Georgia Cattleman December 2022

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN

Red Angus cow at JYJ Red Angus.

Executive Vice President/Editor: Dale Sandlin, dale@gabeef.org GBB Program and Compliance Coordinator: Tricia Combes, tricia@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. Subscription rate of $45.00 per year. Periodical Postage Paid at Macon, GA, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER — Send address changes to GEORGIA CATTLEMAN, 100 Cattlemen’s Drive, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, Georgia 31221. For advertising information, contact Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221. Phone: 478-474-6560.

Volume

50 | Number 12 | December 2022

GCA President’s Report, By Rodney Hilley

Know

GCA Leadership

YCC Update, By Zach Floyd

Industry News

A Red Angus Dream Come True, By Shelby Kirton

Southeastern Hay Contest Results

Fordham Memorial Scholarship

Dairy Science, University of Georgia

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Tifton, GA 4186 US 82 West • 229-339-8010

Tifton, GA 4186 US 82 West • 229-339-8010

Dothan, AL

Dothan, AL

1923 Kinsey Road • 334-793-9776

1923 Kinsey Road • 334-793-9776

Lake City, GA 1642 Forest Pkwy • 404-361-1100

Lake City, GA 1642 Forest Pkwy • 404-361-1100

Goldsboro, NC

Goldsboro, NC

1504 Hwy 117 S • 919-734-0781

1504 Hwy 117 S • 919-734-0781

As is the case every year at this time, it has been very busy at the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association! October is always a busy time –with the Georgia National Fair, the Sunbelt Ag Expo, and Macon Burger Month. However, the good news is that the staff has handled all of it in great fashion. I spent a little time at the Fair and the Expo in Moultrie; and I was very impressed by the staff’s ability to not only handle it, but also excel at what they do. I know for a fact that there were a lot of members signed up in Moultrie. After watching the staff in action, I could see that they certainly didn’t need my help, as they had the process down pretty well. As a fellow member, you can rest assured that they are very capable of doing what is needed to handle the association’s business – from membership to all of the other tasks that have to be completed.

On Nov. 14-15, Dale, Joe Garner and I attended the Region II NCBA meeting in Montgomery. This was the same week that the 3rd Cattlemen’s Quarterly was held in Forsyth. So if you hadn’t been to the first two, I hope you were able to make it to that one, as it was a combination of tours, education, and committee meetings. This was to be the last one before the

GCA Convention in Columbus in early March 2023. If you have been to any of the Cattlemen’s Quarterly meetings, we would welcome your feedback on how effective they were – as well as any suggestions you might have to make them even better next year.

Another bit of good news is that our membership continues to grow: We are more than 5,100 members now. We need all the help we can get!

As we are now in December, I know that you all will be busy this month; still, we all need to keep in mind the real purpose of Christmas. In spite of all the commercialization, we know that the real reason is to celebrate Christ’s birthday. I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please let me or one of the Board of Directors know. As I said earlier, If you have neighbors or friends who aren’t GCA members, please explain the benefits of being a member and ask them to join!

Until next time, Rodney

Rodney Hilley

KNOW your limits -- and potential

By Dale Sandlin

A couple of weeks ago, M’Randa, Emmy and I got an invitation to have a play date, adults and kids alike, with the Henrys at the trampoline park. It sounded fun, at least on the surface, as a chance to jump around with my daughter and get to spend time with friends. However, I was quickly taken aback at what lay before me when I entered. I had never been to a trampoline park before – and for those who, like me, have never been to one, I’ll set the scene: bright, colorful lights; trampolines not only across the floor but partially up the wall; a foam pit with a balance beam across it; two slam-dunk options; a progressively difficult obstacle course and dodge ball court with a trampoline floor. Getting on the simple trampolines across the floor, I began jumping with Emmy. At first, it was fun; but the longer it went on, I found myself conflicted. My heart was saying, “Do a flip –remember what it was like to be a kid again.” My head was saying, “if you do that, we’re going to the hospital.” After a couple of hours of jumping, running and playing with a 4-year-old, I realized that I’m not as young as I used to be and that I had found my limits.

