compete.

Register with the form below or find more info at www.kybeef.com REGISTRATION IS DUE JANUARY 6, 2020 TEAM NAME (Get creative!)

COUNTY

NO MORE THAN 4!

TEAM CAPTAIN

TEAM MEMBER #1

TEAM MEMBER #2

TEAM MEMBER #3

PHONE

EMAIL

SIGN UP YOUR BUSINESS FOR A BOOTH AT THE AG INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW!

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

Entry fee of $20/team per contest.

Please make checks payable to Kentucky Beef Council Send registration forms and questions to Katelyn Hawkins at khawkins@kycattle.org or 859-278-0899 Kentucky Beef Council • 176 Pasadena Dr. Suite 4 • Lexington, KY 40503

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COW COUNTRY •

OR BE A 2020 KCA CONVENTION SPONSOR! Visit kycattle.org/convention.html for the sponsorship & exhibitor packet or call the KCA office at 859-278-0899.

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

N C B A S U P P O R T S E F F O R T TO C O M B AT A N T I M I C R O B I A L R E S I S TA N C E B Q A P R O G R A M E N L I S T S B E E F P R O D U C E R E N G A G E M E N T I N I N I T I AT I V E The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) believes that responsible use of antimicrobial drugs will aid in preserving the future effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against common pathogens in both human and animal species.

worked to increase participation in the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program.

By increasing BQA certification numbers, NCBA seeks to ensure beef producers are responsible and judicious in their use of antimicrobial products through every segment of the industry.

In 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) set forward a challenge to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR Challenge). Since its launch, the AMR Challenge has been one of the most ambitious global initiatives to combat antibiotic resistance, garnering broad support and engagement from across sectors, states and countries. In response to the CDC’s AMR Challenge, NCBA

Year-to-date, the number of beef producers who have completed certification exceeds 318,000 producers, an increase of more than 73 percent over last year’s number. Today, 85 percent of beef in the United States comes from cattle which have been produced by BQA-certified cattlemen and women.

In all, a total of 318,415 producers have completed a BQA training program.

NCBA is proud of the efforts of our beef producing community to take steps necessary to improve and protect our beef supply. The motto of BQA outreach is “The Right Way is the Only Way,” and we stand behind that principle and the industry’s work to supply consumers with the safest, highest quality beef possible.

PLACE YOUR ADS TODAY!

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@ beef.org.

FULL PAGE 4C - $500

The Convention Program is distributed to over 1,000 producers during the convention.

ADS ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 10!

1/2 PAGE 4C - $300 1/4 PAGE 4C - $200 BUSINESS CARD - $125 Call Carey at 859-278-0899 or email cbrown@kycattle.org for more information.

You put in long days.

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COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

crystalyx.com I 800-727-2502 Visit your local CRYSTALYX® dealer for more information.

39

FEATURE

R O U N D W O R M S M AY B E W E I G H I N G D O W N YO U R B E E F H E R D A S S E S S T H E R I S K O F I N T E R N A L PA R A S I T E S I N YO U R PA S T U R E T O IMPROVE WEANING WEIGHTS AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE Roundworm populations cause a great deal of irritation to a cow’s stomach, often leading to suppressed appetite, reduced feed intake and a negative impact on overall herd performance.1

An effective deworming program will start by eliminating the adult worms in the system, rendering them unable to shed eggs into the environment and establish a cycle of pasture reinfestation.

The need to control internal parasites will exist for as long as cattle are grazing pastures. The following considerations can help producers assess the risk of parasites and determine an appropriate deworming protocol for their beef herd:

“If we’re deworming early on and can keep animals on pasture longer, we’re going to see a bigger return on our investment, and calves will do better in the feedlot,” added Dr. Seaton.

Dr. Gillespie recommends administering a long-lasting injectable dewormer in the spring or early summer, and following up with a quality topical dewormer as cattle come off pasture in the fall.

1. Location Parasite risk level can vary, depending on your farm’s geographical location. In the northern part of the United States, cattle on grass are typically exposed to internal parasites such as roundworms during the spring and summer, with external parasites like lice surfacing during the winter months. However, southern areas are often at greater risk of larger parasite populations, and are where internal parasites may be found in pastures for eight to nine months out of the year.

“Every beef herd is unique, and the timing of product administration will significantly impact the success of a deworming program,” concluded Dr. Gillespie. “Remember to work with a veterinarian to establish a cost-effective deworming program for your herd.”

Boehringer Ingelheim is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of almost $4.7 billion (3.9 billion euros) worldwide in 2018, about 10,000 employees and a presence in more than 150 markets. We have pioneered advancements in vaccines, parasite-control products and therapeutics that limit pain and slow disease, and we aim to create the future of animal wellbeing for pets, horses and livestock by focusing on prevention.

2. Weather

Consistent rainfall encourages fastergrowing pastures, and allows for continuous re-exposure to larvae throughout the grazing season. “From year to year, the quality of grass and moisture levels changes,” stated Dr. 40

In a recent study on a cow-calf operation over a two-year period, there was a 12% improvement in reproductive performance for cows that were free of roundworms. In addition, calves of treated cows had an average weaning weight of over 40 pounds more than the non-treated group.2 “Deworming is an absolute requirement, as things can really go wrong when there’s a heavy worm load,” asserted Jim Seaton, DVM, Seaton Vet Clinic, Denison, Iowa.

“When clients deworm properly, they save money in the long run.”

“Internal parasites are not as top-ofmind as external parasites, likely because they leave no visible impacts,” said Joe Gillespie, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

“However, roundworms can significantly impact herd profitability, and are more prevalent than many producers may realize.”

The weather will continually influence parasite populations, as it directly impacts pasture growth. In drier conditions, it’s more difficult for larvae to move up and down on the grass blade.

This means that parasites are less likely to be ingested by cattle, because they stay near the ground or may be stuck in a dry fecal pad.

program,” said Dr. Gillespie. “Using quality deworming products will pay off for producers, because it decreases inefficiencies caused by internal parasites, and increases the likelihood of cattle reaching their profit potential.”

Gillespie. “Green pastures and moisture both provide an excellent opportunity for cattle to be exposed to parasite larvae in the grass.”

Producers are encouraged to consider the amount of precipitation received each year and adapt deworming protocols COW COUNTRY •

with their veterinarian accordingly.

3. Type of Operation “Although cow-calf and yearling operations have the highest risk levels for parasite populations, all beef herds can benefit from a strategic deworming

DECEMBER 2019

Boehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health Business has a significant presence in the United States, with more than 3,000 employees in places that include Georgia, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. To learn more, visit www. boehringer-ingelheim.us, www.facebook. com/BoehringerAHUS or www.twitter.com/ Boehringer_AH

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FLEECE VEST (BLACK)

S

M

L

XL

2X

HOODIE (GREY)

A P PA R E L

3X

MENS LADIES $27

$27

$27

$27

$29

$31

WINDBREAKER (NAVY BLUE)

S

M

L

XL

2X

$25

$25

$27

3X $28

TOTAL APPAREL TOTAL

L

XL

2X

3X

$25

$25

$25

$25

$27

$28

S

M

L

XL

2X

POLO (BLUE)

S

M

L

XL

2X

3X

$20

$20

$20

$20

$22

$23

MENS

3X

LADIES

QTY $25

M

1/4 ZIP PULLOVER (BLACK)

QTY $25

S QTY

$27

$27

$27

$27

$29

$31

IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD

DELIVERY INFORMATION NAME

Visa

NAME ON CARD

MasterCard Discover American Express

+ SHIPPING & HANDLING

ADDRESS

CREDIT CARD NO.

CITY

EXPIRATION DATE

$6.00 = TOTAL ENCLOSED

Cash

STATE

ZIP

PHONE

CVC

SIGNATURE

Check Credit Card

Mail PAYMENT and COMPLETED FORM to: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association • 176 Pasadena Drive • Lexington, Kentucky 40503 Or Fax: (859) 260-2060 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

41

FEATURE

W H Y E C O SYS T E M S A N D T H E I R M A N A G E M E N T A R E T H E E S S E N C E O F L A N D S T E WA R D S H I P Stephen Webb, Ph.D., Staff Scientist, Noble Foundation and Jeff Goodwin, Conservation Stewardship Leader and Pasture and Range Consultant, Noble Foundation\ Understanding ecosystems can lead to a greater appreciation and application of systems thinking — a holistic approach that focuses on the way that a system’s components are related or interconnected, and how the parts function as a whole.

The more we use systems thinking in land stewardship and research, the more we can reduce the unintended consequences of management decisions on soil health and ecosystem services — the benefits we as humans gain from healthy ecosystems.

Understanding Ecosystems: Organisms and Their Environment The degradation of soil health and ecosystem services resulting from poor management practices, often in the pursuit of ever-greater production, is pervasive.

That statement is the essence of why Noble Research Institute (originally called The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation) was founded in 1945, and why we still identify ecosystem health as one of the three great challenges for which Noble seeks solutions. (The other two great challenges are economic uncertainty and education/ training.)

a recipe for an ecological disaster. This is exactly what happened during the Dust Bowl. Ecosystems were forever changed.

