Georgia Cattleman Magazine April 2023

GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

100 Cattlemen’s Drive | P.O. Box 27990 Macon, GA 31221 Phone: 478-474-6560 gca@gabeef.org | www.gabeef.org

GCA & GEORGIA BEEF BOARD STAFF

Executive Vice President/Editor: Dale Sandlin, dale@gabeef.org

GBB Program and Compliance Coordinator: Tricia Combes, tricia@gabeef.org

GBB Director of Public Relations: Taylor Evans, taylor.evans@gabeef.org

Membership and Facilities Coordinator: Sherri Morrow, sherri@gabeef.org

Membership Engagement Coordinator: Taylor Pearce, taylor.pearce@gabeef.org

Organizational Coordinator/Assistant Editor: Shelby Kirton, shelby@gabeef.org

Publication Consultant Oak + Willow Creatives

Publication Editor Keith Balser

GCA Mission Statement

The mission of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association is to unite cattle producers to advance Georgia’s cattle industry.

© GEORGIA CATTLEMAN The Georgia Cattleman magazine and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association reserve the exclusive right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. The editorial content contained in this magazine does not necessarily represent the views of the Georgia Cattleman magazine or the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. Additionally, the Georgia Cattleman and Georgia Cattlemen’s Association staff and board members are not responsible for advertising errors made in camera-ready ads, nor are they responsible for submitted camera-ready ads that may contain non-approved copyrighted text, songs, poems or images. The advertiser or agency will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate permission from the copyright holder and will pay any copyright fee required for publication in the Georgia Cattleman.

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN (USPS 974-320, ISSN 0744-4451) is published monthly by the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, 100 Cattlemen’s Drive, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, Georgia 31221.

Volume

6 GCA President’s Report, By Joe Garner

22 2023 Tifton Bull Sale Report

By Francine Henry, Assistant Professor, Animal Science Department, UGA, and Grace Nyhuis, UGA Beef Team

38 A Golden Opportunity for Greener Pastures, By Shelby Kirton

44 Spring 2023 ABAC Update, By Mary Ellen Hicks, Professor, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) Reader Services

20 Georgia Beef Bites, By Taylor Evans

28 Associate Members

30 Well, Then – Act Like One, By Chaplain Skeeter Spaulding 60 Annual Convention Recap

34 10 Ways to Save Money on Input Costs This Year

By Lisa Baxter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Forage Specialist, University of Georgia – Tifton

50 Breeding Soundness Examination of Bulls: The Whys and Hows

By Brent Credille, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, Associate Professor, Food Animal Health and Management Program, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia

54 Fire Ant Control in Pastures

contact Georgia

Association, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221. Phone: 478-474-6560.

By Raymond Fitzpatrick and Nancy C. Hinkle, UGA Cooperative Extension, Franklin County, and UGA Dept. of Entomology, Athens

Garner family at farm.

RWA Home Town W1821

AAA # 20190623 | 08-11-2021 | Sire: Home Town | Dam: Fail Safe

RWA Ashland W1161

AAA # 20190716 | 08-7-2021 | Sire: Ashland | Dam: Progress

RWA Home Town W1021

AAA # 20190642 | 08-7-2021

Sire:Home Town | Dam: Prophet

RWA EJB Transcendent W142

AAA # 20349282 | 01-19-2022

Sire: Transcendent | Dam: Fail Safe

sunday 4.23.23 2:00 pm

10th anniversary

BCC Fail Safe 825

AAA # 19242490 | 08-10-2017

Sire:Fail Safe | Dam: Fruition

100 bred heifers and 50 bred cows

Consignors: BC Cattle Company | Brooks Angus Farm | Edgewood Farm | M & V Farm | Two Rivers Cattle Company Kirk: 828.226.2839 | Robin: 706.540.0400 | www.rockingwangus.com

It is indeed a great pleasure to serve as your next GCA President. While receiving the gavel in Columbus at the state Convention, my mind was racing ahead. I am excited about the future and appreciate the privilege to serve you. For those of you who may not know me, I would like to provide you with a summary of my journey as a GCA volunteer. In this article, you will read many names of others who volunteered their time and services in a variety of roles. I hope that it will inform and maybe inspire others who are willing to volunteer in similar roles. Nothing changes without you.

My journey serving in a leadership role in GCA began with my local Blue Ridge Mountain Cattlemen’s Association (BRMCA). I served as President in 2014-2015. We had an active chapter with good attendance. The BRMCA is unique because we have multiple counties across North Carolina and Georgia. Mickey Cummings and Eddie Ayers were our local county Extension agents who assisted with program topics for our meetings. Your county Extension agents and Young Farmer teachers are huge assets to have involved with your local leadership team. The resources they can bring to your meetings are priceless when determining speakers and various educational presentations.

By Joe Garner

Our BRMCA officer team in 2014 included Bill Hutson as Vice President, Paula Myers as Secretary, and Richard Myers as Treasurer. We had a few key positions that made a major impact on the year. Bobby Lance worked as Membership Chair that year. Annette Hopgood served in multiple support roles, including the scrapbook and Beef Day competitions. Annette – mostly on her own – built our applications that went on to GCA. Annette also wrote articles for the local papers. Annette and Bobby made a substantial positive impact that year on the outcome. Our Membership Committee included Bobby Lance as Chair, with members Laurie McClearen and the late Bud Hill. I want to thank them again for all their hard work, which allowed our membership to grow by 77 members that year! I also want to thank the many members of BRMCA who signed up new members that year. Members involved with our Beef Day event included Mickey Cummings, Doug Towery, Paula Myers, Bobby Lance, Kevin Thomas, Benny and Brenda Brookshire, and Steve Whitmire.

Here is the newspaper article Annette Hopgood wrote that announced our success for 2014 in the local papers:

“The Blue Ridge Mountain Cattlemen’s Association walked away with top honors at the recent Georgia Cattlemen’s Association State Conference in Perry, Ga. Award-winning chapter activities this year have been directed by President Joe Garner. According to Garner, ‘Our members really put their best foot forward this past year, worked hard, and achieved great things working together.’ Members in attendance included Joe Garner of Blairsville, Secretary and Treasurer Paula and Richard Myers of Young Harris, and producers Brenda and Benny Brookshire of Brookshire Farm in Suches. During the four-day event, the local association, which serves Union, Towns, Fannin, Cherokee and Clay counties, received recognition on numerous levels. The chapter received the State award for the largest increase in membership. Chapter members were presented with a cattle chute valued at $4,500. The chute will be available for members’ use. Bobby Lance of Blairsville’s Wolf Creek Farms headed up the 2014 membership drive. The chapter received other awards, including monetary awards for ‘Chapter of the Year’ and ‘Beef Month Promotion.’ Applications for these awards were coordinated by member, Annette Hopgood. If you are involved in the cattle industry and would like to join the local cattlemen’s association, contact the chapter President Joe Garner at jgarner@sefcoop.com. The chapter is affiliated with the Georgia and National Cattlemen’s Association and promotes improved land and cattle management and cattle health through its programs and activities.”

I want to thank our BRMCA members again and consider myself the benefactor, as most everyone in our association that year got involved. I give a thanks again to all the members of my local association who stepped up that year. As time went by, I got calls from Melvin Porter, Kyle Gillooly, Kristy Arnold, Brent Galloway and Kurt Childers. I started as a Region 2 Vice President in 2016, followed by serving on the Executive Committee. Most recently, I served as the Chair of the Events Committee, which

planned the recent Convention, held March 8-10 at the Ironworks in Columbus, Ga. Our Events Committee met every few weeks to plan our 2022 Quarterly Connections and the 2023 Convention.

How can you make a difference in 2023? Let me share my main goal for my year as President. During my acceptance speech in Columbus, I gave reference to a couple of my mentors: Mr. Phil Worley and Dr. John McCormack. I offered these challenges to GCA across our state. I asked them – and now I am daring you – to increase our membership by 23 percent in 2023. Yes, that is a rather large increase; but by pulling together as individuals, as member chapters, and with the support of our Region VPs, I believe that we can do it. We need this boost as we continue to serve our beef industry across the great state of Georgia.

Our Convention was a success. It came together with hard work and determination from our volunteers and our capable staff. A great debt of thanks is given to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and participants. Our membership goals can be a success for 2023 only with your help. Our future is in your hands. Please email me at jgarner@sefcoop.com if you have time to be on the 110x10 team to build our membership in 2023.

Remember: “Nothing changes without you.”

Have you ever had to talk to people whom you don’t know about things that you are passionate about? I’m not talking about keyboard warriors sharing their perspective online; I’m talking about explaining to a legislator your position on a bill or discussing your stance on a particular concern. For many of us, we don’t have to do that – and most will run away as fast as they can.

My first foray into public speaking was in third grade: giving a speech on the results of my pen of stocker cattle in a 4-H stocker/ feeder contest. At 8 years old, I was terrified. The speech venue was the local stockyard. I spoke from the auctioneer’s stand – with my cattle below me, and my fellow contestants, parents, and others staring back at me. Fast-forward nearly 32 years later, and the anxious nerves are still there; but the reluctance and sheer panic no longer form my first instinct. One reason for this is repetition. By practicing, you incrementally gain a little more confidence and experience, which can help hone your technique and enhance the effectiveness of your message.

Recently, I was watching an interview with Rob O’Neill, former Navy SEAL – whom you may know as the man who shot Osama bin Laden. Also in that interview, he recounted the specific preparation they made in going after bin Laden – including being whisked off to North Carolina to practice in a to-scale facility mimicking bin Laden’s compound before taking off to Afghanistan to launch their assault. Just before the SEALs left on their historic raid of the terror leader’s compound, Admiral Bill McCraven shared an inspiring message. He mentioned that he had recently watched the movie “Hoosiers,” specifically the scene where the team from Hickory arrives in Indianapolis to play in the state championship game. In that scene, Gene Hackman has the team measure the dimensions to confirm they were the same as their home gym. Admiral McCraven’s words to the SEALs echoed those of Gene Hackman to his players: “You do this every night; it’s just a bigger audience.”The SEALs achieved a victory that touched the world – a much “bigger audience.” As individuals, they could not; as a cohesive team, they could and did.

Our association touches a bigger audience than most producers are able to reach by themselves. Our volunteer leaders and staff share with legislators and regulatory personnel the concerns of the industry, and why certain regulations or proposed pieces of legislation will be beneficial or harmful to our industry. At the time of writing this, we are now on Day 34 of our legislative session – and it is growing even more critical to touch base with every legislator possible to get our bills across the finish line.

As of early March 2023, we have had successes and setbacks so far this session at the Gold Dome. GCA began the year with four

Practice Makes Perfect

By Dale Sandlin

main policy priorities at the state level. The largest of these is securing additional funding for UGA’s Animal and Dairy Science Department’s research facilities. UGA’s B-Budget request this year included a $20 million allocation to the Rhodes Center. So far, the B-Budget request is going well through the General Assembly, but there is a large gap in the budget that the Senate will have to make up from the House side. We will continue to follow this request through the end of session.

The second priority that we have this session is expanding Truck Weights. Both SB 169, carried by Chairman Russ Goodman, and HB 189, carried by chairman Steven Meeks, would expand the weight variance from 5 percent to 12.5 percent – effectively making the weight limit a maximum of 90,000 pounds on state and county roads. The Senate version wasn’t eligible to move forward past Crossover Day with no vote on the bill. The House version went through two separate committee meetings in transportation committees and ultimately, the House version passed that chamber and has been heard in the Senate transportation committee. We’re working to get it across the finish line.

