The Virginia Cattlemen - May 2016

The Virginia Cattleman

Volume 38 Number 5 Circulation 8,000 May 2016 Photo Taken By: Tracy Brown At Seminole Farm, Culpepper, VA. Heifer Herd.

Save The Date!!!

July 8, 2016 Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting & Field Day. Contact: VCA for more information or visit our website at www.vacattlemen.org

The Virginia Cattleman P.O. Box 9 Daleville, VA 24083-0009

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Daleville, VA 24083 Permit No. 8

Opportunities

PAGE 2, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

By: Jason Carter

The old children’s rhyme goes “spring showers bring May flowers”. In the past few years, Virginia springs have been relatively moist and that precipitation has carried over, in some cases, well into May causing issues getting dry hay made. Technology is a wonderful thing that agriculture has benefited immensely from and for many Virginia beef cattle producers that includes access to wrapping hay for haylage to work around wet seasons. However technology cannot make it rain and at the moment southwestern Virginia has become a yellow spot on the National Weather Service Drought Monitor map.

Early spring cold weather has combined with general lack of precipitation to slow the grass, delay corn planting and generally depress the calf market. It has been concerning to see a general lack of enthusiasm among grazers for spring calves in the markets and the anxiety over spring hay that will be here before we know it. Despite the lack of rain there has been some unexpected enthusiasm in the bred heifer markets over the last 8 weeks. Generally prices at replacement heifer sales have been higher than I

expected them.

That’s a good sign given the feeder cattle market and encouraging for breeding herd stability. While feeder cattle prices are much lower than 2014 and much of 2015, the margins for cow/calf producers are still higher than average for most of the 21st century prior to 2014.

Herd expansion and cattle consistency to mitigate costs and risks are still solid business plan foundations for Virginia beef cattle producers.

One of the realities that we continue to live with from the boon of 2014 was the tremendous added value that exports of beef became to our business. Since then exports have gone from being a crutch that unexpectedly propped up even further a good market, to now being the third leg in our stool we rest on. While 80% of our beef is consumed domestically the greatest share of that is ground beef and consumed via foodservice. We depend on exports more than ever for marketing high value cuts as well as offal and organ meats. The Pacific Rim countries are particularly critical markets that can’t get enough even with the myriad of tariffs and restrictions placed on American beef. The opportunity is immense. For this

WHAT’S INSIDE Page 12 - Southwest Bull Test Sale Page 16 - Va General Assembly Session Summary Page 21 - Investigating Beef Market Volatility Page 25 - Management Of Cattle To Maximize Marbling Page 38 - Survey Assesses Cattle Feeding Performance

reason American agriculture stand to benefit and needs to support Congress ratifying the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.

Japan is an especially important beef trading partner. In 2015, Japan purchased $1.3 billion of US beef even with a 38.5% tariff. They have turned to Australia with a separate agreement that provides for a 28% tariff giving Australia a competitive advantage worth $300 million last year. TPP would lower the Japanese tariff on US beef to 9%. TPP is a broad reaching trade agreement that affects much more than agricultural goods but stands to benefit us particularly because it levels the playing field and requires participating countries to move towards open and free markets similar to our own now.

Unscientific and phytosanitary trade barriers are prohibited. The Pacific Rim and North American countries signed onto TPP initially represent up to 40% of the world’s economy and the center of population growth in the coming decades. Free trade will be more important than ever as a factor in agriculture for the future as well as critical for general international security.

China is a powerful economic engine in

Asia capable of dictating terms of trade.

Currently China is not signed onto TPP. The quicker our Congress ratifies the TPP agreement and secures our place assuring free trade, the less likely China will be in position to control future trade agreements and the more likely China will be to accommodate TPP expectations to play along with their neighbors.

It is vital that TPP not be a political casualty in this election year. Contact your Congressional representatives and tell them that free trade is vital to agriculture and vital to the beef cattle business. Tell them that the sooner they ratify TPP the better off we will be as cattle producers and as a nation. Where there is significant demand there will be opportunity and for beef the US needs to be at the forefront of meeting that opportunity to grow beef sales where demand increases. Tell our folks in Congress that TPP and trade are issues for America much more important than who Trump is running down today, Bernie Saunder’s tax returns, Hillary Clinton’s FBI probe or Ted Cruz’s supposed manipulation of Republican convention delegates.

SAVE THE DATE 7/8/2016

Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting & Field Day

Virginia Tech Agricultural Research &Extension Center McCormick Farm Raphine VA

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 3

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PAGE 4, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Affiliated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc.

P.O. BOX 9 Daleville, Va 24083-0009 www.vacattlemen.org The Virginia Cattlemen Phone: 540-992-1009 Fax: 540-992-4632 jdavis@vacattlemen.org Published monthly by the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Jason Carter……….Stuarts Draft Executive Secretary Butch Foster……….Bristol Field Manager Troy Lawson……….Churchville Field Manager FEEDER COUNCIL Glenn Wheeler……….Atkins Region 1 Chuck Miller……….Crockett Region 2 Joe Meek……….Dublin Region 3 Forrest Ashby……….Staunton Region 4 Rick Matthews……….Browntown Region 5 Steve Hopkins……….Lousia Region 6 Tom Nixon……….Rapidan Region 6 Brett Stratton……….Evergreen Region 7 Andy Smith……….Rosedale Director at Large POLICY & INDUSTRY ADVOCACY BOARD Gene Copenhaver……….Meadowview District 1 Joey Davenport……….Glade Spring District 1 George Stovall……….Stuart District 2 OPEN SEAT District 2 Bill Tucker……….Amherst District 3 Jon Repair……….Glasgow District 3 Jared Burner……….Luray District 4 Allen Heishman……….Edinburg District 4 John Goodwin……….Orange District 5 James Kean……….Lousia District 5 Jay Calhoun……….Callands District 6 Mike Henry……….Chesterfield District 6 Editor……………Jason Carter jcarter@vacattlemen.org Publications Coordinator…Jacquelynn Davis jdavis@vacattlemen.org Issued the first week of every month.

Copy deadline the 15th Of previous month.

The Virginia Cattleman is sent to members of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. Annual dues are $50/year or Participation in the Association’s Feeder Cattle Marketing Program Complimentary copies are sent to various Supporters of the Virginia Cattle Industry.

A Member of: (LPC) Livestock Publications Council

March 25, 2016

State Graded Feeder Steers, Medium and Large 1 400-500 lbs 148.00-205.00, mostly 195.50-205.00, average 197.70 500-600 lbs 137.00-193.00, mostly 175.00-193.00, average 182.95 600-700 lbs 137.00-177.50, mostly 165.00-177.50, average 165.45 700-800 lbs 102.50-156.50, mostly 146.00-153.00, average 149.62 State Graded Feeder Heifers, Medium and Large 1 400-500 lbs 143.00-176.00, mostly 160.00-176.00, average 161.74 500-600 lbs 115.00-154.50, mostly 139.00-154.50, average 149.13 600-700 lbs 114.00-149.00, mostly 135.00-149.00, average 140.01

mostly 156.00-170.50, average 169.35 165.34 500-600 lbs 90.00-183.00, State Graded Feeder Heifers, 700-800 lbs 120.00-161.00, mostly 151.00-176.00, average Medium and Large 1 mostly 142.00-152.50, average 164.31 400-500 lbs 131.00-169.00, 148.21 600-700 lbs 116.00-162.00, mostly 149.00-169.00, average State Graded Feeder Heifers, mostly 159.00-162.00, average 156.31 156.63 Medium and Large 1 500-600 lbs 139.00-156.00, average 149.53 400-500 lbs 120.00-166.50, 700-800 lbs 117.00-152.75, mostly 148.50-166.50, average mostly 133.00-152.75, average 144.15 600-700 lbs 120.00-154.00, 152.57 mostly 132.00-148.50, average 140.07 500-600 lbs 110.00-161.00, State Graded Feeder Heifers, mostly 144.00-153.50, average Medium and Large 1 700-800 lbs 121.00-141.00, 144.50 mostly 121.00-139.00, average 400-500 lbs 113.00-155.00, 134.43 600-700 lbs 114.00-144.00, mostly 141.00-155.00, average mostly 130.00-144.00, average 146.54 133.79 Slaughter Cows 500-600 lbs 120.00-157.00, Boning, 800-1200 lbs, 58.00- 700-800 lbs 100.00-143.00, mostly 135.00-157.00, average mostly 125.00-137.50, average 142.22 77.50, average 69.48 127.58 600-700 lbs 110.00-142.00, Breakers, 1200-1600 lbs, 62.00mostly 131.50-142.00, average Slaughter Cows 81.00, average 72.51 133.49 Boning, 800-1200 lbs, 57.00April 8, 2016 700-800 lbs 119.50-134.50, av76.00, average 70.27 erage 126.37 State Graded Feeder Steers, Medium and Large 1 Breakers, 1200-1600 lbs, 66.00Slaughter Cows 80.00, average 74.28 400-500 lbs 148.00-199.50, mostly 170.00-188.00, average Boning, 800-1200 lbs, 60.00181.70 80.00, average 71.27 April 15, 2016 145.24

700-800 lbs 116.00-144.00, mostly 129.00-144.00, average 500-600 lbs 120.00-192.00, 134.27 mostly 161.00-177.00, average 169.79 Slaughter Cows 600-700 lbs 130.00-192.00, Boning, 800-1200 lbs, 62.0077.50, average 69.90 Breakers, 1200-1600 lbs, 62.0080.00, average 70.83

