Cow Country News- August 2025 by The Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

Dr. Michelle Arnold Open Cows and Mid-term AbortionsCould it be Neospora caninum?

50 Darrh Bullock What Do You Look For When Buying A Bull?

16 BQCA Goes to School

As I write this, I am finishing up a trip to San Diego, where I presented the beef industry’s long-range plan for 2026-2030. My participation on the long-range planning task force and my role as spokesperson are a small portion of the overall proceedings. One comment made during another’s presentation was that an industry business meeting feels a little weird when things are going this well. It feels like you are missing something. There is not a person out there who can complain about the state of the cattle market, especially on the cow-calf side. We are even securing significant policy wins on the legislative side of things. Generally, there is nothing to complain about, though some still find a way.

When developing the Beef Industry Long Range Plan, which began last December, it felt much the same way. The first beef industry LRP was in 1993, at a time when the beef industry was quickly losing market to pork and poultry. If something didn’t change, and fast, the loss of market share would be near impossible to recover from. There was an obvious reason why the people were tasked to be in that room. Where the beef industry stands today is at the center of the consumer’s plate, and we are in the driver’s seat when it comes to maintaining that position. However, there is always room for improvement. As tempting as it may be, we can’t just sit there and write down “keep doing what we are doing.” A plan was developed and a framework established to guide decision-making over the next half-decade. Things look very exciting for the industry moving forward, particularly for the many cow-calf producers reading this. Not only is the cow-calf producer in the driver’s seat when it comes to share of the profits, but the tools they now have at their disposal have them in a position to make significant progress.

Since I last published a newsletter, the American Angus Association has released EPDs for teat, udder, and functional longevity. I first returned to the operation full-time in December of 2013. Some may remember that genomic testing had just begun. Many more will probably remember that widespread foot structure issues (primarily caused by single-trait terminal selection) were at the forefront of commercial cattlemen’s minds. Foot EPDs have been available for the entire population since 2019, and anyone who takes foot structure seriously has been able to address any issues. In the 12+ years I have been back to the operation, AAA has provided breeders with new EPDs for foot structure, hair score, pulmonary artery pressure, a maternal economic index, an all-purpose economic index, and now teat, udder, and functional longevity. Despite all the tools we were provided with from 2013 to the present, we still

had trouble answering how the udders are and how well the daughters stay in the herd. Those are two things that are understandably extremely important to the commercial cow-calf producer. In late May, we finally filled out the entire range of all the possible maternal selection tools we could have asked for to breed a more efficient and profitable female. The guesswork has been removed. From my perspective, it has taken away any excuses for not breeding a better female. If a herd of cattle is severely lacking in one or more maternal areas, it is simply because the breeder has not prioritized those areas. There is no more excuse that they “didn’t know” and only because they didn’t care. The tools are in place to continue this exponential rate of genetic progress, driven largely by genomic testing and complemented with comprehensive data collection. As a breeder who made significant data contributions to the research population of cattle that developed all of these new maternal tools, I find little fault with them. They appear accurate in ranking within our herd. The tools have long been in place to push for greater quality on the terminal side, as that is what the industry prioritized and what data was easily collected. Maternal data is much more complex to collect. As I sit in meetings today and hear that we need to expand the nation’s cow herd, I know we have the tools in place to make significant maternal efficiency gains because of breeders and researchers who prioritized the maternal side of the equation to help breed a better female. I also know we can do this without any sacrifice to end product merit. As rosy as things look for the entire beef industry, I couldn’t be more excited about the prospects of the cow-calf producer moving forward these next five years if they don’t rest on their laurels.

- Joe K. Lowe II

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS:

President

RANDY WARNER Sharpsburg

President Elect

ALLAN BRYANT Eminence

Vice President

DANIEL HAYDEN Whitesville

Treasurer

KEN ADAMS Upton

Past President

JEFF PETTIT Sebree

KCA Program Chairman

ADAM CHUNGLO Harrodsburg

KBC Chairman

RYAN MILLER Campbellsville

KBN Chairman*

ALLAN BRYANT

Beef Solutions Chairman*

DANIEL HAYDEN *ex officio

REGIONAL DIRECTORS:

REGION 1

Wayne Zoglmann, John Mark Brown, Dale Gold, Greg Roberson, Gary Woodall, Coleman Ladd, Susan Zoglmann, Bill Plemmons, Kenton Howard, Steve Dunning, Conner Williams

REGION 2

Phyllis Gentry, Joe Lowe, Allison Nissley, Rayetta Boone, Robbie Hatfield, Chris Imbruglio, Maggie Webb, Andy Joe Moore, Adam Thomas, AJ Mitchell, Isaac Thompson, Kenneth Green, Trent Jones, Josh Morris, Joe Mike Moore, Amy Cecil

REGION 3

Amanda Hall, Nathan Lawson, Allen Phillips, Irvin Kupper, John David Yount, Lincoln Clifford, Abbey Biddle, Ben Tinsley, Crystal Harrod, Kyle Bush, Michelle Simon, Craig Retzlaff

REGION 4

Amy White, Brad Reynolds, Chad Anglin, Phillip Stamm, Danielle Harmon, Brandy Graves, Jodi Purvis, Mike Ravencraft, Ronnie Lowe, Logan Carter, Jason Crowe, Rob Amburgey

REGION 5

Phillip Reese, John Settles, Natalie Wesley, Doris Hamilton, Freddy Harris, Brent Williams, Anne Bays, Tommy Glasscock, Josh Wethington, Arch Sebastian, Terry Mattingly Executive Committee members in bold

KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:

Dave Maples

Kenny

Kelly

Todd Brown Graphic Designer

Bradon Burks KBC Director

Rachel Cain Membership and Communications Coordinator

Amelia Carter KBC Director of Industry Relations

Danny Coy Video Production Specialist

Jake Harrod KBN Program Coordinator

Dan Miller KBN Industry Coordinator

Debby Nichols National Advertising Sales, LAN

Katie Pratt Communications Manager

Alex Scott MS, RD, LD KBC Southeast

Becky Thompson Director of Kentucky Beef Network

Kelly Tucker KCA Collections & Compliance

Nikki Whitaker Director of Operations & Policy

Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation will receive $10 from each purchase and renewal to benefit education, leadership and youth programs.

President's Thoughts

Randy Warner KCA President

I hope everyone has had a safe and healthy July and is ready for August. Here it is August already and the year is half over. Where has the time gone? It’s been a very busy last couple of months here on our farm. I’m sure I’m like everyone else trying to get hay put up around rain showers and checking on cattle.

We had a pretty good first cutting of hay, and with a decent amount of moisture, we’ll have a good second cutting. After last year, I want to make sure I put as much hay in the barn as possible because I can never have too much hay. I know everybody has been working hard doing the same things on their farm, and I salute you for doing this day after day and not complaining about it.

On the front of my nephew Noah taking over, I have to tell the story of what he’s tore up in the last couple weeks. No. 1 he shattered the door on the tractor, but in his defense, the

tree limb did the shattering. He gets the blame anyway. No. 2 as we were finishing mowing one farm he tore down an electric line. The spark from hitting it with the mower caused it to catch fire, but we put it out and everyone was safe so that’s all that matters. It just shows how anything is possible, so you must stay vigilant to the surroundings.

My trip to San Diego for the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in July was an eye-opening experience. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to attend and come together with cattlemen from all over the country to discuss the direction we need to go to make us sustainable and profitable. NCBA has your best interests in mind and is fighting on different fronts− many that we don’t even know about. They have contingencies in place to help with both New World screwworm and foot and mouth disease and are working very hard to be ready to tackle anything coming down the pike.

We’ve been extremely busy around the KCA office too. We have met with the architects a few times and are honing in on a final design for our Livestock Innovation Center. I’m looking forward to being able to present to our entire association what we’ve decided. I hope you’re as proud of it as I personally am because a lot of hard work and dedication has gone in to coming up with a final design that will serve its purpose.

KCA staff has been extremely busy with all the festivals and meetings that require their attention. I don’t know where they get all their energy from, but boy, they are go-getters. I’d put any one of them against any staff in the country, and I know they would come out on top. If you ever get the chance to attend any event where they are at, I encourage you to go. You won’t regret it.

On a bright note, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for our record-breaking membership this year. As of this writing, we have 11,299 members and 1,226 juniors. It is just fantastic for this many people to have joined our organization. Hopefully we will carry this momentum into the next year so our association grows even more.

Also, winners from the KJCA Cattle Working Contest that we sponsor will compete on a national level this fall. Congratulations to our team from Henry County as they will move on to compete against teams from five other states in the first ever National Youth Cattle Working Contest this September in Georgia. Please join me wishing the best for them as they move on the next phase of the competition.

In closing, I want to ask you to please attend your county meetings and get involved. Remember it’s your association and we work for you, so if at any time you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Thank You and God Bless.

Join Me at the Kentucky State Fair

Jonathan Shell Agriculture Commissioner

The 121st Kentucky State Fair is just a couple of weeks away! I want you to join me Aug.14-24 and experience the sights, sounds and smells that make the state fair one of the best times of the year. It’s the perfect showcase of Kentucky’s agricultural spirit and everything Kentucky has to offer.

Farming is a way of life for many in Kentucky, but its impact is vital for every resident. It’s why I’m dedicated to ensuring a bright future for Kentucky agriculture. That future is showcased during the fair as hundreds of thousands of people make their way out each year.

As a member of the State Fair Board, I can assure you lots of behind-the-scenes actions take place to make the fair a showcase for our state. Planned renovations, being furnished by a $200 million appropriation for the state fair by our General Assembly, will create an even better experience for fairgoers in the coming years.

Changes on a smaller scale were also a part of last year’s AgLand, which brings together more than an acre of agriculture exhibits in the South Wing highlighting Kentucky’s farm and field heritage, including the future of farming and agribusiness. Those changes, which included more interactive and immersive exhibits, will return this year after earning a first-place award from the International Association of Fairs and Exposition. AgLand is also where you’ll find Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA and other ag exhibits reaching a broad and diverse audience.

At the state fair, you will see why

we’re Kentucky Proud of our agriculture industry. Kentucky’s leading youth livestock exhibitors compete for the highest honors

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.

Heavy-Duty, Field-Tested, Bull-Proven. The Arrowlock 88 is Built to Handle the Toughest Cattle.

Thoughts From Dave

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

The end of June, July and now August reminds me of my growing up days. It was always hot. As kids, we were either in the hayfield or the cotton field. Both were hot, and I was like all the other kids on the farm−we loved it when it rained because we got to go home. Then, we were playing some kind of ball. It was still hot but a different kind of hot− a fun hot.

Now days, I get into a lot of different meetings on your behalf, and sometimes they get hot. There have been many days that I come out of a meeting and I am so frustrated that I sincerely wish that I was back in the hayfield.

Becky and I were invited to attend a meeting recently with the Kentucky Livestock Marketing Association and the stockyard owners or managers. This meeting was better than being in the hayfield. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Office of the State Veterinarian are updating and rewriting the Kentucky regulations 302 KAR 22:050

Stockyards and Buying stations and 302 KAR 22:090 Bovine as well as all the livestock regulations. To be honest, we have been going to meetings about this for several years, but I think they are getting close to a final product. If you have a desire to know the definitions and the laws on animal movement and how stockyards are regulated, you might find it interesting to read these to documents.