The third item on our list this year is supporting the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association’s efforts to shift the certification of veterinarians from the Secretary of State’s office over to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This bill, HB 33, was carried by Rep. Beth Camp. After it passed the House Agriculture Committee, the Rules Committee wanted to see some language changed to include the fiscal component of oversight in the bill, but structural changes prevented the bill from being moved forward before Crossover. We will continue to support this bill; however, it will most likely be next year before we see any further movement.

The final item that we are working on this year is securing additional funding for meat inspectors within the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Harper has been working to expand the salaries for his entire department, and we continue to follow his lead; but we are working through the budget process as it moves through the General Assembly.

Our legislative efforts are issues that you can talk to your legislator about. GCA recently held our largest and most impactful legislative function of the year through the Steak Biscuit Breakfast. This event allows our members to share their concerns with their elected officials. If you couldn’t join us this year at the Capitol, you can always practice sharing your message with these officials through phone calls and emails. Don’t get hung up on feeling that you have to make it perfect; just keep practicing it until you get comfortable with that “bigger audience.”

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Team

Your GCA leadership team is here to serve you. Contact us with your ideas about our association or to visit about the cattle industry.

Garner President

196 Post Place Blairsville, GA 30512 706-897-2211

jgarner@sefcoop.com

James Vaughn President Elect PO Box 736 Forsyth, GA 31029 478-994-3830

jamesavaughn@att.net

Bentley Vice President

25 Andrew Chapel Road Thomaston, GA 30286 706-975-0288

bentfarm@yahoo.com

Carroll T. Cannon Treasurer

P. O. Box 500

Ty Ty, GA 31795-0500

229-881-0721

cannonmarketingcompany@gmail.com

Dale Sandlin

Executive Vice President

100 Cattlemen’s Drive PO Box 27990 Macon, GA 31221 478-474-6560

dale@gabeef.org

Rodney Hilley

Immediate Past President

8881 Hwy 109 West Molena, GA 30258 678-372-9111

powdercreek@yahoo.com

Executive committee Members

DJ Bradshaw, Clayton • Regions 1-3 478-957-5208 • dj.bradshaw81@gmail.com

Johnathan Wells, Rayle • Regions 4-6 937-770-2400 • johnathan_wells@cargill.com

Darrell McCoy, Greenville • Regions 7-9 706-977-9269 • drmccoy@oakhillcattle.com

Phil Moshell, Morris • Regions 10-12 229-881-5823 • pmoshell@yahoo.com

Stephen Crews, Folkston • Regions 13-15 912-218-4016 • crewsfarm4@gmail.com

Cleve Jackson, Cave Spring • Pres. Appointee 706-238-2464 • Cjack5216@gmail.com

Michael Johnson, Hawkinsville • Pres. Appointee 478-397-6575 • michael.johnson@datamars.com

CattleWomen’s President Hailey Partain, Thomaston • Ex Officio 706-647-8989 • hpartain@uga.edu

YCC Chairman Justin Hand, Tifton • Ex Officio 229-392-0231 • jhand@uga.edu

Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1: Evan Dover 706-483-9741 edover_9180@hotmail.com

Region 2: Paula Myers 706-745-5760 myersgogators@gmail.com

Region 3: Scott Andrews 706-988-2508 gsp148@yahoo.com

Region 4: David Huddleston 404-535-1110 david.huddleston@dhuddfarm.com

Region 5: Scott Carey 706-474-0738 scarey123@aol.com

Region 6: Joe Newton 706-595-0520 dogwatchnewton@gmail.com

Region 7: Brian McDaniel 678-850-6640 bmcdaniel@udiga.com

Region 8: Will Godowns 770-624-4223 wgodowns@gmail.com

Region 9: Jeffrey Cramer 478-232-1606 jlcramerjr@yahoo.com

Region 10: Matt Berry 229-815-0625 dixie.lix.ind@gmail.com

Region 11: Travis Young 478-456-0419 tjyoung09@gmail.com

Region 12: Horace Weathersby 706-551-8384 horaceweathersby30442@yahoo.com

Region 13: Sammy Perkins 229-220-7612 sperkinscattle@gmail.com

Region 14: Harry Thompson rharrythompson@hotmail.com 229-891-4351

Region 15: Stephen Crews 912-218-4016 crewsfarm4@gmail.com

Foundation Chairman Steve Blackburn, Waynesboro 706-871-9568

sebcofarms@gmail.com

Joe

Danny

Past Presidents Local Chapter Presidents

1960’s

Ben T. Smith, Atlanta

Henry Green, Sr., St. Simons

Dr. Jack Tuttle, Barnesville

J.W. Trunnell, Cochran

1970’s

K.J. Hodges, Blakely

Edward B. Pope, Washington

George Berner, Warm Springs

Dr. O.E. Sell, Milner

Joe Gayle, Perry

Sam Hay, Covington

1980’s

Lee Campbell, Carrollton

Charles Baker, Calhoun

Webb Bullard, Camilla

Bobby Rowan, Enigma

Harvey Lemmon, Woodbury

Don Griffith, Buchanan

Gene Chambers, Douglas

Dr. Mike Peed, Forsyth

Sam Payne, Calhoun

Bobby Miller, Lula

1990’s

Newt Muse, Carrollton

Howard Jones, Newnan

Mark Armentrout, Roswell

Ralph Bridges, Lexington

Lane Holton, Camilla

Dr. Jim Goodman, Temple

Dr. Frank Thomas, Alamo

Joe Duckworth, Milledgeville

Betts Berry, Chickamauga

Dr. Curly Cook, Crawford

2000’s

Chuck Sword, Williamson

Robert Fountain, Jr., Adrian

Louie Perry, Moultrie

Tim Dean, Lafayette

John Callaway, Hogansville

Bill Hopkins, Thomson

Dr. Jim Strickland, Glennville

Evans Hooks, Swainsboro

Mike McCravy, Bowdon

Bill Nutt, Cedartown

2010’s

Bill Bryan, Summerville

Steve Blackburn, Waynesboro

Chuck Joiner, Carrollton

David Gazda, Athens

Melvin Porter, Jefferson

Randy Fordham, Royston

Kyle Gillooly, Wadley

Lee Brown, Comer

Kristy Arnold, Screven

Brent Galloway, Lyons

2020’s

Kurt Childers, Barney

Tammy Cheely, Mitchell

Rodney Hilley, Molena

Region 1

Floyd

Floyd/Chattooga

Steve Johnston | 706-346-1805

Murray

Evan Dover | 706-483-9741

Northwest Georgia

Catoosa/Whitfield

Justin Wills | 706-264-8253

Red Carpet

Gordon/Bartow

Gregg Free | 706-331-4193

Tri State

Dade/Walker

Jeremy Dyer | 423-605-2431

Region 2

Appalachian

Cherokee/Gilmer/Pickens

John Clark Pettit | 706-273-8457

Blue Ridge Mountain

Fannin/Towns/Union - GA

Cherokee/Clay/Graham - NC

Brad Hutson | 828-361-7359

Lumpkin

Lumpkin/Dawson

Anthony Grindle | 706-300-6605

North Georgia

Forsyth

Billy Martin | 404-376-6414

Region 3 Banks

Sammy Reece | 706-677-3955

Elbert

Ryan Rosenburg | 706-498-5332

Franklin

Scott Andrews | 706-491-0630

Hall

Steve Brinson Jr. | 770-869-1377

Hart

Jeff Brown | 706-371-0204

Jackson Beau Brissy | 706-693-2567

Madison

Dylan Chandler | 706-335-3425

Northeast Georgia

Habersham/Rabun/White

Lane Westfall | 404-542-3129

Stephens

Mark Aderholdt | 706-491-7220

Region 4

Carroll

Neil Hendrix | 770-519-4129

Coweta

Ron Chamberlain | 770-309-3715

Haralson

Brian Walker | 404-535-2104

Heard

Caleb Pike | 706-302-6281

Polk

Paul Beck | 706-506-2434

Tri County

Cobb/Douglas/Paulding

Nora Goodman | 770-562-3531

Region 5

Barrow

Sharon Cassidy | 417-425-9830

Clarke-Oconee

Cindy Pritchard | 706-206-5094

Henry

Allen Garland | 678-977-1357

Morgan

Michael Ivy, Jr. | 706-202-5046

Piedmont

Butts/Jasper/Newton

Earnest Nichols, Jr. | 770-314-6061

UGA

Moira Taber | 208-490-7653

Walton

Jared Carithers | 770-362-7537

Region 6

Greene Area

Jon Dyar | 706-453-7586

Lincoln

Dalton Tankersley | 706-504-1905

Little River

Columbia/Glascock/McDuffie/ Warren

Alan Axon | 706-564-1297

Oglethorpe

Johnathan Wells | 770-880-6678

Wilkes

John Bounds | 706-401-9000

Region 7

Harris

Harris/Muscogee

Steve Morgan | 706-302-8715

Meriwether

Darrell McCoy | 706-977-9269

Troup

Ken Cadenhead | 706-884-8252

Region 8

Baldwin-Jones-Putnam

Bob Neligan | 706-318-0068

Central Georgia

Crawford/Dooly/Houston/Pulaski

Brent Hartley | 478-919-8710

Mid Georgia

Lamar/Monroe/Pike/Spalding/

Talbot/Upson

Wes Smith | 706-601-9527

Taylor

Wayne McInvale | 770-468-6971

Region 9

Burke

Stephen Barnhart | 706-799-7223

Jefferson

Joe Miller | 478-494-4033

Johnson Area

Bray Hutcheson, Jr. | 478-521-2401

Washington

Jeffery Cramer, Jr. | 478-232-1606

Region 10

Pachitla

Calhoun/Dougherty/Lee/ Randolph/Terrell

Scotty Lovett | 229-938-2187

Sowega

Marian/Schley/Stewart/ Sumter/Webster

Matt Berry | 229-942-8456

Region 11

Ben Hill/Irwin

Ronny Branch | 229-457-0407

Heartland

Bleckley/Dodge/Pulaski

Tony M. Rogers | 478-934-2430

Laurens

Travis Young | 478-456-0419

Macon

Matt Perfect | 478-973-7164

Ocmulgee

Crisp/Wilcox

Bubba Hollingsworth | 229-406-0513

Three Rivers

Jeff Davis/Telfair/Wheeler

Theresa Molle | 229-315-1466

Turner

Randy Hardy | 229-567-9255

Region 12 Jenkins

Horace Weathersby, III | 706-551-8384

Ogeechee

Bryan/Bulloch/Candler/ Chatham/Effingham/Emanuel/ Jenkins/Screven

Romaine Cartee | 912-531-0580

Tattnall

Jason Cope | 912-237-8463

Region 13

Decatur

Stuart Griffin | 229-400-0097

Grady

Michael Pope | 229-377-0914

Miller

Trent Clenney | 229-758-2844

Mitchell

Baker/Mitchell

Tim Barnes | 229-392-8299

Seminole

Bruce Barber | 229-524-8633

Region 14

ABAC

Brennan Hart | 407-697-2679

Colquitt

Harry Thompson | 229-891-4351

South Georgia Atkinson/Bacon/Coffee

Walt Pridgen | 912-381-3559

South GA Black

Cattlemen’s

J.R. Grovner | 912-506-6463

Thomas

Charles R. Conklin | 229-228-6548

Tift

Andy Dunn | 229-848-3535

Wiregrass Berrien/Brooks/Cook/Lowndes

Mark Stalvey | 229-300-3596

Worth

David Carter | 229-776-9400

Region 15

Piney Woods

Appling/Bacon/Toombs

David Eason | 912-221-8926

Satilla

Pierce/Ware

Alvin Walker, Jr. | 912-449-5352

Southeast Georgia Brantley/Camden/Charlton/ Glynn

Stephen Crews | 912-218-4016

Wayne Robin Thornton | 912-579-2181

Fake Meet Flop

By Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO

This time three years ago, we had no idea what COVID-19 was about to unleash. In fact, we had just ended a successful convention in San Antonio, where the hottest topic was fake meat. Fake meat was popping up everywhere. Impossible Foods was building partnerships with many restaurants and had launched the Impossible Whopper with Burger King during the summer of 2019. Beyond Meat had a very successful IPO in 2019 that saw its stock price take off over all the hype. For us, we definitely saw fake meat as an existential threat.