April 1, 2016

State Graded Feeder Steers, Medium and Large 1 400-500 lbs 133.00-196.00, mostly 185.00-196.00, average 187.06 500-600 lbs 158.00-192.00, mostly 171.00-192.00, average 179.76 600-700 lbs 150.00-170.50, mostly 157.00-170.50, average 162.80 700-800 lbs 135.50-148.50, mostly 142.00-148.50, average

State Graded Feeder Steers, Me- Breakers, 1200-1600 lbs, 63.00dium and Large 1 86.00, average 74.73 400-500 lbs 130.00-188.00, mostly 164.00-175.00, average

VIRGINIA CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION Sponsored Graded Sales Schedule Check our Website at www.vacattlemen.org for updates CONTACT LIVESTOCK MARKETS OR VCA STAFF FOR QUESTIONS VCA 540-­‐992-­‐1009 BUTCH FOSTER 423-­‐360-­‐0434 TROY LAWSON 540-­‐430-­‐0042 MAY 2016 Radiant 5/2/16 10:30 AM FEEDERS Virginia Cattle Company 540-­‐622-­‐4889 Front Royal 5/2/16 7:30 PM FEEDERS Virginia Livestock LLC 540-­‐622-­‐7752 Tel-­‐O-­‐Auction 5/9/16 6:00 PM FEEDERS Virginia Cattlemen's Association 540-­‐992-­‐1009 Radiant 5/10/16 10:30 AM FEEDERS Virginia Cattle Company 540-­‐622-­‐4889 Rockingham 5/12/16 7:00 PM FEEDERS Rockingham Livestock Sales 540-­‐490-­‐9050 Radiant 5/17/16 10:30 AM FEEDERS Virginia Cattle Company 540-­‐622-­‐7752 Front Royal 5/17/16 7:30 PM FEEDERS Virginia Livestock LLC 540-­‐622-­‐7752 Tel-­‐O-­‐Auction 5/23/16 6:00 PM FEEDERS Virginia Cattlemen's Association 540-­‐992-­‐1009 Radiant 5/24/16 10:30 AM FEEDERS Virginia Cattle Company 540-­‐622-­‐4889 Radiant 5/31/16 10:30 AM FEEDERS Virginia Cattle Company 540-­‐622-­‐4889

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 5

Join Us Today

Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Membership Form

- Working with industry groups, media and government to insure Virginia’s Cattlemen have a Voice!

- Marketing Virginia Feeder Cattle through special graded sales, tel-o-auctions, and special board load sales.

- Representing the cattle industry in regulatory and policy issues.

- Providing Educational opportunities to Virginia’s Cattle Producers on Local and State-wide level

Membership Benefits Include a One Year Subscription to The Virginia Cattleman Newspaper - providing valuable and timely information to VCA Members.

For more information call our office at 540-992-1009 or Visit our website at http://vacattlemen.org/membership_join.php Name:______________________________________ Farm Name: _______________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________State:_______________________Zip:_____________________ County:_________________________________________Phone:_________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________ ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CATTLEMEN’S GROUP, IF SO WHICH ONE: ___________________________________________________________________________

______ General Membership / Renewal $50.00 ______Allied Industry Members $300.00 (Local cattlemen groups and breed associations with budget less than $10,000) ______Allied Industry Members $600.00 (Local cattlemen groups and breed associations with budget more than $10,000) ______ Associate Members $300 - $1000 (Livestock Markets, Agribusinesses, Lenders with budget less or more then $1million) (Please contact us for more information and benefits.)

PAGE 6, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

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PAGE 8, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

From Page 6. - Preconditioning

cow, McCollum said, and for VAC 34, calves are vaccinated before weaning and at weaning when they are sold.

“The VAC 45 is the full vaccination program in which calves receive the vaccinations and are held on the ranch 45 days. According to Superior Livestock Auction and other large sales, calves that demand the greatest premiums are those in the VAC 45 program.”

With the call for more verification that cattle have been vaccinated in a full preconditioning program, BIVI has developed the MARKET READY Quality Feeder Calf Program. “The program is a hands-on preconditioning program that provides documentation of vaccinations and other animal health and nutrition programs to buyers of the calves,” Woodruff explained. “It provides some flexibility for managing the herd the way you want.”

or weaning, using Pyramid® 5 + Presponse® SQ vaccines.

Woodruff said that for producer convenience, protection for the following diseases can be covered in just two syringes (follow label instructions for necessary boosters): •Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) •Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) Types 1 and 2, including BVD 1b •Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) •Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica •Parainfluenza 3 (PI3) •Clostridium chauvoei, Cl. septicum, Cl. novyi, Cl. sordellii, Cl. perfringens Types C and D (7-way blackleg) •Pinkeye Parasite control

They are not as responsive to vaccines,” he said. “Parasites maintain their existence at the expense of the host calf or cow.

They are drawing nutrients the animal would otherwise have, and diverting a portion of the immune system that should focus on responding to our vaccination program.”

A proper deworming program will control parasites, based on the type of parasites infesting the cattle and time of year.

“It’s easy to grab fecal samples to determine the worm load,” Woodruff said. “A producer’s veterinarian can assist him in targeting certain groups to identify the level of parasite activity, as well as the type of parasite and the deworming program needed to control them.”

Woodruff said that while parasites can hurt an animal’s immune system response, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially trace mineral deficiencies, can also slow down calf performance and possibly cause health problems.

Woodruff said vaccines will protect calves more if their immune system is not hurt by parasites. “If an animal is dealing with an internal or With the MARKET READY external parasite problem, those program, you can vaccinate parasites are occupying part of at branding age, preweaning the animal’s immune system. “If there is anything afoul in ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. A reliable business partner is difficult to come by. At the American Angus Association®, a team of skilled Regional Managers can guide your operation toward success.

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the nutrition program there can be problems,” he said. “If it’s a shortage of energy or protein, that is more readily detected.

But less visible are deficiencies of trace minerals, such as copper, zinc, manganese and vitamin A and E. “If those deficiencies are present in the animal, the immune system just doesn’t perform as well when they are receiving their vaccinations,” he added. “With trace mineral deficiencies, it may require some outside expertise to spot the problem, such as a nutritionist or veterinarian.”

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With higher input costs cutting into already thin margins, McCollum suggested that producers have a marketing program in place before investing in a full preconditioning program. “The marketing venue becomes important,” he explained. “If you’re going to precondition calves to capture some added value, you need to be willing to participate in a market venue such as a video market or designated preconditioned calf sale that has buyers present to

“The fact that we may be seeing more calves the next few years, there may be more of a difference in value between preconditioned calves and others as time goes by. But remember, if you hope to get a premium, you better have a market.”

For all products, read and follow all label directions, including booster requirements. Product combinations vary; read label directions to determine antigens included in each vaccine. trademarks trademarks Ingelheim ©2016 Ingelheim

1—Donnell J, Ward C, Swigert S. Costs and benefits associated with preconditioning calves.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin AGEC-247. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. 2007:1– 4.

2—Seeger JT, Grotelueschen Continued on Page 7.

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 9

May Herd Advisor Scott P. Greiner Extension Beef Specialist, Virginia Tech

May signals the beginning of the forage harvest season.

The impact of weather on forage production and harvest is typically the concern that predominates; however, other items warrant close attention.

Each ton of harvested forage removes about 50 lbs. of nitrogen, 50 lbs. of potash and 15 lbs. of phosphate per acre. As a result, hay from unfertilized fields is effectively mining your soil resources.

Another common problem when applying fertilizer is not adding the correct proportion of each element. Field fertilized repeatedly with 15-15-15 or 1010-10 likely need no additional phosphorus. Poultry litter and animal manures also supply more phosphorus than grasses can utilize. Soil samples and test results are the only way to know the nutrient and pH status of your fields. Your local Extension office should have soil probes

and sampling instructions you can utilize. Using these results to match fertilizer application to soil needs will enhance both the productivity and quality of your forage crop, and be costeffective. Lastly, remember that forage testing at harvest is an excellent way to determine your success at making quality hay, and also provides the basis for making supplement decisions next winter.

amount. No other source of salt or minerals should be available. · This is the time to put into place a rotational grazing management system which will provide a rest period for pastures. During rapid growth move more quickly to the next paddock and leave some residue. · Make plans to store your high quality hay in the dry. · Collect and submit forage samples for nutrient Spring Calving Herds (January- analysis.

March) Herd Health General · Consult with your · Calving season veterinarian concerning prewinding down. Continue to breeding vaccination schedule observe late calving cows for cow herd, yearling heifers, frequently. and bulls. Plan early to allow · Calving records should 30-day vaccination window be complete and up to date. prior to breeding season. · Plan parasite and fly Nutrition and Forages control program for herd, and · Continue to offer a begin planning vaccination and high magnesium mineral to preconditioning protocol to be prevent grass tetany. Monitor used for calf crop. intake to insure cows are consuming the recommended Reproduction

· Finalize plans and protocols for breeding season.

Establish calendar with dates and timing of synchronization program to be used during breeding season. Have supplies and semen on hand. · Breed heifers 2-4 weeks ahead of mature cows to allow longer post-partum interval prior to second breeding season. · Schedule and conduct breeding soundness exams on herd sires, including annual vaccinations. · Manage bulls properly

during the breeding season.

Observe frequently to confirm breeding activity and soundness, and monitor cows for repeat estrus. Avoid commingling mature and young bulls, as older bulls will be dominant. As rule of thumb, yearling bulls should be exposed to number of cows equal to their age in months (ie. 18 month old bull with ~18 cows).