It was nice to be in a meeting representing the Kentucky beef producers along with KLMA to work on these documents. KCA and KLMA want to make these documents as user friendly as possible for sellers, buyers and market operators while staying in line with federal and state guidelines. This is a process. KDA staff along with the USDA veterinarians have done a nice job getting everyone to this point. There are will have to be some public meetings held later this summer and fall before everything is finalized. I am glad that everyone can work together to get an important document like this worked out.

When I am not thinking about KCA activities or meetings, I am thinking about my small cow herd, my wife and my family. My wife would say that I think about my cows before I think about her. That is not all the way true, but I do enjoy the challenge of being in the beef business. I was listening to Dr. Darrell Peel from Oklahoma State University the other day, and his talk was about the complexity of the beef industry. He made the statement that the beef industry was one of, if not the most complex, industry in the country. When you think about it from the challenges of breeding a cow and raising a calf to the different marketing venues to stocker, feedlot, packer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer, restaurants, thousands of meat cuts that have a shelf life that is not all that long and then you throw in the exports and imports on top of all the government regulations, you have a complex industry. Sometimes, I wonder how we ever get product to the consumer. But we do.

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Apply at KYCATTLE. ORG by AUGUST 31

Back to hot. The weather has been really hot, and I have had to adjust my cattle management plan of rotating my pastures. I made changes to my plans, and then I read Dr. Katie VanValin’s article Managing Heat Stress in Cattle: Tips for Summer Success. Her first tip was to provide adequate shade. No. 2 was to ensure clean and accessible drinking water (I think we sometimes get in trouble with this one when it is so hot. I am not sure we provide enough access to water at times.) Third was to consider forage type and fescue toxicosis (This is a big one as much as we talk about fescue. Sometimes, I don’t think we do a good job managing our pastures because fescue-based pastures will burn up in this heat.) Another important point is to provide mineral supplementation (I know minerals are important, but I don’t think about them in times of heat stress. As cattle drink more water, they urinate more and with that comes a loss of minerals). If you’re feeding cattle, you may need to adjust the feeding time. And we all know that you may need to modify handling practices and work them when it is cooler.

Knight, Knight Feedlot Manager

LARUE COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Bradon Burks

KJCA member Cyrus Bivens showed his support for the beef industry by wearing a Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. T-shirt everyday during Kentucky Farm’s Bureau’s Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders Program in June.

METCALFE COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Moe Hensley

The Metcalfe County Cattlemen met on June 26 at the Metcalfe County Extension office. Farmers Regional Livestock Market of Glasgow, operated by Brad and Ryne Towe, was the sponsor of the meeting.

After the meal, President Lisa Upchurch discussed the new license plate available at your clerk’s office for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation. Revenue from all sales and renewals of this license plate goes directly to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation for scholarships and many other programs.

She also mentioned CattleCon 2026. From what I understand, it is all things beef. Per their website, “you'll gain valuable insights into how to improve your business and maintain a healthy herd,” plus many more events associated with the beef industry. Check it out Feb. 3-5, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Next was the Cattlemen’s Scholarship, presented to Caitlin

Parke. Caitlin and her family run a beef cattle operation in Metcalfe County. Caitlin stays busy at the farm while also working a public job and always brings delicious desserts to the cattlemen meetings. She plans on attending WKU in the fall and majoring in elementary education. The Metcalfe County Cattlemen’s Association wants to congratulate Caitlin on her award and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Next on the agenda was Jacob Hall and Tyler London with the South Central Hay Lab, which is located in Glasgow and ran through Kentucky State University. They presented a PowerPoint on why you should test your hay and how to go about contacting their lab for testing. Testing your hay can increase quality, marketability and profitability that can ultimately help your bottom line.

One day we are like, “without rain, nothing grows,” the next is “whoever is doing the rain dance, it worked. You can stop.”

Jacob Hall and Tyler London with the South Central Hay Lab.

President Lisa Upchurch presenting Caitlin Parke her scholarship.

FRANKLIN COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Crystal Harrod

The Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association was proudly represented at the 65th Annual Farm City Field Day! From the farm to the table, this crew truly does it all. A big shoutout to our legendary Grill Crew for firing up the grills and making this delicious meal possible!

And a huge thank you to our Junior Cattlemen’s who served with smiles and represented the next generation of agriculture!

MCLEAN COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Nathan Howard

The McLean County Cattlemen cooked ribeyes, hamburgers and all beef hot dogs for the McLean County Ag Fair July 10-12 in Calhoun.

Design Phase Begins for Livestock Innovation Center

Nikki Whitaker Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

Draft floor plans for the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center were presented to the Construction Oversight Committee during a series of meetings in June and July, marking a key step forward for the state-funded project.

Earlier this year, the committee selected Branscum Construction as the project’s construction manager and Sherman Carter Barnhart as the architect/engineer. Since then, the committee and other industry stakeholders have met several times to define the building’s goals, functions, and priorities. These meetings were critical for aligning expectations and ensuring the design reflects the needs of its users and the

mission and purpose set forth by the livestock industry.

In June, the committee reviewed initial floor plans that reflect months of input from across Kentucky’s agriculture community. From early planning discussions to recent stakeholder meetings, the Livestock Center’s design has been guided by feedback from producers, educators, and other partners with a shared vision for the building’s potential. These initial plans represent an important milestone, leading into the full design development phase set to take place later this year, when detailed renderings and final layouts will be crafted and shared.

Every element of the facility is being built with the goal of supporting, strengthening, and celebrating Kentucky’s livestock industry. The draft design includes a flexible education and conference space for up to 300 people, along with a stateof-the-art culinary training center featuring two kitchens: one designed for teaching and demonstrations with multiple cooking stations, and the other serving as a smallscale commercial kitchen for food service training. Additional spaces include collaborative work areas, additional meeting rooms for groups of 5 to 25, and outdoor gathering areas such as a covered patio with built-in grilling space. A dedicated

media production studio, added in response to stakeholder feedback, will support high-quality video and photography for producer interviews, cooking demonstrations, and recipe development.

Throughout the review process, the committee has remained focused on one of the center’s most defining features: its location on the scenic University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Research Center in Woodford County. Situated on nearly 1,500 acres of rolling farmland, the site offers a striking and functional setting for

the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center. This opportunity was made possible through a public-private partnership between the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation and the University of Kentucky to locate the center on 15 acres of the research farm as part of a long-term lease agreement.

“The site has such beautiful views in just about every direction, I can’t wait for everyone to see the finished product,” said Oversight Committee member, Cary King. “As much as we’re looking forward to seeing it

built, it’s important that we take the time necessary to make sure we’re creating an asset that every livestock producer can use to help their family farms thrive for generations to come.” Altogether, by uniting education, research, and collaboration in one dynamic space, the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center will honor the Commonwealth’s rich agricultural legacy while creating meaningful economic development opportunities. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with completion targeted for Fall 2027.

BQCA Goes to School

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

LEXINGTON, KY – The Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky have expanded their Beef Quality and Care Assurance education beyond its traditional extension classroom, online and chute-side trainings. They are now offering Kentucky agriculture teachers the opportunity to become BQCAcertified trainers so they can teach their students proper animal handling and care in the classroom.

In 2024, the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board approved BQCA as an industry certification for students pursuing the animal science career pathway while in high school. To graduate, Kentucky students must earn either an industry certification or pass the Kentucky Career and Technical Education End of Program assessment.

The Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky train agriculture teachers to become BQCA trainers and offer teacher professional development days to keep teachers up to date on BQCA practices and techniques. So far, teachers from over 30 counties have become BQCA trainers. Since beginning to offer BQCA as an industry certification in schools in August 2024, teachers have trained over 1,500 Kentucky students.

“Seeing students take BQCA home and share it with their families—that’s what makes this work so meaningful,” said Becky Thompson, director of the Kentucky Beef Network. “By empowering teachers to deliver BQCA in the classroom, we’re not just preparing students for careers—we’re building pride, confidence and a lifelong commitment to responsible animal care.”

The opportunity to offer BQCA certification to their animal sciences students was too good to pass up for Kenzie Hatfield, an Ohio County High School agriculture teacher and Harley Hawkins-McIntyre, who teaches agriculture at Warren East High School. They both became certified trainers during the summer 2024 and incorporated the program into their classroom instruction in fall 2024.

“The kids love it because it gives them a career-ready certification. I love it because it’s a really easy starting point for my animal sciences classes, and my administration is tickled that they get to offer another certification to our students,” Hatfield said.

Both Hatfield and Hawkins-McIntyre dive deeper into the BQCA concepts in their classrooms. They take the BQCA lessons a step further by

offering a hands-on activity with each module. Some of the activities they have done include designing chutes using popsicle sticks and floral wire, properly tagging and vaccinating stuffed animals and using cardboard cutouts to demonstrate how to property dehorn cattle.

“Not everybody grows up around cattle but almost all of them will have pets,” Hawkins-McIntyre said. “The proper animal handling and care principles that the program teaches can really be extended to any species. Through BQCA, students learn how to properly care for their animals, recognize signs there might be an issue and know when to seek professional help.”

Hatfield said many of her students have small cow herds or raise other livestock.

“There was really a need for BQQA in our community,” she said. “It’s back to the basics of ag education and teaches the young generation better practices that they can take back to their farms. I’ve had students go home and show their families BQCA processes.”

At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, HawkinsMcIntyre had over 60 students in her animal sciences classes BQCA certified. In Ohio County, Hatfield had 45 students certified.

“Students take pride in having their BQCA certification,” Hawkins-McIntyre said. “Our farm kids take pride in getting the BQCA certified plaque, and one of my students says having his certification has increased the market value for his animals.”

Both plan to continue offering the program in classroom for the foreseeable future.

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Beef Bash 2025

Les Anderson Beef Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

The UK Beef IRM team and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association are proud to host Beef Bash again at the University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Research Center (LRC) in Woodford County on Sept. 20. This event combines social, educational and industry interaction and should have something for everyone who is interested in beef and the Kentucky beef industry. We moved Beef Bash to a Saturday so we could include youth and have several sessions designed for hands-on experiences for kids interested in learning more about beef cattle.

The staging area will be under the big tent near the Intensive Research Building this year. We will have live cattle demonstrations, research presentations, commercial and educational exhibits. You will have opportunities to take various tours that will be available, or you can simply sit on a bale of straw and visit with university or industry leaders, commercial representatives, or your fellow cattle producers.

Most of the UK beef specialists, forage specialists and researchers, along with specialists from other disciplines, will be there to participate in the program and to visit with you. We will be updating information from time to time but here is a general description of what you can see and do:

Cattle. We manage approximately 150 cows and will be calving by mid-September. Most of the cows are commercial Angus cows with some Hereford and Simmental influence. All females are subjected to two rounds of fixed-timed AI and are raised on the farm under a strict herd health program. We’ll have several cattle exhibits

to illustrate various management practices. Kirk Vanzant, UK Beef Farm manager, Darrh Bullock, and I are happy to discuss the breeding and management programs with you.

Commercial exhibits. A large tent in the staging area will house about 30-40 commercial exhibits and serve as the focal point of all activities. You can visit with various company representatives as you please and make plans for purchasing products for weaning calves or wintering the cow herd. Information on many new products will be available. Take your time and visit a while.