It’s sometimes hard to know what your limits are. For most of us, we don’t find out until it’s too late. Others, though, seem to have no limits; their abilities seem to know no bounds. One such limitless example is Charles Lindbergh. The man most renowned for the first solo transatlantic flight – in the airplane that he helped design, the “Spirit of St. Louis” – had another significant accomplishment. Shortly after that historic flight, Lindbergh quietly went to work in the medical field, designing a centrifuge – called a “perfusion pump” – for the extremely delicate task of keeping organs alive outside the body. For two years, he toiled at the

latter invention, which would allow the heart to remain viable outside of the body for surgery. This secret yet groundbreaking work, in conjunction with Dr. Alexis Carrel, laid the foundation for later breakthroughs in open-heart surgery, organ transplants, and the artificial heart. Lindbergh made this historic contribution while continuing as a key consultant in aviation. When called upon to rise to the occasion, the sky was not the limit for Charles Lindbergh.

We can all rise to the occasion if we try. Gov. Kemp, at a campaign rally in October, offered the following encouragement: “Do not underestimate your individual abilities.” Each of us has a role to play within the association – and our common role is to encourage others to become members. There are approximately 15,000 cattle producers in Georgia, and GCA currently has approximately 5,500 members. If we could grow our membership to 10,000 members, we would double our organization’s impact within our state and significantly grow our ability to provide membership services. If we were able to secure all 15,000 cattle producers, we would triple our impact. Your encouragement may be all that a neighbor or friend might need to join our organization.

I found my limits that day at the trampoline park –or at least my body’s limits. Be like Lindbergh and strive for more than just the limits of the status quo. Consider Gov. Kemp’s advice and take to heart your full potential by reaching out to a prospective member today. If we’re all working together, there is no limit to the impact of our organization.

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.

Rodney Hilley President

8881 Hwy 109 West Molena, GA 30258 678-372-9111 powdercreek@yahoo.com

Joe Garner President Elect

196 Post Place Blairsville, GA 30512 706-897-2211 jgarner@sefcoop.com

PO Box 736 Forsyth, GA 31029 478-994-3830 jamesavaughn@att.net

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

Tammy Cheely

Immediate Past President

950 Big Woods Road Mitchell, GA 30820 706-466-0154 tcheely@uga.edu

Executive committee Members

David Echols, Hull 706-540-6517 • dpe962@gmail.com

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

Keith Hubbard, Valdosta 314-518-5454 • keithwh1@msn.com

CattleWomen’s President

Terri Parker, Jefferson 770-714-5977 • coachtdawg@gmail.com

Zeb Duvall, Buckhead 706-347-0590 • zebulonduvall@gmail.com

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

Hailey Partain, Thomaston 706-647-8989 • hrobinson@uga.edu

YCC Chairman Zach Floyd, Madison 229-309-4714 zacharycattle@gmail.com

Foundation Chairman Steve Blackburn, Waynesboro 706-871-9568 • sebcofarms@gmail.com

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: Linda Crumley 770-725-7804 whalinda23@hotmail.com

Region 6: DJ Sheppard 706-453-6879 djsheppard@gmail.com

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

Region 8: Danny Bentley 706-975-0288 bentfarm@yahoo.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: Jason Deloach 229-251-8336 jdeloachcattle@gmail.com

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

James Vaughn Vice President

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

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 Carole Knight | 912-690-1727

Northeast Georgia

Habersham/Rabun/White

D.J. Bradshaw | 478-957-5208

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 Scott Craig | 770-351-7986

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 Jarred Hubbard | 706-326-0400

Meriwether

Darrell McCoy | 706-977-9269

Troup Ken Cadenhead | 706-884-8252

Region 8

Baldwin-Jones-Putnam

Ricky Yarbrough | 478-256-2933

Central Georgia Crawford/Dooly/Houston/Pulaski Brent Hartley | 478-919-8710

Mid Georgia

Lamar/Monroe/Pike/Spalding/ Talbot/Upson Bo Huddleston | 770-608-8117

Taylor

Wayne McInvale | 770-468-6971

Region 9

Burke

Stephen Barnhart | 706-799-7223

Jefferson Tim Moore | 478-206-2365

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

Ranching on Public Lands

By Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO

The United States government owns and manages roughly 640 million acres, which is approximately 28 percent of the nation’s land. In Nevada, for example, a little over 80 percent is federally owned. Most of the public land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service. Fortunately, legislation passed in the 1960s and 1970s requiring multiple use on these lands, so every citizen has the chance to experience these vast parts of our country. Tourism is a big part of multiple use, allowing for hiking, biking and camping; but multiple use also means that these lands can be used for energy, timber and livestock production. As you can imagine, there are many activist groups that support public access to the great outdoors, but bristle at the thought of grazing cattle on “their” land. This sets the stage for conflict – especially as activist groups, such as the Western Watersheds Project, work to have livestock production restricted or removed from public lands.