Then came COVID. I could spend the next several months talking about all the havoc that COVID wreaked on our industry, but there were a few silver linings. In a time of pure chaos and uncertainty, people wanted to find something that provided a little comfort and happiness. For many, comfort and happiness were found in food – and beef ended up being a food of choice. We received photographs from across the country where the beef case was cleaned out. American freezers and refrigerators were full of beef. That, in and of itself, was a challenge to make sure that our Checkoff-funded work provided the recipes and cooking tips to ensure that a great beef-eating experience was had. Consumer visits to beefitswhatsfordinner.com soared; but how long would this last? Would a post-pandemic return to some semblance of normalcy impact beef demand?

Last month, we released the Checkoff-funded “Today’s Beef Consumer” report that shows beef demand remaining strong; and since the fourth quarter of 2019, consumers have ranked beef as their top source of protein over chicken, pork and meat alternatives. Several of the pandemic-induced trends remain, such as eating more meals at home. About 76 percent of meals are cooked at home, and 38 percent of consumers say that they will cook even more at home in the coming year. Another trend is ordering groceries or meals online. Sixty-four percent of consumers are ordering groceries online and having them delivered or ready to be picked up at the store while they wait in their car. A whopping 80 percent of consumers have ordered meals online through apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. In this meal delivery category, 70 percent of the meals ordered are beef burgers. What is even more exciting

is that, when it comes to market share, fresh beef dominates with 99.5 percent – while beef substitutes have only 0.5 percent of the market. Consumers are clearly telling us that they love real beef.

Earlier, I mentioned the pandemic-era photos of the empty beef case. In several instances, the neighboring display of Beyond Meat was fully stocked. Even in a time of panic and uncertainty, our consumers still did not want to buy fake meat. I believe that there are several reasons that fake meat has flopped, and leading that list is taste. I have tried Impossible and Beyond products, so you do not have to. Since we are all beef connoisseurs, you will not be surprised to hear that these fake meat products are terrible. Regardless of the taste, what has amazed me most is how these products promote themselves. We promote beef by selling the sizzle, the taste, and the overall enjoyment of eating beef. Fake meat companies promote themselves by disparaging us with their accusations that cattle are killing the planet. They come to this conclusion by utilizing old and debunked data. I also find it humorous that they attack “factory farming” by building factories of their own. Their package of no taste and hollow accusations has not resonated with the consumer. After desperate attempts to reignite their brands, Beyond Meats has seen their stock price plummet and Impossible Foods recently announced more layoffs.

While fake meat companies have not had the success that they projected, they are not going away. There are many companies in this space, and they will all work tirelessly to improve their product. So, while we have won this round, the fight against fake meat will continue. It is also important to remember that cellcultured products are still being developed using bovine cells to replicate “meat” in the laboratory. There has yet to be any commercially viable use of these products, but it is just a matter of time before we will see them appear at retail or food service. We worked to ensure that USDA has a role in regulating these products, and we will maintain our position that cell-cultured products must be regulated the same as beef is currently. We have more to do to protect ourselves – but we can rest well knowing that our consumers still love beef as nature intended it to be.

Total

Total price of $65 includes book, sales tax, postage, shipping and handling.

To order your copy: visit www.georgiacattlemen.org, complete and mail in this form with your payment or call 478-474-6560

To order your copy: visit www.georgiacattlemen.org, complete and mail in this form with your payment or call 478-474-6560

Herds and Heritage: The History of Georgia’s Cattle Industry is possibly the most noteworthy project undertaken by this organization and its members to document the history of cattle in our great state. Noted historical writer Jackie Kennedy has spent the past two years extensively researching the project while conducting over 140 interviews with breeders, academics and industry leaders to accurately record the many notable contributions that Georgia cattle and its people have made within the cattle industry on a state, regional and national level. The result is an extraordinary, one-of-a kind book that traces the arrival of the first cattle to enter the state to the present-day, modern beef and dairy industries of the 21st century. It’s a book about the pioneers who centuries ago brought into existence a livelihood and way of life that defines us and our heritage today. It’s a book about cattle and cattle people, chronicled in 304 pages and captured forever by over 300 photos and images. We are confident this history book will be one that you and your family will cherish for generations to come.

Herds and Heritage: The History of Georgia’s Cattle Industry is possibly the most noteworthy project undertaken by this organization and its members to document the history of cattle in our great state. Noted historical writer Jackie Kennedy has spent the past two years extensively researching the project while conducting over 140 interviews with breeders, academics and industry leaders to accurately record the many notable contributions that Georgia cattle and its people have made within the cattle industry on a state, regional and national level. The result is an extraordinary, one-of-a kind book that traces the arrival of the first cattle to enter the state to the present-day, modern beef and dairy industries of the 21st century. It’s a book about the pioneers who centuries ago brought into existence a livelihood and way of life that defines us and our heritage today. It’s a book about cattle and cattle people, chronicled in 304 pages and captured forever by over 300 photos and images. We are confident this history book will be one that you and your family will cherish for generations to come.

Make your check payable and mail to: Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation | P.O. Box 27990 | Macon, GA 31221

and

Make your check payable

mail to: Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation | P.O. Box 27990 | Macon, GA 31221

PUMPKIN’S 20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT ABAC

On Feb. 14, ABAC celebrated Pumpkin’s 20th Birthday. During the event, she received the very first “Spirit of ABAC” award from the ABAC Alumni

GCA’S EVP TESTIFIES BEFORE THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

During a recent hearing for HB 189, GCA Executive Vice President Dale Sandlin testified before the Senate Transportation Committee. Sandlin shared the concerns with legislators regarding the increase of variance for weight limitations upon a vehicle.

Event Description:

Expected Attendance:

2023 Beef Month Material Request Form

On behalf of the Beef Checkoff, The Georgia Beef Board would like to support Cattlemen’s Chapters with local beef promotion. Please complete this form and email or fax it to taylor.evans@gabeef.org so we can help support your efforts with promotional materials. Please note that materials will be prioritized to help maximize our resources.

Date Needed:

Amount Requested (#): Supplies limited – we reserve the right to substitute!

“Georgia Beef Board” Pencils

“Eat Beef” Bumper Stickers

Keychains

Cutting Boards

“May is Beef Month” 1” stickers

“BIWFD” Activity Books

Reusable “BIWFD” banner (please don’t reorder if you have one)

Name:

Chapter: Shipping Address: E-Mail:

Georgia Beef Bites

Taylor Evans, GBB Director of Public Relations

Happy April! It is finally Spring, and it is beautiful outside. The flowers have bloomed, the pollen has hit, and the grass is growing. I cannot put into words how much I have enjoyed riding around our state and seeing all the cattle on these lush pastures. One of the things that I have been most looking forward to this April is going home to celebrate Easter with my family, along with the feast that is on the table after church. Every year, we plan to eat at noon, but that almost always turns into 12:30 or 1:00; so appetizers are very important in the Evans household. This year, I’m taking these Spicy Steak and Avocado Bruschetta to tide us over until dinner is served. I am looking forward to seeing my family enjoy these – and I hope that you enjoy them, too! Happy Easter!

SPICY STEAK AND AVOCADO BRUSCHETTA

• 1 pound beef Top Sirloin Steak, cut 1 inch thick (about 1 pound)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 ripe avocado, cut in half, pit removed

• 2 limes

COOKING:

1. Season beef steak with pepper. Place steak in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill steak, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 16 minutes) for medium-rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, spoon avocado pulp into medium bowl. Add juice of 1 lime, chipotle pepper and salt. Mash until avocado mixture is well mixed; set aside. Cut the remaining lime into wedges; set aside.

• 1 to 2 teaspoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 8 slices ciabatta bread, cut 1/2 inch thick

3. During last few minutes of grilling, place bread slices on grid; grill until lightly browned on both sides. Remove steak from grill; let stand 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Cut steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Spread bread with avocado mixture. Top with beef slices; sprinkle with additional salt, as desired. Cut bruschetta in half. Serve with lime wedges.

Cook’s Tip: Sprinkle bruschetta with chopped cilantro, as desired.

Beef On Georgia's Mind BeefOnGeorgiasMind

2023 Tifton Bull Sale Report

By Francine Henry, Assistant Professor, Animal Science Department, UGA, and Grace Nyhuis, UGA Beef Team, Tifton

On March 1, 2023, the Tifton Bull Test completed its 65th annual sale; and once again, it was a great sale and turnout to support those breeders who put bulls in the sale each year. We are grateful for the continued support of the program over the years, and we are excited to share some of the results from this year’s sale.

In the February 2023 issue, the GCA staff wrote an article about the history of the Tifton Bull Test and all the accomplishments and improvements it has made over the years to be an asset to the producers in Georgia (“Keeping a Competitive Edge: The Time-Tested Tifton Bull Test Program,” by Shelby Kirton, page 43). Today, the ultimate goal still remains the same as in 1958: “allowing purebred producers from across the state to raise high-quality bulls all under one ‘roof’.” And the quality of the bulls continued this year as in past sales.

One change made in 2021 was the 84-day evaluation to standardize the metrics and data

collected on the bulls. Today, you will see that data presented in the sale catalog alongside each bull. Why is data so important? We use it to determine which diets and management decisions are best for bulls that are developed in the Southeast. Then, we can use this information to inform other producers about new findings to inform their operations. In the February 2023 article, Dr. Gary Hill cited the competitiveness of the bull test evaluation data and how the margin to win a breed category or not win the category can come down to 0.01 index points. Striving to keep these numbers on the competitive side allows the bull test to gain valuable knowledge about the genetics that are working in the southern environment as well. This year, the competitiveness of the bulls was no exception.

This year, we introduced two new breeds to the lineup of bulls in the evaluation: Red Angus and Black Hereford. Historically, Herefords were the superstar in the early beginnings of the bull test days; and as preferences changed slightly,

black-hided cattle became popular. Today, Herefords have a major role in the sale; but Angus, Simmental, and SimAngus make up a fair number of the bulls entered in the bull test. Now, we have added to the mix with the Red Angus and Black Herefords to offer producers in Georgia more options when it comes to adding in new genetics into their herd.

In the 2023 Tifton Bull Test Sale, we had 66 bulls sell. Of those bulls, there were two purebred Simmental bulls, 20 SimAngus bulls, 32 Angus bulls, seven Hereford bulls, four Red Angus bulls, and one Black Hereford. The majority of these bulls were raised in Georgia, while two were raised in Tennessee. The sale grossed $233,350 for the 66 bulls, resulting in an average of $3,536 per bull. Additionally, there were nine of the bulls that sold through LiveAuctions.TV bidding platform. The high seller (Lot 45) came out of the Angus division raised by Berry-Wells Farm for $8,400, which was also the high indexing bull of the entire sale. In the Simmental division, Lot 2 raised by Woodlawn Farms was the high

indexing bull; Lot 12 raised by James W. Buddy Fordham took home the honors of high indexing SimAngus bull; Stonegate Farm won the high indexing bull award in the Hereford division. For the new breeds, JL Morris Farm with Lot 106 won the Red Angus honors, and MT Farms with Lot 109 was the high indexing bull of the Black Hereford division. Furthermore, there were 42 buyers from three states: Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

To learn more about the history of the Tifton Bull Test, check the following Georgia Cattleman articles: “Old Friends & New Faces: the Tifton Bull Test,” by Steve Sellers and Patsie Cannon (February 2022, page 32); “A Review of the Tifton Bull Evaluation Program,” by Dr. Francine Henry (April 2022, page

22); and “Keeping a Competitive Edge: The TimeTested Tifton Bull Test Program,” by Shelby Kirton (February 2023, page 43). We are eagerly looking forward to the next set of bulls that will start on feed this fall. The goal remains the same: to always improve the test and the data to serve the sellers and buyers in the best way possible; the extensive data and Genomic-Enhanced EPDs for all bulls that are sold are steps in that direction. Each year, we look for ways to provide more valuable data to the consignors, so they can make informed decisions at home for their herds and how to maximize the genetic potential of their cattle. The Bull Test in Georgia continuously remains as one of the top programs in the nation, and we are certainly proud to have the consignors, UGA team members, and buyers be a part of that accomplishment. Last, but certainly not least – thank you to all the consignors and buyers for the support over the years. We look forward to many more in the future.