Educational opportunities. Most of the faculty involved with the beef industry will be available and sharing some insights with attendees. Youth who attend will get several handon opportunities to learn about various aspects of beef production. The educational topics include cooking demonstrations and the value of beef in the diet, advances in beef cattle nutrition, forage management tips, managing fescue toxicosis, incorporating precision ag in beef cattle systems, and chute-side pregnancy diagnosis and techniques to synchronize estrus for AI. As you can tell, the topics cover a wide variety of topics which might relate to you and your cattle operation.

Social: Our main goal with Beef Bash is fellowship. Visit with the leadership of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the University of Kentucky. Bring any prospective agriculture students, especially those interested in animal and food sciences with you. The Beef Extension specialists and researchers will, of course, be available to visit and answer questions. KCA staff will be

represented with leaders from across the state. Come and visit with other cattlemen from across the state and be a part of making KCA the voice for all Kentucky cattle producers.

Research Results. One key to Beef Bash is that our clientele gets to learn about the research conducted at the LRC to improve the beef herds of Kentucky and beyond. This is a key opportunity to interact with our researchers and ask questions pertaining to their research. Our beef nutrition researchers are the best in the world, and Beef Bash is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the work that is being done here in Kentucky. Cutting-edge research abounds at the LRC, and we are excited to share these findings and the direction of this work with you.

USDA-ARS. Faculty working with the USDA-ARS will also attend to discuss their research and its application to the Kentucky beef industry. This group is expanding its impact in Kentucky and has considerably exciting news to share with those attending. We hope to see you at the LRC in Woodford County. You can register on-site, but we prefer you to preregister so we can more efficiently organize lunch. To preregister, visit https://tinyurl. com/5d86rvc2 or contact your local extension office or email Maggie.ginn@uky.edu.

You are important to us and the beef industry. Make plans now to spend some time with folks who are interested in the same things that you are – improving our position in the beef industry. Mark Sept. 20 on your calendar and bring a neighbor. Consider this my personal invitation to help make this the biggest “bash” ever!

Albany —Campbellsville—East-Mt. Sterling—Farmers-Flemingsburg—Lexington—Richmond—South-Stanford

ARH Now Serving Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

HAZARD, KY− Since late May, Appalachian Regional Healthcare hospital locations in Hazard and Prestonsburg have been serving Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef to customers in their cafeterias.

“We know that beef is healthy,” said Kenny Allen, Beef Solutions operations manager. “We are proud of our product. What makes our product unique is we leave all the great cuts in our product− the strip, the sirloin, the ribeye, the brisket−that makes for a really good burger.”

The move to the hospital environment for Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and its parent company, Beef Solutions, has been nearly a year in the making and was made possible through a partnership with ARH, Sodexo, Creation Gardens and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture through its Food Is Medicine Initiative. The partnership began with a local food forum hosted by ARH last August that brought many stakeholders to the table to discuss ways ARH could bring fresh, local foods into the region its serves. ARH is the largest provider of care in southeastern Kentucky with a workforce of around 6,500 at its multistate locations.

“Anytime you are working with a corporation, there are lots of hurdles that you have to jump, and fortunately, we have had the right people in the right places to make all of this work out,” said Nicole Smith, community development manager for the Kentucky River Region of ARH. “We were very happy for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association to partner with Sodexho so that we can offer those great products for our staff, the visitors to the hospital and eventually to our patients.”

In ARH cafeterias, patrons can choose from three unique burgers produced with Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and developed by Marvin Rodriguez, Sodexo area executive

chef. They are the ARH Signature Burger, which includes bourbon sauce, cheddar cheese and onion rings; a mushroom Swiss burger and a bacon cheeseburger. Diners also have the option to put any toppings of their choice on a Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef burger. So far, the ARH Signature Burger has been the most popular choice at both hospitals.

“Everybody is very proud of Kentucky,” Rodriguez said. “When they found out that we were bringing in a Kentucky product, people started getting excited and talking about it. People are loving it because it is a Kentucky Proud product.”

The entrance into the hospital setting is a win for Kentucky producers because it opens up more marketing opportunities and gives them a chance to help feed their communities.

“We procure cattle from farmers in Eastern Kentucky, but this is not an area of the state that we have a large footprint in as far as sales of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef goes, so it means a ton to us to see Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef on the menu at Hazard and Highlands hospitals,” Allen said. “We are excited to procure cattle from this area and to have some of it come back as a finished product.”

The long-term plan for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef burgers is to be offered in the cafeterias in all 12 ARH hospital locations in Kentucky and eventually grow into ARH’s West Virginia market. Future aspirations also include developing a burger using Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef that will be served to hospital patients.

“It would be great for patients because it is a Kentucky grown product, and I think our patients would love that as well,” Rodriguez said.

To qualify for inclusion on the hospital patient’s menu, Beef Solutions is in the process of making a leaner product with 90-10 fat content blend, which qualifies as a “Food Is Medicine-grade” product. Lean beef is a nutritious option for consumers as it provides an excellence protein source and has 10 essential vitamins and minerals.

“As the Food Is Medicine work continues to grow and comes into fruition, Beef Solutions wants to be in this space, and we are excited to be able to offer a 90-10 blend in the near future,” Allen said. “This is a space we have worked very hard to get into.”

Producers who want more information about selling cattle to Beef Solutions can email beefsolutionsinfo@kycattle. org.

Open Cows and Mid-term AbortionsCould it be Neospora caninum?

Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

2016 Jul;32(2):443-63.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that has become the most detected cause of bovine abortion in the United States in recent years. A majority of abortions occur from 5-7 months gestation (ranging from 3-8 months), and the dam often retains her fetal membranes after delivery. The fetus that dies in utero may become dehydrated and shrunken (mummified) but usually the time delay between fetal death and expulsion results in delivery of a slightly rotten, soft fetus. Rarely, a Neospora-infected calf is born alive but with neurologic problems ranging from poor balance in mildly affected calves to those born weak and unable to stand. Economic losses experienced by beef operations beyond the reproductive failures include increased calving intervals, increased culling and potentially reduced value of breeding stock.

The disease is challenging to control because the parasite can be transmitted internally from an infected cow to her unborn calf or can be transmitted externally to cattle through contaminated feed or water. No vaccine is currently available, and long-term infections in the breeding females cannot be cleared by antimicrobials. The parasite naturally cycles within wildlife (deer and coyotes), so even closed herds are at risk if infected wild animals are nearby.

Neospora caninum derives its name from the fact that canines (dogs and coyotes) are the only known “definitive hosts” of the parasite. A protozoan parasite must first infect a definitive host to reach sexual maturity and produce the oocysts (eggs) that cause disease. If a dog or coyote ingests Neospora-infected tissue, the parasite will multiply

within the canine’s intestinal cells and then shed environmentally hardy oocysts in feces a few days later. Shedding is generally seen in younger dogs and coyotes after their first exposure to the parasite and lasts roughly two weeks. After the feces decomposes, the oocysts remain in the dust and can then be spread into feed, mineral feeders, water sources and on pasture. This infective or “sporulated” oocyst, if consumed by an “intermediate host” such as a cow, will hatch and the “sporozoites” will rapidly divide and infect host cells. If the cow is open and she mounts a strong immune response, the organism will convert itself into dormant “tissue cysts” that survive in the muscles and brain for the life of the cow.

Unfortunately, that is not the end of the story. If a cow with tissue cysts later becomes pregnant, the organism

Figure 1: Neospora caninum Life Cycle in Cattle. From: “Diagnosis and Control of Neosporosis” by. M. McAllister. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract.

can reactivate and cross the placenta from the dam to the developing fetus. This is called “endogenous” transmission and may occur in multiple pregnancies of the same dam, resulting in a random and scattered pattern of abortion. Alternatively, if a heifer or cow first ingests the oocysts from the environment when she is pregnant, the organism can immediately cross the placenta and be transmitted to the fetus. This is called horizontal or “exogenous” transmission, and many cattle may become infected at the same time from one common source, causing serious reproductive losses in a short time frame. Generally speaking, females that acquire the organism from the environment only abort once and do not experience repeated episodes. However, heifer calves infected from their dams during gestation are at much higher risk for repeat abortion.

There are three possible pregnancy outcomes from a Neospora infection depending on the cow’s stage of gestation (Figure 1). The highest risk for abortion is when the dam experiences a Neospora infection during her second trimester, also called the gestational window of susceptibility, at 5-7 months. The affected fetus will typically be aborted, born prematurely or neurologically impaired. Infection in the first trimester of gestation often does not reach the fetus due to maternal protection, resulting in birth of a healthy, uninfected calf. If infection occurs during the last trimester, the organism does reach the fetus but the developing fetal immune system is often sufficiently mature to defend itself from harm. This calf is born normal and healthy BUT persistently infected (also called a “congenital infection”) with the Neospora organism. This spread from dam to calf during pregnancy may pass unnoticed over several generations, but congenitally infected heifers are at high risk for abortion during their first pregnancy. If she aborts her first calf, her risk of abortion remains high for subsequent pregnancies. If she calves successfully, her abortion risk drops

substantially.

Diagnosis of Neospora abortion is most successful through examination of the fetus and placenta by a pathologist at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Fetal brain, heart and muscle are the most consistently affected tissues and have a very characteristic cellular pattern visible under the microscope. A PCR test is often used to confirm the presence of the organism. A serological (blood) test is available that measures antibodies against Neospora but interpretation of those results can be tricky, especially in an individual abortion case versus herd-level testing.

Control of Neospora is complicated at best. To begin, cull all females that experience repeat abortions or repeatedly fail to calve. Herd level blood testing is most effective when used in heifers over 6 months of age. Keep only those with negative test results as replacements. Conversely, be careful when making culling decisions on blood test positive adult cattle. Seropositive adult females with no history of reproductive failure are likely being protected from any new infection by those antibodies. Embryo transfer from positive females to negative recipients is an option to preserve valuable genetics safely. Testing of all purchased breeding stock should be considered to prevent entry of positive animals into the herd.

carcasses and placental tissues. Dogs and coyotes should not be allowed to eat aborted fetuses, fetal membranes or dead cattle.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that is widely recognized as an infectious cause of reproductive problems in cattle and will not be going away anytime soon. There is no vaccine available. It causes lifelong infection that cannot be cleared. It can be transmitted externally in contaminated feed and water or transmitted internally from dam to fetus, and it naturally cycles in wildlife. Diagnosis of abortion is through detection of the Neospora caninum organism and lesions in fetal tissues, usually the fetal brain or heart. There is no known drug to clear a cow of infection. Control is based on culling positive heifers, preventing entry of infected replacements into the herd, and preventing exposure of the breeding herd to feed and water contaminated with feces from dogs or coyotes. Contact your local veterinarian for more information.

Allison Charolais

Charolais Breeder Since

Allison

Charolais

Charolais Breeder Since 1962

To reduce the chance of horizontal transmission, it is important to prevent exposure of the breeding females to feed and water contaminated with feces from dogs or coyotes which may contain oocysts. Key Control Points:

Bulls Available

• Keep only the dogs on property you want. Guard dogs are beneficial by reducing visits by wild canids and strays;

Charolais Breeder Since 1962 • Bulls Available

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BULLS & HEIFERS

Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial breeders.

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Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial Ø Yearlings and two-year-olds available.

Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.

Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial breeders.

• The greatest risk is from puppies who may shed oocysts for 1-2 weeks;

Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.