The Public Lands Council (PLC) was established in 1968 to be the voice for cattle and sheep producers who operate with federal grazing permits. The voices who only want access to public lands for recreational use are loud, but cattle industry leaders at the time knew that we could be effective in countering that rhetoric. NCBA has been a proud member of the Public Lands Council since it was formed. We share staff, office space, and a commitment to protect grazing access. The president of PLC also serves as an ex-officio member of our Executive Committee. Public lands ranchers are faced with the same challenges as every other cattle producer. However, they have the additional challenge of trying to raise cattle with government agencies looking over their shoulder, dictating the terms of their operations, and threatening the loss of their permit if they do not follow the guidelines exactly as written. Given that significant numbers of cattle graze on public lands, their challenges can ultimately have an impact on overall beef production in the United States.

Experience shows that activist groups like to push their anti-grazing efforts on permittees first in hopes that they can get sympathy from government agencies and the recreational users. If they are successful in those

efforts, they use it as a playbook to take on producers on private lands. This is why it is important to protect our access to public lands and stop the activists before they can do even more harm. We do that by promoting the benefits of grazing. We all know how responsibly managed grazing can increase the health of pastures and rangelands. The same is true of federal lands – and may be even more important, given some of the marginal conditions found in the West. Grazing permits are not free. Producers pay the U.S. government for the access that these permits provide; the government also receives the benefits from grazing, such as improved range health, overall landscape aesthetics, and protecting open space.

Grazing permittees help provide and protect critical habitat for many species with high conservation needs. The Greater Sage Grouse is just one example of many critters that have benefited from enhanced and improved habitat – thanks to the efforts of cattle producers. Over seven million acres of Sage Grouse habitat have been restored or conserved by publiclands ranchers. Hikers and bikers are not doing that. Grazing permittees also help maintain migration corridors utilized by thousands of mule deer, elk and other species. Responsible grazing also helps to fight invasive species. Cheat grass plagues Western states, but grazing helps mitigate its spread by promoting growth of perennial grasses. Fire suppression may be one of the greatest benefits grazing provides for these lands, local communities and the government’s firefighting budget. Cattle grazing on public lands helps remove the buildup of excess grass and other fuels that cause wildfires to spread quicker and burn hotter. We cannot forget that public-lands ranchers are also the lifeblood of their local communities. Recreation alone is not going to sustain these towns. The Department of the Interior estimates that public-lands ranchers contribute $1.5 billion a year to local economies across the western U.S.

While activists and some within the federal agencies continue to work against us, NCBA and PLC will keep fighting for producer access to public lands. Our permittee members are sustaining local communities, improving the land, and protecting against wildfires –while constantly worrying about some hiker leaving a gate open.

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

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

Send them to: magazine@gabeef.org

GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR OPENING CEREMONIES

The Georgia National Fair Authority opened the 2022 Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. Members of the Authority, along with Gov. Kemp and other dignitaries, welcomed everyone while highlighting the value that the fair provides in educating the general public regarding agriculture. Commissioner Black welcomed those in attendance on an international trade mission. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Fair Authority recognized Commissioner Black and his unwavering support for agriculture in Georgia.

GCA ATTENDS 2022 SUNBELT AG EXPO

GCA had a great showing at the 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie Oct. 18-20. During the event, GCA partnered with Zoetis for a new-member incentive of sorting flags. Members of GCA’s Executive Committee, Region VPs, GJCA officers and GCA staff were on hand at the GCA booth and signed up more than 85 members during the event.

2022 SOUTHEASTERN FARMER OF THE YEAR

GCA’s EVP and several GCA members were in attendance at the Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year luncheon during the Sunbelt Ag Expo. This event honored the nominees from various states around the Southeast. This year’s winner was Robert E. Saunders of Virginia.