2023 Consignors

Berry-Wells Farm

Gillis Angus Farm

JL Morris Farm

Meldon Farms

Stonegate Farm

Brooks Angus Farm

Green & Jaros Farm

James W. “Buddy”

Fordham

MT Farms

Woodlawn Farms, LLC

Brigadoon Farm

Hill Angus Farm

Lazy L Farm

Muddy Pond Simmentals

Weaver Farm

Cook’s Cattle Service

Irick Branch Farms

Lucky V Cattle

Powder Creek Simmentals

Yonahview Farm

Iron Pin Ranch

Barcron Cattle Co.

Hartco Farms

Living Waters Farm

Willow Leaf Enterprises

2023 WINNERS 2023 WINNERS

High Indexing Bull Overall and High Indexing Angus Berry-Wells Farm, Rayle, GA

High Indexing Hereford Stonegate Farm, Eatonton, GA

High Indexing Red Angus JL Morris Farms, Douglas, GA

High Indexing Black Hereford MT Farms, Springfield, GA

High Indexing SIMAngus James W. “Buddy” Fordham, Cochran, GA

Not pictured: High Indexing Simmental - Yonahview Farms, Cleveland, GA

Association Reports

President: Hailey Partain PO Box 86

Thomaston, GA 30286 706-975-6826

hpartain@uga.edu

By Hailey Partain, Georgia CattleWomen’s Association President

Cattlewoman: a woman who raises or tends to cattle. This might be what you would find if you were to look up the definition of the word “cattlewoman.” Is this incorrect? No. Is this what a cattlewoman is? Yes and No. A cattlewoman is so much more than just a woman who raises or tends to cattle. She is a daughter, mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher, teacher, cook, hauler, bookkeeper, meat inspector, evaluator, industry professional – and FRIEND!

Hello, my name is Hailey Partain; I am your new Georgia CattleWomen’s Association President.

Over the past three years that I have been involved with the Georgia CattleWomen’s Association (GCWA), I have met some pretty incredible ladies, who all have a different place in the cattle industry. I know some who own and operate farms. I know some who own and run sale barns. I know some who own and manage feed stores. I know some who work as Extension Agents or Vocational Agriculture Teachers. I know some who work for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Farm Service Agency. I know some who travel around, teaching youth at farm days and career days in the schools. I know some who travel around, teaching adults about beef and dairy topics. I know some who help with youth livestock show projects. I also know some who volunteer their time to help with anything that they can. The one thing that we all have in common is this: We have a passion for the cattle industry!

Where do I fit into this list? I am the UGA Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Upson and Lamar counties, I travel around teaching youth and adults about cattle topics, and I help youth with livestock projects. Ultimately, I have a passion for the agriculture industry and love to share it.

A little bit about me: I live in the Middle Georgia area, where I am a wife and mother to the most beautiful little girl. I am originally from Texas, where I graduated with my Agriculture and Consumer Resources M.S. from Tarleton State University. I have been in Georgia, as a county agent, for just over five years. I did not grow up on a farm; but we did raise a small flock of goats, we owned rodeo horses and various show livestock, and we participated heavily in 4-H and FFA.

I am looking forward to what these next couple of years have in store for the Georgia CattleWomen’s Association. We are in the works, creating educational cattle trunks to be used across the state in collaboration with the Georgia Beef Board. We are continuing to educate at local farm days, career fairs, summer camps, and other youth activities. We will be hosting numerous cattle workshops for adults. We will also be working on all of our social media platforms.

If you are interested in joining the Georgia CattleWomen’s Association, the annual membership fee is $35. This will make you a GCWA member under the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA). You will have voting rights through your chapter as a Georgia Cattlemen’s Association member. We will have opportunities for you to get involved with GCWA, in terms of committees, educational opportunities, newsletter article writing, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at georgiacattlewomen@gmail.com.

Vice President: April Edwards 160 Nora Court Jefferson, GA 30549 706-658-5557

apriledwards@uga.edu

Secretary: Lauren Holland 1183 Tyus Carrollton Road Carrollton, GA 30117 404-556-2194

lholland1873@gmail.com

Treasurer: Heather Abbs-Reid 133 Hudson River Drive Commerce, GA 30530 706-215-1647

heather@goodmarkchevrolet.com

Parlimentarian: Cynthia Douglas 1950 Delray Road Thomaston, GA 30286 770-550-1070

douglasfarm@windstream.net

Past President: Terri Parker 2561 Hwy 82 S Jefferson, GA 30549 770-714-5977

coachtdawg@gmail.com

A crossbreeding program for commercial beef producers

To learn more or to enroll, please contact Chessie Mitchell, RAAA tag program coordinator, at tags@redangus.org

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Bagwell Insurance Group, Gainesville Cain Equipment, Clermont Diamond V, Okeechobee, FL

Franklin County Livestock, Carnesville Jackson EMC, Hull Manor Timber Company, Manor

Northeast Georgia Livestock, Athens Southern Agri-Gro, Macon SunSouth, Columbus

Ag-Pro, Newnan

Ag-Georgia Farm Credit, Perry

AgSouth Farm Credit, Anderson, SC

Athens Stockyard, Athens, TN

Baker Cattle Service, Quitman

Bill Hembree Insurance, Winston

Braswell Cattle Company, Athens

Edward Jones, Douglasville

Flint River Mills, Bainbridge

Griffins Warehouse, Douglas

AgAmerica Lending, Lakeland, FL

Ace Hardware, Blue Ridge

AgSouthFarm Credit, ACA, Madison

Athens-Clarke Co. Extension Office,

Bogart

Bank of Camilla, Camilla

Banks County Farm Bureau, Homer

Bartow County Farm Bureau, Cartersville

Big Daddy’s Cattle Farm, Tyrone

Bubba’s Tire, Dublin

Bull Hill Ranch, Gray Court, SC

Butcher Block Meats. Eastman

Burke Truck and Tractor, Waynesboro

Carhan Farm, Atlanta

Carquest of Blairsville, Blairsville

Carroll E.M.C., Carrollton

Carson Bros. Tractor Co., Americus

Cat Creek Cattle, Valdosta

Central GA Farms LLC, Eatonton

Chapman Fence Company, Jefferson

Chauncey Farm Supply, Chauncey

Circle G Ranch, Adel

Colony Bank Rochelle

County Financial, Blairsville

C R Benson Farm LLC, Dry Branch

Honey Ridge Agricenter, Springfield Langdale Farms, LLC, Valdosta

Lasseter Equipment Group, Moultrie

McRea Farms, The Rock

Middle Georgia Fleet SVC, Zebulon

Miller Auto Parts & Hardware, Americus Pasture Management Systems, Mount Pleasant, NC

Paulding County Farm Bureau, Dallas

Peters Cattle Company, Milledgeville

CTAGRIN Land Mgmt & Cattle Co., LLC, Camilla

Dr. Sam Adams DVM, Americus

Dublin Physical Medicine & Rehab Assoc., Dublin

Elbert Co. Farm Bureau, Elberton Elder Farm, Jefferson

Entrekin Equipment Greenhouses, Bremen

Equal R Cattle Services, Hahira

Farmers Seed & Feed Service, Americus Flint River Mills, Perry

Forsyth Classics and Armory, Cumming

Forsyth County Farm Bureau, Cumming

Franklin County Farm Bureau, Carnesville

Gerald A. Bowie, Auctioneer, West Point

Greene County Extension Office, Greensboro

Greg’s Meat Processing, Comer Griffins Warehouse, McRae

Gulf Coast Cattleman, San Antonio, TX

H & H Equipment Sales Inc., Alma

Habersham Co. Farm Bureau, Clarkesville

Hancock County Farm Bureau, Sparta

Haralson County Farm Bureau, Buchanan

Harris County Farm Bureau, Hamilton David Hilliard, CPA, McRae

Reid Brothers Irrigation, Americus

Resaca Sun Feeds LLC, Resaca

Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie

Tim Stout Group, Fayetteville

WW Livestock Systems, Albany

Wealth Plan Financial, Blairsville

West End Milling, Quitman

White Co. Farm Bureau, Cleveland

Zinpro Performance Minerals, Sparta, TN

Henry County Farm Bureau, McDonough

Holland Fertilizer Company, Cedartown

Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm, Albany

J&B Tractor Company, Waynesboro

Jacky Jones Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Hayesville, NC

James Short Tractors & Equipment of Alto

Lasseter Equipment Group, Moultrie

Lumber City Supplements, Lumber City

Madison Co. Chamber of Commerce, Danielsville

Madison County Farm Bureau, Danielsville

Manor Cattle Company, Manor

Mid Atlantic Cattle Sales, Richfield, NC

Nelson’s Feed & Hardware, Blairsville

Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville

Oconee Well Driller, Watkinsville

Oglethorpe Feed & Farm Supply, Crawford

Philema Animal Hospital, Leesburg

Pickens Farm Bureau, Jasper

Piggly Wiggly, McRae

Public Service Communications Inc., Reynolds

R.W. Griffin Industries, Nashville

Seminole Livestock Exchange, Donalsonville

Silveus Insurance, Dumas, TX

Mid Atlantic Cattle Sales, Richfield, NC

Southwest GA Feeder Cattle Marketing Association, Morris

SunMountain Cattle Animal Health Supply, Citra, FL

SunSouth, Carrollton

Southern Livestock, Swainsboro

Tanner's Towing, Blairsville

TNT Supercenter, Thomasville, GA

Triple Creek Cattle, LLC, Americus

Union County Farm Bureau, Blairsville

United Community Bank, Carrollton

United Community Bank, Cleveland

Upson County Farm Bureau, Thomaston

Wards Service Center, Inc., Dexter

Waters Agricultural Labs, Inc., Camilla

Whitfield County Farm Bureau, Dalton White County Farmers Exchange, Cleveland

Wilcox Co. Farm Bureau, Rochelle

Windy Hill Farm, Madison

Woody Folsom Automotive, Baxley Youngblood Farm, Sparta

Each month, the GCA Associate Members section recognizes GCA’s allied-industry and business members. To become an associate member call 478-474-6560. GCA members are encouraged to use the services of these industry-supporting professionals.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome This Month’s New Members!