Ø Yearlings and two-year-olds available.

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• Keep all animals and feces out of feed and water sources;

• Prevent dog access to infected tissues by prompt removal of

John Allison, Owner 545 Eminence Road New Castle, KY 40050 502-220-3170

40050

David Carter,

CLARKSON, KY−Grayson County fourth-generation producer Kendra Childress is excited about sharing her farm’s history and her personal journey back to agriculture with visitors to her family’s Laurel Creek Farms. She relies on the farms’ diverse enterprises to teach others how agriculture impacts their lives.

Education comes natural to her. Childress has a full-time, off-thefarm job teaching high school social studies in neighboring Hart County. She is about to start her 18th year of teaching. She juggles her job and managing her farm.

Cattle production is the foundation of her farm, but she is expanding into other aspects of agriculture including cut flower production and hosting events to invite more people to experience all that the farm has to offer.

“I knew my farm was a cattle farm and that’s what it needed to stay, but my vision is to find ways to incorporate agritourism and bring people here to educate them on how their food is grown,” Childress said. “Most people are so disconnected from that now.”

The Journey Home

Returning to the farm wasn’t always in the cards for Childress. As a child growing up on the farm, she remembered the long hours her family put into raising tobacco, hogs, cattle, and row crops and wasn’t sure that life

Blooming with a Passion for Ag

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

was for her when she graduated from Grayson County High School. In fact, she spent almost 15 years away. She attended Campbellsville University where she played tennis before transferring to Western Kentucky University to finish up her degree. After graduating college, she spent several years teaching in Western Kentucky trying to find a place to call “home”.

Then Covid hit, and everything shut down. It was during this time Childress decided the farm was where she wanted to be.

“It was a calling. I felt like it was time for me to return and contribute,” she said. “When I bought my farm, I became more passionate about agriculture. I have learned that until something is yours, it doesn’t mean as much.”

Blooming Business Venture

An avid reader, Childress began reading and researching about growing flowers. She planted her first seeds in the winter of 2020. A few years ago, she purchased a greenhouse to ramp up her business. She is now part of a flower collective, Southern Kentucky Floral Exchange, which is a group of growers who pull together their products to create larger marketing opportunities to florists

from Bowling Green to Nashville and Evansville.

“Being part of this group really opens up opportunities for me to sell my flowers on a larger scale, and they are able to help with the marketing and delivery aspect of the business, which is something I don’t really have the time to do,” she said.

She also has U-pick flower fields full of summer flowers like zinnias and sunflowers. These fields, as well as other locations on the farm are popular photography locations.

Gift of Cattle

As Childress planted those seeds in 2020, she knew she wanted to come home. In 2021, she had the opportunity to purchase 50 acres from her late grandmother’s estate. When she bought the farm, her parents, Ken and Lisa Childress, gifted her eight heifers to begin her herd, and Childress and her dad also began improving the fencing around her property. Since then, she has retained heifers and her herd has grown to 14 mama cows. They are bred to her part Wagyu bull.

Her parents also raise a commercial herd of around 45 mama cows. They pull together their resources and about a quarter of both herds are produced for freezer beef and individual retail

photo by Chelsea E. Rigdon Photography

“With the market being so high, we have had to make some tough choices on whether to retain our heifers and keep growing our herd or sell them,” she said. “We also have a huge demand for freezer beef, but we know we don’t want to exclusively put all of our resources into that market so it’s been a balancing act.”

The Childress family also rolls their own hay, putting up around 500 rolls each year for winter feeding. They also grow nearly 200 acres of soybeans.

Laurel Creek Farms is truly a familyrun business. While Kendra is on-site during the summer and as much during the school year as her schedule allows, her parents are integral parts of her farm’s success. Her father, Ken, is in charge of much of the winter feeding of both herds. Her mother, Lisa, handles the majority of the beef sales and manages the event space. While Kendra contributes in all aspects of the farm, including marketing.

“I couldn’t do this without my parents,” she said.

She is in the process of constructing a farm store where she will be able to sell her beef, produce and flowers. She sees the store as another opportunity to expose people to agriculture.

“People don’t always connect farming with business, but I’m hoping a retail space with products from our farm and other Kentucky Proud producers will help,” Childress said.

Rebranding the Family Farm

When Kendra returned to the farm, her family decided to rebrand and change the farm name from Childress Farms to better reflect the return of the next generation. They named it Laurel Creek Farms, after the creek that runs through their property. In addition to the cattle and flowers, her family also converted an old tobacco barn in 2017. It is now rented out as an event space.

“When we were remodeling the barn, Dad actually built the doors big enough so he could use it to store equipment in case events didn’t go over well,” Kendra Childress said. That

has not been the case with the event space that is open from May through October, booking sometimes a year in advance.

Becoming an Industry Leader

Her return to the farm and quest for knowledge about the industry and finding a network of producers led her to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and its leadership programs. She is a part of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Leadership Development Program and the Kentucky Beef Council’s Beef Advance program. She credits those programs with opening doors to other leadership opportunities within the industry. Most recently, she joined the Grayson County Ag Council, which is in charge of distributing County Agricultural Investment Program funds.

“I don’t know that I would have joined ag council without first participating the cattlemen’s leadership programs. They have really given me the tools and confidence to do more,” she said.

“I take my position on the county ag council very seriously because I know how helpful that money is for farmers.”

Contribution to FFA

Childress is a member of both Grayson and Hart County FFA Alumni organizations. Both organizations

assist with community events that promote agriculture and lead fundraising efforts to provide scholarships, hands-on learning experiences and educational trips for students. Her goal is to help support the future generation of agriculture.

“There is an urgent need to inspire young farmers across our nation,” she said. “If I can support or provide guidance to one future farmer, my few hours of monthly service are well worth it.”

Keeping the Farm in Ag

Like many areas of the state, Grayson County finds itself facing development pressure. Land prices in the county have risen in recent years with the construction of the BlueOval SK electric vehicle battery production plant underway in neighboring Glendale in Hardin County and the increasing popularity of Nolin Lake among Louisvillians who would like to leave the city for a more rural environment.

Keeping the farm in agriculture is important to the Childress family, and Childress sees the steps they are taking now by diversifying their operations and planning for the future as a way to keep the land in agriculture. The goal is for Childress’ nephews, Miles (4), Knox (2) and Shepherd (1), to have the opportunity to be the fifth generation on the farm.

photo by Katie Pratt

Kentucky Farm Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2025)–Whispering Hills Farm in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, was recognized today by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a 2025 Regional winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Regional awards were presented during the cattle industry’s Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, and the national winner will be announced during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, in February.

“It is an honor to recognize these cattle producers for their commitment to conservation,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein. “Not only are they protecting natural resources for future generations, but they also serve as stewardship role models for producers across the country.”

Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Regional ESAP winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. The 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional winners are:

Region I: Whispering Hills Farm, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Region II: M&D Overstreet Ranch, Kathleen, Florida

Region III: Smith Family Farms, Bankston, Iowa

Region IV: McFaddin Ranch, Victoria, Texas

Region V: G&G Livestock and Cathey Cattle Company, Polson, Montana

Region VII: Wine Glass Ranch, Imperial, Nebraska

“Mike Wilson has worked with numerous federal, state and local government conservation agencies for the last two decades, allowing him to gain new insight on an array of techniques related to cattle farming, silviculture and wildlife habitat,” said Brandon Jacobs, Conservation

Stewardship Program state manager for USDA-NRCS. “The meetings, trainings and field days Mr. Wilson has hosted or attended are far too many to count, but one thing is for certain, the impact his family has within the local community is inspiring, it resonates and makes a significant impact on those aspiring to be better stewards of the land.”

Mike Wilson took a neglected and overgrown farm in the heart of Kentucky and gave it life. He carefully crafted his operation around the limitations of the land and resources and adapted when necessary to make it a thriving, profitable operation that can be passed down to the next generation of stewards. Wilson is an active participant in both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, as well as CSP, working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement a variety of practices including pipeline, heavy use area protection, watering troughs, fencing, and forage and biomass plantings to help facilitate prescribed grazing. In addition to livestock-related enhancements, he is an advocate for keeping the balance

between agriculture and wildlife. He has partnered with state foresters to improve woodland, and he removes invasive species to enhance plant diversity. Wilson continues to serve as a role model to fellow cattle producers, influencing them to take positive steps towards stewardship and conservation efforts.

“As we face limited resources and a growing population, it is only going to become more important for our industry to adapt and innovate,” Wilson said. “As a farmer, it is my job to take care of the land, and if I take care of it, it will take care of us.”

ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain. For more information, visit www. environmentalstewardship.org.

New World Screwworm: What Kentucky Cattle Producers Need to Know

Hannah Tiffin UK Entomology Jessie Lay UK Animal Health & Kenny Burdine UK Agricultural Economics

Quick Facts

• New World Screwworm (NWS) is a fly whose larvae burrow into healthy living tissue of livestock, causing severe wounds, infection, and even death.

• Eradicated in the U.S. since 1966, but recent outbreaks in Mexico are pushing the pest northward.

• Not yet detected in the U.S., but vigilance is essential.

• Even minor wounds—tick bites, fly bites, umbilical cords—can attract NWS females to lay eggs.

• Infected animals emit a strong smell of rotting flesh, often have rapidly worsening wounds full of maggots.

Why This Matters to Kentucky Producers

If reintroduced, NWS could devastate U.S. livestock systems. A previous Texas outbreak (1976) affected 1.5 million cattle and caused losses estimated today at $732 million for producers and $1.8 billion for the Texas economy.

Though Kentucky is not a border state, any reintroduction into the U.S. would put our livestock at risk. Cattle are particularly vulnerable, but the pest can affect a wide variety of species including other livestock, equines, wildlife and rarely humans. This means the pest can be spread through multiple routes, including wildlife movement, livestock trade and travel, and illegal imports.

Economic Impact So Far

• Ban on live cattle imports from Mexico due to the outbreak has tightened feeder cattle supply.

• Feeder cattle futures hit record highs, with March 2025 imports down over 50% year-to-date.

• Southern states partially rely on Mexican imports to fill feedlot capacity.

What You Can Do

Know the Signs: NWS can affect livestock and wildlife. If you see your animals or wildlife in your area showing any of the following signs, document and report it.

• Strong odor of decaying flesh

• Deep wound(s) or openings (nostrils, genitalia) with maggots

• Animals with irritated behavior and/or severe head shaking Report It Immediately: Suspect a case in livestock or wildlife? Call the offices below.

• KY Office of the State Veterinarian: (502) 573-0282

• USDA-APHIS (KY Office): (502) 848-2040

Follow Import Regulations: NWS can spread through legal and illegal imports. Always follow USDA guidelines, continually updated at the links below.

• Livestock from Mexico: tinyurl.com/NWS-import-Mex

• All live animal imports: tinyurl.com/NWS-all-imports

• Pet import rules: tinyurl.com/NWS-pet-rules Stay Vigilant

Federal and state officials are monitoring the situation closely. A response plan is in place if NWS is detected in the U.S., along with Kentucky-specific response plans if necessary.

Your role is critical in protecting Kentucky cattle from this dangerous pest. Early detection and immediate reporting could prevent devastating losses and help keep the U.S. NWS-free.