DM, Stokka GL and Sides GE. Comparison of the feedlot health, nutritional performance, carcass characteristics and economic value of unweaned beef calves with an unknown health history and of weaned beef calves receiving various herd-of-origin health protocols.

Bov Pract 2008:42(1);1–13.

3—Powell JG, Richeson JT, Kegley EB, et al. Immunologic, health and growth responses of beef calves administered pentavalent modified-live virus respiratory vaccine during the presence of maternal antibody versus a traditional vaccination regimen.

Bovine Pract 2012;46(2):122–130

Fall Calving Herds (SeptemberNovember) Continued on Page 13.

From Page 6. - Preconditioning

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2016 Virginia BCIA Southwest Bull Test & BCIA-Influenced Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Sale Report

Joi Saville, Extension Associate 4 spring-calving bred heifers Breeder Group, and a member and Scott Greiner, Ph.D. which averaged $2600. of that consignment, Lot 47 Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, brought $6100 and sold to Sam VA Tech The sale was topped by the Crockett of Wytheville, VA.

The 37th Annual Southwest Virginia Performance Tested Bull Sale sponsored by the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association was held Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Wytheville. The 138 bulls offered sold for an average price of $3480 per head. Breed averages were as follows: 69 Angus averaged $3604, 1 Braunvieh at $2000, 5 Charolais $3570, 8 Purebred Gelbvieh $3113, 3 Gelbvieh Balancers $3367, 13 Hereford $2662, 13 Purebred Simmental $3077, and 26 SimAngus $3927. The BCIA-influenced Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Sale held in conjunction with the bull sale sold 48 fall-calving bred heifers for an average price of $2040 per head, along with

high-indexing Junior Angus bull, Lot 68, bred by DeHaven Farm of Hillsville, VA and selling to KowPoke Cattle Company of Tazwell, VA for $9750. This calving ease son of Deer Valley All In posted test YW and ADG ratios of 117 and 132, along with CED EPD +11, YW EPD +123, MB +1.01, RE +0.82, $W of +75, and $B of +171. Chimney Top Angus of Gray, TN consigned the high selling Senior Angus bull, Lot 34 which sold to James McConnell of NIckelsville, VA for $7300. This AAR Ten X 7008 SA son posted EPDs of +117 YW, +1.04 MB, $64 $W and +$176 $B along with test YW ratio 116. J&M Windy Acres of Maryville, TN was recognized with the top Senior

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From Page 12. - Southwest VA Bull and Heifer Report of +12 CED, and +59 WW, along with $W of +74 combined with strong individual performance.

Lucas Farms of Blacksburg, VA bred the popular Lot 7 Senior Angus, a calving ease son of GAR Prophet which sold to Bundy Farm of Lebanon, VA for $6000. Lucas Farms were also recognized with the Junior Breeder Group Award for their Junior Angus consignment.

Another high-growth son of GAR Prophet, Junior Angus Lot 109 from J&M Windy Acres brought $5500 and went to Barry Vaughn of Austinville, VA. The Charolais bulls were paced

by Lot 307 from the Virginia Tech Beef Center and brought $7250 from Rogers Bar HR of Collins, MS. Sired by WC Benelli 2134, this bull had WW and YW EPDs of +63 and +84, along with test YW ratio 112,

Farms Cattle of Louisa, VA for $5100. Sired by SAV Final Answer 0035, this homozygous black bull had CED EPD +16.1 ADG ratio 117 and REA ratio YW EPD +119, and RE ratio 111.

119. Virginia Tech Beef Center bred Junior SimAngus Lot The demand was strong for 475, which sold to Lawrence the SimAngus bulls, led by the high indexing Senior bull Lot 452 bred by Hounshell Farms of Wytheville, VA and selling General to Johnson Farm Operations · Schedule and conduct of Dobson, NC for $6000. pregnancy diagnosis with This high growth and carcass veterinarian following breeding value, homozygous black son season. Plan a marketing of GW Robust 605Z posted strategy for open cows. Cull a YW EPD +128, MB +0.58 cow prices typically peak midand REA +1.00 along with test spring through mid-summer, ratios of YW 108 and ADG and prices generally stronger 129. The high-indexing Junior for cows in good body condition SimAngus was bred by Trio vs. thin cows (evaluate forage Farms of Luray, VA and sold availability and potential feed to Jamie Wyatt of Draper, VA and management costs to for $5200. This homozygous increase BCS of cull cows if black, calving ease son of warranted).

GAR Sunrise posted CED EPD · Evaluate potential +15.5, YW +105, along with options for marketing of calf test ADG ratio of 118. Reasor crop. Match weaning date Simmentals of Rural Retreat, and calf management with VA ’ Lot 441, sold to Riverview operational goals. Calculate

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 13

Tankensley of Duffield, VA for of MR NLC Upgrade U8676 $5000. posted +107 YW EPD, +0.39 MB and +0.89 RE, along with The purebred Simmental bulls +136 API. The high-indexing were led by Lot 401 from Reasor Junior Simmental, Lot 425, Simmentals and selling to Larry was consigned by Virginia Tech Davidson of Gate City, VA Beef Center sold to Duggins Continued on Page 14. for $5200. This fall-born son

From Page 9. - May Herd Advisor break-evens on various marketing options and consider risk management strategies. · Reimplant commercial calves.

veterinarian on vaccination protocol for calf crop. Design vaccination and weaning program around marketing goals and objectives. · Plan parasite and fly Nutrition and Forages control program for cows and · As calves are weaned calves. move cows to poorer quality pastures.

Genetics · Use palatable feeds · Collect weaning during the weaning period to weights on calf crop at optimum bunk train calves and minimize time (age range 120-280 days), weight loss. along with cow weights, hip · Reserve high quality heights and body condition hay and a pasture area for calves scores (cow mature size data post-weaning. taken within 45 days of calf weaning measure).

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PAGE 14, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

From Page 13. - Southwest VA Bull and Heifer Report

Farm of Galax, VA for $3600.

Lot 204, bred by Fields Edge Herefords, Terry and Roger Slusher of Floyd, VA led the Hereford sale and brought $3800 selling to Valley View Farms of Bland, VA. This September 2015 son of R Visionary 4200 posted CE EPD of +6.9, YW +108, BMI Index $23, CHB Index $36, along with test ADG and YW ratios of 127 and 112. Potts Creek Farm of Covington, VA consigned the high selling Junior Hereford, Lot 225, going to Robert Corell of Tazewell, VA for $3200.

A pair of Senior purebred bulls led the Gelbvieh sale. Lot 605, bred by Handfula Gelbviehs of Bland, VA sold for $4100 to Randy Oliver of Newport, VA. This homozygous black, homozygous polled son of LWHF Ameritrac had YW EPD of +95, Milk +39 and RE +0.91.

Randy Oliver also purchased Lot 601 from Little Windy Hill Farms of Max Meadows, VA for $4000. This homozygous black, homozygous polled bull was sired by HYEK Black Impact 3960N. The Braunvieh bull, Lot 702, was consigned by The Cassell Farm of Crockett, VA and sold to J. Randell Eller of Independence, VA. The BCIA-Influenced Heifer Sale consisted of 48 fall-calving commercial bred heifers, and 4 spring-calving bred heifers.

All heifers were designated as Virginia Premium Assured females. Demand was strong and prices steady, as the fall calvers averaged $2040 and spring-calvers averaged $2600 per head. The two lots of bred heifers due in April were both consigned by Hillwinds Farm of Dublin, VA and sold to Jerry Allen Bare of West Jefferson, NC for $2600 each. Virginia Tech Beef Center consigned a lot of four SimAngus females top the fall-calvers, selling for $2500 to Paul Chambers of Lebanon, VA.

All bulls and heifers were consigned by members of the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association.

Bulls were developed at Hillwinds Farm at Dublin, VA owned and operated by Tim Sutphin. The sale was

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Smith Reasor of Reasor Simmentals in Rural Retreat, Va - 2015 BCIA Premier Simmental Breeder. Joe and Timmy Lucas of Lucas Farms in Blacksburg, VA received the Junior Breeder Group Award along with 2015 BCIA Premier Angus Breeder. Mark & Mike DeHaven of Dehaven Farm in Hillsville, VA - Junior Angus High Sale Order Index Award. Chad Joines representing Virginia Tech Beef Center - Junior Simmental High Sale Order Index Award. Matthew Lucas of Lucas Farms. Jason Hounshell of Hounshell Farms in Wytheville, VA - Senior SimAngus High Sale Order Index Award.. Mike Connatser of J&M Windy Acres of Maryville, TN - Senior Angus High Sale Order Index Award and Senior Breeder Group Award. Terry and Roger Slusher, Slusher Valley Farm in Floyd, VA - Senior Hereford High Sale Order Index Award. Jared Burner of Trio Farms in Luray, VA - Junior Simmental High Sale Order Index Award.

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PAGE 16, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

2016 Virginia General Assembly Session Summary

The 2016 General Assembly Session is in the books, and there were a number of bills and pieces of legislation that effected the cattle business and agriculture. This year was a 9-week “long session,” in which the General Assembly crafted and passed a new state budget (see below for a full budget update). In total, 3,286 bills and resolutions were introduced this session, with over 1,800 of them passing. So far, the Governor has vetoed just a dozen or so, but now that session is over, he has until around mid-April to consider all of the bills that passed. The General Assembly will reconvene on April 20th to consider these vetoes and any potential amendments he may offer to bills.