To understand why ecosystem health is so important to land stewardship, we must take a deeper look into the topic of ecosystems as it relates to ecosystem services and the provisioning of resources, such as food, fiber and fuel.

Understanding ecosystems can lead to a greater appreciation and application of systems thinking, which can help reduce the chances of unintended consequences of management decisions.

Ecosystems Ecosystems are communities of living organisms along with their physical environment, interacting as a system.

Ecosystems are controlled by physical factors such as climate and topography, and internal factors such as disturbance, succession and species. Nutrient cycles and energy flow are what link the physical components of the system with the living part.

For centuries, people have been domesticating plants and animals to have greater control related to selection, which ultimately would result in a more stable food supply. Further improvement to cultivation practices developed over the past century, which has resulted in more land conversion to agriculture. The advent of technology such as plows further increased efficiency at planting and harvest time. But when hundreds of millions of acres of native grassland are plowed without keeping the ground covered, especially in the absence of rain, you have

Now that we know the definition of an ecosystem, we turn our attention to ecology: the study of relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Here are two examples — one of a natural system and the other of an agroecosystem.

42

Early hunters and gatherers were essentially ecologists in a natural system. Hunters had to know their prey and the prey’s use of the environment (habitats), and gatherers had to know their environment to know where to look for food.

In

our

present-day

agroecosystems,

COW COUNTRY •

farmers and ranchers still need to understand the relationships between the environment and their crops and/or livestock (the living organisms).

Disturbance Although ecosystems are always in a state of change, they are not chaotic assemblages of species. Ecosystems do have structure.

This means that communities of plant and animal species usually are found in association with each other. Disturbance is a form of change and is part of all ecosystems. Historically, disturbance maintained many types of ecosystems.

For example, fire and grazing by bison maintained prairie grasslands.

Disturbance also influences succession, the change of plant communities and their associated animal species. Disturbance and succession both influence biodiversity.

Biodiversity in turn also affects ecosystem functioning because ecosystem processes are dependent on the number and role of species present. Recently, biodiversity, or indicator or umbrella species (usually birds, frogs, bats, pollinators, etc.), have become the basis for monitoring successional stage or ecosystem health and functioning. For

DECEMBER 2019

instance, to trained ecologists such as those on Noble’s producer relations team, identifying indicator species or monitoring biodiversity will help assess the health and functioning of an ecosystem and which direction a management program is heading.

Ecosystem management Assessing the status and health of an entire landscape is the essence of ecosystem management. Ecosystem management is natural resource management targeted at whole ecosystems versus management targeted at a single species or components.

Therefore, ecosystem management implies stewardship and systems. To understand this concept, let’s first look at the father of wildlife management, Aldo Leopold. In his 1949 work, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold writes, “I now suspect that just as a deer herd lives in mortal fear of its wolves, so does a mountain live in mortal fear of its deer.” In short, this means that a single focus on predator control (i.e., control of wolves) to increase deer populations did not consider the interactions between the animals and their environment. That led to unintended consequences that allowed

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

the deer population to grow too much. Too many deer caused severe damage to the range, which in turn influenced other parts of the system.

The same thing happened in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. What happened when wolves were extirpated (made extinct) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem? Herbivore (elk) numbers increased dramatically and recruitment of aspen trees was nearly non-existent because of the heavy grazing pressure on young aspens. In 1995, after an absence of 70 years, wolves were reintroduced to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

With reintroduction of top-tier predators (wolves, grizzly bears), the system became more balanced; herbivore numbers are kept in check and there is recruitment of vegetation (particularly aspen).

Saying it better than we can, Mark Everard wrote, “The diverse roles that ecosystems play in supporting human well-being are too frequently overlooked, often leading to their incremental degradation.”

Restoration of ecological processes tends to generate a wealth of ecosystem service. In summary, ecosystems and their management are the essence of land stewardship, which considers the whole and interacting parts of the system.

Benefits of Healthy Ecosystems Can Improve: • Sustainable fisheries, wildlife, timber and forest products • Recreation/tourism (or aesthetics) of natural resources • Biodiversity and habitat for wildlife • Water quality/quantity • Air quality • Food, fiber and fuel • Temperature control List of Ecosystem Services • Carbon sequestration • Climate regulation • Erosion control • Pollination • Nutrient cycling • Natural regulation or control of pests/ pathogens • Water regulation and purification • Waste decomposition • Primary production • Soil formation Systems Thinking: A Holistic Approach We are now familiar with ecosystems and how living organisms interact with their environment as an interrelated system, so we turn our attention to the role of systems thinking for management and research. A system, in simplest terms, is the interaction COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

among components. Expanding on this, a system is an assemblage of interacting components forming a whole. Systems thinking is a holistic approach that focuses on the way that a system’s components are related or interconnected, and how the parts function as a whole.

In research, systems approaches require that researchers from a variety of fields collaborate in designing and carrying out the research, typically requiring long-term commitments. Even at a basic level of science, or when the research is narrower in scope, scientists can benefit from bringing a systems perspective to their work. Systems thinking enhances the researcher’s ability to understand how each part functions, and how the components function as a whole.

The goal of systems research is to develop knowledge about how a complex system functions as a whole. Despite criticisms that component research isn’t necessary, we would argue that it is needed (when it is part of a larger system that is under study) to understand each component fully, and the interactions among components, until a more complete understanding of a functioning system is developed. To summarize, systems research is: 1) holistic in nature and 2) comprehensive in scope.

Call Charlie for details!

• 859-608-9745 • www.RedBarnandAssociates.com

Many readers may be familiar with “holistic management,” which is similar to the definition of a system in the context of systems management. Allan Savory, who initially developed holistic management to restore grassland soils and halt the damaging effects of climate change and desertification, stresses the importance of remembering that a system cannot be managed without looking inward at the lesser wholes that combine to form it, or without looking outward to the greater wholes of which it is a part.

When agricultural production or resource management is holistic in nature, it offers greater management flexibility, provides for more environmentally and economically sound practices, and creates safer and healthier conditions. Without systems thinking, there will be unplanned and unexpected consequences, such as the examples above about the extirpation (local extinction in a given area) of predators portray, which had many unintended consequences to the system of which they were part. Systems research or management strives to avoid the “what I don’t know won’t hurt me” mentality, which tends to be a narrower way of thinking that so often results in those unintended, but damaging, consequences.

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FEATURE

W H Y S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y ?

Ethan Lane, Vice President, Government Affairs, NCBA

When the topic of sustainability comes up in conversation in cattle circles, it’s common to see heads shaking. It’s not a topic we like to discuss in our industry – primarily because it’s so often raised with bad intentions and worse information.

We bristle because we’ve been doing things right in our business for many generations and it’s difficult to accept that outsiders have influence in how we’re doing business.

Increasingly, though, that’s exactly what’s happening. In the case of sustainability, consumers have decided they ought to have a better understanding and perhaps even a say in how their food is produced.

Now, we don’t have to like the fact that consumers and in many cases outside interest groups have turned a spotlight on beef production, but there is tremendous interest in how food is produced. You can probably trace the origins back to the rise of Food Network and celebrity chefs, but special interests also played a role in the attention that’s paid to modern food production and the practices used to raise cattle and produce beef. The natural evolution of that interest was the conversation about sustainability and whether a product is viewed by consumers as “sustainable.”

Regardless of whether we might like the word or agree with its definition, we’re being judged on how we do things in this business. That same scrutiny is being applied to every single product that goes into a shopper’s cart. The folks who are buying beef care about what we did to the product along the way and we have 44

a good story to tell. But we all know we can tell it until we’re blue in the face and not many folks are going to listen. To get people to pay attention to the beef sustainability story, we must rely on others to help tell it, and perhaps more importantly, verify the story that’s being told. In many cases, the groups telling our story haven’t always had our best interests in mind. One group that has come up in conversations recently is the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

To set the record straight up front, NCBA isn’t a member of WWF and WWF is not a member of NCBA. Neither organization receives any support, financial or otherwise, from the other.

Likewise, no checkoff dollars have been sent to WWF. Both NCBA and WWF are members of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) and these efforts are funded strictly with NCBA membership dollars.

Here again, no checkoff funds have been used to fund GRSB or USRSB. NCBA participates in both GRSB and USRSB at the direction of its members and we participate to make certain that the voice of cattlemen and cattlewomen is heard in conversations about cattle and beef production practices.

Groups like WWF and many others have tremendous influence over corporations in the United States and most foreign countries. That influence extends to the purchasing decisions that are being made by corporations like Costco, Wal Mart, McDonald’s, Sysco and many COW COUNTRY •

others. The influence of WWF and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) extends to Wall Street and the investment banks that provide funding for these massive global corporations. Here too the NGOs hold significant power.

The sustainability of a product like beef can be measured through a lifecycle assessment (LCA), a process that is welldocumented and backed by science.

The beef industry, thanks to the Beef Checkoff, has already completed its own LCA and it continues to update and refine the results of that work, which shows that beef producers have always been sustainable and continue to become more sustainable with each passing year.