100 Years of Better Pastures in Kentucky

Jennifer Elwell with contributions by Susan Baniak, University of Kentucky

PRINCETON, Ky. − Improving forage crops for higher-producing grazing livestock was a primary goal of the University of Kentucky’s agricultural station in Princeton when it opened in 1925. One hundred years later, the Research and Education Center, as part of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station, reflects on its many contributions to farmer success.

“Forage crops are an integral part of Kentucky agriculture, underpinning the success of beef, small ruminant and equine farms,” said Chad Lee, director of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence stationed at the Research and

Education Center. “Forage research and recommendations from state extension specialists and county agents across the state have helped farmers evaluate and implement new grazing systems to optimize forage utilization, soil improvement and animal performance.”

UKREC faculty and staff, alongside those at the Lexington campus, have conducted a century of extensive research on the production and management of pasture crops and cut forages. Equally important are the educational outreach programs that share newfound knowledge with the farming community. Many of those are held in Princeton to serve Western Kentucky.

Seeding the Way

Rotating forages such as clover and timothy with corn and wheat to improve yields and soil fertility were among the earliest trials at the Princeton substation. Lime and fertilization trials began in 1927 and continued through the mid-1950s.

Pasture experimentation also began within the first few years, showcasing the cooperative work with the university’s animal scientists. Beginning in 1929, average yearly gains of steers were recorded to determine recommendations for forage species, soil treatments and animal capacities.

According to early UKREC reports, this 20-year stream of research

provided a strong incentive for soil fertility management of Western Kentucky pastures. The study showed that improved pastures could increase average daily gains by three and a half times. As a result of this demonstration alone, hundreds of thousands of acres of poor pastureland were improved.

Sam Lowry, the station’s superintendent from 1925 to 1963, gave many farmer presentations during his tenure and often shared his vision of a thriving livestock industry through the development of better pastures.

“I am not telling you to ‘go to grass,’ but it is my firm belief that if Kentucky farmers, especially those outside the central region, will grow more grass, they will be headed in the direction of happier days,” Lowry said during an extension short course in the 1930s.

The Rise and Improvement of Tall Fescue

As forage research was well underway in Princeton, UK agronomist E.N. Fergus stumbled into forage history on the other side of the state in 1931 when he was asked to judge a sorghum syrup show. Invited to also visit the Suiter Farm in Menifee County during this trip, Fergus observed “an excellent stand of grass on a steep hillside.”

According to Garry Lacefield, former UKREC extension forage specialist, this was the most crucial farm visit in the history of Kentucky agriculture. Fergus identified the grass as a tall fescue and returned with a few pounds of seed for testing.

UKREC was instrumental in sharing this discovery. It was first seeded in research trials at Princeton in 1932, tested for many years, and then released by UK in 1942 as “Kentucky 31.” By the 1950s, Kentucky 31 tall fescue had become the most widely grown cool-season grass due to its adaptability and strong performance under pasture conditions.

“It fit into Kentucky,” said Lacefield, who worked at UKREC from 1974 to 2015. “It was tough. It would grow anywhere. It started to grow early and would grow late in the season. Farmers really liked it because it was such a good grass, and they could all

grow it.”

Unfortunately, it also had its disadvantages. Farmers and researchers observed problems in cattle that grazed in Kentucky 31 pastures, including reduced weight gain, heat stress and hoof problems. This condition, eventually called fescue toxicosis, is caused by a fungus within the plant’s cells, or endophyte. It can also affect sheep and equines.

Once the endophyte was identified, a collaborative effort at UKREC in the 1970s between Lacefield, extension agronomist and soils specialist Monroe Rasnake, and extension animal scientist Roy Burris produced effective strategies to help cattle producers reduce their livestock's exposure. The practices they developed for managing endophyte-infected pastures are still recommended today.

UK researchers also looked to remove the endophyte from the plant entirely. By 1982, they developed an endophyte-free variety called Johnstone. Without the endophyte, however, the resulting fescue lost much of the hardiness that had made it a popular pasture forage. With fescue toxicosis still taking a heavy financial toll on Kentucky's beef industry, Lacefield knew they needed a variety with an endophyte that would bolster the plant's resilience without being problematic for livestock—a nearly impossible pipe dream.

A laboratory in New Zealand eventually discovered a novel

endophyte, marketed as Max Q, in 1997, and new fescue varieties were developed. UK plant breeder Tim Phillips developed a Kentucky-born, endophyte-free tall fescue using the Max Q endophyte in the early 2000s and tested it for 12 years. Lacefield Max Q II®, marketed by Pennington Seed Company, was released by the University of Kentucky in 2018. Phillips named the variety for Lacefield upon his retirement to honor his numerous contributions to the forage industry and the college.

Advancing Alfalfa

Alfalfa’s high nutritional value and soil health benefits were well known for years. However, its use in Kentucky forage systems was limited before 1974 because proper establishment required intensive management and expertise.

Lacefield and other UK forage specialists saw great potential for Kentucky farmers to expand their alfalfa acreage and improve yields by adopting better management practices, including soil testing, increased lime and fertilizer application, thoughtful variety selection and proper seeding techniques.

At this time, UK agronomist Tim Taylor and agricultural engineer Ed Smith developed a no-till seed drill to easily integrate legumes into tall fescue fields. Field-testing the machine, which John Deere later purchased, was

(doramectin and levamisole injection)

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

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

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

INDICATIONS:

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

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

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

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

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

one of Lacefield’s first assignments when he joined the UKREC team.

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

WITHDRAWAL PERIODS AND RESIDUE WARNINGS: Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 15 days following last treatment with this drug product. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows; use

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

User

If injection site reactions are suspected, consult your veterinarian. This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use. Hypersalivation may be observed; however, this reaction will disappear within a few hours. If this condition persists, a veterinarian should be consulted.

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

WITHDRAWAL PERIODS AND RESIDUE WARNINGS:

TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY:

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

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

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

STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL:

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

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-553

In 1980, a visit to an alfalfa farm in Shelby County encouraged him to share more of UKREC’s increasing alfalfa knowledge with area producers. It was a simple meeting at first, but in 1981, the first Kentucky Alfalfa Conference was held in both Shelby County and Princeton, and the annual event has continued at rotating locations across the state since. Lacefield gave a “50 Years of Alfalfa Production in Kentucky” presentation at the 2024 conference.

User Safety Warnings: Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental eye contact occurs, flush eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If wearing contact lenses, flush eyes immediately with water before removing lenses then continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product. Wash hands after use. Take care to avoid accidental selfinjection. If accidental injection occurs, seek medical attention and provide product package insert to medical professional. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet(s), contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-9638471 or www.zoetis.com.

Valcor PI Resize

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

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smaller projects that have added to the knowledge base over many years,” Teutsch said.

Next-Level Forage Extension Education and Research

Since his arrival, Teutsch has worked with Lexington-based forage specialist Ray Smith and the entire UK Forage Extension Program to continue and grow UKREC’s legacy of strong programming built by Lacefield, retired forage specialist Jimmy Henning and countless others.

A Closer Look at Red Clover

Distributed by: Zoetis Inc. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 June 2022

40031685A&P

The importance of clover, another nitrogen-fixing legume, was well known to UKREC’s early agronomists and grazers. The earliest trials at Princeton included clover varieties, but red clover did not always perform as well as others. Fergus worked with many agronomists to improve red clover adaptability to Kentucky conditions.

Norman Taylor, a UK agronomist from 1953 to 2001, reported that Kenland was the first red clover variety developed and released by the university in 1947.

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The Master Grazer Program, started in 2006 and now headquartered in Princeton under Teutsch’s leadership, holds grazing and fencing schools, a statewide grazing conference, and the alfalfa and stored forage conference annually.

Kentucky also recently hosted the Heart of America Grazing and Forage Conference, bringing more than 400 people to the three-day event last October. It will return to Kentucky in a few years, when they expect to share new findings.

Teutsch said there is still vital work to be done, specifically in climate adaptability.

TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY:

AD/Designer Copywriter Production Artist Campaign Mngr Copy Edit Account Producer Images Approved None Jordan Hart None None Meg Carley None Abbey Wesley Gribble None

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

to avoid accidental self-

and

insert to medical professional. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet(s), contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471 or www.zoetis.com.

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

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“The Kenland variety proved to be very well adapted and became the most widely used red clover variety in the United States,” he wrote in 2008.

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UKREC’s current extension forage specialist, Chris Teutsch, said Kenland is still seeded yearly, due to its hardiness. Its ability to reduce symptoms of fescue toxicosis makes it a perfect pasture companion to Kentucky 31.

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

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

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-553

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

“Red clover has been known to dilute the effects of the tall fescue endophyte, but it is now known to reverse it,” he said, referring to the high levels of vascular-widening isoflavones in the legume.

“We are seeing changes to pastures,” Teutsch said. “How do we manage tall fescue pastures with increasing summer temperatures? We are seeing more species in our pastures, and we need to learn how to manage a diverse mix of cool- and warm-season grasses.”

Lee, who directs the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence at Princeton, also shares a vision for improving production and management practices under varying environmental factors.

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

Teutsch said the center’s research on red clover continues today, as researchers look to upscale production and study the impact of drying temperatures and seeding dates on isoflavone levels. They are also investigating pelletizing red clover for integration into grazing systems.

“Although we tend to focus on major discoveries when talking about research, it is important to realize that those ‘big’ discoveries are a cumulative result of

“For a century, forage variety, fertilizer and management trials have helped farmers assess the potential yields, quality and adaptability under Kentucky’s unique growing conditions,” Lee said. “The variations in seasonal temperatures and weather patterns provide opportunities for new research and learning what systems will bring economic sustainability to our farmers while improving our resources. Forage and grazing systems will be a part of that.”

For additional information on forage research and extension programs at UKREC and UK Martin-Gatton CAFE, visit https://forages.ca.uky.edu.

TOUGH ON TOUGH WORMS, EASY ON CATTLE PRODUCERS.

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

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

Kentucky’s Lowe Helps Develop Guidance for Beef Industry

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

LEXINGTON, KY−Joe Lowe of Smiths Grove recently served as a task force member and spokesperson for the Beef Industry’s Long Range Plan for 2026-2023. This plan will help guide the industry for the next five years to ensure that the industry provides consumers with high quality beef as sustainably as possible.

“It was a big deal to serve as spokesperson for this group,” said Lowe, an eighth-generation seedstock producer at Oak Hollow Angus. “There’s only been four NCBA presidents from the Southeast, so it was huge to have representation from our region. It was great to serve as a voice in the room to convey to others about the large population of cattle in the region and communicate that we

have producers with small herds who still operate at very progressive levels.” The task force is comprised of leaders from across the beef industry, including cow/calf, seedstock, dairy feeder, animal health and livestock auctions. Lowe was the only producer on the task force from the eastern United States.

He was nominated and selected to the task force by officers of Cattlemen’s Beef Board and NCBA.

In addition to serving on the Long Range Plan Task Force, Lowe has also participated in the Beef Checkoff Trailblazer Advocacy Program, NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference and American Angus Association Beef Leaders Institute. He chaired

the Kentucky Beef Council for three years and served as Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Region II vice president for three years. He currently serves on the KCA board of directors.

Task force members began their work in December 2024, meeting monthly until July. They presented the long-range plan during the NCBA’s Summer Business Meeting in July in San Diego. It included the following six goals:

IS

LIVESTOCK GETTING THE VISIBILITY IT DESERVES?