Overall, this session was extremely busy and fast paced, especially in the first few weeks, and as always happens, there were many bills introduced that we were not expecting. But this was also a very good session for agriculture and forestry.

We were very successful in the final state budget. Furthermore, we were successful in seeing passage of many items on which we worked for the year leading up to session, such as a bill making changes to certain commodity boards and setting a path for control of a protected predator of livestock.

After over 2 years of preparation, the advancement of capital funding for new and renovated livestock and poultry facilities at Virginia Tech is being realized. The current facilities for livestock, pork, equine, and poultry sciences are aging and antiquated and in desperate need for repairs, renovations, and in some cases, complete replacement. The Governor’s bond package included full funding for the first phase of this two-part project, providing critical support for this initiative going in to the General Assembly bond-negotiations.

Ultimately, funding for phase one was retained in the final bond package approved by the General Assembly, and we anticipate official planning at the University to begin soon.

Consistent with the state twoyear budget cycle, the Governor proposed an ambitious budget in mid-December 2015, and the General Assembly proposed and ultimately made amendments to his proposal. The introduced budget represented a sizable increase in resources for the Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry, and all but one of the proposed initiatives was ultimately approved by the Assembly. In total, the approved budget resulted in over $6.0 million in additional funding to the Agriculture and Forestry budget items.

Key items include doubling the size of the AFID (Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development) fund, additional funds for international marketing assistance both abroad and incremental increases for the weights and measures program.

Water quality funding continues to be a priority issue for all of agriculture, and the Governor’s leadership in allocating over $54 million in Ag BMP costshare and over $7 million in technical assistance from the state budget surplus represented a significant influx of critical funding for these programs. The Assembly retained all of this funding in their final budget,

resulting in significant growth in agricultural best management practice cost-share in the coming year.

This was a busy session for animal welfare and animal care issues, for both companion animals and agricultural animals. First of all, the General Assembly passed a VDACSrequested bill that gives the Board of Agriculture the ability to assess a civil penalty of up to $1000 for animal disease violations; currently the only option for these violations is a criminal misdemeanor. Another bill gives judges more options for sentencing of dogs that have been proven to be repeat killers of poultry. The current law states that the dog must either be put down or sent out of state, and the new law allows the dog to be fitted with an identifying microchip and transferred to a new owner or confined to a kennel. This arose out of an issue with backyard chickens and ultimately livestock and poultry owners’ rights to defend their own animals are protected.

There were also a few bills VCA strongly opposed. One, sponsored by Senator Bill Stanley (R-Moneta), would have required farmers to certify that new-born calves

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had received a certain amount of colostrum after birth. This bill was handily defeated in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Another bill, sponsored by Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke), had to do with the use of bull hooks for animals. The bill originally dealt only with elephants, but

it was amended to cover all animals. We had concerns that this could affect farmers and youth who show livestock, and this bill was also handily defeated in subcommittee.

On the environmental front, we monitored and took positions Continued on Page 18.

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PAGE 18, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

From Page 16. - 2016 Virginia General Assembly

on many bills this session.

There were a handful of bills that would have imposed burdensome regulations on the land application of biosolids and industrial residuals, including one to require disclosure on property records of applications on the property. VCA opposed all these measures which were defeated in subcommittee.

However, the VCA supported a study resolution directing the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), an arm of the General Assembly, to conduct a study about land application of these products and to once again review the scientific literature about their safety, and this study will be conducted over the next two years.

On the food safety front, there were two different bills that would have changed Virginia’s food safety regulations for both dairy products and food produced on a farm or in a private home. Legislation that was patroned by Del. Rick Morris (R-Sussex), would have exempted milk producers who have three or fewer milking cows from state requirements, and would have allowed for the sale of unpasteurized dairy products. We opposed this bill and it was defeated in subcommittee. Another “food freedom” bill, introduced by Del. Rob Bell (R-Albemarle), originally exempted any food or dairy products from state requirements, and this would have included raw milk. However, the patron significantly amended this bill to only include certain baked goods (those that require time and temperature control, such as cheesecake). We did not have a position on this amended version, which failed to advance in subcommittee after the Department of Agriculture raised food safety concerns.

A critical update to the conflict of interest act was successfully approved after Soil and Water Conservation Districts worked through legislation this year to exempt locally-elected Directors from the conflict of

interest act. This change will ensure that Directors who may also be farmers or beneficiaries of Ag BMP cost-share programs can continue to serve on local soil and water boards, while also excusing themselves from voting on actions directly related to their business operations.

Amendments were made to the nutrient credit program to allow for new and expanding facilities to acquire credits under their contractual control or on their own lands, after concerns were raised by a major new agribusiness about the current nutrient credit program.

Likewise several updates to the nutrient credit program were made, including allowances for sediment reduction credits for MS4 permittees, and new streamlined timelines for certain nutrient credit approval.

Finally, a proposal that we opposed to update Virginia’s phosphorus standards for nutrient management plans did not advance this year after the patron agreed to not pursue a legislative mandate.

The issue of a review of the phosphorus standards for Virginia, especially in light of new phosphorus standards in Maryland, is one that may not be completely “put to rest”. We will be closely following these discussions within the Bay watershed in order to protect our industry’s use of valuable nutrients on agricultural lands.

Overall, the 2016 Virginia General Assembly Session was positive for Virginia agriculture as well as the cattle business. VCA is grateful for the partnership of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association as well as the Virginia Poultry Growers and numerous other agricultural interests groups for the cooperation we all share in speaking for Virginia agriculture on the legislative front.

New Spring Baby!

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 19

Don’t Forget To Send In Your Check Off Dollars!!

THE BEEF CHECKOFF It’s the law - no one is exempt!

Remit to: Virginia Beef Industry Council - PO Box 9 - Daleville VA 24083

DID YOU KNOW? Every time you sell a bovine animal, regardless of age, sex, breed, purpose, or number, a dollar per head is due. The dollar is to be collected by the buyer from the seller, although both parties are responsible. The checkoff is designed so that everyone pays their fair share.

Date:_________________________ Seller: _____________________________________________________ Seller Address: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

HOW ARE CHECKOFF DOLLARS BEING USED? Every dollar invested returns $11.20. Checkoff dollars are used for: • Beef Safety Research • New Product • • Public Relations Development • • Product Enhancement • Advertising • Research • Foreign Marketing

Virginia Beef Checkoff Private Treaty Sales Checkoff Investment Form

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________

Channel Marketing Nutrition Reseach Industry Information

WHO PAYS? When cattle are sold, the buyer of the cattle must withhold $1/head from the seller’s purchase price. Failure to do so is a violation of the law and may be subject to a $5,500 penalty.

HOW DO YOU PAY? Complete the remittance form and send it with your check to the Virginia Beef Industry Council, PO Box 9, Daleville, VA 24083. For more forms, visit www.vabeef.org or call with questions 540992-1992.

___________________________________________________________ Seller’s Signature Total # sold______________X $1/head= $______________________ Date of Sale: _________________________ State of Origin: _____________________________________________ Buyer: _____________________________________________________ Buyer Address: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Buyer’s Signature Person remitting assessment: ________________________________

ROANOKE-HOLLINS STOCKYARD HOLLINS, VIRGINIA

Sales Every Monday 2:00 P.M.

Quality FeederCattle Graded Steers,Bulls and Heifers Weekly Chris Theimer, Manager

540-992-1112

PAGE 20, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

High-protein Diet Can Help Adults Sleep Better

Perdue University

Overweight and obese adults who are losing weight with a high-protein diet are more likely to sleep better, according to new research from Purdue University.

“Most research looks at the effects of sleep on diet and weight control, and our research flipped that question to ask what are the effects of weight loss and diet — specifically the amount of protein — on sleep,” says Wayne Campbell, a professor of nutrition science. “We found that while consuming a lower calorie diet with a higher amount of protein, sleep quality improves for middleaged adults. This sleep quality is better compared to those who lost the same amount of weight while consuming a normal amount of protein.”

These findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which is affiliated with the American Society for Nutrition. The research was funded by Beef Checkoff, National Pork Board, National Dairy Council, Purdue Ingestive Behavior Research Center and National Institutes of Health.

A pilot study found that in 14

participants, consuming more dietary protein resulted in better sleep after four weeks of weight loss. Then, in the main study, 44 overweight or obese participants were included to consume either a normal-protein or a higher-protein weight loss diet.

After three weeks of adapting to the diet, the groups consumed either 0.8 or 1.5 grams of protein for each kilogram of body weight daily for 16 weeks.

The participants completed a survey to rate the quality of their sleep every month throughout the study. Those who consumed more protein while losing weight reported an improvement in sleep quality after three and four months of dietary intervention. A dietitian designed a diet that met each study participant’s daily energy need and 750 calories in fats and carbohydrates were trimmed per day while maintaining the protein amount based on whether they were in the higheror normal-protein group. The sources of protein used in the two studies varied from beef, pork, soy, legumes and milk protein.

“Short sleep duration and compromised sleep quality frequently lead to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and premature death,” says Jing Zhou, a doctoral student in nutrition science and the study’s first author. “Given the high prevalence of sleep problems it’s important to know how changes to diet and lifestyle can help improve sleep.” Campbell’s lab also has studied how dietary protein quantity, sources and patterns affect appetite, body weight and body composition.

“This research adds sleep quality to the growing list of positive outcomes of higherprotein intake while losing weight, and those other outcomes include promoting body fat loss, retention of lean body mass and improvements in blood pressure,” Campbell says. “Sleep is recognized as a very important modifier of a person’s health, and our research is the first to address the question of how a sustained dietary pattern influences sleep.