Cattle producers have always been good stewards of our natural resources and we’re continually making our animals more efficient. But the sustainability of a product doesn’t begin or end at the ranch gate. It extends backward to the feed and minerals we supply the cowherd. It also encompasses the fuel used to ship packages of beef to distribution centers and the refrigeration used to keep it cold in the grocery store. It’s perhaps the longest and most complex supply chain of any food item.

We know there’s a lot of misinformation about cattle and beef and the impact it has on the environment. We know that some of the folks spreading that misinformation sit across the table from us in conversations about sustainability, but frankly that’s why it’s important for us to be at that table in the first place.

Without us that conversation will still

DECEMBER 2019

happen, but it will happen only amongst our detractors, and without an advocate for our strong record of sustainable production.

We also know that because we have a seat at the table during GRSB and USRSB meetings, we’ve been able to educate both NGO representatives and participating corporations about our resource stewardship and the improvements being made by the entire beef supply chain. Because of these conversations and because of the beef industry’s work to complete an LCA, we’ve been able to demonstrate our sustainability and keep their buyers in the market for our product, instead of shifting to chicken or pork, which are still our two biggest competitors by a wide margin.

The world around us is changing and we’re not headed back to a simpler time. Ever. The world in which we’re producing cattle becomes more complex by the day and frankly that’s why NCBA exists, to help lead the industry through the challenges we face. We might not like the topic of sustainability but that’s one of the many ways NCBA provides value to our members. We sit at the table and represent the interests of our members in conversations they’d rather not have, with people they don’t always agree with.

Those conversations aren’t always easy or popular and we’re going to face our share of critics for having them, but that’s part of the job when you serve as the trusted leader and definitive voice of the beef industry.

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201. Failure to report can result in a fine.

Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.

TODAY’S DATE

ID NUMBER (IF KNOWN)

SELLER’S NAME

BUYER’S NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

CITY

SELLER’S SIGNATURE

STATE

ZIP

BUYER’S SIGNATURE

Both the seller and the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Kentucky Beef Council.

DATE OF SALE

STATE OF ORIGIN*

TOTAL NUMBER OF CATTLE SOLD

X X

$1.OO per Head Federal Checkoff

$

$1.OO per Head State Checkoff

$

Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State

PERSON REMITTING FORM

+ =

BUYER

SELLER

PHONE

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

$

Send Report and Remittance to: Kentucky Beef Council 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503 For additional information: call 859-278-0899 or email beef@kycattle.org According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

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45

MEMBERSHIP DIVISION 3 (UP TO 75 MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Twin Lakes

62

52

10

Grant

53

73

-20

Pendleton

50

66

-16

Muhlenberg

45

74

-29

Taylor

43

74

-31

Mountain

41

75

-34

Out of State

39

66

-27

Nelson

38

63

-25

Woodford

37

55

-18

Webster

35

72

-37

Oldham

35

53

-18

Ohio

34

63

-29

Hancock

34

55

-21

Ian & Elaine Thomas

Carroll

32

44

-12

Mercer County

Mason

31

46

-15

“We chose to be KCA members because they give cattle producers of all herd sizes an immense amount of resources and educational opportunities that our operation has personally benefited from.”

Highlands

29

44

-15

DIVISION 2 (76-150 MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Union

27

61

-34

Franklin

101

128

-27

Todd

26

63

-37

101

-1

Butler

25

29

-4

136

-67

Clay

22

35

-13

22

49

-27

DIVISION 1 (151+ MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Barren

287

496

-209

Shelby

240

361

-121

Pulaski

100

Metcalfe

69

Adair

236

317

-81

Breckinridge

206

410

-204

Bath

205

277

-72

Lincoln

175

249

-74

Marion

173

302

-129

Grayson

167

250

-83

Madison

162

265

-103

Christian

142

178

-36

Jessamine

128

215

Daviess

64

136

-72

Estill

Jackson

61

112

-51

Wayne

21

41

-20

Nicholas

21

42

-21

Montgomery

20

45

-25

Lewis

19

39

-20

Rockcastle

19

53

-34

Simpson

18

33

-15

Hopkins

18

31

-13

Trigg

61

104

-43

Scott

60

105

-45

Trimble

59

108

-49

Boyle

58

95

-37

-87

Northeast Area

58

113

-55

Bourbon

58

77

-19

Clark

122

251

-129

Calloway

17

22

-5

Meade

119

193

-74

Fayette

56

78

-22

Knox

17

67

-50

Harrison

105

152

-47

Edmonson

56

93

-37

Bullitt

16

38

-22

Logan

101

248

-147

Caldwell-Lyon

55

117

-62

McCreary

15

35

-20

Washington

101

193

-92

Louisville Area

55

78

-23

McLean

13

32

-19

Larue

95

172

-77

Fleming

54

122

-68

Whitley

13

50

-37

Casey

95

187

-92

Campbell

53

78

-25

Crittenden

13

26

-13

Warren

94

168

-74

13

25

-12

Laurel

92

149

-57

Hardin

91

195

-104

Henry

88

157

-69

Northern Kentucky

80

153

-73

Monroe

80

157

-77

Green

73

151

-78

Hart

59

263

-204

Mercer

58

165

-107

Bracken

57

193

-136

Allen

21

132

-111

Purchase Area

50

78

-28

Livingston

Garrard

40

79

-39

Menifee

12

18

-6

Henderson

9

12

-3

Robertson

9

32

-23

Magoffin

7

10

-3

Powell

5

8

-3

River Hills

4

7

-3

Eastern Foothills

3

4

-1

Gallatin

2

4

-2

Pike

2

5

-3

Bell

1

1

0

Harlan

0

1

-1

Owen

39

94

-55

Russell

37

78

-41

Clinton-Cumberland

34

76

-42

Anderson

32

97

-65

2020

Totals as of: November 13, 2019

6,029

2019

10,775

Difference

-4,746

If you need anything for membership, please contact Nikki Whitaker at (859) 278-0899 or nwhitaker@kycattle.org 46

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

2019-20 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION * MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/19– 9/30/20

NAME

SPOUSE NAME

FARM NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

COUNTY

RECRUITED BY

PHONE

FAX

EMAIL

ZIP

*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 News.

PLEASE CHECK THE MEMBERSHIP(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN: KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below

NEW

RENEWAL

NEW

RENEWAL

KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP To add your spouse, please add $15 to your KCA Membership KENTUCKY JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ($10/YR)

I WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE YOUNG PRODUCER’S COUNCIL TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: KCA

KJCA

$

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

$

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

COW COUNTRY •

$

DECEMBER 2019

Allen ................................$40 Anderson ........................$25 Bourbon ..........................$20 Boyle ...............................$35 Bullitt ...............................$20 Butler ..............................$25 Franklin ...........................$25 Highlands .......................$20 (Boyd, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence, & Martin)

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

Mountain........................$25 (Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Morgan, Owsley, Perry & Wolfe) Oldham ...........................$35 Taylor ..............................$20 Twin Lakes ......................$20 Warren ............................$40 Wayne .............................$25 Whitley ............................$25 Woodford ........................$25

IF YOU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO JOIN THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION The NCBA is now a State Marketing Partner with the KCA. You can pay your dues to both organizations with one check, at the same time. # HEAD 1-100

$

COUNTY DUES Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.

DUES $150

# HEAD 1,001-1,250

DUES $1,150

101-250

$300

1,251-1,500

$1,400

251-500

$450

1,501-1,750

$1,650

501-750

$650

1,751-2,000

$1,900

751-1000

$650

> 2,000

$1,900 + .38/HD

Complete and return to: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association 176 Pasadena Drive • Suite 4 • Lexington, KY 40503 For faster service, join online at www.kycattle.org

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

47

KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL ANNA HAWKINS Director of Consumer Affairs In my family, cooking a good meal or baking a batch of transparent puddings is the sign of love and appreciation. Going into the holiday season, we are going to do a lot of cooking. But there are stages of cooking I am sure we have all experienced: the excitement of planning a meal and making an ol faithful recipe, living on leftovers for a few days to make room in the fridge, and then the point where no one wants to cook anything else.

A RECIPE FOR ANY SITUATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! CHRISTMAS DINNER:

CLASSIC BEEF WELLINGTON INGREDIENTS: 1 center cut beef Tenderloin Roast, chain removed (about 2 pounds) 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided 8 ounces mushrooms 1 large shallot 2 tablespoons dry red wine 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (1/2 package), thawed

BRINGING AN APPETIZER:

MINI MEATBALL APPETIZERS WITH APRICOT DIPPING SAUCE INGREDIENTS: 1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean) 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs 2 egg whites or 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper

COOKING: 1.

SAUCE: 3/4 cup apricot preserves 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

2. Heat oven to 425°F. Place mushrooms and shallot into food processor; pulse on and off about 10 times until finely chopped. Do not over process. Heat remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil in same skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add mushrooms and shallot; cook 4 to 6 minutes until tender and all liquid is evaporated, stirring often. Add wine; cook 2 to 3 minutes until all liquid is evaporated. Stir in mustard, thyme, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from skillet to medium bowl; cool.

Cook’s Tip: Mushrooms and shallot may be finely chopped by hand.