As spokesperson, it was Lowe’s job to explain how the task force developed the interconnected goals to industry leaders and the media.

“Task force members didn’t come into the room with preconceived notions about the long-range plan. We made our decisions for goals based on survey data from producers and stakeholders followed up by some intensive interviews from some of the respondents to the survey,” Lowe said.

The plan is meant to encompass the entire industry and not just one segment. Businesses and organizations in the industry will use this plan or pieces of it to make sure their companies’ decisions align with the industry’s needs and vision for the future.

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan 2026-2030 is available at https://www.beeflongrangeplan.com/.

By leveraging UPI’s extensive experience in livestock marketing, and LiveAg’s innovative auction technology, producers gain a competitive edge in the online marketplace. Buy and sell cattle with confidence through a trusted platform supported by UPI livestock experts, transparent pricing, and a broad network of serious buyers and sellers. Get started with a UPI LiveAg Representative today!

MEMBERSHIP

2024-25 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

* MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/24– 9/30/25

NAME SPOUSE NAME FARM NAME

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

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

KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) NEW RENEWAL

Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below

KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP

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

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

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

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP:

$ KCA

$ KJCA

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

$ CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED:

$ ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

COUNTY DUES

Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlands .......................$20 (Boyd, Johnson, Lawrence, & Martin) Hopkins ..........................$35 Laurel.............................$35

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.

Beef For Growing Minds: Why Protein Matters in the School Year

Alex Scott MS, RD, LD KBC Southeast Regional Director of Nutrition

As kids head back to school, parents and caregivers want to give them every advantage for a successful year—starting with nutritious meals that support both learning and growth. While school supplies and routines are important, what’s on their plate plays a major role in fueling academic performance, focus and physical development. Beef provides 10 essential nutrients, including highquality protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins –nutrients that are especially critical during the rapid growth and change of childhood and adolescence.

Back to School, Back to Advocacy: Simple Ways to Share the Beef Story

The tween and teen years are a time of increasing independence and nutritional demands. Poor nutrient intake during this life stage has been linked to delayed physical development, weakened immune function and even poor academic performance. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many schoolage children and adolescents are falling short on nutrients like protein, iron, choline and vitamins B6 and B121 – nutrients beef naturally provides in a compact, delicious package. Including lean beef in balanced meals can help bridge these gaps and

As students head back to the classroom, it's not just teachers and parents preparing for a busy school year – this season also offers a unique opportunity for beef producers to share their story and make a lasting impact in their communities. Whether you're connecting with local schools, supporting school food service efforts or engaging online, there are plenty of ways to advocate for beef in a way that's approachable, meaningful and impactful.

Here are a few ways that you can advocate for beef this back-toschool season:

Bring beef to the classroom. Producers have powerful stories to tell – stories about hard work, sustainability and the science behind raising high-quality beef. As consumers become increasingly disconnected from agriculture, speaking at your local school's career day or guest lecturing in career readiness classes is a valuable way to help students understand where their food comes from and the wide range of careers in the beef industry. Consider bringing simple visuals, a beef cut chart or even a snack-sized sample of beef jerky to make your visit more engaging and memorable.

Support School Food Service. If you're selling local beef to a school, take the next step and connect directly with the food service team. Offer to set up a booth in the lunchroom on days when your beef is being served – students love meeting the farmer behind their food. Sharing USDA-compliant beef resources, recipes or even offering a quick classroom visit can help build meaningful relationships with school nutrition staff. These small efforts go a long way in keeping beef on the menu and building trust in local sourcing.

Be intentional on social media. Sharing a favorite beef lunchbox idea, a photo of your cattle with a caption about fueling the next generation or resharing accurate content from your state beef council can help build trust and awareness among parents, educators and consumers. With so much misinformation online, it’s important to share clear, consistent and credible messages that reflect the values and science behind beef production. Remember – you don’t need a microphone or a media team to be an advocate. Every interaction is an opportunity to show that beef is a valuable, nutritious food and that the people who raise it care deeply about their product and their communities.

lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Whether it’s a beef breakfast burrito to power through morning classes or a nutrient-packed taco bowl at dinner, beef fits easily into meals that support growing minds and bodies. When paired with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, beef helps create meals that are not only satisfying and kid-approved, but also packed with the essential nutrients young people need to thrive – in and out of the classroom.

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 20202025. 9th Edition. Available at https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/.

Beef up Breakfast: Why Protein in the Morning Matters

Start the school year strong with our Beef Breakfast Burritos –just one of many protein-packed options in our Beefy Breakfasts recipe collection. A warm, balanced breakfast not only helps teens stay focused in the classroom, but also keeps them feeling full longer, which can reduce unnecessary snacking later in the day. Fuel busy mornings with the satisfying power of beef!

Beef Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients: 12 ounces Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner) • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 2 teaspoons ground ancho chile powder • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 4 eggs, beaten • 2 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) • 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend or shredded Cheddar cheese • 4 medium spinach or plain flour tortillas (10-inch diameter), warmed • Salsa (optional)

Lime-Cilantro Cream: 1/2 cup reduced-fat dairy sour cream • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro Cooking: Combine Lime-Cilantro Cream ingredients in small bowl, if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef with bell pepper, onion, chile powder and cumin; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Remove from beef mixture from skillet; keep warm.

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

Combine eggs, water and 1 tablespoon cilantro in medium bowl. Spray same skillet with cooking spray. Pour into skillet; cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, if desired. Stir in beef mixture and cheese; cook 1 minute or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Cook's Tip: You may substitute 1 cup egg substitute for beaten eggs. Omit water. Continue as directed in step 3.

Spoon beef mixture evenly in a row across center of each tortilla, leaving 1-inch border on right and left sides. Fold right and left sides of tortilla over filling. Fold bottom edge up over filling and roll up; cut diagonally in half. Serve with Lime-Cilantro Cream and salsa, as desired.

Connecting Agriculture & Dietetics

Kaitlyn Sabin KBC Dietetic Intern, University of Kentucky Graduate Student

Preceptors play a vital role in shaping the dietetic internship experience, guiding students through the transition from academic learning to professional practice. While their impact is often overlooked, preceptors are instrumental in supporting and mentoring interns as they develop the skills and confidence needed in the field. As consumers continue to become increasingly disconnected from food production, it is essential dietitians be informed and educated on topics such as where our food comes from, food safety, antibiotic use and sustainability. Bridging agriculture and dietetics through specialized internship rotations, such as those offered by the Kentucky Beef Council, can give future dietitians a holistic and comprehensive understanding of our food systems—from farm to plate. Additionally, integrating agriculture into dietetic education can allow future dietitians to better fill the gaps between our communities and food systems.

The Kentucky Beef Council internship rotation has provided me with invaluable exposure to key aspects of the agriculture industry, particularly the cattle industry. Having little to no prior experience within any agricultural commodity, this has been an eye-opening rotation to what our food systems and food production looks like. Alex Scott, KBC dietitian and my preceptor, has given me opportunities to explore topics such as sustainable farming practices, beef nutrition, meat processing, food distribution and community education outreach.

A couple of specific experiences that come to mind that have helped me better understand the cattle industry include visiting our research farm at Eden Shale and attending the educational threeday teacher professional development program. At Eden Shale, Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky staff members walked me thorough various research projects underway at the farm regarding feed efficiency, sustainability and raising healthy cattle. This was a unique experience in which I learned how Steven Higgins from UK was working to improve water collection for cattle consumption by collecting rainwater off of Eden Shale’s barn roofs to support the high demand of water for optimal beef hydration. Additionally, I got to observe one of the producers explain how to place ear tags and vaccinations into cattle.

The second experience I was fortunate enough to partake in was our educational three-day professional development program for Kentucky agriculture teachers. During this time, I gave a presentation on the nutrition profile of beef, toured the Blue Grass Stockyards, observed a cattle sale, learned about cattle processing at the UK’s Meats Lab with Gregg Rentfrow and sat in on various presentations surrounding the cattle industry. These experiences with KBC have better equipped me make informed,

practical and culturally relevant nutrition recommendations as a future dietitian to individuals relating to agriculture.

A preceptor’s value in an internship goes far beyond overseeing an intern’s work or tasks. They are mentors and guides who can help shape an intern’s learning experience. Strengthening the connection between agriculture and dietetics fosters a deeper understanding of our food systems and ultimately supports a more informed, engaged and healthy community.

Keeping up with Kentucky Beef Network

Becky Thompson Director, Kentucky Beef Network

Looking Ahead to Fall 2025

As we transition into fall, the Kentucky Beef Network, in partnership with the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, has several programs and opportunities lined up for producers across the state. Whether you're looking to evaluate the value of preconditioning, improve pasture management or expand your knowledge through in-depth education, there’s something for everyone this season.

Post Weaning Value Assessment Programs (PVAP): The Advanced Post Weaning Value-Added Program (PVAP) helps producers determine the profitability of weaning and preconditioning their calves prior to marketing. Calves must be weighed at weaning to determine the beginning value of the calves and expenses are recorded throughout the preconditioning period. When calves are sold, a one-page closeout detailing costs and returns and performance of the calves is provided to the participant. If you are interested in enrolling your calves for fall sales, please contact your KBN facilitator or UK ag agent.

Beef Quality & Care Assurance: September is free Beef Quality and Care Assurance enrollment month. The cost of BQCA enrollment is $5 for in-person training through a local county extension office and $10 for online training, but Sept.

1-30, the Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky Extension will be sponsoring the enrollment costs, making it free for producers. Watch the KBN and UK Beef Extension Facebook pages for details about our chute-side training events that will be taking place in September.

Eden Shale Open House: Join us for the Eden Shale Open House on Oct. 18. This is a great opportunity to visit the farm and see the new practices that have been implemented this year. Registration will open Sept. 1. Watch the Eden Shale Facebook page for more details.

Intermediate Grazing School: The Kentucky Intermediate Grazing School is a two-day, handson program designed for producers looking to build on concepts from the Beginning Grazing School. Participants will learn to estimate forage availability and allocate pasture for two steers or 10 sheep over a 24-hour period. The program also introduces precision tools like guidance systems and variable rate seeding to improve frost seeding accuracy. This school offers practical strategies to improve both forage and animal performance. The next session will be held in Sept. 24-25 in Versailles. Registration details can be found online on the KBN website.

Master Cattlemen: This program is a foundational, multi-disciplinary educational program for cattle producers of all

experiences. The Master Cattleman program offers educational benefits from the beginning to seasoned producers. Master Cattlemen is comprised of six in-person classroom style sessions covering: 1) Nutrition, 2) Reproduction, 3) Genetics, 4) Marketing, 5) Health, 6) Facilities and on-farm infrastructure. Each session is approximately three hours long, offering 18 hours of educational material. While the program is classroom based, interaction, discussion and questions are encouraged. There are nine cohorts opening this fall, make sure you express your interest in participating at your local extension office.

Stay Connected

As always, the Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky Extension are here to support producers through education, innovation and handson programs that make a difference on the farm. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities coming this fall and stay engaged with your local extension office, KBN facilitators and industry partners.

For updates, event registration, and more, visit www.kybeefnetwork. com or follow us on Facebook at @KentuckyBeefNetwork, @ KyBeefIRM, @UKMasterGrazer.

We look forward to seeing you this fall.