We’ve showed an improvement in subjective sleep quality after higher dietary protein intake

Wanted

during weight loss, which is intriguing and also emphasizes the need for more research with objective measurements of sleep to confirm our results.”

Campbell, whose expertise and research focuses on understanding how protein

nutrition and exercise influence adults’ health as they age, served as a member of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which helped provide the scientific foundation for the nation’s 2015-20 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

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THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 21

Investigating Beef Market Volatility Marcus Brix, CattleFax

If you were to ask the cattle feeder about volatile markets across history, you would get many of the same answers.

Often the first response is December of 2003, “the cow that stole Christmas.” It is still staggering today to recall the devastation caused by the first U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, which was found in a Canadiansourced Holstein cow. Spot live cattle futures broke sharply from the December 23rd closing price of $92.35/cwt to what would become a multi-year low of $72.50/cwt, a loss of roughly $275/head for a fed animal. The biggest damage was inflicted from the loss of beef exports, which research from Kansas State University estimated to be between $3.2 and $4.7 billion dollars in 2004 alone. Another historically volatile time is one that most all Americans would be familiar with, the collapse of the U.S. financial system in 2008. Already nine months into a recession, the greatest financial risks occurred with the bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers investment bank, which at the time was the 4th largest U.S. bank of its kind.

Spot live cattle futures fell from a closing price of $103.75/cwt on September 2nd, 2008 to a recessionary low of $79.18/cwt on June 8th, 2009. Feedyards were forced to sell cattle into the lowest fed cattle demand level in 30 years.

It is hard to believe with the magnitude of these two past events, that a more recent market could compete in scale with the degree of cattle market volatility described above, but it’s true and measurable.

Volatility is a statistical measure of price risk, evaluated by calculating the standard deviation of price changes over a given period. Analyzing the 30-day volatility against the live cattle strip allows for an easily comparable measure of price risk in late 2015 versus the two previously mentioned cases.

The strip is a simple average of the front six live cattle futures contracts which covers a full calendar year. Using the live cattle strip is preferred over spot futures for this analysis because it removes the additional risk of changing price spreads across futures contracts.

Thirty-day volatility reached as high as 23.8 percent in late Continued on 23.

SMITH REASOR Auctioneer

Reasor Simmentals 276-620-3123 skrlkr@embarqmail.com Simmental & SimAngus Bull For Sale Calendar of Events 2016 5/6 Greene County Angus Assocation Sale, Greeneville, TN 5/21 VT Surplus Property Auction, Blacksburg, VA Thanks to all the buyers of Reasor Simmental Bulls at Wytheville BCIA Sale.

401 - Larry Davidson, Gate City, VA. 441- Steve Hopkins, Louisa, VA. 442 - Raymond Campbell, Saltville, VA. 445 - Eddie Rash, West Jefferson, NC

Feeding Time

PAGE 22, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

VIRGINIA SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION Virginia Junior Simmental Association Update Farrell Jones, Junior Advisor The Virginia Junior Beef Roundup Youth Beef Show was held on April 17, 2016. In the heifer show, we were pleased to have a percentage show in addition to our purebred show. Classes and winners are listed below.

Purebred Junior Yearling Heifer (Mar.Apr.2015) – 1st Carlee Taylor, 2nd Savannah Cline Purebred Junior Yearling Heifer (Jan.Feb.2015) – 1st Daniel Campbell, 2nd Savannah Cline Divison Winner – Carlee Taylor Reserve Division Winner – Savannah Cline Purebred Senior Yearling Heifer (Sept.Oct.2014) – 1st Hayden Campbell (also Division Winner) Champion Purebred Heifer – Carlee Taylor Reserve Champion Purebred Heifer – Savannah Cline Champion Bred & Owned Purebred Heifer – Hayden Campbell Percentage Senior Heifer Calf (Sept.Oct.2015) – 1st Kristin Seay (also Division

Winner) Percentage Intermediate Heifer (MayJun.2015) – 1st Carlee Taylor (also Division Winner) Percentage Junior Yearling Heifer (Mar.Apr.2015) – 1st Jenna Kibler, 2nd Carlee Taylor Percentage Junior Yearling Heifer (Jan.Feb.2015) – 1st Lianna Durrer, 2nd Cheyenne Deming Division Winner – Lianna Durrer Reserve Division Winner – Jenna Kibler Percentage Senior Yearling Heifer (Sept.Oct.2014) – 1st Taylor Edwards (also Division Winner) Champion Percentage Heifer – Lianna Durrer Reserve Champion Percentage Heifer – Jenna Kibler Percentage Bull (Jan.-Dec.2015) – 1st Brittany Linton (also Champion Percentage Bull) In the All Other Breeds steer show, four Simmental or SimAngus steers were entered.

Billy Powers placed first in class 3. Aaron Locke placed second in class 4 and was also Reserve Champion AOB Steer. All of our junior exhibitors are commended for their hard work.

VIRGINIA SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION Dana Campbell, VSA Secretary / Treasuer 4nelsoncampbells@gmail.com 3764 Lowesville Road Lowesville, VA 22967 434-277-9104 * www.virginiasimmental.com

Virginia Simmental Association Recognizes Members At the Virginia Simmental Association (VSA) annual meeting on April 14, 2016, Smith Reasor was presented with the 2016 Simmental Service award. Smith is a long-time breeder and active promotor of Simmental and SimAngus cattle.

He is also a participant in the Virginia BCIA bull test program, consigning to both the Southwest and Culpeper Bull Tests. In March, he was awarded the BCIA Premier Simmental Breeder Award. Congratulations, Smith, and thank you for your support of the Simmental breed!

Outgoing directors were also recognized for their service to VSA. They are: David Haulsey, Farrell Jones, and Joe Robinson. VSA members Matthew Miller and Lisa Zirkle were elected to the VSA Board of Directors. President Kathy Freeman-Walters was also recognized for her

service to the association. Chad Joines was elected VSA president.

Plans are underway for a VSA Field Day to be held July 23rd at Virginia Tech. Planning is in the preliminary stages, but mark this date on your calendar and plan to join us!

Outgoing Directors

Simmental Service Award

Plaque to Kathy Walters.

From Page 21. - Investigating Beef Market 2003, which was the first time above the 20 percent mark since November 1987. The highest recorded volatility during the recession was 25.8 percent in October of 2008. For context, 30-day volatility has averaged 11.1 percent per day over the last 10 years of data with a variance of about 4 percent, so values above 20 percent are considered to be extreme. Volatility at yearend 2015 reached 24.4 percent, actually higher than during the BSE-driven volatility of 2003. From August to October live cattle prices declined 20 percent, then rallied 18 percent into early November. From here, prices declined another 18 percent through mid-December, and finally rallied yet again leaving prices 17 percent off the December lows entering the New Year. From close to close, the live cattle strip was moving on average 1 percent per day in this time period, compared to a 10-year average daily change of only 0.13 percent. For many producers, hedging with plain futures contracts was much too risky. Despite expensive option premiums, largely due to the immense volatility in the market, managing risk using options became the only viable

strategy.

There were a multitude of reasons for the volatile price decline. The cattle market had been trending lower already that year, dealing with a large front end supply of cattle. Volatility spiked, however, immediately after the closure of the Tyson meat packing plant in Dension, IA. The sudden loss of packing capacity hurt the cattle feeders from a leverage standpoint; leverage was accountable for $10/cwt of the rally seen in 2014.

Cattle weights were also record large and had been trending higher into the fall.

This compounded the situation as feedyards tried to unload the heavy cattle and accepted discounts to do so.

While fundamentals turned negative on the live cattle side, fundamentals turned negative on the beef product side as well. Total meat supplies were building much faster than anticipated as pork and poultry production pushed higher, beef exports were stifled by the strong U.S. dollar and poultry exports were drastically reduced by HPAI-related bans in China and new protectionist trade policies in Angola. As a result, per capita net meat and poultry supplies

Roseda Female Sale Saturday, May 28, 12 Noon

increased by an estimated 9.4 pounds per U.S. resident, about seven pounds of the increase being poultry product. As an interesting parallel, exports as a percentage of meat and poultry production fell from 17 percent in 2014 to 15 percent in 2015.

This was the largest yearly drop since BSE in 2003.

These abrupt year over year changes explain why the market grew weaker and more volatile, but there might still be an unexplained piece of the

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 23

puzzle, intraday volatility. From August to December 2015, the spot live cattle average daily range from high to low was 1.73 percent. This is compared to an average range of 1.27 percent for the same monthly range in 2014, and a 1 percent range for the 5-year average. The cattle industry has recently pointed a finger at high frequency trading as being a main source of this extra volatility. Although some of these claims are speculative at this point, many are based

on sound evidence. Since the adoption of electronic trading, research has suggested higher volume of trade leads to better liquidity, but to increased volatility as well. An underlying issue with high frequency algorithmic trading, however, is that orders can be entered and bounced between different trading stations before a manual trader can act on the order, potentially causing changes to the bid-ask spread. This behavior Continued on Page 25.

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PAGE 24, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

VIRGINIA CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION

2015 - 2016 VCA Officers

Bill Thompson - President 1295 Park Avenue Clifton Forge, VA 24422 540-968-1987 Kaitlin Smith - Vice President 454 Old Farm Road Lexington, VA 24333 540-463-6778 Deidre Harmon - Secretary 1445 Pipers Gap Road Galax, VA 24333 276-233-8852 Walt Winkler - Treasurer 124 Kindig Road Waynesboro, VA 22980 540-943-6144

more pounds at weaning!