George Adams, Fortson

Rufus Addison, Polk City, FL

Christopher Aldrich, Eastanollee

Sheldon Arrindell, Glenwood

Cheryl Berry, Ludowici

Travis Bryant, Bowman

Felicia Burke, Bainbridge

Greg Campbell, Soperton

Jason Clark, Roopville

Anna Grace Cross, Clinton, SC

Brian Dennis, College Park

Richard Dyals, Monroe

Mike Fassell, Martin

Michael Findley, Madison

Christa Grizzle, Blairsville

Carlton Hale, Watkinsville

Jacob Hammock, Moutrie

Don Holder, Loganville

Jake Holloway, Chauncey

Clint Hood, Dublin

Woody Houston, Blakely

Gary Jacobs, Hartsfield

Sarah Lamb, Plains

Jeffrey Lindsey, Senoia

Chloe Lyles, Ringgold

Corey & Taylor McGowan, Elberton

Michael McManus, Norwood

Michael McMickin, Albany

Russ Mize, canon

Stanley Norman, Moultrie

Charlie Pate, Sylvester

Robby Pitts, Moultrie

Tucker Pitts, Moultrie

Jim Quick, Zebulon

Brandon Ray, Rome

Lewis Rice, Jr., Monticello

Hannah Roberts, Moultrie

Guy Sears, Hart

Jeff Sewell, Moultrie

John Wesley Ewell, Moultrie

Parks Sewell, Moultrie

Cedric Smith, LaFayette

Jacob Smith, Americus

Reid Smith, Clayton

Esther Prott, Americus

Hampton Prott, Ellaville

Kevin Sprott, Ellaville

Bruce Stanford, Gray

James Stice, Highland City, FL

Mickey Teasley, Elberton

Jason Terry, Cumming

Jessie Tigner, Savannah

Charlie Tillman, Fortson

Derrec Utley, Comer

Richard Vickers, Ambrose

David Walker, Waleska

Tyler Wilder, Fort Valley

Jacob Williams, Ray City

Gene Williams, Calhoun

Frank Woodall, Ranger

Craig Woodall, Ranger

Harris County FFA, Hamilton

Southwest GA Feeder Cattle Marketing Assn., Morris

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Thanks for joining GCA. Please complete the form below and return with your payment. Payment of your membership dues entitles you to full membership beneifts, including a 12-month subscription to the Georgia Cattleman magazine.*

..........................................................$50.00

Georgia CattleWomen’s Association (GCWA) $35.00

Associate Membership - Tenderloin $1,000.00

Associate Membership - T-Bone.................................................................... $750.00

Associate Membership - Rib-Eye $500.00

Associate Membership - Sirloin $250.00

Additional Local Dues

GCA Political Action Committee Contribution (Optional) .............

Total Enclosed ...........................................................................

A portion of your GCA dues are a for subscription to the Georgia Cattleman, and is only available as part of the GCA membership. * GCWA members do not receive the Georgia Cattleman, but are entitled to all other membership benefits. Payment of the GCA membership dues are tax-deductible for most members as an ordinary business expense. Complying with the new tax law, GCA estimates that 25% of the dues payment is not deductible as a business expense because of GCA’s direct lobbying activities. Charitable contributions or gifts to GCA are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to GCA PAC are not deductible as either a charitable contribution or business expense. Please consult your tax attorney or tax advisor for further details. Georgia Cattlemen’s Association 100 Cattlemen’s Drive • PO Box 27990 Macon, GA 31221 • (478) 474–6560 • gca@gabeef.org

Your Membership Matters!

Well, Then – Act Like One Monthly Devotional

By Chaplain Skeeter Spaulding

I went into my usual stomping grounds, a lumberyard I frequent, early one morning. A semi-retired guy named Tom greeted me when I walked through the door. He’s a gem of a man in his early 80s. If I don’t have on a cowboy hat of some sort, he will point toward the door with an outstretched arm – like an experienced bird-dog on point. All the while with a grin on his face.

”You know better than to come in here without that cowboy hat on. You’re not getting a thing today if you aren’t dressed right.”

“Well, Tom, I have my lumberyard ballcap on,” I said in my own defense.

“I don’t care, I don’t care,” he responded. “You are a cowboy, aren’t you?” he added.

“Well, yes sir – I am,” I answered. Not even having the chance to finish my sentence.

Tom shot back, “Well, then – act like one,” he said, as he handed me two carpenter pencils with that friendly grin.

“Yes sir, I will – and thanks for reminding me.”

“I sure am hungry,” I said, noticing and pointing to the biscuit he had in his hand.

“You’re lucky you got pencils,” he said; and with a chuckle, he turned on his heel and walked away. -------------------------------------

The pastor at the cowboy church I attend did a series called, “Walk Worthy.” It’s from Ephesians 4:1. In the Amplified Bible it reads as follows: “I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the (divine) calling to which you have been called, with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service.”

What is the Apostle Paul encouraging all of us to do here in this statement? It is to act in Christ-like behavior, as we are summoned to do. In other words, be dressed right. What behavior comes to mind to be dressed right?

The first thing would be to remember the calling that we have from our Heavenly Father as adopted sons and daughters. We do that by reflecting His kindness toward us. We don’t deserve His mercy nor His grace; but through the love of Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of eternal life by faith. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us: ”For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

What does it look like to act in a Christ-like manner with good works? It means being kind to the ornery or stubborn person you know, or not always having to be right in your opinion in a conversation. You could also be quick to listen and slow to speak when talking with your spouse or sharing the Good News of the Gospel message with someone. It is loving others who don’t recognize the sin in their own lives. That is what all of us were before we gave Christ the reins of our life.

Let’s look at the Bible for more answers that we need as a compass. Galatians 3:27-28: “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus breaks down the barriers that separate us. When we grapple with seeing others as Christ would have us do with compassion, it helps us be better forgivers. When we are better forgivers, we can share the Gospel message to the lost, such as we were. That is being dressed right as we “Walk Worthy” with the Lord Jesus. And as Tom would say, “Well, Then – Act like One.”

IS Your Membership about to expire?

You can sign-up or renew your membership online at any time on our website. Log onto your profile at georgiacattlemen.org to renew today!

SUPPORTING AMERICA’S CATTLEMEN SINCE 1951

In 1951, Bush Hog introduced a revolutionary product, aptly named Bush Hog, which forever changed field management for American farmers, landowners, and landscaping professionals. Today, Bush Hog offers 150 models of rotary cutters, land maintenance machinery and tractor attachments.

10 Ways to Save Money on Input Costs This Year

By Lisa Baxter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Forage Specialist, University of Georgia – Tifton

1. Test Your Soils to Identify Limiting Nutrients!

There is a reason we always start this type of article with soil testing! Your soils can only be as productive as the most limiting nutrient. The best way to determine the nutrient status of the soil is to submit a soil test. We recommend sampling hayfields annually and pastures every three years. Use a soil corer/probe to randomly pull at least 15-20 cores from no more than 15 similar acres. Remember, your soil sample results will only be as good as the soil sample that you submit! Your local county Extension agent can help you collect the soil samples and submit them to the lab. There is never a bad time of year to collect soil samples!

2. Apply Lime to Improve Nutrient Availability.

It doesn’t matter if you are grazing animals or harvesting hay; maintaining a soil pH near neutral is always Priority Number One! Soil pH affects many soil properties. As the soil becomes more acidic, critical nutrients (N, P, K) become less available. This means that the grass cannot effectively take up the fertilizer that has been applied. Lime can be applied at any time of the year; but be aware that it can take 6-12 months to make a substantial change in pH. Ag limes such as dolomitic or calcitic (Hi-Cal) lime are highly recommended. Your soil report will provide the recommended amount of lime that needs to be applied.

3. Don’t Waste Money on “Silver Bullets.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! This is true for both alternative fertilizer and lime products. There are a lot of products hitting the market right now that promise to cut fertilizer demand, “activate” the soil microbes, etc. Most products marketed as a “silver bullet” do not live up to their promises and will cost you more than traditional fertilizer options in the end. When evaluating any fertilizer alternative, consider the concentration of the nutrient in the material and compare

to commercial fertilizers on a cost per pound of the nutrient. When evaluating lime alternatives, consider the calcium carbonate equivalency and compare to ag limes.

4. Plant Legumes to Save on N (Maybe).

Legumes can be an economical source of N; however, they require a near neutral pH for successful establishment. Although they are certainly a viable option for some producers, they may not be feasible for those who need to increase their soil pH or have poorly drained soils. Furthermore, economical legume options that grow well in Georgia and have been extensively tested by UGA should be established in the fall (not spring/summer).

5. Keep a Balanced Fertilizer Plan.

In a year with high fertilizer prices, it may be tempting to cut out one or more nutrients. It is important for plant health and stand longevity to keep nutrients in balance, even if this means applying certain nutrients at a lower level. For instance, it is better to apply lower rates of N and K than just a high rate of N only on grass hayfields or pastures.

6. Split Fertilizer Applications to Avoid Nutrient Loss.

Splitting nutrient applications across the season can help limit nutrient losses and improve plant uptake. The optimum time to apply these nutrients depends on the species grown and use (grazing or hay).

Bahiagrass or bermudagrass pasture: Ideally, split the fertilizer applications to apply half of the nutrients at green-up (after last frost) and the remainder in middle to late summer.

Hybrid bermudagrass hay: Split the seasonal nitrogen across the season. Ideally, nitrogen will be applied at green-up (after last frost) and after each harvest except the last. Phosphorus is usually applied in late summer/early fall. Split the potassium into at least two

applications, so half is applied at green-up and then the other half in late summer/early fall while grass is still growing.

Tall fescue pasture: If 2 acres per cow, apply 50 pounds nitrogen per acre; if 1 acre per cow, increase the rate to 100 pounds nitrogen per acre. If you are harvesting hay as well as grazing, apply 50 pounds of nitrogen in early fall and again in early spring. Increase the potassium application by 20 pounds potash per acre, and apply phosphate as recommended.

Tall fescue hay: For two cuttings of hay, apply 60 to 75 pounds of nitrogen per acre in late February and again in September. For three cuttings of hay (recommended), apply 60 to 75 pounds of nitrogen per acre in late February; apply again in May following the first harvest, with a third nitrogen application in September following the second harvest. Phosphorus can be applied in late summer/early fall. Ideally, potassium will be applied in two applications.

7. Consider Using Pre-emergent Herbicides When Possible.

Well-timed and effective pre-emergent herbicide applications can save you money across the season. Yes, these products may cost more for a single application. However, when you compare to multiple post-emergent applications, which result in more trips across the field, then the pre-emergent options pencil out pretty easily. All herbicide recommendations are found in the Georgia Pest Control Handbook.

8. Use GPS Technology to Avoid Overlap.

Equipment operators often rely on tire tracks or soil disturbances to determine the next pass, but this can be a challenge when performing routine tasks such as applying lime or fertilizer. This may translate to skips or over-application of the product. Guidance aids such as light bars help maintain pass-to-pass distance, which results in fewer total passes and increased field efficiency. This can ultimately result in more efficient management of crop inputs – including time, fuel, chemicals and seed.

9. Calibrate Your Equipment.

Calibrating your sprayer and spreader equipment can ensure accurate nutrient applications. Don’t forget to inspect your equipment for signs of wear and replace any worn or broken parts before calibrating. We have several resources online for calibrating drills, sprayers and spreaders. You can always contact your local county Extension agent for assistance.

10. Implement Rotational Grazing and Use Hay to Your Advantage.

Nutrient removal is very low in a cow/calf system; however, nutrients are often poorly distributed around the farm. Rotational grazing offers several agronomic benefits – including improving nutrient distribution, increasing forage rest period, and ultimately increasing pasture productivity by 30 percent on average. Producers should also use hay to their advantage! Hay contains a large number of nutrients extracted from the field it was cut from, so it is important to rotate where hay is being fed to better distribute the nutrients around the field and farm.

Bonus Discussion Point: Match Your Stocking Rate to Your Forage Availability.

This isn’t necessarily a direct savings, but it is something to keep in mind if you plan to cut fertilizer inputs this year. Decreasing fertilizer inputs will clearly lead to lower forage production. If supplemental feed or stored forages are not provided to the herd, then it is only a matter of time before overgrazing occurs. This will ultimately result in stand thinning or total loss, depending on the intensity and longevity of the overgrazing event(s). Even though fertilizer prices are high now, renovating a pasture or hayfield is still more expensive!!!