Ben Lloyd Whitesville, KY (270) 993-1074

benlloyd0223@gmail.com

397-5151 shroutron@aol.com

805-0724

Hay Season at Eden Shale

Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?

BUYER

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

SELLER

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

QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL

Cattlemen’s Beef Board invests in national Checkoff programs, while Kentucky Beef Council invests in state programs.

If you are a producer from one of these seven states - Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island - you will remit directly to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. If you have any questions regarding who is responsible for remitting the Checkoff assessment or how to remit payment, please contact your State Beef Council or the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at (303) 867-6304.

3 Exceptions to Beef Checkoff Collection: 1. Non-producer status: If a person (or company) owns cattle for 10 days or less, purchases the cattle to facilitate the transfer of ownership to a third party, and certifies that any Checkoff dollars due from the previous owner have been collected, then that person qualifies as a “Non-Producer” and the Checkoff assessment is not due when qualified cattle are resold. 2. Organic Exemption: In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress created a process exemptiing organic producers from paying Checkoff program assessments. 3. Pre-Payment: Producers can also choose to “prepay” the Checkoff assessment when shipping cattle out of state for feeding and still retain ownership on the cattle. This allows the producer to direct half of the $1-per-head national Checkoff assessment to the beef council in the state where the cattle were raised, rather than the state where the cattle will be fed. Note: To claim any of these exemptions, the person selling the cattle must provide the proper ‘document’ to show that the Checkoff assessment is not due at the time of sale. Thus, the rule of thumb for all cattle sales is that the person paying the producer should collect either a “Dollar or a Document.”

LIVESTOCK MARKET - When cattle are sold through a livestock market or video market, the Market collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.

CATTLE DEALER/ORDER BUYER - When cattle are sold to a Cattle Dealer or Order Buyer, the Dealer/Order Buyer collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.

ANOTHER PRODUCER - Both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility.

VEAL GROWER - When dairy calves are sold to a Veal Grower, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility.

CATTLE SHOWS AND FAIRS - When producers sell their animals at fairs or cattle shows (4H/FFA shows, Purebred cattle shows, etc.), the Organization that runs the sale collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.

FEEDLOT - When cattle are sold directy to a feedlot, the Feedlot collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.

PACKING PLANT - When cattle are sold to a packing plant, the Packing Plant collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BEEF SALES - When producers market their cattle as beef, the Producer is responsible for remitting the Beef Checkoff assessment.

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

Kentucky Hereford Association

Toby & Debby Dulworth 2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 • dogwood@brtc.net Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com

HEREFORDS

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

TK4 Herefords

Tony & Kathy Staples 992 Knotts Road

Brandenburg, KY 40108 (270) 945-9277 (270) 422-4220

tstaples@bbtel.com

PILE STOCK FARM

Registered Polled Herefords

HANSELL PILE, JR.

12045 St. John Rd.

Cecilia, KY 42724

270-735-5192

12 miles West of Elizabethtown

Kentucky Hereford Association

Sunday August 24, 2025 8:00 am

WELLS FARM

Polled Herefords

439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701

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

KHA OFFICERS

NJB Limited

WELLS FARM Polled Herefords

439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701

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

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

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

Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com

Dale Stith 5239 Old Sardis Pike Mays Lick, KY 41055 dalestith@yahoo.com (918) 760-1550

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

President: Chris Hopper 606-584-7842

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

Ogburn • 502-686-0522

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

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS

6077 Helena Road

6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY 41055

MPH Farms

KYLE BUSH

Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194

Mayslick, KY 41055

Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194

Annual Bull Sale second

Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

Chambliss

Hereford Farms

Brad, Carla, Clay & Clint Chambliss 1101 Driftwood Lane

Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Home (270) 982-3905

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

www.chamblissherefordfarms.com

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

WOLF FARM

Registered Polled Herefords Bulls & Females for sale

WCN Polled Herefords

Since 1961

Tim & Peggy Wolf

Bill Norris 2220 Celina Road

12939 Peach Grove Road Alexandria, KY 41001

Burkesville, KY 42717

Home: 859-635-0899 Cell: 859-991-3484

Phone (270) 433-7256

Cell (270) 433-1525

“Every calf needs a white face”

Peyton’s

Registered Polled Herefords

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

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

K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM 859-588-4531

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

198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031

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

Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

Tony Brandenburg, tstaples@bbtel.com

THOMAS FARM

Jackson Farms

Registered Polled Herefords PO Box 215 Cross Plains, TN 37049 615-478-4483

billymjackson@aol.com

“Farming the Same Land Since 1834”

WOLF FARM

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”

Windy Hills Farm

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

Breeding to produce good cows since 1981

Registered Polled Herefords

BECKLEY HEREFORDS

Bulls & Females for sale

Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Road

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

Alexandria, KY 41001

Home: 859-635-0899

Cell: 859-991-3484

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

Miller jmspolledherefords.com 270-465-6984 270-566-2694

L.W. Beckley D.V.M

TUCKER STOCK

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

284 Pyrse Lane • Irvine, KY 40336 Cell: 859-779-1419 • Clinic: 606-726-0000 www.beckleyherefords.com

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

WATSON LAND & CATTLE

Matt, Melinda, Harlee, & Wyatt Watson 6196 Mount Sterling Rd Flemingsburg, Kentucky melindawatson8660@gmail.com

Tucker Stock Farms

“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” Breeding cattle for sale at all times.

“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”

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

1999 Walnut Hill Rd. Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 271-9086 cell (859)533-3790

“Bulls always for Sale” Shannon,

BOYD BEEF CATTLE

6077 Helena Road

Mayslick, KY 41055

Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194

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

BURTON & SONS ANGUS

Joe D. or Karen Burton

ANGUS

THE BUSINESS BREED

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

480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544

Joe: (606) 305-3081

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

Bulls & females sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. Data driven since 1981.

FALL CREEK ANGUS

448 Corder Farm Road

Monticello, KY 42633

Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

HILL VIEW FARMS

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

APS ANGUS

4040 Taylorsville Rd

Taylorsville, KY 40071

Gordon Schubert

502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440

Anne Patton Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359

TWIN CREEK FARM

HILL VIEW FARMS

(606) 375-3718

ANGUS

Vice

Secretary/Treasurer:

BURKS CATTLE CO. 531 Rick Rd.

Park City, KY 42160

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

(270) 635-1137

Gibson

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

661 Hopewell Road Liberty, KY 42539

Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288

Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699

Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

(606)

GREAT MEADOWS ANGUS ASSOCIATION

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

661 Hopewell Road Liberty, KY 42539

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

Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288

SALES: 3rd Saturday in October • 4th Saturday in April

Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699

Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

DAVIS BEND FARMS

LYNN CREEK FARMS

2315 Davis Bend Road Canmer, KY 42722

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

FALL CREEK ANGUS

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM

448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633

Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

4437 East Hwy 80 Russell Springs, KY 42642

Henry Bryan, Melissa, Bryanna and Blane Smith 606-271-7520 bmsmith@duo-county.com

HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS

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

PLEASANT HILL FARMS

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

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

RANDOLPH FARM

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS

Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY

Keith: (270) 635-0723 Reese: (270) 635-1137

6550 Highway 330 Owenton, KY 40359 Carter Randolph: (513) 543-4343 Nick Sarky: (513) 262-9846 patty@randolphfarmoperations.com Bulls Available

Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005

HERITAGE FARM

DUTCH CREEK ANGUS FORAGE GENETICS

Lynn 2184 Bardstown Rd Springfield KY 40069 573-721-6663

Doug and Susan Schlosnagle (502) 706-0008

DutchCreekAngus.om

MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS

Bob, Kathy, Rob, and Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com www.mtmoriahangus.com

HERITAGE FARM

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

FOUR KINGS ANGUS

250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330

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

jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com

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

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

OLD BARK FARM

370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716

Nathaniel & Darla Denham

Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, (606) 423-2457 • (606) tripledangus.com

370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716

Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825

Registered Angus Cattle

Kenley Conner (270) 735-5324 Registered Angus Cattle

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

TRIPLE D ANGUS

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

CANNON ANGUS

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

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

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

TAMME VALLEY FARM

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

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

Mary Jayne and Victoria Cannon 4619 Cherry Grove Rd Flemingsburg, KY 41041 606-748-5420 www.cannonangusfarm.com

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Return to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Timber Road New Castle, KY 40050 • Annual Dues $35

President: Anne Patton Schubert

President: Tom McGinnis

Shayna

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM

Hwy 80, Russell

Tamme,

TRIPLE

ANGUS

www.kentuckyangus.org

KENTUCKY ANGUS NEWS

Shayna Gibson, Secretary/Treasurer

2025 KENTUCKY JUNIOR ANGUS PREVIEW SHOW

Angus exhibitors led 64 entries at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the entries before naming champions.

1. Grand Champion PGS Female: R & K Princess 1013 won grand champion phenotype and genotype female at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Kyle Jeffries, Canmer, Ky., owns the September 2023 daughter of Deer Valley Play Time 9117. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

2. Reserve Grand Champion PGS Female: WF4 Liberty Belle Comm 3903 won reserve grand champion phenotype and genotype female at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Noah Adams, Nicholasville, Ky., owns the September 2023 daughter of Connealy Commerce. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

3. Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Female: Ard Ridge Evergreen 2471 won grand champion bred-and-owned female at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Kat Branscum, Nancy, Ky., owns the February 2024 daughter of STAG Good Times 201 ET. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

4. Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Female: Voyager Georgina 8611 won reserve grand champion bred-and-owned female at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Jacob Marksbury, Buffalo, Ky., owns the May 2024 daughter of PVF Blacklist 7077. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

Photo by Next Level Images and the American Angus Association.

5. Grand Champion Owned Female: BSMO Sandy 403M won grand champion-owned female at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Clara Bishop, Coxs Creek, Ky., owns the April 2024 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

6. Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female: SSF Envious Blackbird 5024 won reserve grand champion owned female at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Kennedy Evans, Campbellsburg, Ky., owns the May 2024 daughter of Colburn Primo 5153. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

7. Grand Champion Bull: McCauley Kingsman 1L2 won grand champion bull at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Adam McCauley, Cynthiana, Ky., owns the November 2023 son of Conley Express 7211. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

8. Reserve Grand Champion Bull: SAF Broker 4143 won reserve grand champion bull at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Blane Smith, Russell Springs, Ky., owns the September 2024 son of Connealy Commerce. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

9. Grand Champion Steer: Johnson Hot Rod won grand champion steer at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Seth Chunglo, Harrodsburg, Ky., owns the March 2024 son of Silveiras Style 9303. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

10. Reserve Grand Champion Steer: WF4 Good Time Sandy 4206 won reserve grand champion steer at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Owen Adams, Nicholasville, Ky., owns the February 2024 son of STAG Good Times 201 ET. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

11. Grand Champion Cow Calf Pair: McCauley Stormy L1 and won grand champion Cow Calf Pair at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Adam McCauley, Cynthiana Ky.. owns the January 2023 daughter of PVF Marvel 9185. A January 2025 bull calf sired by Connealy Emerald completes the winning duo. Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

12. Reserve Grand Champion Cow Calf Pair: Smoot Moxie 2142 won reserve reserve grand champion cow calf pair at the 2025 Kentucky Junior Angus Preview Show, June 13 in Louisville, Ky. Emily Jeffries, Canmer Ky., Jon Davis, Gallipolis, Ohio, evaluated the 64 entries.