Rob Farmer- Past President 8030 Greenwich Road Catlett, VA 20119 540-270-3886

more pounds at yearling!

Data from the Spring 2012 Across-Breed EPD Genetic Trends presented at the Beef Improvement Federation documents Charolais and Charolais-influenced genetics lead all major breeds compared for both weaning and yearling weights. In fact, Charolais cattle were proven to excel at adding more pounds at weaning and yearling.

Chad Joines Junior Advisor Virginia Tech Dept Animal & Poultry Science Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-557-7263

Every beef producer knows profitability starts with more pounds.

More pounds. More profits.

Simple math.

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D o W h a t Wo r k s

Our 24th annual Superior Charolais Genetics Sale was held at the VA 2016 Beef Expo.

The sale averaged $3,006.32.

Some of the top selling lots were as follows: Lot 31 $8,250 cow/heifer calf split; consigner Vollborn Cattle Co, Bidwell, OH. $5,500 cow by Gerrald Montezuma to William Ashton, Glencoe, OK. $2,500 heifer calf

by WC Hoo Doo Sandpoint to Begoon Farms, Grottoes, WV. Lot 5 $5,500 ¾ interest bull VCC Hoo Doo Sandpoint; consigner Vollborn Cattle Co to Clint Hall, Cleveland, OH. Lot 6 $4,300 cow/bull calf split; consigner VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA. $3,400 cow by VPI Free Lunch to Glenmary Farms, Rapidan, VA. $900 bull/ calf by M6 Grid Maker 010 to Glenmary Farms. Lot 24 $3,900 bred heifer; consigned

by Dunkard Valley Charolais, York, PA. Heifer by WCR Sir Duke 7340P and bred to TR PZC Rapid Fire 9775 ET. Lot 27 $2,500 open heifer; consigned

by Beginning Waters Charolais, Gapmills, WV. Heifer M6 Right Now 5239 Pld ET. Thanks to the bidders and buyers that made this sale a success. The sale was managed by Dennis Adams of Outfront Cattle Service, TX.

Charlottesville, VA, 434-566-2750 8.5x11 4c (bull).indd 1

M

ountain eadows

William (Bill) Thompson 1295 Park Ave Clifton Forge, VA 24422 CELL 540-968-1987 MountainMeadowsCharolais.com FOR SALE Quality Charolais Embryos

River Croft Charolais Breeding Polled - Registered Performance Charolais William and Agnes Anerson P.O. Box 304 Altavista, VA 24517 434-369-5366 “Keeping the commerical producers in mind”

3/10/14 1:04 PM

Charolais bulls for most discriminating buyer

Colonial Farms

Cross Mountain Cattle Co.

Robert Farmer 8030 Greenwich Rd. 124 Kindig Road Catlettt, VA 20195 Waynesboro, VA 22980 540-270-3886 Walt Winkler Gerry Scott 540-379-1975 540-943-6144

CREWS FARMS Registered Charolais

784 Payneton Rd. Chatham, VA Billy Crews, Barry Crews Billy C. Crews, Brent Crews 434-656-2361 434-656-3771

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 25

Management of Cattle to Maximize Marbling Bridget Wasser and Dani Shubert, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

development.

Biochemists, molecular biologists, and geneticists have worked to Beef palatability is a substantial understand the intracellular driver of consumer demand and extracellular factors that for beef, and marbling is one of the largest contributing factors to beef palatability as it affects beef tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. For many years, marbling research has focused on understanding both how marbling contributes to eating quality, as well as how to increase marbling levels in cattle through genetics and feeding. A checkoff-funded white paper titled “Marbling: Management of cattle to maximize the deposition of intramuscular adipose tissue” seeks to summarize the beef industry’s progress toward understanding marbling in beef and how the beef industry can increase marbling to create a more tender, juicy, and flavorful product.

Consumers in the United States and abroad have valued highly marbled beef for nearly a century.

In spite of growing interest in pasture-fed (or grass-finished) beef in the United States, most consumers still prefer beef that is reasonably marbled and juicy.

Scientists have taken a twopronged approach to understand the biology of marbling

regulate the development of marbling, whereas beef cattle nutritionists have created feeding regimens to provide high-quality beef carcasses

without increasing carcass subcutaneous fat, or fat trimmed from steaks before they reach the consumer.

The contribution marbling to

overall palatability has been established for decades. Savell and Cross (1988) established a “Window of Acceptability” Continued on Page 27.

Playing the slots can sometimes be more predictable

than livestock market prices, fuel costs and even the weather…

From Page 23.

- Investigating Beef Market

would then not be increasing liquidity, but still increasing volatility.

This scenario increases the transaction costs to manage risk not only through futures, but options as well, because increased volatility is transferred into option costs as risk premium. The CME Group is evaluating several options for reducing volatility, including shorter trading hours and a maintaining a stricter watch over trades. This is a complex problem, and the solution will have to ensure contracts trade at adequate volume, but also on an even playing field for all market participants.

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PAGE 26, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN KNOLL CREST FARM JAMES, PAUL, JIM, BRIAN BENNETT 17659 RED HOUSE RD. RED HOUSE, VA 23963 434-376-3567 OFFICE 434-376-7008 FAX JAMES BENNETT - 434-376-7299 PAUL BENNETT - 434-941-8245 JIM BENNETT - 434-664-7935 DALTON G. BENNETT - 434-664-7946 BRIAN BENNETT - 434-664-8309 SCOTT BENNETT - 434-660-7268 WINTERFEILD FARM BARBARA & JASON KNABE 2074 GRAVEL HILL RD DILLWYN, VA 23936 Barbara 434-983-3110 barbaran2teeth@gmail.com Jason 434-547-9878 jasonknabe@gmail.com 2.2 MI. EAST OF U.S. 15 ON 617

MAPLEWOOD FARM

JOHN AND KAREN FLEISHMAN DANIEL AND ELIZABETH 5442 DANIEL CUPP ROAD DAYTON, VA 22821 JOHN 540-421-9511 DANIEL 540-383-1688 jdfdeere@att.net

MOUNTAIN LION MEADOW

TODD, LYDIA, LAYLA, AND LILLY SCOTT 1191 SPRING MILL ROAD CONCORD, VA 24538 434-665-1224 434-993-2502

OAK CREEK FARM

BILLY AND JACKIE KOONTZ 25840 INDEPENDENCE ROAD UNIONVILLE, VA 22567 540-854-6567 oakcreekfarm@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendar to Join Us...

KEN & DORIS WORLEY 25052 RICH VALLEY RD ABINGDON, VA 24210 276-944-3458 CELL 276-356-3458 kworley123@earthlink.net

DEER TRACK FARM

CEDAR PLAINS FARM

MIKE TAYLOR 20 COTTAGE HILL ROAD PETERSBURG, WV 26847 mwta.ylor@frontiernet.net HOME 304-257-1557 CELL 304-668-0580

NORVUE FARM

JACK SHEEHAN 4442 FACTORY MILL RD DABNEYS, VA 23102 PHONE 804-556-4947 EMAIL norvujack@gmail.com

FROGTOWN ACRES

JERRY FUNKHOUSER REBECCA WEBERT 417 FROGTOWN LANE EDINBURG, VA 22824 HOME 540-984-8833 JERRY CELL 540-333-1020 REBECCA CELL 540-333-1019 EMAIL jerry@shentel.net

MEADOW RIDGE FARMS, INC. DOUG & MELISSA HARRISON 2184 HILLYARD DRIVE BROADWAY, VA 22815 540-896-5004 harrisonmeadow@aol.com

REGISTERED POLLED HERFORDS “QUALITY CATTLE FOR QUALITY PEOPLE” JOHN WHEELER CATTLE IN TRAPHILL, NC HEADQUARTERS: 775 CLACTON CIRCLE EARLYSVILLE, VA 22936 OFFICE: FAYETTEVILLE, NC 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com

DIAMOND “W” FARM

FAUQUIER FARM

COTTAGE HILL FARM

JASPER & ALICE PERSINGER, JR. 2917 POTTS CREEK ROAD COVINGTON, VA 24426 540-747-3261 PottsCreekFarm@netelos.net

DOUBLE J FARM, LLC

6470 BEVERLYS MILL ROAD BROAD RUN, VA 20137 HOME 540-347-4343 OFFICE 540-905-2667 NORTHERN VA area CATTLE FOR SALE fauquierfarm@yahoo.com

R.E. BALTIMORE, OWNER, MANAGER, FEILD HAND 150 CARTERSVILLE EXT. CARTERSVILLE, VA 23027 HOME 804-375-3071 OFFICE 804-399-7409 “All Cattle Made in America”

POTTS CREEK FARM

For a weekend full of cattle shows and fun!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

HICKORY SPRINGS FARM

AM - Mid-Atlantic Fall Round Up Junior Hereford Show PM - Shenandoah Classic Open Hereford Show

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

Eastern States Jackpot Show - Open show for all breeds!!

To be held at Rockingham County Fairgrounds. More information available this summer!