COOKING: 1.

Heat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, egg whites, water, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 18 to 20 minutes.

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

2. Meanwhile, heat preserves, barbecue sauce and mustard in medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until sauce thickens slightly.

3. Add cooked meatballs and continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve or keep warm in slow cooker (see tip below).

Cook’s Tip: To keep meatballs warm, place in 2-1/2-quart slow cooker set on LOW. Keep covered to maintain heat. Meatballs can be held up to 2-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

48

COW COUNTRY •

Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat until hot. Combine salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Press evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast. Place roast in skillet; brown evenly. Remove roast from skillet.

3. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place in oven. Unfold pastry dough on lightly floured cutting board. Roll pastry out to 12 by 9-inch rectangle; lay dough with shortest edge toward you. Spread mushroom mixture onto pastry dough, leaving 1/2-inch border around edge of dough. Place roast in center of mushrooms. Fold pastry dough neatly around roast, stretching dough if necessary. Cut off excess pastry dough; press to seal overlapping edges. Remove baking sheet from oven and dust lightly with flour. Place pastry-wrapped roast, seam-side down, on baking sheet. Cut 4 (2-inch) vents in top of pastry.

Cook’s Tip: Use any excess dough to decorate Wellington.

4. Bake in 425°F oven 35 to 50 minutes or until golden brown and instant-read thermometer inserted into center of roast registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer Beef Wellington to carving board. Let stand 10 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.) Carve into slices. and serve with your favorite vegetables.

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention’s Ladies Program is all about holiday entertaining and décor this year! Please sign up when registering to spend the afternoon learning how to make a charcuterie board and paint your own HOME wall décor sign. Each HOME sign will have 3 different “O” options, and you will get to paint all three to decorate throughout the year.

TOO MANY LEFTOVERS:

GRILLED STEAK & VEGETABLE SALAD INGREDIENTS: 2 beef Strip Steaks Boneless, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 8 ounces each) 1 medium sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices 3 different vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, eggplant, red onion, red and yellow bell pepper or Romaine lettuce, cut lengthwise into quarters 1/2 cup reduced-fat dressing or vinaigrette, such as Italian, noncreamy Caesar or red wine vinegar, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon pepper COOKING: 1.

Toss potato and vegetables with 1/4 cup dressing; set aside. Rub beef Steaks with garlic and pepper.

2. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Arrange vegetables around steaks. Grill steaks, covered, 7 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill time remains the same) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill lettuce and asparagus 2 to 4 minutes; grill other vegetables 11 to 15 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally.

3. Carve steaks and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Combine beef, vegetables and remaining 1/4 cup dressing in large bowl; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Send your family Christmas and holiday pictures to Anna (ahawkins@kycattle.org) or send them via Facebook on the Kentucky Beef Council page to be featured during our 12 Days of Christmas: Beef Edition on social media.

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

TIRED OF COOKING:

ROAST BEEF & VEGGIE WRAPS INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces cooked beef roast or deli roast beef, thinly sliced 2 cups shredded broccoli slaw 6 tablespoons reduced-fat or fat-free ranch dressing, divided 1/2 cup reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese, softened 4 flour medium tortillas (8 to 10-inch diameter) COOKING: 1.

Mix broccoli slaw and 1/4 cup ranch dressing in medium bowl; mix with 2 forks to coat evenly.

2. Combine cream cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons ranch dressing in small bowl; mix well with rubber spatula.

3. Place tortilla on cutting board or other flat surface. Spread about 2-1/2 tbsp cream cheese mixture on tortilla using a rubber spatula.

4. Top cream cheese with 1/4 roast beef slices in an even layer.

5. Place approximately 1/3 cup of broccoli mixture on roast beef. Using rubber spatula or back of a spoon, spread broccoli mixture in an even layer.

6. Starting at the bottom edge, roll tortilla up tightly to enclose filling.

7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 to make 3 remaining wraps.

8. Adult help needed: Using a knife, cut wraps crosswise into 1-1/2-inch wide pieces or cut diagonally in half.

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

49

2019/2020

COW-CALF CONFERENCES

FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED PRODUCERS! Join us for a day dedicated to improving the profitability of beef cow-calf operations at one of a dozen cow-calf profitability conferences across Kentucky. Conferences are one day, intensive seminars focusing on key topics for cow-calf producers.

• • • • •

CONTROLLING PRODUCTION COSTS IMPROVING WINTER FEEDING PRACTICES OPTIMIZING STOCKING RATES MANAGING THE COWHERD WITH PROFIT IN MIND GENERAL FARM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES DEC 17

London

JAN 8

Grand Rivers

JAN 9

Madisonville

JAN 22

Morehead

JAN 29

Shelbyville

MAR 16

Monticello

MAR 17

Campbellsville

MAR 18

Bowling Green

MAR 19

Elizabethtown

Spring*

Richmond

Fall*

Burlington

Fall*

Danville

*dates to be announced

Delivered by University of Kentucky Agricultural Economics Extension through the Kentucky Beef Network funded by the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board.

For questions, times, or to register, contact your local extension agent.

Details may vary by location.

50

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK

EDEN SHALE FARM UPDATE DAN MILLER KBN Industry Coordinator

The old saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Kentucky, just wait a day or two and it will change” certainly held true this year. We had a long, hot end to summer that bled over into our fall season. Then when things changed, it did so in a drastic way. We had a day in early October that was 93 degrees. Then just 40 days later, the low reached 7 degrees and there was an inch of snow on the ground.

There is no denying that weather extremes are becoming a more common challenge to all of us in agriculture.

One of the ways that we try to manage those weather extremes is with adequate infrastructure. We continue to move forward with the renovation work on the bull barn.

Upon completion of the renovation we are going to test the new designs with our calves, which will be taking part in a research study conducted by Quinn Cole, a Murray State Veterinary Science Student. The study will compare the efficiency of a self feeder vs bucket feeding calves to achieve the same average daily gain. During the study, the calves will be contained in the barn for 90 days, thus giving us the ability to study and compare the four different flooring treatments at the end.

Other infrastructure that we recently added to combat the extreme elements was a power station at one of our tire water tanks. This power station has both solar panels and a wind mill (which can generate electricity in wind speeds as low as 7 mph) which charge two batteries. Those batteries will power different versions of 12 volt water pumps and bubblers to determine which designs are the most effective at deterring the buildup of ice in the water tanks.

As the weather gets cooler we see less folks come to the farm for tours. However we did still have two different groups tour Eden Shale in November. We hosted a group of producers from Rowan/Elliott County and we hosted the Division of Water Enforcement Staff. We showed the latter group the kinds of violations they may encounter on a producers farm and then offered some of the practices that they might want to recommend as solutions. It was a good day with lots of good discussion, and I appreciate them taking the time to come to the farm.

As always, you can follow along on our blog at www.edenshalefarm.com. And from all of us at Eden Shale Farm, we want to wish your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

K E N T U CK Y B E E F N E T W O R K F ACI L I T AT O R S

Ben Lloyd

Whitesville, KY (270) 993-1074 strridge@aol.com COW COUNTRY •

Charles Embry

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

DECEMBER 2019

Jacob Settles

Springfield, KY (859) 805-0724 jacob.settles4@yahoo.com

Ron Shrout

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

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

Jeff Stephens

Ewing, KY (606) 782-7640 stephensbeef@gmail.com 51

52

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

W I N T E R F E E D I N G : PAY I N G AT T E N T I O N TO T H E D E TA I L S Jason Edmondson, Beef Technical Specialist at ADM Animal Nutrition With fall well underway and winter approaching, it becomes necessary to turn our thoughts to winter supplementation and feeding. As of press time, a good majority of Kentucky and the Southeast falls under the U.S. Drought Monitor classification of moderate to extreme drought. This adds additional challenges when considering what you are going to feed. The amount of feed needed to get through to spring may present additional challenges because dry conditions have caused many to begin to use their winter stores earlier than anticipated. Drier conditions and hotter temperatures have also hampered the fall flush of the cool season forages across the state. Recognizing the shortcomings of the forages this year will be essential to operational success, and it may be more critical this year than in recent years.

Forages are the basis for nutritional programs for most cow/calf operations.

An analysis of the forages on hand or that which will be purchased is essential to developing an accurate program.

Using sight, smell and touch to evaluate hay will only give limited indications of forage quality and may misrepresent the forage altogether. The forage analysis will give you the best opportunity to make good decisions that match your cows’ requirements to the conditions encountered this winter using the forages you have available. I have heard many people say, “It’s all I have, so they are going to have to eat it. No need to have it tested.”

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

ADF% = 41

120/NDF% = % of Body Weight

(120/NDF%)+[(NDFD%-45 x0.374/1350x100]

NDF% = 60

120/60 = 2% of Body Weight

(120/60)+[(55-45)x0.374/1350x100] = 2.28% of Body Weight

NDFD% = 55

1200 lb cow can eat 24 lb/hd/day of this forage

1200 lb cow can eat 27.36 lb/hd/day of this hay

While that statement is partially true, there are economic advantages to knowing just what that hay will nutritionally provide, potentially preventing increased feeding expenses through over-supplementation or decreased production due to nutritional shortfalls. Knowing the nutrient profile of the hay also allows you to increase supplementation when needed to offset any increase in nutrient demands of the cows over time as conditions change (i.e. temperatures change, calf weaning or lactation beginning).