YCC TAILGATE

The Young Cattlemen’s Council hosted their first tailgate during the Georgiaversus-Tennessee football game. YCC board members and GCA staff were able to talk to others about what YCC has to offer. Attendees were able to meet other producers and industry members while cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs!

UGA CATTLEMEN’S CHAPTER MEETING

GBB staff member Taylor Evans was on the road to Athens last month to meet with the UGA Cattlemen’s chapter. Evans talked with them about how the Checkoff supports the beef industry, the symbiotic relationship between the Georgia Beef Board and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and how students can be involved professionally and personally in our industry. Several members of the UGA Cattlemen’s Chapter serve on GBB’s Georgia Beef Ambassador team.

“HERDS AND HERITAGE” BOOK AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTING GEORGIA’S HISTORY

EVP Dale Sandlin attended the 2022 Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council Archives Awards on Oct. 25. During the event, the Georgia Cattle History Book, “Herds and Heritage,” and author Jackie Kennedy were awarded for Excellence in Documenting Georgia’s History.

BQA CERTIFICATION TRAINING –COLQUITT COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

To wrap up the busy month of October, the Colquitt County Cattlemen’s Association hosted their first-ever Beef Quality Assurance Certification training. The group learned how proper cattle handling and management can directly impact their operation, the health of their animals, and their economic return. UGA veterinarian Dr. Angie McDaniel facilitated the BQA training for the group of 30 cattlemen, cattlewomen, local 4-H and FFA members, and local supporters.

ABAC’S ANNUAL SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES CAREER FAIR

GCA was one of 70 participants that engaged with ABAC students enrolled in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources during the annual Career Connections event. Career Connections is a place for students to network with professionals in fields specific to their interests in the agriculture industry. The event allows employers to present potential internship and career opportunities to students and share information about their respective companies.

THE INAUGURAL CARROL COUNTY BEEF FESTIVAL

The Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association, the West Georgia CattleWomen’s Chapter, and UGA Extension Carroll County hosted the inaugural Beef Festival on Oct. 22 in Carroll County. The event included a beef chili cook-off, beefand ag-related vendors, kids’ activities, hayrides, live beef cattle to view and learn about, and Guess Bubba Jack the Bull’s Weight. The winner of People’s Choice and the Judge’s Choice for the beef chili was awarded to Dan Warren.

Georgia Beef Bites

By Taylor Evans, GBB Director of Public Relations

‘Tis the Holiday Season, y’all! Now this year, the way that my family celebrates is going to be a little different because it is going to be our first Christmas in Mama’s new house. This means that we are hosting for the first time in forever because we finally have the room to fit 20-plus people in the house. Because of the sheer volume of food needed to feed that many family members, our meals don’t stay on schedule; we might sit down at 2:30 when we said lunch was going to be at noon. As a result, we snack; so, appetizers are a must with our clan. This year, I’m bringing steak crostini –and it is so good! I was very hesitant to try this recipe because I don’t normally like horseradish; but it pairs really well with the steak and the bread, and I honestly wanted to keep them all for myself. Happy Cooking this holiday season – and if this recipe ends up on your table, let me know how it goes. Wishing you and yours the very best for this holiday season, and I will see you in 2023!

STEAK CROSTINI WITH HORSERADISH WHIP

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 beef Strip Steak, Boneless

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 12 slices French bread, cut 1 inch thick

• 12 arugula leaves

Horseradish Whip

• 2 teaspoons horseradish

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 tablespoons chives

COOKING:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Season steak evenly on both sides with salt and pepper. Add olive oil and place steak in skillet; cook strip steak 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove steak and set aside to rest.

Cook’s Tip: Use leftover strip roast instead of steaks. Slice roast into 1/4 pieces. Reheat in a covered medium skillet over low heat about 4 to 6 minutes.

2. Place sliced bread in single layer on baking sheet. Bake in 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly toasted but not brown. Set aside.

HORSERADISH WHIP

1. Combine horseradish and heavy cream in a medium-size mixing bowl. Mix over medium speed for about 5 minutes or until you form whipped cream. Once formed, remove bowl from mixer and fold in fresh chives and parmesan cheese.