And don’t forget the Mid-Atlantic Fall Bonanza Sale, scheduled for November 12, 2016! www.virginiaherefords.org

PIONEER FARM

CHARLES, MEREDITH AND OLIVIA WILLIAMS 485 HEREFORD CROSSING FAIRFIELD, VA 24435 herefordxing@gmail.com 540-460-8803

ROCK MILLS HEREFORDS PAUL AND KIM NOVAK 240 THUNDER VALLEY LANE CASTLETON, VA 22716 540-937-5553 rockmillsfarm@hughes.net

3320 DEER TRACK RD SPOTSYLVANIA, VA 22551 BOB SCHAFFER 540-582-9234 FARM bob@deertrackfarm.com www.deertrackfarm.com “Virginia Finest” Performance Tested Bulls for sale

HEREFORD HILLS FARM ROY AND KIM DEAN 9311 BRADY LANE HARRISONBURG, VA 22802 540-432-9805 Rdean81333@aol.com

JOHN BRASUK RT. 2 BOX 211-A FAIRMONT, WV 26554 304-363-5918 jhb470@aol.com

BAY BROOK FARM

RODNEY & BARBARA PHILLIPS 4277 FACTORY MILL ROAD DABNEYS, VA 23102 804-556-3810 rodney@baybrookherefords.com “Hereford Bulls for sale at all times.”

DUNROVIN

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From Page 25. - Max Marbling for beef (Figure 1), indicating that overall palatability of beef is optimal between 3 and 7.5 percent intramuscular fat (marbling). The relationship between percent fat and overall palatability highlights the importance of marbling in beef quality. What was not addressed in this research is that as percent fat increases, there is a dramatic change in the fatty acid composition of marbling.

As intramuscular fat percentage increases, the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans-fatty acids decrease, and the proportion of oleic acid and other monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increase. These changes in fatty acid profile have a direct effect on the palatability of beef.

The fatty acid profile of meat influences beef palatability in a variety of ways. Early studies demonstrated that increased oleic acid (a MUFA) in beef led to an increase in overall palatability of the beef. One theory used to explain this shift in palatability is that oleic acid is “softer” than SFA, providing a more fluid mouthfeel, which most consumers perceive as more desirable. The melting point of fat directly affects the perception of juiciness in beef, and the ratio of MUFA to SFA dictates the melting point of fat. Saturated fatty acids have higher melting points and are “harder” at refrigerated or room temperatures, whereas MUFA have melting points below room temperature and thus are perceived as “softer” fats.

More recent studies have discovered that the fatty acid profile of beef contributes to the formation of flavor through the cooking process. Fatty acids react with heat, sugars, and proteins to create different beef flavors. Oleic acid has been identified as the fatty acid that contributes most to positive, buttery beef flavor. Marbling represents a unique fat depot, and can be distinguished from other fat depots by its location within the muscle.

Marbling consists of clusters of individual fat cells (adipocytes), and these fat cells increase in

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 27

the studies outlined in this white the development of marbling. flavor of beef by promoting paper indicate that grain-based Additionally, grain-based diets the production of oleic acid in number and in size as the beef diets are necessary to promote increase the juiciness and marbling and other fat depots. animal progresses from being practically devoid of marbling, to having higher marbling scores.

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Calf-fed steers are typically fed high-concentrate finishing diets at weaning, whereas yearling-fed steers are typically fed native pasture until approximately 12 months of age and are then transitioned to a grain-based diet. One study reviewed in this white paper explored these management strategies in greater detail.

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PAGE 30, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

McDonald’s On Antibiotics Use In Beef & Pork

Rita Jane Gabbett, Meatingplace McDonald’s is currently working with the beef and pork industries on an approach to antibiotics use in cattle and hog production that at this point would not take a “never ever” approach, according to Justin Ransom, senior director of quality systems for McDonald’s USA. “We know some of our competitors have come out and said ‘no antibiotics ever.’ We don’t necessarily think that is possible in the short term. It is really more about how we can challenge people to find better ways to raise animals so that they don’t need antibiotics to begin with,” Ransom told Meatingplace on the sidelines of the North American Meat Institute’s management conference.

Ransom’s comments come a year after the Oak Brook-based fast-food giant announced plans to eventually only buy chickens from suppliers whose flocks have been raised without antibiotics important

to human medicine. Ransom said McDonald’s is working with some of the industry’s best scientists to try to develop a global vision for antimicrobial stewardship.

“We are in

conversations right now with the beef industry. I met with beef industry representatives in Colorado last week and we are meeting with industry representatives in the [pork

industry] to understand what are the things that are working, where do we have opportunities to reduce the use, where do we have opportunities to mitigate the need for use,” said Ransom.

He emphasized the company’s interest in understanding this complex issue, and coming up with strategies beef and pork producers can achieve. “Our Continued on Page 31.

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From Page 31. - McDonald’s goal is to come out with a commitment we know industry can move toward. It may be a stretch goal, but it is one of those things where we really want industry’s engagement on how we can do things differently,” he said. Ransom’s comments came after a presentation to conference attendees during which he emphasized the impact of social media and importance of answering consumers’ questions. Through its recent campaign, “Our Food.

Your questions.” McDonald’s answered 50,000 questions

over a 90-day period through social media. Even though McDonald’s advertising since 1967 has consistently included “100 percent beef” in its messaging, Ransom said the No. 1 question the company still gets from consumers is: “What is in the beef?” He said social media has changed what constitutes successful food product messaging and efforts going forward must include more one-on-one engagement with consumers.

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PAGE 32, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

NCBA Should Take Heed From The Political Parties

Troy Marshall, BEEF Magazine

The two political parties are being sent a pretty loud message from their bases. People are fed up, disappointed and want change. The Democrats, to their credit, are still focused solely on winning the election.

They made sure there were no serious challengers to Hillary in the primaries, and even though Bernie has won more states than Hillary at this point, they had the foresight with their super delegate system to make sure that even if the unthinkable happened and Bernie won more delegates or received more votes than Hillary, she would still easily win the nomination.

The Republican establishment might be focused on winning the general election as well, but they got caught by surprise with the anti-establishment movement and are finding themselves with two options that they despise and a frontrunner who is universally considered to be unelectable in a general election.

Both parties were fooled by their success. Obama won election and re-election easily after declaring that he wanted to fundamentally change America.

He delivered on his promise, and despite the resounding defeat in the 2010 and 2012 elections that gave Republican majorities in both houses of

Congress and overwhelming disapproval of the direction of the country, prospects for the Democrats look good for 2016.

The political environment of today is a contrarian’s utopia.

Nothing makes sense. Clinton is essentially running to continue the Obama agenda that is widely viewed as a failure on the domestic, economic and foreign policy front. The Republicans either won or increased their majorities in Congress, as the electorate revolted against the Obama agenda and the direction of the country. Yet, they didn’t deliver on their promises and actually enjoy lower ratings than Obama. Their policies, too, are viewed as failures or Republicans are viewed as failures for their inability to get those policies implemented.

The Republican establishment missed the populist movement and discontent among their base and now are finding themselves in danger of losing the control they enjoyed over the party.

What should have been a slamdunk election is now looking like an uphill battle.

What does this have to do with NCBA? Nothing directly, but NCBA, in my opinion, is a little like the Democrat and Republican parties; they believe in what they are doing, they see their successes and yet they

are missing that all-important wields considerable influence, the rank-and-file member (base) frustration in the country, that and producers are well aware does not feel like NCBA is undertone that should be raising of the shift that has created. really responsive to their needs red flags. Parties and trade Trade associations and parties or fighting as hard for them as associations are similar in that are driven by two thing— they would like. they must be seen as representing the passion, excitement and I’ve always been an the ideals and views of their commitment of their members, establishment guy. They are base, and be seen as fighting and dollars.

The latter— the ones who tend to get things for them on a daily basis. The money—is so vital that it has done, and revolutions are far Republican Party became a way of becoming a priority rarer than incremental, slow, beholding to the big donors over the agenda of the base. grinding change when it comes and neglected the heart and From my perspective, I believe to politics. Revolutionaries soul of the party; the blue collar the leadership (establishment) occasionally become heroes but worker who was struggling. understands and believes in more often than not they are The workers who didn’t believe what NCBA is doing, but that Continued on Page 34. free trade was making their lives better, and who see illegal immigration as a societal, economic, and security threat.

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Beef Council Update

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 33

Enhancing consumer preference for beef & sustaining Virginia families.

Do Your Part To Promote May Beef Month May is Beef Month in Virginia By: Valerie Van Dyke Beef Month is here! This is an exciting time for the Virginia Beef Council and producers alike. Along with an official proclamation of May Beef Month by our governor, we also host a stout line up of awareness campaigns, educational tools, and outreach to “beef up” people’s interactions and knowledge of our industry. While we do projects yearround, we like to emphasize one month above the others to give things a kickstart for grilling season.

Here is just a sampling of our beef dishes on deck for this month: 30 Day Protein Challenge: You may remember this campaign, which has been ongoing since May 2015. The Protein Challenge encourages consumers to include 30 grams of protein at every meal and feel the difference in their lives: more energy, less snacking, maintain or lose weight. Tools include protein source tables, recipes, journal tools, etc. in a daily or (new feature!) weekly email. While we promote this Challenge year-round, we have put some extra dollars behind digital advertisements in our Mid-Size metropolitan areas (Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville) from May-September. We’re working in tandem with the national Checkoff, which will be putting dollars towards our Large-Size cities such as VA Beach and DC. Local Beef Directory: In case you

missed January’s article, our Virginia Beef Directory will be launching May 1. The main purpose of this directory is to start conversation about consumer’s plentiful beef purchasing options in Virginia. The directory includes a listing of local producers, butchers, etc., but it also includes tools and resources about grocery chain purchasing, food safety and handling, and various production methods and labeling definitions. See more at www.vabeef.org/localbeefdirectory.aspx Facebook Promotions: We are bulking up our Facebook post schedule for the month of May to include posts about recipes, producer spotlights, Team BEEF, beef purchasing options, the local beef directory, production facts, and more!