The benefits of the forage test have been discussed at length, but there are a few worth mentioning again. Estimating intake of the forage based on the Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) component of the forage is instrumental in estimating how much hay you will need. This will also allow you to estimate the nutrients provided at that intake level and help decide what supplementation best fits your

needs. Using the equation established by Mertens, 1997, you can estimate dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight by dividing the NDF% into the constant 120.

This estimate of dry matter intake can be more accurate if the adjustment for Neutral Detergent Fiber Digestibility (NDFD%) of the forage is used. This adjustment was suggested by Oba and Allen, 1999. These equations are designed to estimate dry matter intake of legumes hay and legume/ grass hay mixtures. Due to the higher level of lignin found in legumes as compared to grasses, these equations often slightly under-estimate the intake for pure grass hays. There are more complex methods to estimating dry matter intake of grass forages such as Moore and Kunkle, 1999.

For the purpose of this article the Mertens equation is simplest and easiest to use (example above).

You will also need to know the nutritional requirements of the cow. Generally, if you

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

manage rumen nitrogen levels through protein supplementation well, rumen microbial efficiency is maximized, and the bacteria will provide most of the nutrients the cows need as far as protein and energy are concerned, assuming adequate forage is available. Poor to moderate quality forages will need some help in meeting the demands of the cows. Protein can often be a limiting nutrient in the fall/winter diet of the cow. Research has shown that supplementing 0.5 to 1 pound of protein to cows consuming poor to moderate quality forages significantly increases dry matter intake and digestibility of the forage.1 More specifically, the protein supplemented needs to be largely rumen degradable to maximize rumen microbial efficiency.

One of the keys to successful supplementation of protein for maximum CONTINUED ON PAGE 59 53

Roy, Jessica and Cooper Canada

600 Cumberland Drive • Morehead, KY 40351 859-227-7323 • racekannon@hotmail.com

Swain Select Simmental

12113 Green Valley Dr. • Louisville, KY 40243 frederickswain@bellsouth.net • www.swainselect.com

Fred & Phyllis 502-245-3866 502-599-4560

Chi & Angie 502-477-9727 502-287-2116

Judy and Rondal Dawson 1156 Buzzard Roost Road Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-593-5136 • jrdawson22@outlook.com

Shelbyville, KY • 502.639.4337 Bill Kaiser

Kentucky Simmental Officers

President: Chris Allen • 222 Stourbridge St • Versailles, KY 40383 • 859-351-4486 Vice President: Brian Swain • 3906 Pottertown Rd • Murray, KY 42071 Secretary/Treasurer: Lindsay Phillips • 8308 Orangeburg Rd • Maysville, KY 41056

Rocking P Livestock

Mail to: Lindsay Phillips • 8308 Orangeburg Road • Maysville, KY 41056

8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056 Chan: 606-584-7581 Keith: 606-584-5626

FARM NAME

rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net

JOIN KENTUCKY SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION

BRIAN & HEATHER SWAIN 3906 Pottertown Road Murray, KY 42071 270-293-4440 wksbswain@murray-ky.net SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

YOUR NAME

ADRESS

CITY, STATE

WORK PHONE

HOME PHONE

ZIP

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

www.kysimmental.com Membership Fee is $25.00

54

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

1939 Huntertown Road Versailles, KY 40383 BULLS FOR SALE Chris Allen 859-351-4486 callenuky@hotmail.com Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755

WAYWARD HILL FARM

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

55

ANGUS THE BUSINESS BREED

2018-2019 KAA Officers President: Gil Ray Cowles, Rockfield, KY Vice President: Jason Crowe, Irvine, KY Secretary/Treasurer: Anne DeMott, Lexington, KY

C ontact Anne DeMott to pay your Kentucky Angus Ass o ciation Dues BOYD BEEF CATTLE 6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5195 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net

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

RAGS ANGUS FARM Richard and Glenda Stallons 1240 Dogwood Kelly Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240 Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) 839-2442 rstallons@bellsouth.net

BRANCH VIEW ANGUS 927 Old Liberty Pike • Hustonville, KY 40437 (859) 238-0771 • www.branchviewangus.com James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April

HIGHVIEW FARMS 827 West Main Street Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718 Ben T. Cox DVM (270) 469-5517 Registered Angus Cattle

SHAW FAMILY ANGUS Jim & Cathy Shaw 935 Miller Road • Hodgenville, KY 42748 (270) 769-8260 www.shawfamilyangus.com Quality Registered Angus Cattle since 1975

BURKS CATTLE CO. 531 Rick Rd. Park City, KY 42160 Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 www.burkscattle.com

HILL VIEW FARMS Jimmy Gilles 5160 Lee Rudy Road Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 686-8876 (270) 929-537

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM 5202 East Hwy 80, Russell Springs, KY 42642 Charles “Bud” & Pam Smith: (270) 866-3898 Henry & Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY Keith: (270) 635-0723 Reese: (270) 635-1137

ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS Eric & Sherry St. Clair 13433 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 www.stclairangus.com Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2016

CARDINAL HILL FARMS 405 Cedar Grove Rd. • Glasgow, KY 42141 Mike Elmore: (270) 404-6589 Bob Johnson: (270) 427-1410 cardinalhillfarms.com • mike@cardinalhillfarms.com

LEGACY FARMS Daniel and Lindsey Reynolds 1709 South Jackson Highway Hardyville, KY 42746 (270) 528-6275/(270) 528-6120 www.legacyfarmsangus.com

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

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS 661 Hopewell Road Liberty, KY 42539 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 Dewey Coffey: (606) 787-2620 Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

MILLERS RUN FARM William N. Offutt IV 3790 Paris Road Georgetown, KY 40324 (859) 533-2020 • millersrunfarm@aol.com www.millersrunfarm.com Heifers for sale

TWIN CREEK FARM Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 Dennis & Emily 270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338 Watch for us in Branch View Production Sale in April

COOL SPRINGS CREEK FARM Guy & Aline Babin 269 Paul Coomer Rd Gradyville, KY 42742 (270) 205-1669 www.coolspringscreekfarm.com • gdbabin@outlook.com

MUD RIVER ANGUS 10 Oak Hill Drive Russellville, KY 42276 Wayne Johnson: (270) 303-6354 Gary Johnson: (270) 498-7208

D&D LONGVIEW ANGUS Danny & Debbie Burris 550 Willie Nell Road Columbia, KY 42728 (270) 348-5766 • (270) 250-3701 • (270) 250-1277

FOUR KINGS ANGUS 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Cary & Kim King Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com Cary Cell: (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager

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

OLD BARK FARM 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 Kenley Conner 270/358-8057 Registered Angus Cattle

HAINES ANGUS FARMS 5294 Park City- Glasgow Rd. Park City, KY 42160 Kenneth Haines, Jr.: (270) 749-8862

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

BURTON & SONS ANGUS Joe D. or Karen Burton • Bryan Carman, Partner, Ridgeview Angus 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544 Joe: (606) 305-3081 • Bryan: (606) 875-3453 Located 15 miles West of Somerset klburton01@windstream.net

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

56

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

64th Kentucky Angus Sweepstakes Show & Sale March 6th & 7th, 2020 Entries Due December 1st, 2019 KAA annual dues should be paid by December 31st, 2019 The annual Christmas party is December 14th, 2019 in London at the Extension Office (contact Sam Fouts or Anne DeMott for more details).

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION NEWS Anne Stewart DeMott, Secretary/Treasurer

Kentucky Angus Association Members and Beef Cattle Producers,

These outstanding showmen won top fifteen finalists at the 2019 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 18-20 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Bryce Fitzgerald, West Grove, Pa.; Caroline Cowles, Rockfield, Ky.; Madison Sundsbak, Des Lacs, N.D.; Austin Vieselmeyer, Amherst, Colo.; Tyler Bush, Britton, S.D.; Emma Troyer, Kalona, Iowa; Cara Smith, Pleasant Garden, N.C.; Alisa Friesen, Arnett, Okla.; Molly Cooksey, Roggen, Colo.; Grace Link, Deerfield, Wis.; Rylie Melancon, Woodville, Miss.; Sarah Harris; Buchanan, Va.; Kirsten Brown, Cookeville, Tenn.; Lauren Parks, Brookfield, Mo.; and Katie Harris, Stanton, Texas. Photo by Pearls Pics, on behalf of the American Angus Association.

As we turn the page on November and embrace the month PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE of December, it is a time of reflection, to look back on 2019 and think about our success and what we can improve movingDear forward.

Angus Breeders and Beef Cattle Enthusiast, 2019 has been a very challenging year as a beef cattle producer, Fall We cannot forget theThe extreme winter thatof weAugust are behind is on its way! hot wet humid days encountered the first few months of the year. Followed by us! The Kentucky State Fair was a huge success! The Kentucky a fantastic spring with excellent forage production only to State Fair to bedown commended have the water shutBoard off andneeds a real slow in hay pro- on the fantastic job of Agriculture! duced showcasing for second andKentucky third cuttings.