For more information, visit our website, www. georgiaforages.com. If you have additional forage management questions, visit or contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office by dialing 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

1

2 Amount of phosphate and potash required will decrease with increasing soil test index values.

3 The phosphate and potash recommendations are based on a nitrogen application rate of 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre. If higher nitrogen rates are used, increase the rates of phosphate by 10 pounds per acre and potash by 50 pounds per acre for each additional 100 pounds of nitrogen applied.

Table 1. Pounds of nitrogen, phosphate and potash required per acre annually for the most common perennial forage grasses in Georgia.1

Châtel Farms is now purchasing Angus sired, high carcass merit feeder cattle that have never received antibiotics or added hormones. Our desire is to build long term relationships with innovative cattlemen looking to join us in transforming the cattle industry in the Southeast.

For more information, please contact:

Châtel Farms Program: Elizabeth Caskey 706-513-4951

elizabeth.caskey@fplfood.com

FPL Cow Program: Eric Gahart 262-909-3494

eric.gahart@fplfood.com

A Golden Opportunity foR Greener Pastures

By Shelby Kirton

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:1-3

“Happiness comes in peaks and valleys.” And fertile, well-watered pastures. Joe Garner and his wife, Sylvia, wake up to such a view every morning on their cattle operation in Blairsville, Ga. This idyllic setting lies in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains – a soul-refreshing gem of God’s creation. Joe and Sylvia have been married for an amazing 38 years raising a flourishing family of three children: Fleming (36), Grady (34) and Harrison (32).

Joe reflects on the path that God has guided him on in the field of agriculture.

continued on page 40

As an active 4-H member for eight years, Joe commends that organization for playing a major part in developing his love for both the agriculture and beef industries. It all started in his youth showing cattle at the local county fair; it became a dream that thrived in his time working for the University of Georgia.

Joe has served several roles throughout the state working in the agriculture industry. “My main experience in cow/calf production came as the Assistant Superintendent in the 1990s for nine years at the Central Georgia Research and Education Center, located in Eatonton, Ga.,” Joe explains. In 2012, he retired from the University of Georgia as the Station Superintendent of the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville. Not long after that, Joe began his new adventure as an Outside Salesman for Southeastern Farmers Co-Op located in Cleveland, Tenn. This allows him to stay close to home and work hand-in-hand with local producers in North Georgia.

At just 11 years old, Joe began his livestock judging career. Phil Whorley – a lifelong mentor for Joe – exerted a profound influence on not only his judging career, but also his future career in the agriculture industry. One key mentoring memory

stands out for Joe. During a livestock judging practice, Whorley pointed to the back of the cow, where the highest cut is located, asking if anyone knew what the name was.

“Hamburger!” young Joe replied.

Without hesitation, Mr. Phil took the opportunity to take a light moment and make it a lasting lesson. He taught Joe the exact name of that particular cut. “Mr Whorley took that opportunity to inspire me and teach me something that would be beneficial in my life,” Joe recalls. Fast-forward seven years. That 11-year-old who blurted out “Hamburger!” went on to win the state livestock judging contest, along with the help of his teammates.

“Consider yourself, when you can, to be a mentor to other both younger generation and adults,” Joe advises. Everywhere you go, someone is watching you, aspiring to do exactly what you are doing; be that mentor who inspires that person –just as Mr. Phil did for Joe.

Since 1965, Joe has dreamed of owning his own farm and having cattle. “Just a few short years ago, my dream came closer as we purchased a farm and 24 pregnant cows to get started,” Joe reports.

With family featuring prominently in not only Joe’s life but also his operation, he gets to work alongside his brother, Jim Garner, to grow and maintain the farm in Blairsville. The operation currently focusses on generating their own replacement females. “We have a maternal Mead-sired Hereford bull on cross-bred black cows, with the black baldie being our current color of choice,” Joe notes.

Joe is passionate about the future of the industry. He is therefore especially passionate about mentoring the next generation of agriculturalists. As one mentored himself, Joe offers encouraging and challenging words: “My advice is: Start as soon as you can, whether age 5 or 75 years old; develop a hunger for knowledge; and lastly, when you become knowledgeable – share that with other producers and youth alike.”

When asked why it is important to join the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Joe stresses the industry-wide benefits: ”GCA is the organization that gave me the chance to hang a ‘BEEF’ tag on the front of my truck when I was finishing college. While I still hang a ‘BEEF’ tag out front, now more importantly, I realize the need for GCA: It is to benefit the livelihood of cattle producers across our state.”

Membership plays such a vital role in the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association; it is the organization’s backbone. Therefore, Joe’s prime goal as the incoming president is to push membership to new heights. How? By setting a daring goal before the current members: to increase GCA membership by 23 percent in the year 2023.

“Without action, nothing changes.” The concerted help of GCA’s members is key to reaching that 23-percent goal. We must challenge each other day-in and day-out to grow the organization and better the industry.

And mentor the next generation.

Joe leaves one last quote to inspire his year: “Change the world as you change yourself.”

And remember that you – along with those whom you mentor, and those whom you shepherd into joining GCA – are doing this to feed the world. This is ultimately to serve our Creator-Shepherd, who “causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth” (Ps 104:14).

SPRING 2023 ABAC UPDATE

By Mary Ellen Hicks, Professor, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC)

Spring semester 2023 is in full swing; and by the time this is in print, it will probably be drawing to a close. Spring semester is a very busy time: students lining up and finalizing summer internship and work plans; seniors looking for their first job after graduation; cows calving in the ABAC beef herd; heifers and cows being bred; and harvesting of coolseason annuals for baleage. A “birthday celebration” for Cow 300 (Pumpkin), who turned 20 years old this spring, was held to bring attention to the educational aspects of the ABAC beef unit and how the presence of the herd supports the educational mission in multiple degree programs within the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“Pumpkin” was awarded the first-ever “Spirit of ABAC Award” by the ABAC Alumni Association in recognition of her contributions to the education of hundreds of students during her time at ABAC. In addition to those activities, some of the students are involved with professional development activities –

such as traveling to the 2023 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in New Orleans, spending their spring break traveling to Iowa to see our ABAC beef unit steers on feed, and attending cattle industry speaker sessions at ABAC Cattlemen’s Chapter meetings.

Summer internship period is approaching. Some students already have their internship locations locked in for the summer. Other students are going through their final interviews at the current time (early March.) At this time, students will be traveling in the livestock/cattle field to locations in Texas, Wyoming, Florida, Georgia, and many other southeastern states.

Further work at the ABAC Beef Unit 2 is occurring. Outside pens at the covered working facility have been built, instructional technology has been placed and mounted in the meeting room, and a lane connecting the cattle pastures to the working

Dr. Mary Ellen Hicks and Doug Hicks with “Pumpkin”, who recieved the spirit of ABAC Award for her 20 years of service to the ABAC Beef Unit.

facility has been built. We are having our third set of calves being calved out at the Unit 2 facility this spring. We will be hosting an ABAC Cattlemen’s reunion at Unit 2 during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, April 15. Please check out the ABAC Homecoming website and join us – as past members and current students get together, network over good food, and build new memories linked to our ABAC Cattlemen’s Chapter.

Quick notes of interest for this spring: College numbers and School of Agriculture and Natural Resources numbers for Spring 2023 as of Jan. 3, 2023:

• ABAC – 3,231 students (2022 = 3,408)

• SANR – 1,355 students (2022 = 1,319; 2023 up 2.72% from 2022)

• B.S. in Agribusiness – 272 students

• B.S. in Agricultural Communication –48 students

• B.S. in Agricultural Education – 218 students

• B.S. in Environmental Horticulture –82 students

• B.S. in Agriculture – 486 students (143 in Livestock Production concentration; 175 in Animal Science concentration)

• B.S. in Agricultural Technology Management –32 students

• B.S. in Natural Resource Management –217 students

Spring courses taught by Animal Science faculty:

• Introduction to Animal Science

• Introduction to Poultry Science

• Herd Health

• Special Topics – Current Issues in Livestock Health

• Equine Exercise Physiology

• Reproductive Physiology

• Meat Production, Processing and Marketing

• Food Animal Evaluation and Selection

• Beef Production Senior Capstone Course

ABAC Cattlemen’s speakers – Fall 2022 and Spring 2023:

• Dr. Tim Marshall – retired Dean of SANR

• Josh Farley – Florida Rancher and Superior Livestock Sales Representative

• Colin Woodall – CEO for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

• Kevin Yon – Yon Family Farms, Ridge Spring, South Carolina

• Wes Carlton – Current Florida Cattlemen’s Association President

• Matt Pearce – Past Florida Cattlemen’s Association President

• Pat Durden – President-Elect, Florida Cattlemen’s Association

• Dr. Carla Dean Sanford – IMI Global –Regional CVS Manager, Southeast Region

• Dr. Lee Jones – UGA College of Veterinary Medicine

• Dr. Wayne Greene – Department Head, Animal Science, Auburn University

• Taylor Evans – Georgia Beef Board, Public Relations and Industry Information

• Dale Sandlin – Executive VP of Georgia Cattlemen’s Association

1/4 MILE OF PASTURE MANAGEMENT FENCING SUPPLIES AWARDED EACH QUARTER TO THE TOP GCA MEMBERSHIP RECRUITER

Regular Memberships Only

Each Quarterly Prize Includes:

4 Rolls of Pasture Management Fixed Knot 9-49-6-330ft

60 5-6 in x 7ft Pasture Management CCA .40 Treated Wood Posts

14 6-7 in x 8ft Pasture Management CCA .40 Treated Wood Posts

1 Pasture Management 12ft Tube Gate - Available in Galvanized, Red, or Black

9 10 ft H-Brace Brace Pipes

3 10 lb Buckets of Pasture Mangement Double Barbed Class 3 Staples

10 Speed Brace Kits

1 Speed Brace Kit Tensioning Tools

2 52 inch Stetcher Bars

2 Stretcher Bar Pullers

1 Knipex Wire Cutters

1 100ct Jars of Long 2-3 Crimp Sleeves

1 Crimping Tool

1 Roll of 4,000 ft 12.5 ga High Tensile Electric Fence Wire: Class 3 Galvanized, 170 K psi

1 Bag of 25 Speedrite HD End Strainer Insulators

3 Bags of 25 Pasture Management Wood Post Pinlock Insulators

75 10 inch Steel Offset Insulator

1 Patriot PMX600 Energizer: 6 Joule Output

1 Pasture Management 66ft Underground Cable

1 Jar of 25 Joint Clamps

2nd Quarter '22 Winner Howard Johnson

4th Quarter '22 Winner

3rd Quarter '22 Winner Linda Luttrell

1st Quarter '23 Winner

GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY: Danny Bentley Harry Thompson

UPDATE

By Justin Hand

For those of you who may not know me, allow me to introduce myself. I am Justin Hand, and about three weeks ago, I became the new YCC Chairman for this year.

I was raised on a cattle farm in Brookfield, Ga., that resides on the Tift/Berrien County line. Growing up, my family had a hog-finishing floor, ran some stockers, and kept a cow/calf herd. My dad has been in the order-buying business for about 40 years. When I graduated high school, I started working at several stockyards in Georgia and Florida, buying feeder cattle and stock cows for order-buying companies in Georgia, Florida and Mississippi. I bought cattle during the week; and on the weekends, I worked at Ranch Feed in Tifton. Those were my ABAC years, which lasted much longer than anticipated; ABAC had just created the four-year degree when I graduated.

I left ABAC and moved to Canyon, Texas, to attend West Texas A&M. I quickly got a job working at the school’s Nance Ranch just outside town. It was a beautiful place; you could see some of the Palo Duro Canyon from the back section of the ranch. I spent my time managing the cow herd, building fences, and killing rattlesnakes. My buddy, Juan Cantu, cared for the stock for the rodeo team; so when we were caught up at the ranch, I would help him feed and doctor the bulls, bucking horses, and roping steers.