ASSEMBLY

1. Spread 2 teaspoons horseradish whip onto each bread piece. Slice steak in 12 equal-size pieces; top with steak and fresh arugula.

Beef On Georgia's Mind @GaBeefBoard Beef On Georgia's Mind BeefOnGeorgiasMind

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND DAIRY SCIENCE: BEEF UPDATE

By Francis Fluharty, Professor and Department Head

It’s all about culture. Academic departments at universities are very similar to any successful business. Success relies on having a culture that promotes teamwork and creative problem solving, hiring and retaining the best people, and being a destination workplace (or school). Yes, we have to attract the best students, too, because we’re in the business of creating future leaders. Conducting high-quality research requires state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, too. From the road, most of our farms look like other farms. They have fences and working facilities. However, when you look more closely, you can see fields divided into sections with animals enclosed in smaller grazing areas in a larger field. We split animals into groups, which are called experimental units, so that we can analyze the results of our studies using statistics. It’s all done in the name of getting scientifically valid information for our recommendations to

producers. Over the past year, we have placed a tremendous amount of effort, time and money into upgrading our facilities. The success of the beef industry of the future relies on identifying those genetics, nutritional programs, reproduction technologies, and management systems that enhance the reproductive efficiency of our cow herds, improve the efficiency of feed and water utilization for production, which will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the consistency of a high-quality protein source that is desired by consumers.

Faculty in the Department want to address the issues of individual animal feed and water intake, and greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to a grant from the Georgia Commodity Commission for Beef, C-Lock feed and water intake measuring equipment was ordered on Nov. 9, 2021. Covid-19 caused a delay in the

delivery of equipment, but most has arrived and is being installed. The Double Bridges Farm in Athens (facing page) is being set up for feed and water intake, and greenhouse gas emissions, and the Eatonton beef feedlot is being set up for feed intake monitoring. In addition, Eatonton is receiving C-Lock systems that can measure individual animal supplementation in pasture situations. Our goal is to have the Double Bridges and Eatonton facilities operational by Feb. 1, 2023.

Our Meat Science and Technology Center in Athens has received quite a bit of attention this year. During this past summer, our flooring was completely removed and new epoxy flooring was installed. In addition, a new animal welfarecompliant knock box was installed, and our new smokehouse arrived in October. These upgrades to the Meat Science and Technology Center may not seem like a lot, but they cost over $600,000.

We’ve been doing a lot of land renovation and fencing at all the farms. Hiring more faculty and doing more research means needing to have more animals and more productive forage and crop land. Having a culture of taking pride in what we do also means doing things that make economic sense from a production standpoint. So, if you drive by one of our farms – such as Double Bridges in Athens – and see us clearing land that had been allowed to grow up in trees, it’s for a purpose. We are making our farms more productive.

We’re upgrading our cattle handling facilities at Alapaha and Tifton, too. As we transition to more beef research at these locations, we need facilities that are capable of having cattle worked frequently, as research requires weighting cattle at regular times, such as every 28 days, throughout growth studies, and reproductive technology studies, such as estrus synchronization, involve working breeding animals on timed intervals.

There are a lot of people that I could talk about, and I will in future articles. However, I want to focus on leadership development. I am a supporter of experiential learning opportunities, such as undergraduate research, study-abroad programs, and working on our farms and in our laboratories. I am also a supporter of Intercollegiate Judging Teams. Among the things that drew me to Georgia were the tremendous 4-H and FFA programs. We need to create opportunities to keep Georgia’s young people in Georgia. Many youth involved in Livestock, Meat, Dairy, and Horse judging attend junior colleges and universities with these programs. Building a culture that is supportive of these activities takes a lot of committed people –and a lot of money. However, the payback to these students is tremendous. Students who participate in Intercollegiate Judging Teams learn teamwork, time management, decision making, and communication skills. They also get to interact with industry leaders, and they develop a much greater appreciation for the size and scope of American agriculture. The #meatdawgs

had a very successful trip to Friona, Texas, in late October, for the High Plains Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest, where they were named the National Champion A Division Team! We want to say THANK YOU to Cargill and the American Meat Science Association for hosting a great contest and everyone who has supported us along the way.