Kentucky Angus Association Field Day • Saturday, August 9, 2025

Hosted by the 2024 Family of the Year Branch View Angus Registration will begin at 5pm EST • Meal at 5:30pm • Program will begin at 6pm Program Focus: Heifer Development,GeneMax AdvantageGenetic Testing, Facilities,Nutrition and Reproduction

Photos by Next Level Images and the American Angus Association.

SIMMENTAL

KEVIN AND RACHEL BARRON Crestwood, Ky (502) 905-5851

rkbarron812@gmail.com

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

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

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

JEROD METZGER • 270-779-6260

ROCKING P LIVESTOCK 8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056

Chan: 606-584-7581

Keith: 606-584-5626 rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net

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

wksbswain@murray-ky.net

SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

1939 Huntertown Road

Versailles, KY 40383

BULLS FOR SALE

Chris Allen 859-351-4486 callenuky@hotmail.com

Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755

Simmental calves are champions of the scale.

They reliably outperform straightbred calves in the feedyard — with better growth, better structure and fewer health problems.

They add pounds without sacrificing marbling, and they come with the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator, which factors genetics, health and management into true value.

Want low-risk, high-potential calves with earning capability?

406-587-4531 • simmental.org

BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200

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

KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION

AA LAND & CATTLE

KENTUCKY GELBVIEH

Daryl Derossett, President..................................................................................................................(270) 670-6232

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers

Cynthiana, KY

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

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

Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743

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

luke.arthur93@gmail.com

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

BAR

LIVESTOCK

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

Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

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

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Phone (859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 • Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke • Brad Racke

7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076

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

Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE

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

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

CD FARMS

Eddie Reynolds 277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419

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

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

Bulls & Females for sale

CLIFFORD FARMS

3459 KY HWY 1284E

Cynthiana, KY 41031

Since 1937 (859) 234-6956

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

Owner/Manager

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717

Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

Owner/Manager

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

2050 Glasgow Road • Burkesville, KY 42717

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

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

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

PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM

CD FARMS

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

Brad Burke 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net

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

R&D OWEN FARMS

Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty

AA LAND & CATTLE

KILBOURNE GELBVIEH

East Bernstadt, KY

606-843-6583

cell 606-309-4662

KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION

Black Replacement Heifers & Bulls Available Embryo transplant & AI sired calves

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

Johnnie

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

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

MOCKINGBIRD HILL FARMS

DONE WRIGHT CATTLE FARMS

Pat

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday May 15

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

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

Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Show & Learning Clinic

ASHWOOD SPRING GENETICS

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

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

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Larry Clark, Owner & Operator (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848 Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

Shane Wells 10172 Provo Rd. Rochester, KY H: 270-934-2198 C: 270-791-8196 swells@logantele.com

Owner/Manager

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

S&S GELBVIEH

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

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

BREEDING RED & BLACK POLLED GELBVIEH SINCE 1982

Luke & Lindsay Arthur Cynthiana, KY

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

859-298-8323

CLIFFORD FARMS 3459 KY HWY 1284E Cynthiana, KY 41031

2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717

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

Friday May 28 - May 30

AGJA Eastern Regional Junior Show “Run for the Roses” Burley Fields Livestock Center • 709 Oil Fields Road • Horse Cave

Cattle for sale at all times.

Since 1937 (859) 234-6956

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

FULL CIRCLE FARMS REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

FULL CIRCLE FARMS

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

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

Eddie Reynolds

277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419

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

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

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

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Owner/Manager

PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM

Gary & Pat Tilghman

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS 2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717

Lindsey Tilghman Jones Family

Brad Burke 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367

gbb789@windstream.net

Bulls & Females for sale

543 Pleasant Run Church Road • Campbellsville, KY 42718 sam.hedgespeth@gmail.com • Sam-270.299.5449 Seth-270.932.1615 Dan-606.686.1679 Andrew-270.405.1990

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

Eddie Reynolds

PADON FARMS

277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419

HEDGESPETH LIVESTOCK GELBVIEH/BALANCER CATTLE-COMMERCIAL HEIFERS

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

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

FULL CIRCLE FARMS

RICH HILL GELBVIEH

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Frank McAninch 1341 Iven Godby Road Liberty, KY 42539

606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C) Bulls & Females for sale

GELBVIEH BULLS & FEMALES FOR SALE 1012 Shelby Road • Salem, KY 42078 Thad Padon (270) 836-5518

CD FARMS

BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE

Niles & Betty K Bray

1568 Bray Ridge Road Bedford, KY 40006 (502) 255-3584

Brad Burke 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net

606-787-0120

richhillfarm@windstream.net

SALERS THE BALANCED BREED

DIAMOND J SALERS

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

DIAMOND J SALERS

WILLIS FARMS

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

* FREE DELIVERY *

FOUR WINDS

PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability.

POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE

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

THE FOUNDATION SALE XI

Sat. Sept. 20, 2025 1 PM CT. United Producers, Bowling Green, KY • Limousin Fullblood, Purebreed, Limflex. For info. Call Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685 Or 270-799-8684

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

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

DEL-SU FARM

WILLIS FARMS

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

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

KNOB LICK FARM - BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE

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

REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS

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

BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times.

Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126

RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE

Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098 Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones

Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663

Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net

More Than a Bull Sale – 3rd Saturday in March

Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May

Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS

January-February yearling bulls

Semen checked, birth weights and EPDS Calving Ease & Growth, BQA Metropolis, IL, 618-638-7693, www. bremerbrothers.com

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

Yearlings and 2-Year-Old +

Private Treaty Sale Book @ Angus.Org

Semen Checked & EPDs Available Randolph Farm, Owenton, KY (513) 262-9846

HOT AUGUST DEALS

Artex Manure spreaders in stock!!!!

SB 200/600 in stock

Bearclaw Dump Trailers

Miller Pro 5200 wagon-16 ft-$14,000

Miller Pro 5300 wagon -16 ft - $15,000

Esch 5612 drill- in stock $48,000

Esch 5607 drill $28,000

John Deere 3955 chopper-$20,000

John Deere 3975- $15,000

New Holland 240-$30,000

Dion F41- $54,000

Tye 7 ft drill- $15,000

Meyer Silage Wagon- 16/18/20 ft units

Call Charlie for a Hot August Deal!!! 859-608-9745

BULLS FOR SALE

Angus and Lim-Flex • Yearlings to 2-year-olds

Delivery available • Call or text 270-589-7999

$15 FOR FIVE LINES OR GET A BOX THIS SIZE FOR $105

What Do You Look For When Buying A Bull?

Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky

Is bull buying art or science? There is certainly a lot of scientific information available to us when buying a bull such as Expected Progeny Differences (EPD), genomics and heterosis. These are all tools we can use to help us buy the right bull to fit our situation, but tools are only useful if they are used properly. As you are likely aware, bull selection is not one size fits all, and please understand that there is no one breed or one set of standards that fits every producer’s needs! Every cattleman has slightly different management practices, breed makeup and marketing goals, therefore, each has different needs when buying a bull. This is why we spend so much time reinforcing the concepts behind good selection practices, because using a powerful tool, like EPDs, in the wrong way can have long-term unwanted consequences.

In Kentucky, the three traits that I hear most often when asking what is important to commercial cattlemen are calving ease, docility and weaning weight. All are worthwhile traits, but if these are the only traits being selected for then we may be leaving money on the table. Reproduction and health are two of the most economically important traits in the beef industry. Even though we don’t always have the best selection tools (EPDs) for these traits, we can greatly improve them through implementing a good crossbreeding program. Choosing two or three breeds and implementing a simple breed rotation, can have a significant impact on your profitability. There are also other traits that have economic impact on our selection decision that we ignore or don’t fully appreciate.

Even when we do choose the right traits, are we putting the proper selection emphasis on them? Deciding whether to buy a bull is a balancing act because many of the traits work against each other. As one improves, the other regresses. For example, if we select for extreme calving ease, we will

likely experience decreased weaning weights. Of course, we can find bulls that give us both high calving ease and high weaning growth, but these bulls are usually the most expensive. Again, it is a balancing act between the traits we need and the price we pay for the right bull. Our management and marketing play a role in how much emphasis we should place on certain traits. Take calving ease for example. A full-time farmer who plans to breed the bull to only mature cows would not need a bull with an extremely high Calving Ease EPD when compared to the needs of a part-time farmer that plans to breed the bull to a group of heifers.

Knowing how much emphasis to place on each trait for your operation is where many depend on the art of selection, and I am not convinced that this is a very good method. There is a scientific approach to this, and it is called a selection index. These indexes take into consideration both revenue and cost factors along with management and marketing differences and place the appropriate level of emphasis on each trait with improved profitability as the only motivator. If an index matches your situation closely then they are a wonderful tool, if not, they have varying levels of reliability. Many breeds now have standard selection indexes, some for multiple management situations. These indexes are developed using general information on how cattlemen are managing and marketing on a national level. If you are a “typical” producer then these indexes would likely be an excellent selection tool. Research would indicate that they still work reasonably well even if they aren’t a perfect fit. If you are unconventional then they likely would not be a good selection tool for you.

At the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation meetings, Matt Spangler from the University of Nebraska presented data indicating that

commercial producers in the South were not putting proper emphasis on traits based on general assumptions of how producers were buying bulls. These results indicated that many producers could greatly improve their profitability with some adjustments on how they were selecting their bulls, particularly the amount of emphasis they were placing on traits of economic importance. Based on these results, the eBEEF.org team that I am a part of, developed a survey to find out how producers across the U.S. are selecting their bulls. This includes management practices, marketing practices, current selection emphasis and specifics of how producers are selecting their bulls. This data will be compared against results generated from software that was developed to determine the proper level of emphasis for maximum profitability. The eBEEF. org team has partnered with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Beef Improvement Federation to conduct this survey. If you would like to participate, please see the QR code on this page. If you have already participated, THANK YOU; we only need one response per operation.

Bull buying can be an exciting, fun event, but also it can be stressful and confusing. We hope the data generated from this survey and the follow-up study, will help us to develop better tools for cattlemen to make proper selection decisions. With selection tools, like genomically enhanced EPDs, improving at a rapid rate it becomes even more critical for producers to use these tools correctly. There will always be some level of art to bull selection, and working with good seedstock providers is important, but the better we can fine tune the science side the more profitable we should be.

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

• Fescue pastures don’t generally produce much this month. Rain has been spotty but the heat persisted throughout July and may become an issue in August. Most of you may have some forage going into the usually dry months. Keep rotating pastures to permit calves to continue gaining weight. Always keep minerals available.

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

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

Fall-Calving Herd

• Dry cows should be moved to better pastures as calving time approaches. Cows should start calving next month. Yearling heifers may begin “head start” calving later this month. Plan to move cows to stockpiled fescue for the breeding season, so it will soon be time to apply nitrogen fertilizer. If hot, dry weather persists through August and grass gets short, consider feeding good quality hay to take some pressure off pastures.

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

- record book

- ear tags for identification

- calf puller

- castration equipment

• Communicate with your herd veterinarian as calving season approaches. Maintaining a great relationship with your herd veterinarian is crucial for optimal production.

General

• Perhaps the most tedious aspect of agriculture is keeping records, generating reports and using data to make management decisions. Consider using one of the many electronic data collection and management systems available on the market. We recommend Stocket.us for a simple, inexpensive web/app platform.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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