The marketEvery has notwhere you looked during been our of production up, value of product thefriend.

KSF,Price Agriculture wasis highlighted.

The Kentucky Beef Council is below expectations. Let’s face it. It has been a tough booth was interactive and educational! These types of events and year as a beef cattle producer!

activities help to promote the greatest industry in the world!

Nevertheless, we keep on keeping on, because that is what we do! Face adversity directly, handle it and continue our Hope that everyone is having a great fall calving season! Please optimistic outlook for the future…that next calf crop, that take advantage of your next sale, that next hay crop, etc. local field days and educational events in

your area!

2020 is now in our sights and looks to be a year full of improvements and hope for a better position for beef cattle Please let us know if the Kentucky Angus Association can be of producers!

assistanceDecember to you. brings about a time for us to Most importantly, take time to be with those that we hold close. Let’s all enjoy theGil month December with family and friends as we RayofCowles celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

KAA President Here’s to a wonderful December!

-Gil Cowles, KAA President

Charles and Jere Cannon, Flemingsburg, Ky., were inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation, Nov. 4 during the American Angus Association’s Awards Recognition Breakfast, held in conjunction with the 2019 Angus Convention in Reno, Nev. Pictured, from left, are: Madison Weaver, 2019 Miss American Angus; Charles Cannon and Jere Cannon, recipients; and Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. The Angus Heritage Foundation recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Angus breed and Association programs.

Photo by Eric Mull, on behalf of the American Angus Association.

K E N T U C K Y A N G U S A S S O C I AT I O N A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M E M B E R S H I P 2 0 2 0 FIRST AND LAST NAME

FARM NAME

ONLINE EMAIL ADDRESS

MAILING ADRESS FARM WEBSITE ZIP

BUSINESS PHONE

FAX

Caroline Cowles, Rockfield, left, and Bradon Burks, Park City, right, represented Kentucky at the 2019 National Junior Angus Showmanship HOME PHONE BIRTH DATE (YEAR NOT NECESSARY) Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS, July 18-20 in Louisville, Ky. Forty-nine youth from across the country competed for top honors in the 53rd annual event. Photo by Pearls Pics, on behalf of the CELL PHONE ANNIVERSARY (INCLUDE YEAR) American Angus Association

These juniors represented Kentucky at the 2019 LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus FACEBOOK Development) Conference, Aug. 1-4 in Nashville, Tenn. Pictured from left are Josh Jasper, Nicholasville; Emily Caffee, Bonnieville; Taylor Jeffries, Canmer; Comfort Gimba, Salvisa; Makayla Jeffries, Horse Cave; Bryanna Smith, Russell Springs; Catherine Cowles, TWITTER Rockfield; Addie White, Lexington; and Caroline Cowles, Rockfield. More than 150 juniors from 31 states and Canada attended the conference, “Angus: Live from Nashville,” where they enhance leadership and interpersonal skills while learning more about the beef industry. Photo by Karen Hiltbrand, American INSTAGRAM Angus Association OPTIONAL

CITY, STATE

ANNUAL DUES ARE $35. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TOcontact KAA AND FORM AND PAYMENT TO: to subscribe to email updates, please usREMIT at @KyAngusAssoc @KyAngusAssoc ANNE DEMOTT, 1220 ANGUS TRAIL, LEXINGTON, KY 40509 kyangusassociation@gmail.com

@kyangusassociation

www.kentuckyangus.org

kyangusassociation@gmail.com

COW COUNTRY •

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

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93

Kentucky Hereford Association KHA Invites any Hereford Breeder to Become a Member!

Dues are $25. Send to 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475

Upcoming Events: KHA Autumn Harvest Sale: December 7, 2019 • Mt. Sterling Kentucky @ Noon

Wells Farm

KHA Officers

President: Tim Wolf Secretary/ Treasurer: Earlene Thomas 859-623-5734 thomasep@roadrunner.com

-HEREFORDS -

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

www.dogwoodherefords.com

MPH Farms

Thomas Farm

Eric & Ronnie Thomas 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 623-5734 • Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256 “Cattle for sale at all times”

WOLF FARM

Registered Polled Herefords Bulls & Females for sale Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Rd. Alexandria, KY 41001 Home: 859-635-0899 Cell: 859-991-3484

Peyton’s Well Polled Herefords The Lowell Atwood Family 133 Edgewood Drive Stanford, KY (606) 365-2520 home/fax (606) 669-1455 cell

Victor- influenced cattle bred for performance on grass.

“Black cows need a good Hereford Bull”

58

Paul L. Hancock 8559 KY 56 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-771-4194

6077 Helena Road • Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II · 606-584-5194 Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM

198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031

Registered Polled Herefords 8103 Bill Moss Road • White House, TN 37188 Home/Fax: 615-672-4483 Cell: 615-478-4483 billy@jacksonfarms.com ® “Farming the Same Land Since 1834”

Pile Stock Farm

Windy Hills Farm

WCN Polled Herefords Since 1961

Registered Polled Herefords

Jackie D. Perkins II 367 Mt. Pisgah Rd. • Bremen, KY 42325 270-543-3586 Breeding to produce good cows since 1981.

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

BECKLEY HEREFORDS L.W. Beckley D.V.M L. Wayne Beckley 284 Pyrse Lane 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Irvine, KY 40336 Ravenna, KY 40472 Cell: 859-779-1419 Home: 606-723-3021 Clinic: 606-726-0000 Cell: 859-779-0962 www.beckleyherefords.com

1874 Old Fall Creek Road • Monticello, KY 42633

Reed Bertram 606-348-7486 David Bertram 606-278-3630 www.ofcfarms.com

Bill & Libby Norris 2220 Celina Road Burkesville, KY 42717 Phone (270) 433-7256 Cell (270) 433-1525 “Every calf needs a white face”

TS

F

TS TS Tucker Stock Farms F F

“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”

TUCKER STOCK FARMS TUCKER STOCK FARMS

TUCKER STOCK FARMS

“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” John Tucker “Registered Angus and Polled “Registered AngusHerefords” andIIPolled Herefords” 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Breeding cattle for sale at all times.

John A. Tucker II John A. Tucker II Hudson, KY 40145 HiddenHerefords” Valley Lane 1999 Walnut Hill Rd. • Lexington, KY “Registered 40515 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Angus and 1790 Polled 270-617-0301 Hudson, KY 40145 Hudson, KY 40145 (859) 271-9086 • cell (859)533-3790 (270) 257-8548 (270) 257-8548 Offi 257-8167 Office for (270) 257-8167 John A. Tucker IIce (270) “Bulls always Sale”

1790 Hidden18-month-old Valley 18-month-old AngusLane & Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale

Old Fall Creek Farms AHA & KHA member • Proven bloodlines

Private treaty sales • Visitors always welcome

859-588-4531

Jackson Farms

Chambliss Hereford Farms Brad, Carla, Clay and Clint Chambliss 916 Winchester Blvd.

Elizabethtown, KY 42701 Home (270) 982-3905 • Cell (270) 668-7126 fax 270-735-9922 www.chamblissherefordfarms.com

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

COW COUNTRY •

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS KYLE BUSH

Registered Polled Herefords

Boyd Beef Cattle

TK4 Herefords Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-6956 Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

Contact Earlene Thomas for more information: 859-623-5734 www.kentuckyhereford.org

Polled Herefords 439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Road • Corbin, KY 40701 Kevin, Angela, Bobby & Brenda Wells Kenlea & Kyler Murray 606-523-0569 - Home 606-528-1691 - Home 606-344-0417 - Cell 606-682-8143 - Cell wells_farm@yahoo.com

Hudson, KY 40145 (270) 257-8548 Office (270) 257-8167

GET YOUR AD HERE! CONTACT EARLENE FOR MORE INFO

18-month-old Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale

LINEBRED VICTOR DOMINO CATTLE LINEBRED VICTOR DOMINO CATTLE

Multi-Trait Selection Multi-Trait Selection Fertility Disposition

Danny Miller

Fertility Calving Ease Disposition Milking Ability

Calving Ease Milking Ability

www.jmsvictordomino.com 4850Rd. Caldwell Ridge Rd. 4850 Caldwell Ridge Knifley, KY 42753 Knifley, KY 42753 270-465-6984 270-465-6984

270-465-6984 • 270-566-2694

DECEMBER 2019

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

effect is the level of rumen degradability of the nitrogen source (protein).

Supplementing multiple sources of protein can create the opportunity for all-day nitrogen supplementation to the rumen with just a single feeding. When adequate levels of nitrogen from either protein or non-protein-nitrogen sources are supplied to the rumen, the rumen bacteria will create microbial protein (MP) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) at a level that should sustain the cows in most production settings when forage is adequate. Nonprotein nitrogen sources like biuret, urea, and other NH4 (ammonia) containing compounds are good sources of rumen available nitrogen. While there are some limitations with non-protein nitrogen, they should help to increase dry matter intake and digestibility of the forages when used correctly. Natural proteins tend to have varying levels of rumen degradable protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) components. Knowing the rumen degradable or rumen undegradable percentages of feedstuffs can indicate the usefulness of those feedstuffs in the feeding program. In the table are some common feedstuffs and their protein degradability profile that you may find useful.