I want everyone to know that when you read one of our research updates, attend a field day, or call a specialist for information, there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes that never gets mentioned. We run farms and a meat laboratory to train students and conduct research. We’re working to provide scientifically valid information for producers and consumers, and to prepare young people to be future leaders in animal agriculture and the animal protein industries.

Eatonton facilities operational by February 1, 2023.

Photo: p. 23, top right: The Meat Science and Technology Center upgraded equipment with a new animal welfare-compliant knock box.

Photo: p. 23, bottom right: A new smokehouse was added to the Meat Science and Technology Center in October 2022.

Photo: p. 24, above: Renovations and updates are taking place at the various farms

account for growth and new research being conducted.

Association Reports

President: Terri Parker 2561 Hwy 82 S Jefferson, GA 30549 770-714-5977 coachtdawg@gmail.com

UPDATE

By Terri Parker, Georgia CattleWomen’s Association President

Hello, my friends of the cattle and beef industry. Here we are again at the closing of another year. December is upon us – and many of us are taking time to sit back and relax by a nice fire in the living room, sharing stories with extended family over a cup of hot cocoa as we wait to ring in the New Year. The time seems to have flown by.

As I sat reflecting myself, I was reminded of the great strides that our organization has made for us as women and us as a collective group. My first thoughts were how GCWA has invested in young ladies each year; I wonder where many of them have grown. My very own Eryn Elliott was a recipient of one of GCWA’s scholarships years ago, and she is successfully teaching Ag education at Madison County High School. To watch how that money was used to grow had seemed to be one young lady; in truth, however, it is several young people, as she continues the mentoring and legacy. She completely embraces the GCWA creed of “instilling in the coming generation the love of the land and of the life, the humility and awe before Nature, and the hope and faith in the future that is inherent in cattlemen and cattlewomen.” Watching the fruit of the seed that the GCWA planted in her has been a blessing. It would be a treat to have those recipients from prior years report to us on where they are today, so that GCWA can see how far the reach has grown.

My thoughts then reflected to other aspects of GCWA. This past year, we have witnessed much growth and opportunity. If you will recall, GCWA began the year petitioning for our membership to be considered the same as our male counterparts in the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. This was, to some degree, the beginning of a new era for us in the industry that we so love. For many of us already actively engaged in the cattle industry, our roles did not alter and our passions did not wane; instead, the passion-flame was fanned and grew ever brighter and stronger.

Our Mid Georgia Cattlewomen have been active and working. The ladies within that chapter set the standard for the others across the state. They are constantly engaged in the local events and state events. My first encounters with GCWA were with Cynthia Douglas. The local chapter in my area was modeled after her suggestions. Reach out to her if you need suggestions on activities for your group.

The West Georgia Chapter has hit the ground running. Get your running shoes on if you want to catch up. This group of ladies has spent time ensuring that the cattlewomen in the area have information and education at their fingertips. If you live in the area and have not joined, may I recommend that you give them a try.

For the Georgia CattleWomen’s Association, this is a time for us as cattlewomen to begin closing the books on the previous year and begin looking ahead to the next. Many of us are preparing for the new year to come in the GCWA – while a few of our members are adjusting to life with their own new additions. Congratulations to our own Brandi Varnadoe, with the new addition to her family; and to Hailey Partain, with the new addition to her family. My great predecessor, Theresa Molle, expressed it well when she said that it takes quite a cattlewoman to get out and work cows, hay and all those other jobs – and then come in and manage the home and family. Each of these ladies whom I have mentioned – and so many more – are amazing in the cattle industry, and they have a passion that is unparalleled. As you sit and reflect on this year, my prayer for you is that you have witnessed many wonderful transitions and can bask in memories that cause smiles to spread across your face. If you have not joined a local cattle chapter, please get out and join one of whatever descriptor. The industry is looking for people with passion. Come join us!