I had been in Canyon for just a little over a year when I moved back to Georgia to attend UGA. My girlfriend at the time (my wife now) said that one of us would have to move, and the Panhandle was too windy and cold for her; so that narrowed my options. Sara flew out to Canyon, helped me load up, and we came home. A few years later, I graduated from UGA and went to work for Kubota in Gainesville. Kubota moved the technical service department from Japan to the U.S., and I was hired on that team. My team wrote the workshop manuals for Kubota and conducted flat-rate timing for all the zero-turn mowers, RTVs, and tractors with less than 50hp. I traveled to Japan several times with Kubota, which was an incredible experience.

In 2016, Tift County called us home, and I took a job as the County Extension Agent. My primary duties are 4H youth livestock programs, the SAFE shooting sports program, and as agriculture and natural resources agent, where I assist producers with livestock, forage, and row crop problems. A few years ago, I was promoted to County Extension Coordinator, which is a fancy term that adds administrative work to my list of duties.

Sara and I have one daughter, Della, who keeps us all on our toes. My dad (Randy), my brother (Tyler) and I are currently working on rebuilding and expanding our cow herd – which keeps us all busy, while mama (Nancy) keeps us in line.

Like Forrest Gump said, “Now we ain’t strangers anymore.” YCC will have plenty of activities rolling out soon – so be on the lookout and, like always, let us know how YCC can help you.

Board Members

Chair Justin Hand 229-392-0231 jhand@uga.edu

Vice Chair Sarah Dyer 352-250-9571 Sarahdyer@uga.edu

Secretary/Treasurer George Ligon 803-389-9851 georgeligon@georgeligon.com

Region 1 Rep. Michael Loughridge (706) 695-2370 pleasantvalleyfarm@windstream.net

Region 2 Rep. Marrissa Blackwell 678-672-9946 Marrissa@uga.edu

Region 3 Rep. Ivey Booker 770-624-4245 iveyjbooker@gmail.com

Region 4 Rep. Greyson Fernandez 706-604-6165 greyson@ivycreekcattlecompany.com

Region 5 Rep. Olin Thrift 912-276-2620 thriftfamilyfarms@gmail.com

ABAC Rep: Brennan Hart UGA Rep: Moira Taber

Breeding Soundness Examination of Bulls: The Whys and Hows

By Brent Credille, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, Associate Professor, Food Animal Health and Management Program, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia

INTRODUCTION AND ECONOMICS

The cow/calf segment is a relatively dynamic and volatile part of the beef industry. Market prices are constantly fluctuating, consumer demands are changing, federal regulations impact historical production practices, and environmental issues (drought, etc.) affect herd stability. Despite these changes, however, the ultimate goal of a cow/calf producer always remains the same: Have every cow wean a calf every year. One of the primary determinants of whether or not this happens is reproductive efficiency.

Unlike reproduction, which just evaluates whether or not a cow gets pregnant, reproductive efficiency evaluates the speed at which cows get pregnant during the course of a breeding season. The reason that reproductive efficiency is so important is as follows: Calf weaning weight is a function of both average daily gain (ADG) and age at weaning; as a result, a calf that is born early in the calving season will, on average, weigh more than a calf that is born late in the calving season simply because the calf born earlier is older at the time of weaning. Therefore, the early-born calf will be worth more at sale for no other reason than that it was born sooner. Not only does reproductive efficiency drive cow herd profitability; it is also a driver of heifer performance and longevity. It is known that a heifer that calves in the first 21 days of her first calving season will spend significantly more time in the herd and wean more and heavier calves over the course of her lifetime. Furthermore, the offspring of these more-efficient animals become more efficient and productive themselves.

Indeed, heifer calves born to cows that calve in the first 21 days of a calving season reach puberty faster and are more productive through their first breeding seasons than heifers born at other times. In addition, steers born to cows calving in the first 21 days of the calving season weigh more at weaning and produce higher-value carcasses at slaughter.

The question is, then, how does the performance of a breeding soundness examination (BSE) on bulls fit into this equation? A Brazilian study looking at the impact of implementing BSEs over a four-year period found that, once infertile or subfertile bulls were removed, calf production increased by 32 percent and each cow weaned 54 pounds more calf per year due to an increased number and weight of calves sold. Overall, the implementation of BSEs represented a $10:1 return on investment in this population. Research performed in the early 1980s on ranches in Colorado and Wyoming found that bulls that passed a BSE sired, on average, 6 percent more calves than bulls that never had a BSE performed (Table 1). Lastly, a study from the United Kingdom found that the implementation of BSEs on cattle operations had a dramatic impact on both the number of calves born and the timing of those births. All told, herds that used bulls that passed a BSE weaned 4,500 more pounds of calf than herds that used subfertile bulls (Table 2). Thus, even with the costs of an exam included, the implementation of BSEs in beef cattle herds is a profitable venture and represents a >$20:1 return on investment (Table 3).

THE BREEDING SOUNDNESS EXAM –WHAT, WHY, AND HOW

What

A BSE is a through systematic examination meant to identify problems that could affect bull fertility. A good BSE focuses on three areas: physical soundness; the external and internal reproductive structures; and lastly, semen. BSEs are more than just a wiggle test, and simply evaluating a drop of semen under a microscope to detect movement does not constitute a complete exam. It must also be understood that a BSE is an evaluation of potential bull fertility and is not a guarantee of how a bull will perform on a given farm in a given year.

Why

Surveys of cattlemen across the United States have shown that a majority of producers (>90 percent) use bulls as the only breeding method on their operation. Unfortunately, fewer than 20 percent of these same producers say that any kind of assessment of bull fertility is performed prior to the beginning of breeding season. With the value of a BSE being approximately a $20:1 return on investment, a lot of opportunity is being missed to increase the number and weight of calves sold and enhance farm income.

How

A BSE begins with a general assessment of physical soundness. The bull’s attitude, overall appearance, and body condition are recorded. In addition, particular attention is paid to the eyes for evidence of scarring, cancer eye, or other defects. A bull that can’t see is a bull that can’t breed. Next, the feet and conformation are noted. Bulls must remain sound to do their job adequately. Bulls that are lame or have poor conformation will be less likely to cover the cows that they are expected to cover. In addition, some conformational issues (screw claw, etc.) are potentially heritable. Regardless of heritability, these things will shorten a bull’s productive life and are issues that should be paid attention to in order to assist in making management decisions. Next, the bull’s scrotum and testicles are assessed for size and shape. Bulls must have a minimum scrotal circumference to pass a BSE (>34 cm at 2 years of age). Bulls with larger scrotal circumference are more fertile and have daughters that will be more fertile over the course of their lifetime. Third, the internal (seminal vesicles, prostate) and external (penis) reproductive structures are

examined. Internal reproductive structures are examined via rectal palpation and are being evaluated for size, consistency, pain and shape. The penis is examined to ensure that it can fully extend and is free of abnormalities that might impair the ability of the bull to fully insert it into the cow at breeding time. Lastly comes examination of the semen. Semen is examined for density, motility (movement), and morphology (microscopic appearance).

Outcome

Once the exam is completed, all of the data collected is compiled and the bull will be classified in one of three ways: satisfactory potential breeder; unsatisfactory potential breeder; or classification deferred. Satisfactory bulls are ready to go and should be able to do the job that they are intended to do. Unsatisfactory bulls are unlikely to perform and should be culled. Deferred bulls should be re-examined after a period of time to see if the problems encountered during the exam have improved.

Other Comments

BSEs should be performed on every bull prior to the beginning of each breeding season. Just because a bull passes his first BSE doesn’t mean that he will be fertile in future years. Ideally, a BSE should be performed at least 30-60 days before the breeding season starts. Doing them this far ahead of the breeding season allows for the purchase of a new bull should one fail or re-examination of a bull that is deferred for any reason. In addition, bull power should be considered. A useful rule of thumb is for there to be 1 bull per cow per bull month of age up to 50 months. So, with this in mind, a 3-year-old bull could cover 36 cows in a breeding season, while a 4-year-old bull could be expected to successfully cover 48 cows.

SUMMARY

The success of a cow/calf operation is predicated on the delivery and weaning of a live, healthy calf. Utilizing cattle health and management practices that improve herd efficiency will increase the value of the final product sold (calves) and, in most cases, reduce the overall cost of production. Breeding soundness exams are a proven tool that can improve herd productivity with minimal investment. On average, bulls that pass a BSE will sire 6 percent more calves than bulls that do not have a BSE performed at all. It has been estimated that each 1-percent increase in calf crop is worth an additional 5 pounds/calf in weaning weight across the entire herd. As a result, the BSE is one of the most cost-effective management tools that can be implemented on a farm and represents a greater than $250/hour value proposition. As always, when questions regarding animal health arise, contact your local herd health veterinarian.

• April 22:Alapaha • Regional Contests

• April 20: Athens

• May 9: Alapaha

• May 11: Carrollton

• State Championship

• May 20

Americus, GA (229) 924-2474

Quitman, GA (229) 924-2474

Unadilla, GA (478) 627-9730

10FT FEED TROUGHS

12FT PORTABLE LOADING CHUTES 20FT STATIONARY LOADING CHUTES ACME HEAD CATCH

MINERAL FEEDER

PATRIOT GRAVITY FEED TENDER WITH AUGER SINGLE BALE HAY FEEDER

SEGUE MIXERS: 275 - 1,873 CUBIC FT CAPACITY

PATRIOT CREEP FEEDERS

10/12FT RADIUS CROWDING TUBS

5, 6, & 7 BAR HEAVY DUTY GATES FROM 2-20FT BOW GATES FREE STANDING PANELS

12FT OR 20FT ADJ ALLEYWAY 16X8FT CATTLE GUARD

20FT 6 BAR CONTINUOUS FENCE DOUBLE HAY FEEDER

24 FT FLEX-TINE HARROW

Fire Ant Control in Pastures

By Raymond Fitzpatrick

Pasture, yard or sidewalk – it seems that everywhere that we look, we come face to face with fire ants. As we look around, most people will agree that the red imported fire ant (RIFA) is a real nuisance.

I think You Need Some History of the RIFA Here....

For cattle producers, the struggles with RIFA go much deeper. Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) workers are approximately 1/4 inch long and are red-brown in color with shiny, dark abdomens. Females are larger and winged, measuring approximately 1⁄3 inch in length. In addition, RIFA is the only ant that has two bumps between the thorax and abdomen.

A 1999 study in Texas showed that the statewide economic impact on the cattle industry of the RIFA was approximately $255 million ($452 million in 2023 dollars). So what are they actually hurting? RIFAs are annoying! First of all, they are rough on equipment. Bushhogs and mowers are easily damaged when they come into contact with mounds. Mounds that pop up under electric fences can cause fences to ground out, allowing livestock to escape. Additional losses are incurred through decreased hay production, and feed and forage loss. These are just a few examples of problems caused by RIFA.

Since introduction of the RIFA in 1918, scientists have been trying to find good control options. Chemical control options fall under two main methods of application: mound treatments and broadcast treatments. As the names suggest, mound treatments are for application directly to each mound that you see, while a broadcast treatment covers a whole area.

When to Treat

Ants can be active any time of year in Georgia. On sunny winter days, if you step on a mound, you will see ants scurry in alarm. Chemical applications for control are most effective when fire ants become active in late spring and early fall when air temperatures are between 70-90°F. A simple test to determine if ants are actively foraging is to place a potato chip or a chunk of hotdog near the mound (not on the mound) and wait for 5-10 minutes. If ants are actively foraging, then you will be able to tell in that short window of time.

What Products Do I Use?