Chef Outreach: Virginia Beef Council has partnered with Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative to bring Virginia chefs on a beef immersion event on May 4th.

Chefs will do a modified progressive dinner through some of DC’s restau-

rants and learn, through guided discussion, how to think creatively for beef when they develop new menu items.

Much, much more: There are still opportunities we are exploring to raise the steaks on Beef Month. We still have radio spots available if producers would like to run a beef ad in their advertisement mix. For more information, contact Valerie at Valerie@vabeef.org or 540-992-1992.

PAGE 34, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

From Page 32. NCBA

labeled as traitors or terrorists and are defeated and discarded.

But when the establishment loses the support of its base, they find, to their disbelief, that their ability to effect change quickly disappears.

The Republican Party has the support of their donor class but is losing its members. In a similar fashion, NCBA, in order to be effective, must have the passion and commitment from its core constituency—the cowcalf producer.

The saying goes, “follow the money.” We all see that in politics with the celebrity dinners, the Super Pacs, the labor unions, Wall Street, et al.

Whether it be political parties or trade associations, money is always number two on the priority list but often number one on the to-do list. And that is a recipe for disaster. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders have proven that by saying what a lot of people think, but were afraid to say in our politically-correct world.

I’d rather just end this commentary here and go back to work. I get uneasy saying what some people whisper among themselves but are afraid to utter in public, but here goes.

While nobody believes the firewall between the policy side and checkoff side has ever been breached, many feel there is little doubt that the checkoff side has consumed a high percentage of the time and focus and limits the effectiveness of the policy side of NCBA. The checkoff enjoys incredibly high and widespread support, but it has increasingly become a government program and not an industry program and its effectiveness diminishes in accordance with government intrusion into the program.

NCBA is no different from the political parties; money is critical to success, but fighting for its base must always be the priority, and if the money gets in the way of preventing one to fight for its membership, maybe it is time to wean oneself from the money.

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Tentative Program Agenda 12:30 - 1:45pm: Check-in and Trade Show 1:45 - 2:00pm: Opening Remarks 2:00 - 3:15 : Dr. Temple Grandin, DVM “Less stress cattle handling practices.”

3:15 - 3:30pm: Break / Trade Show 3:30 - 4:00pm: Dr. Robert Gentry, DVM “Strategic Mineral Supplementation in Beef Cattle using MultiMin.” 4:00 - 4:30pm: Jason Carter, Virginia Cattlemen’s Association “Regulatory and legislative topics affecting livestock producers.”

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5:45 - 7:00pm: Steak Dinner / Trade Show 7:00 - 8:00pm: Speaker Panel-Ag Issues & Q/A session from participants 8:00pm Evaluations & Wrap-up / Adjoum

THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 37

feasting on the cattle on my pond. farm, because mutilated body parts were found in the water.

It was a monster which needed to be removed.” Godwin told a Fox affiliate that the giant gator came to the surface about 20 feet in front of them and Lightsey shot it. The alligator was so enormous, Godwin said, the hunters had to use a farm tractor to pull it from the cattle

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CME Livestock Update

Survey Assesses Cattle Feeding Performance

Feeding cattle is an intricate and detailed combination of science, technology, and having an “eye” for it. On the science and technology side, some factors that impact cattle feeding decisions and performance include: cattle genetics, weather, diet formulation, and growth promotants. On the management side, there is nothing that can be substituted for that eye for feeding cattle, developed from hard work and experience. Here, we will review cattle feeding data from Kansas, as it relates to current market dynamics.

February numbers reinforce the knowledge that we are still feeding cattle longer to heavier weights. There are several reasons for this, but some of the most influential reasons are cost of gain is relatively cheap and fat cattle prices versus feeder cattle prices are still incentivizing cattle feeders to put more weight on the animals in the yard. For days on feed, the report says steers were on feed an average of 169 days during February of 2016, 2 days longer than February of 2015 and 15 days longer than the previous five year average. This translated to steers that weighed 1431 pounds (live) in February when they were sent from the feedlot to the packing plant.

This was 41 pounds heavier than the same time last year, and 74 pounds heavier than the five year average.

While steers are on feed longer, and fed to heavier weights, an important aspect in the feeding world is productivity. Terms used to discuss this productivity

are average daily gain (ADG) and pounds of feed per pound of gain. First, ADG is calculated by the difference of in weight upon arrival at the feedlot and out weight when shipped to the packer, divided by the days the steer was fed in the feedlot. At the risk of oversimplifying, it becomes less efficient to put more weight on a steer the longer the animal is on feed. Pounds of feed (on a dry basis) per pound of gain gives the conversion (efficiency) of feed to weight added to the animal.

The general rule for cattle is 6:1 or 6 pounds of feed are required for the steer to gain 1 pound.

Again, this conversion usually becomes less efficient (i.e. more pounds of feed required per pound of gain) for an animal after it surpasses a certain weight level and time on feed. February numbers for steers show an ADG of 3.61 pounds. This is up from 3.52 pounds per day a year ago and combined with steers being on feed an average of 5 days longer compared to last year, their gain was more productive year-to-year. Pounds of feed (dry matter) per pound of gain for steers during February was 6.19 pounds. This is down from 6.32 pounds in 2015, and also indicates feedlots being more feed efficient as less feed was required per pound of gain, yearover-year. The increase in days on feed, combined with a higher ADG and less feed required per pound of gain, all helps feedlot margins. There are many factors affecting how these dynamics play out, one we can point to is February was fairly mild from

Cattlemen’s WEBINAR SERIES

INTERNATIONAL BEEF TRADE – AN UPDATE FOR CATTLEMEN REGISTER TODAY @ MAY 12, 2016 7PM CENTRAL WWW. BEEFUSA.ORG

Beef trade has long been an important component of the cattle industry and often a confusing topic for cattlemen. Trade issues have made recent headlines in ag media and in the popular press’ coverage of the current election season. The upcoming webinar will feature the insights of industry experts; Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Director of International Trade and Market Access; and Dan Halstrom, U.S. Meat Export Federation Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. Join the free webinar to hear an update on the current state of beef trade, policy issues that are effecting beef trade today and what the experts see in the future for beef trade. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions immediately following the presentations. Visit beefusa.org for additional information and to register.

a weather standpoint, favorable for weight gain when feeding cattle.

These relationships all combine with the cost of feed and value

of the fed animal when sold to the packer, to determine feedlot margins. Cost of gain for steers in February was at $81.06 per cwt. compared to $89.29 per

cwt. a year ago. This is rooted in lower corn prices, which although are forecast to stay low through the year, could be upended by weather events.

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THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN, MAY 2016, PAGE 39

Dedicated Service.

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Sales Staff Doug Harris Jeff Meador Jerrold Flora Jim McKenzie Pete Bohacek Yancey Sparks

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Select Reproductive Specialist Dave Whitlock 540.392.5693

7AN405 DEMAND

7AN440 OLD HICKORY

7AN415 POWER SURGE

+17449802 // Rito 9M25 x In Focus His first progeny scans have boosted his CW, Marb, RE and $B in a BIG WAY CE: 9 BW: -0.1 WW: 64 YW: 117 $W: 74.67 $B: 164.78

+17873666 // Weigh Up x Bismarck Take advantage of a powerful pedigree, fantastic structure and unlimited potential CE: 16 BW: 0.3 WW: 64 YW: 124 $W: 78.70 $B: 172.10

From Teixeria Cattle Co., CA; Bill Rishel and Hoffman Ranch, NE

From Deer Valley Farm, TN; Boyd Beef Cattle, Solid Rock Angus, Sammy Ayers, Jared Ayers, KY; Trowbridge Farms, NY; Cole Elrod, GA; Pembrook Cattle Company, OK and Tom Boyan, NJ

17585502 // Power Tool x In Focus 4925 Has moved lower for BW and higher for growth with his first progeny data CE: 7 BW: 0.9 WW: 78 YW: 135 $W: 94.59 $B: 138.54

7AN417 SPOTLITE

7AN418 PATRIOT

7AN432 BANKROLL

17689665 // Tehama 944 R525 x EXAR 263C Exciting Outcross Performance Choice— super spread bull with added phenotype CE: 17 BW: -3.0 WW: 64 YW: 117 $W: 75.60 $B: 161.94

+17577916 // Capitalist x Upward Royally-bred Capitalist son who excels for a lengthy list of important traits CE: 18 BW: -0.8 WW: 69 YW: 117 $W: 85.72 $B: 146.77

18036327 // Cash x Efficient Cash son with stunning good looks and amazing performance projections CE: 13 BW: -0.9 WW: 64 YW: 129 $W: 66.88 $B: 162.48

From A & B Cattle, NE

From Deer Valley Farm and Taylor Angus Farms, TN

From Barstow Angus, NE; David Dockter, ND and Hart Farms, SD

Beef and Product Promotion Steve Furrow 540.520.4804

Select Sire Power, Inc. 2623 Carolina Springs Road • Rocky Mount, VA 24151 Phone: 800.423.7473 • Fax: 540.483.7286 • office@selectsirepower.com

From Connealy Angus Ranch, NE; Alan Mead, Gerloff Farms and Brockmere Farms, MO; and Green Valley Cattle, NE

PAGE 40, MAY 2016, THE VIRGINIA CATTLEMAN

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