Vice-President: Hailey Partain PO Box 86 Thomaston, GA 30286 706-975-6826 hrobinson@uga.edu

Secretary: Jennifer Scott

392 Long Farm Road Jefferson, GA 30549 678-283-0936 jscott@braselton.net

Treasurer: Tracie Wheeless 1840 Fort Lamar Road Commerce, GA 30530 706-614-7436 4wvalleyfarm@gmail.com

Parlimentarian: Cynthia Douglas 1950 Delray Road Thomaston, GA 30286 770-550-1070 douglasfarm@windstream.net

Past President: Theresa Molle 190 Long Bridge Road Helena, GA 31037 229-315-1466 tmolle@windstream.net

www.gabeef.org/gcwa cattlewomen@gabeef.org

AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEWOMEN

PO Box 3881, Centennial, CO 80112 303-694-0313, fax: 303-694-2390

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Bagwell Insurance Group, Gainesville Bull Hill Ranch, Gray Court, SC Cain Equipment, Clermont Jackson EMC, Hull

Ace Hardware, Blue Ridge Ag-Pro Newnan, Newnan Bartow County Farm Bureau, Cartersville Big Daddy's Cattle Farm, Tyrone Braswell Cattle Company, Athens Chapman Fence Company, Jefferson CTAGRIN Land Mgmt & Cattle Co., LLC, Camilla, GA Dr. Sam Adams DVM, Americus Edward Jones, Douglasville Foodland Grocery, Blairsville Gerald A. Bowie, Auctioneer, West Point H & H Equipment Sales Inc., Alma

AgAmerica Lending, Lakeland, FL

Advanced Power Equipment, Zebulon Athens Stockyard, Athens, TN

Athens-Clarke Co. Extension Office, Bogart

Baker Cattle Service, Quitman Bank of Camilla, Camilla Bekaert Corp., Douglas

Bill Hembree Insurance, Winston Bubba’s Tire, Dublin Butcher Block Meats. Eastman

Burke Truck and Tractor, Waynesboro

Carhan Farm, Atlanta

Carroll E.M.C., Carrollton

Carson Bros. Tractor Co., Americus

Cat Creek Cattle, Valdosta

Central GA Farms LLC, Eatonton

Chauncey Farm Supply, Chauncey Circle G Ranch, Adel

Clarke County Farm Bureau, Athens Colony Bank Rochelle

C R Benson Farm LLC, Dry Branch

Dublin Physical Medicine & Rehab Assoc.,Dublin

Elbert Co. Farm Bureau, Elberton

Elder Farm, Jefferson

King Ford, Murphy, NC Manor Cattle Company, Manor Manor Timber Company, Manor Northeast Georgia Livestock, Athens

Herndon Farms, Gray Honey Ridge Agricenter, Springfield Jackson Farm, Grantville Langdale Farms, LLC, Valdosta McRea Farms, The Rock Middle Georgia Fleet Service, Zubulon Mountain Valley Motors, Blue Ridge Oglethorpe Feed & Farm Supply, Crawford Pasture Management Systems, Mount Pleasant, North Carolina Paulding County Farm Bureau, Dallas Peters Cattle Company, Milledgeville

Southern Agri-Gro, Macon Seminole Livestock Exchange, Donalsonville Weeks Auction Group, Moultrie

Reid Bros Irrigation & Equipment, Unadilla Resaca Sun Feeds LLC, Resaca

Tim Stout Group, Fayetteville

Union County Farm Bureau, Blairsville United Bank, Barnesville

Upson County Farm Bureau, Thomaston WW Livestock Systems, Albany Wealth Plan Financial, Blairsville West End Milling, Quitman