As you can see in the table, different supplements offer varying levels of nutrients which can make each somewhat difficult to evaluate for usefulness in your program. It is best to call on your nutritionist to help you understand what each of these ingredients can bring to your program.

Mineral content of the forage can also be surmised from the forage test.

Most forages in Kentucky are lacking in some mineral content so mineral supplementation should be considered essential for maximizing production.

Phosphorus is one of the most important yet expensive minerals to supplement and, using the forage analysis to justify your needs, could save you a good deal of money. In addition to phosphorus needs, there are a good many other minerals that are commonly deficient in Southeastern forages. Good mineral sources with correct ratios of certain elements should be used to fill in the mineral gaps of the forages.

When mineral ratios are out of balance, deficiencies of those minerals may occur.

Feeding by-products can create some imbalances as well and should be evaluated for their contribution to mineral content in both beneficial and non-beneficial ways.

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

Feedstuff

Crude Protein

RDP

RUP

TDN

Soybean meal

23.8

75

25

80

Soyhulls

12.2

58

42

80

Distiller’s grain

29.5

27.2

76.8

88

Urea

281

100

0

0

Brewer’s grain

29.2

34.1

65.9

66

23

69.6

30.4

95

Cottonseed

Source: NRC Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle 2000

Every year seems to bring its own challenges with it. Hopefully, this will serve as a reminder that you must be diligent and purposeful in evaluating your winter feeding needs. Estimating the amount of hay you will need is critical to controlling your winter feed costs. When you feel you have enough forage to get you through, it becomes important to make sure that a proper supplementation program is developed to keep production high.

Protein and mineral supplementation can be supplemented separately using local ingredients and a free choice mineral or together in the form of loose meal, block, tub or feed. Each supplementation practice offers positives and negatives and should

be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Remember to evaluate supplementation on an ingredient basis not just cost per ton.

When you feed to the cow’s requirements, it becomes more apparent which supplement is the “cheapest”. It may not always be the cheapest cost per ton. Reach out to myself or other industry experts and beef extension personnel to help you understand your options and build the program that best fits your operation. I can be reached at 334-405-1157 or Jason.

Edmondson@adm.com Jason Edmonson is from East Central Alabama and has been in the role of East Region Beef Technical Specialist for ADM Animal Nutrition for nearly two years. His undergraduate and

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

graduate studies were at Auburn University, and he spent almost 15 years on staff at Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine helping educate students and producers before coming to ADM Animal Nutrition. Jason is excited to work with ADM team members in developing real-time nutritional solutions by bringing the most advanced technologies to the table, creating profitable advantages for beef producers. Jason has been actively involved in Alabama’s Cattlemen’s Association as VP and Macon County Cattleman’s Association as President. Jason and his wife, Misty, have two children and operate a small seedstock operation, J-M Cattle Service, in Alabama.

1Mccollum, F. & Horn, G. Protein Supplementation of Grazing Livestock: A Review. The Professional Animal Scientist 6, 1–16 (1990).

59

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AD INDEX

General

Blue Grass Stockyards.................................... 19

January 16-17 KCA Convention, Owensboro, KY (pg. 32-39)

Burkmann Nutrition........................................4

January 16 Beef Efficiency Conference, Owensboro, KY (pg. 36)

Central Kentucky Ag Credit...........................64

February 5-7 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, San Antonio, TX (pg. 8)

CPH 45...............................................................3 Datamars...........................................................9

Angus

Dievert Sales Service........................................8

November 30-December 2, Dutch Creek Angus Top Ten On-Line Forage Tested Bull Sale

Genetic Excellence Sale................................15

January 4 16th Annual Genetic Excellence Angus Bull Sale, Cookeville, TN (pg. 15)

Green River Livestock......................................4

February 15 Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, SC

Hayes Trailer Sales......................................... 31

February 22 West Tennessee Angus Association Sale, Martin, TN

John Deere........................................................2

February 24 Woodall Angus 25th Annual Buyer’s Choice Bull Sale, Quality, KY (pg. 29)

Kentucky Angus Assoc............................. 56, 57

March 30 Oak Hollow 41st Annual First Choice Bull Sale, Smiths Grove, KY

Kentucky Charolais Assoc.............................52

April 25 Great Meadows Angus Association Sale, Campbellsburg, KY

Kentucky Gelbvieh Assoc..............................55 Kentucky Hereford Assoc..............................58

Gelbvieh

Kentucky Salers Assoc.................................. 60

November 30 3rd Annual Boys from the South Bull Sale, Lebanon, TN

Kentucky Simmental Assoc...........................54 Kuhn Knight...................................................24

Hereford

Kuhn North America...................................... 10

December 7 Kentucky Hereford Association Autumn Harvest Sale, Mt. Sterling, KY

Mid South Ag..............................................43 Miller’s Run Farm........................................... 31

Multi-Breed

Moly Manufacturing...................................... 12

December 3 CPH Sale, Guthrie, KY

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association...........8

December 5 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY

Oak Hollow........................................................ 5

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

Red Barn & Associates...................................43

December 6 Meadows Creek 14th Annual It’s All Black and White Bull Sale, Montgomery, AL

Ridley, Inc.......................................................39

December 10 CPH Sale, Richmond, KY

Rural King........................................................11

December 11 CPH Sale, Lexington, KY

Saint Clair Farms..............................................7

January 9 CPH Sale, Springfield, KY

Stone Gate Farms............................................. 7

January 28 CPH Sale, Guthrie, KY

Veto Valley Farms...........................................25

March 11 CPH Sale, Lexington, KY

Walters Buildings............................................. 7

June 17 CPH Sale, Lexington, KY

Woodall Angus...............................................29

June 25 CPH Sale, Springfield, KY

Zoetis...............................................................63

SALERS

The Balanced Breed STRINGER FARMS Bruce Stringer 128 Teresa Avenue Somerset, KY 42501 606-875-3553 60

DIAMOND J SALERS Donald Johnson 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-379-1558 COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

WILLIS FARMS • Danny Willis 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 502-803-5011 • drwc21@aol.com Matt Craig, Farm Mgr. 502-604-0821

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WWW.DIAMONDPCATTLE.COM

Pay starting at $10/hour ASSOCIATION ooking for honest dependable part CATTLE PRODUCTION me personnel to help promote beef at SALE KentuckyCLASSIFIEDS Expo Center in Louisville, Registered Bulls - Bred Heifers - Open Heifers Y. Currently taking applications for cashiers,PERFORMANCE food prep and cooks.

REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS Sale Location: Excellent EPD’s.

Semen11, Tested.

Delivery BULLS Bracken FOR SALE At • Call 270-202-7186 for Eva Hawes March 2017 ontact Maxine Kentucky your Time profit with proven info or check out www.oakhollowangus.

Ag ExpoAvailable.

Building MaximizeSale attlemen’smore Association food service.

Morgantown performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP com for current availability.

Phone #502-773-3702 or 1:00 p.m. 502-349-2665 CST Citycost-share.

Park Adam Wheatley email maxinebracken@gmail.com Morgantown, KY FOR SALE 19-20 month old Polled with a resume.

OVER 15 BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS Hereford bulls. Good selection.

RED ANGUS • RED SIMMENTAL RED SIM-ANGUS • FARM FRESH BEEF

Registered Red Angus Bulls & Females For Sale

Catalog Will be Available Feb 2017

FOR SALE Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics.

HEREFORD BULLS Also selling 15 open and 15 bred heifers. birth weightHereford and high Chambliss Farms.growth.

270-668-7126

Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available.

ACH Holdings - Haynes Farms JMS Polled Herefords, llblood Knifley, & Purebred & KY DannyEmbryos 270-566-2694 Semen Trent 270-566-2000

• Free Delivery

Low BSE Tested. 18 months old.

POLES - PADDLES - FLAGS ephen Haynes - 270-799-8685 SweetSORTING T Farm.

859-684-1509 Poles with your 8” decal. $6.20 each per 50.

FOUNDATION SALE VI REGISTERED GELBVIEH BULLS 760 Emily Court Sorting flag, $11.25. Sorting paddles $9.

October 3, 2020 6 registered Gelbvieh bulls. Passed Bowling Green, KY 42101 Ear tag cutters, buckets, grain scoops.

United Producers, Bowling Green, KY BSE. Kerndt ReadyLivestock for service. www.achhlimousin.com Products14-20 800-207-3115 Selling FULLBLOOD & PUREBRED months old.

Calving ease, low birth achhlimousin@twc.com LIMOUSIN Genetics REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORD For info call : ALIMOUSIN C H Holdings, LLC weight, docile Facebook: ACHH bulls.

Starting priceBULLS at FOR SALE Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685 $2,250. Trent Jones.

COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT Breeding age bulls. EPD Records. Ready 270-590-5266 ANAGEMENT PLANS (CNMPs) for service. Munday’s Farm. Call Anne & REGISTERED GELBVIEH BULLS & HEIFERS CHAROLAIS FOR SALE FinancialFOR assistance available M.J. Bakke.BULLS Call 559-348-3818 or email SALE Harmondairynutr@aol.com Charolais 812-738-7958 rough NRCS or Grove, Ky Div LocatedEQIP in Smiths KY of Contact Trent Jones Performance tested All Breeds Bulls onservation RCPP. Ben Koostra, 270-590-5266 http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/ibep/ exington, KY - NRCS Technical 812-279-8554 rvice Provider 859-559-4662 RED ANGUS FOR SALE REGISTERED ANGUS Bulls: Yearlings and BULLS 2-year-olds. OpenLIME-LITTER-FERTILIZER SPREADERS In Stock Stoltzfus Brand John Deere months.Heifers.

Vet Checked.

Show Heifer $2,000.

Prospects.

CundiffKY Skean Contact: Angus,Johnnie Alvaton, 6400 - cab loader -wd 606-305-6443 or 606-871-7438 www.redbarnandassociates.com 70-535-4123. Call Tim or see Call Charlie: 859-608-9745 ulls @ www.skeanangus.com

Four Winds Farm New Castle, KY

502-296-1044 STOLZTFUS CU 50- $12,500 John Deere 7405- canopy-4wd- $23,000 25 BLACK-CROSS HEIFERS Knight 8118 manure side slinger-$11,000 Farmco 66-inch x 24 ft feeders-$3900 Calves by side.

Some calves John Deere 2440- $10,500 weighing up to 300-400 lbs.

New Holland 680 Tandem spreader $5000 859-481-5143 Artex 200 Vertical Beater Spreader $25,500 SIMMENTAL BULLSTMR FOR$26,000 SALE Leo 70500 slide discharge Cloverdale 420polled.

T - TMR- 18 new months-2 in stock Black and B P olds.

175 Schuler Feeder wagon $6500 year Semen checked. $2,500 Gehl 8285 feeder wagon $6000 Bowling Green, KY 270-529-9215 Call Charlie 859-608-9745

MARKET REPORT

SALERS

SEE YOUR AD HERE! REACH OVER 10,600 CATTLEMEN EACH MONTH. ADS AS LOW AS $15 PER MONTH. FOR AD PLACEMENT CONTACT

859-278-0899

RED ANGUS FOR SALE Bulls: Yearlings and 2 Year Olds, Open and Bred Heifers Contact: Johnnie Cundiff 606-305-6443 or 606-871-7438

SOUTHEAST FEEDER CATTLE PRICES 15 NOVEMBER 2019 weights

STEER

HEIFER

AL

AK

FL

GA

KY/TN

LA/MS

9-10

129-135

133-139

123-129

129-135

131-137

130-136

8-9

132-140

135-143

126-134

133-141

133-141

132-140

7-8

135-143

137-145

128-136

134-142

135-143

134-142

6-7

J SALERS 135-145DIAMOND 138-148 129-139 134-144

135-145

134-144

AL

AK

FL

GA

KY/TN

LA/MS

122-130

123-131

114-122

124-132

123-131

120-128

The Balanced Breed 5-6 4-5

Donald Johnson 139-151 149-161 135-147 141-153 143-155 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 155-169 159-173 148-162 154-168 150-164 606-379-1558

144-156 149-163

WILLIS114-124 FARMS123-133 • Danny Willis 120-130 122-132 123-133 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 120-132 125-137 115-127 124-136 122-134 122-134 502-803-5011 • drwc21@aol.com 128-142 Matt 134-148 124-138 123-137 126-140 Craig,121-135 Farm Mgr. 502-604-0821 120-130

COWS

weightsFebruary 2017, A publication of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association w Country News, UTIL

AL

AK

FL

GA

LA/MS

KY/TN

52-59

47-54

51-58

58-65

51-58

47-54

CN/CUT

42-49

44-51

45-52

46-53

44-51

40-47

BULLS

72-80

72-80

77-85

79-87

76-84

76-84

COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

117

Feeder cattle traded mixed from $2 higher to $2 lower this week. Calves were mostly steady tp $4 higher. Market cows traded $1 to $4 higher.

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TIMELY TIPS FOR DECEMBER

FEATURE

S E PA R AT I N G T H E D I ST I L L E RY F E E D ST U F F S JEFF LEHMKUHLER, PhD, PAS University of Kentucky

It seems like there has been a bourbon revolution this year. I just read yesterday on a media feed that Kentucky now has more barrels of bourbon than people.

According to the Kentucky Distillers Association, their website indicated that in 2009 there were only nine distilleries in the state. As of last year, that number had increased to 68 in 32 counties.

There appears to be plans for additional distilleries to open in the near future in areas of the state. The growth in bourbon production has led to a dramatic increase in distillery feed products. I am not sure if it is this increase in availability, short hay stocks or a combination of the two, but I have been inundated with questions on feeding distillery products this fall. I thought it would be worthwhile to briefly go over some of these products as there is a lot of confusion regarding the products available.

Whole stillage is the liquid that leaves the still after the alcohol has been separated.

This whole stillage, commonly referred to as slop, from most distilleries contains all the residual grain components and yeast. Whole stillage conventionally has a high moisture content often ranging between 93-95%. The potential energy is near that of corn. The fat content is often near 10% and provides energy as does the highly digestible fiber. The crude protein content often is 22-28%.

The whole stillage can be used as both an energy and protein source. This product has a liquid-like consistency due to the high moisture content. Assuming 7% dry matter or solids, the amount of dried distillers grains equivalent is 7 lbs for every 100 pounds. The density per gallon may be near 9 lbs/gal. If one wanted to supplement cows the equivalent of 3 lbs of dried distillers grains, cows would be offered about 5 gallons.

Stillage may go through some process, centrifugation, hydrocyclone, vbelt or screw press or other method to remove water. The process often separates the grains from much of the liquid. The 62

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

Fall-Calving Cow Herd

• Be sure that weaned heifer calves are on a feeding program which will enable them be at 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.

• Get breeding supplies together, if using estrous synchronization and/ or A.I.

wet distillers grains or wet cake may be 25-30% dry matter. The wet cake has a consistency more of a thick oatmeal to wet ground feed. Protein and energy is near the same as whole stillage. A benefit is much less water and dealing with a product that is not a liquid.

Feeding is often limited to around 3040% of the diet dry matter. Feeding 1012 lbs as fed is similar to feeding about three pounds of dried distillers grains to supplement cows assuming the dry matters mentioned above.

• 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 to 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.

The liquid fraction that is recovered from the separation process can then be sent to an evaporator. Removal of water results in a product known as condensed distillers solubles or commonly referred to as syrup. The syrup may be near 1535% dry matter and have a consistence of runny pudding. This large variation in dry matter dictate that samples be tested.

Fat content (10-15%) can be slightly higher than wet cake while protein may be slightly lower but protein levels in the upper teens to low 20s is typical.

Due to the high fat content, excessive consumption can lower fiber digestion.

Limiting syrup to not more than 2 gallons per cow can reduce the risk of suppressed fiber digestion while still providing energy and protein supplementation.

If one were to assume 9 lb/gallon and 20% dry matter, feeding 2 gallons would provide 3.5 lb of dried feed equivalent.

• 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

The wet cake and syrup can be recombined and then dried. The resulting feed is dried distillers grains with solubles. The dried distillers grains with solubles again has 25-30% crude protein and energy near to slightly higher than corn. This form is easier to mix in grain rations and utilize in self-feeders. Shelf-life is not a concern with dried feeds. Slightly darkened grain color can be from either rye giving it a deeper orange color or slight browning from drying. Excessively dark or burnt grains can have a slightly reduced protein and energy value. Fuel ethanol grains which are nearly all corn COW COUNTRY •

• 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.

• Have Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) performed on bulls (even if you used them this spring).

• The fall breeding season starts.

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.

Don’t do it unless you have stockpiled fescue.

• Nutrition level of cows during the first 30 days after conception is critical.

Pay attention.

• 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 pasture 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.

are more of a golden hue.

balanced rations.

These are the commonly available products from distilleries. Some sources are offering a mixture of stillage and syrup. This mix could have a larger degree of nutrient variation depending on the amounts of each.

Newer technologies for separation are also being investigated by some distilleries and one product available in central Kentucky is referred to as concentrate. These new technologies may give rise to products that are slightly different in nutrient content. Be sure to sample and test these feedstuffs. Knowing the nutrient content will allow for developing safe and

Visit with your county extension agent or nutritionist to learn more about utilizing these locally available feedstuffs.

Distillery feedstuffs can be utilized as an energy and protein supplement for the cow herd. My recommendations are to use them in moderation to develop a balanced diet. Testing your forage should be done to know what nutrients may need to be supplemented to meet the nutritional needs of the cows. The key is to provide balanced rations that meet nutritional needs of the cattle first and then do so as cost effectively as possible.

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

Neal Branscum Beef Cattle, TBM Zoetis (606) 872-5395

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COW COUNTRY •

DECEMBER 2019

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

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