Although the big-box stores are full of various products that can be used to treat sidewalks and lawns, the options for pasture control for beef cattle producers are relatively limited. There are very few chemicals outlined in the Georgia Pest

and Nancy C. Hinkle, UGA Cooperative Extension, Franklin County, and UGA Dept. of Entomology, Athens

Management Handbook recommended for RIFA control in perennial grass pastures for cattle. Individual mound treatments are fast-acting but are more labor-intensive and generally more expensive than broadcast applications. Their main drawback is that they miss the mounds that have not yet popped above ground; and you know that hundreds of them will show up after the warm spring rains that we’re having.

So don’t waste your time putting fire ant bait on individual mounds; scatter it over the entire area and make the ants do the work (they will forage everywhere and carry bait back to the mound to kill the queen). This also takes care of those underground nests that you can’t see but will erupt after the next rain.

The two RIFA baits that can be broadcast on pastures with cattle present are Esteem® (active ingredient pyriproxyfen) and Extinguish® (active ingredient methoprene).

Broadcast baits are quick, less hazardous, and less expensive to apply. If, after a week, you still see active RIFA, you may choose to knock out the remaining mounds with individual mound treatments. But do not apply a drench at the same time you are broadcasting the bait because ants will not forage and accept bait while they are disrupted by a mound drench. Ensure that you pay attention to the individual product label

for application instructions and recommended application rates. Over-application of the chemical is not going to help you achieve better control; it’s just going to cost you more money.

Some counties have spreaders that can be borrowed from the Extension office and used to broadcast ant baits, using a pickup or utility vehicle. For more information, or help with spreader calibration, please contact your local Extension office or call 1-800-ASKUGA1.

Spreader for fire ant control.

Come join GCA as we explore the cattle industry throughout the Southeast. This 6-day, 5-night tour will explore several operations across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. The trip is anchored in the middle with a day and a half in New Orleans, where you’ll be able to visit the National WWII Museum, tour the Garden District, or take in the local music, food and culture. The deadline to sign up is coming up quick on April 15, 2023, with full deposit required by April 21, 2023, so if you are interested in going, please let us know immediately so we can save your spot! We hope you are able to join us on this fun-filled tour.

THIS YEAR’S TOUR INCLUDES ATTRACTIONS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHEAST OVER 5 DAYS, INCLUDING:

• Adams Angus - Union Springs, AL

• CK Cattle - Hope Hull, AL

• Autauga Farming Co. - Autaugaville, AL

• Alabama Cattlemen’s AssociationMontgomery, AL

• Town Creek Farms – West Point, MS

• Sand Ridge Cattle – Forest, MS

• Parker Cattle – Lumberton, MS

• Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association

• National WWII Museum

• Walking Tour of the Garden District

• Parker Cattle – Lumberton, MS

• Seward Farms - Lucedale, MS

• UF Research & Bull Test - Marianna, FL

• JYJ Red Angus - Columbia, AL

Trey Garbett

When asked “Why am I a member?” The answer is simple: Why not? Being a member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association has afforded me opportunities to get more involved within our state’s industry, such as being a part of the Georgia Beef Ambassador Team and serving as one of the convention interns this year. It has also allowed me to meet more of our industry leaders within our state. Not only that, I love that it serves the producers in our state, provides proper educational opportunities within an industry that is constantly evolving, and advocates for them in and out of the legislative arena. I would encourage any cattleman in the state to become a member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association in order to take advantage of the opportunities that they provide.

Join 5,000+ fellow cattle producers and allied industry partners who are dedicated to progressive animal husbandry practices, increased market opportunities and a united political voice.

• Legislative Representation, Market Development, Producer Education, Community Involvement

• A monthly subscription to the Georgia Cattleman Magazine

• Exclusive discounts & benefits from the companies below:

$20 off minimum on Emergent Coverage AIR EVAC LIFE TEAM membership with additional discounts available

10% Discount To GCA Members on their monthly CattleMax subscription.

10% Off any in-store purchase with membership coupon. Restrictions apply.

$250 off any equipment purchase of $5,000 or more.

When you purchase 9 bags of feed, you receive 1 BAG FREE!

$500 OFF any new or used vehicle

IF YOU HAVE SIMMENTALS TO SELL, THIS IS YOUR SPACE! CONTACT GCA TODAY OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@GABEEF.ORG.

IF YOU HAVE SIMMENTALS TO SELL, THIS IS YOUR SPACE! CONTACT GCA TODAY OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@GABEEF.ORG.

IF YOU HAVE SIMMENTALS TO SELL, THIS IS YOUR SPACE! CONTACT GCA TODAY OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@ GABEEF.ORG.

GEORGIA LIVESTOCK MARKET NEWS

COMPARED TO ONE WEEK EARLIER: COMPARED TO LAST WEEK: SLAUGHTER COWS AND BULLS SOLD 2.00 TO 3.00 HIGHER. FEEDER CLASSES MOSTLY 3.00 TO 10.00 HIGHER, INSTANCES OF 15.00 HIGHER. REPLACEMENT COWS STEADY TO 3.00 HIGHER.

SUPPLY INCLUDED: 73% FEEDER CATTLE (25% STEERS, 44% HEIFERS, 31% BULLS); 17% SLAUGHTER CATTLE (85% COWS, 15% BULLS); 10% REPLACEMENT CATTLE (41% BRED COWS, 59% COW-CALF PAIRS). FEEDER CATTLE SUPPLY OVER 600 LBS WAS 14%.

SLAUGHTER CLASSES:

Carroll County Livestock Carrollton, GA 770-834-6608

Duvall Livestock, Inc. Greensboro, GA 706-453-7368

J.D Higdon 706-817-6829

Jim Malcom 706-342-5655

Eastanollee Livestock Market Eastanolle, GA 706-779-5944

South Central Livestock Fitzgerald, GA 229-423-4400

Sumter County Stockyard Americus, GA 229-380-4901

Georgia Livestock Markets

Southern Livestock Oak Park, GA 912-578-3263

Franklin County Livestock Carnesville, GA 706-384-2975

Lanier Farmers Livestock Gainesville, GA 770-844-9223

Moseley Brothers Cattle, LLC Blakely, GA 229-308-3452

Pulaski County Stockyard Hawkinsville, GA 478-892-9071

Thomasville Livestock Market Thomasville, GA 229-228-6960

Upson County Livestock Thomaston, GA 30286 864-704-2487

Bill Bryan Cattle, LLC Summerville, GA 423-605-0561

Calhoun Stockyard Calhoun, GA 706-629-1900

Turner County Stockyards Ashburn, GA 229-567-3371

Northeast Georiga Livestock Athens, GA 706-549-4790

Seminole Stockyard Donalsonville, GA 229-524-2305

Jackson Regional Stockyard Jackson, GA 770-775-7314

Moultrie Livestock Moultrie, GA 229-985-1019

Wilkes County Stockyard Washington, GA 706-678-2632

Bill Bryan Cattle, LLC Summerville, GA 423-605-0561

Your Beef Checkoff - $1 Federal & $1 State Remittance/Head Beef Promotion and Research Program PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF FORM

Both the seller and the buyer have the responsibility to have the $1 per head assessment collected and remitted to the qualified state beef council. This form is designated for use in private treaty sales.

Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef Assessment Remittance Form | Private Treaty Sales

Under the Georgia Marketing Order for Beef, producers of bovine animals in this State have the responsibility to have the $1.00 per head assessment collected and remitted to the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef. This form is designated for use in private treaty sales.

Please remit this form and assessment payment made payable to: Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef, 19 MLK Jr. Drive, S.W., Room 324, Atlanta, Ga. 30334

APRIL PRODUCTION POINTS

General

• Continue feeding high-magnesium mineral supplement to cows on winter grazing.

• Do not overgraze winter annuals. Pull cows when the annuals are shorter than 4”.

• Fertilize permanent pastures according to soil test.

Spring Calving

(January, February, March)

• For a January 10-March 30 calving season, bulls need to go in April 1-June 20. Make sure bulls are in good condition and conduct breeding soundness exams.

• Cows need to be in moderate to good condition to rebreed early. You may need to start feeding your best hay and put them on your best grazing now. Supplement as needed according to forage test.

• Start breeding heifers about a month before the cow herd.

• Castrate, dehorn and implant calves at birth.

Fall Calving

(October, November, December)

• Remove bulls March 23 to end calving season about December 31.

• Keep bulls in a small pasture with strong fences. Feed bulls enough to keep them in good condition for next year’s breeding.

• Spot-check cows to see if most are bred. By now, there should be little activity.

• Vaccinate for clostridial disease; castrate and dehorn late calves or those missed in early working.

Forage facts

The single most important decision a cattleman can make concerning farm profitability is stocking rate. Dialing in the ideal number of cows per acre will help reduce the biggest variable cost, winter supplementation. Feeding hay and other supplements for 60 days or less should be our first goal.

Leaf area is critical for forage growth, so if our perennial pastures are grazed below 2-3” of height, they are in the slow phase of growth where roots are rebuilding. Shallow roots lead to slow recovery, increased drought susceptibility, and less mineral mining of the subsoil. Without adequate forage quantity, animals can’t meet their daily needs. Soil compaction, decreased water infiltration, and erosion are also results of overgrazing. If your cows often have 2 ribs showing, or if you have problems with Buttercup in the spring, or Bitter Sneezeweed and Dog Fennel in the summer, you might have an overgrazing problem.

Beef industry calendar of events

April 1, 2023

Circle G Ranches

Female Sale

Adel, GA

April 1, 2023

Turnpike Creek Farms Bull & Female Sale

Milan, GA

April 7, 2023

Ingram Angus Spring Production Sale

Pulaski, TN

April 8, 2023

Southern Synergy Angus

Female Sale

Wadley, GA

April 8, 2022

Knoll Crest Spring

Bull and Female Sale

Red House, VA

April 18, 2023

Georgia HERD Program Sale - Tifton

Irwinville/Chula, GA

April 20, 2023

JMar Genetics New Beginnings

Charolais Bull & Heifer Sale

Sale: DVAuctions

Cattle can viewed at farm: Appomattox, VA

April 21-23, 2023

GVMA Food Animal Conference

UGA Vet School

Athen, GA

April 23, 2023

Rocking W Angus Sale

Jefferson, GA

April 29, 2023

Collins Farms

Angus Bred Heifer Sale

Cusseta, AL

April 29, 2023

Blackwater Cattle Co.

Replacement Female Sale

Lake Park, GA

April 29, 2023

Cut Above Sale

Cullman, AL

April 29, 2023

Lawler Farm & Friends

Female Sale

Opelika, AL

April - May

Top Hand Contests

See page 52 for details

May 6, 2023

Honeywood Farms

Commerical Bred Heifer Sale, Jackson, GA

May 6, 2023, Tennessee River Music

Dixieland Delight Sale

Ft. Payne, AL

May 6, 2023

South Carolina Hereford

Association and Red Angus

Assocaition of the Carolinas

Joint Sale

Pendleton, SC

May 13, 2023

Adams Angus Farm

Maternal Gems Sale

Springs, AL

May 23, 2023

White Hawk Ranch Beefmaker

Female Sale

Buchanan, GA

May 31, 2023

Georgia HERD Program Sale

Calhoun

Calhoun, GA

July 6-8, 2023

Georgia Junior Beef Futurity

Perry, GA

October 5-15, 2023

Georgia National Fair

Perry, GA

October 12, 2023

JMar Genetics Quality over Quantity Charolais Bull

Heifer Sale

Cattle can viewed at farm: Appomattox, VA

October 21, 2023

Wolf Creek Farm Angus Production Sale

Hawkinsville, GA

December 1, 2023

Knoll Crest Total Performance Bull Sale

Red House, VA

LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW HOLLAND BALERS AND DISC MOWERS IN THE SOUTH