White County Farmers Exchange, Cleveland White Co. Farm Bureau, Cleveland

Entrekin Equipment Greenhouses, Bremen Farm and Garden Inc., Cornelia

Farmers Seed & Feed Service, Americus Flint EMC, Perry

Flint River Mills, Bainbridge

Forsyth County Farm Bureau, Cumming

Franklin County Farm Bureau, Carnesville

Georgia Development Authority, Monroe

Greene County Extension Office, Greensboro

Greg’s Meat Processing, Comer

Green & Jaros Farms, Ft. Valley

Griffins Warehouse, Douglas

Gulf Coast Cattleman, San Antonio, TX

Habersham Co. Farm Bureau, Clarkesville

Hancock County Farm Bureau, Sparta

Haralson County Farm Bureau, Buchanan

Harris County Farm Bureau, Hamilton

David Hilliard, CPA, McRae

Henry County Farm Bureau, McDonough

Holland Fertilizer Company, Cedartown

Hooper Trailer Sales, Monticello

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

Kevin S Martin Farms, Ellaville

Kustom Tees of Middle Georgia, Perry

Lasseter Equipment Group, Moultrie

LBL Farms, Chester

Lumber City Supplements, Lumber City

Madison County Farm Bureau, Danielsville

Miller Auto Parts & Hardware, Americus

Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville

Oconee Well Driller, Watkinsville

Osceola Cotton Co., LLC, Ocilla

Owens Farm Supply, Toccoa

Palmetto Creek Farm, Hamilton Pennington Seed, Madison

Philema Animal Hospital, Leesburg

Piggly Wiggly, McRae

Pickens Farm Bureau, Jasper

Public Service Communications Inc., Reynolds

Robco Fuels, LLC, Orange Beach, AL

R.W. Griffin Industries, Nashville Silveus Insurance, Dumas, TX

Solar Tyme USA, Columbus Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie

SunMountain Cattle Animal Health Supply, Citra, FL

SunSouth, Carrollton

Southern Livestock, Swainsboro

The Four County Bank, Allentown

TNT Supercenter, Thomasville, GA

Treutlen County Farm Bureau, Soperton Tyler Farms/Krone NA, Monticello

United Bank, Barnesville

United Community Bank, Carrollton

United Community Bank, Cleveland

Upson County Livestock, Yatesville

Walker County Farm Bureau, Lafayette

Wallace Farm & Pet Supply, Bowdon Junction

Wards Service Center, Inc., Dexter

Waters Agricultural Labs, Inc., Camilla

Wayne Chandler Plumbing & Well, Danielsville

Wilcox Co. Farm Bureau, Rochelle

Windy Hill Farm, Madison

Woody Folsom Automotive, Baxley

Yoders Butcher Block, Montezuma

Youngblood Farm, Sparta

Zinpro Performance Minerals, Sparta, TN

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!

Braden Beecher, Soperton

Lauren Bennett, Waleska

Mallory Bennett, Waleska

Stetson Beasley, Waleska

Colton Beasley, Waleska

David Beasley, Waleska

Kevin Crook, Ranger

Charlotte Crook, Ranger

Marcus Kinser, Jasper

Karoline Kinser, Jasper

Kenneth Woodring, Ellijay

Susan Watkins, Martin

Tony Richardson, Eastanollee

Chad Carlan, Jasper

Michele Burch, Ball Ground

Todd Lemoine, Cumming

Eric Wearne, Suwanee

John Henry, Ball Ground

Joe Pausa, Cumming

Rymon Wilborn, Cumming

Keith Blankenship, Cumming

Barrett Krachenberger, Ball Ground

Mathew O’Bryant, Jasper

Ivey Booker, Barnesville

John Terrell, Senoia

Pete Spradley, Hoboken

Desiree Wilson, Folkston

Jeffrey Thomas, Hoboken

Gary Davis, Claxton

Trinice Holden, Aragon

Luke Brown, Loganville

Hailey Wooten, Winder

Scott Eubanks, Cairo

Michael Boatwright, Tignall

Justin Fellenbaum, Ball Ground

William Jensen, Monroe

Mike Savelle, Forsyth

Mark Froetschel, Crawford

Cassie Henderson, McRae

Ella-Grace Pickle, McRae-Helena

Logan Little, Rhine

Taylor Thompson, Moultrie

Bryce Cohen, Abbeville

Cole Gorday, McRae

Ricky Williams, Greenville, SC

Kevin Elkins, Mineral Bluff

Mike Thompson, Marianna, FL

Scott Brown, Danielsville

Steve Ingram, Roopville

Steve Fraley, Attapugus

Katie Martin, Pendleton, SC

Ted Jones, Milledgeville

Austin & Shelby Waldroup, LaGrange

Michael Stefano, Bonaire

Daniel & Cassie Moore, Alma

Randy Guillebeau, Monroe

Bradly Lopez, Carrollton

Sue Chandler, Eatonton

Corey Halstead, Barnesville

Morgan Anderson, Sparks

Drew Rebuelta, Jackson

Cobi Wishum, Poulan

Gina Tran, Gainesville, FL

Hayden Dempsey, Lindale

Jeff Dawson, Allenhurst

Jonathan Moore, Roopville

Cianne Pender, Thomasville

Weston & Courtney Welch, Hawkinsville Matthew Harris, Buena Vista

Louie Pella, Zolfo Springs, FL

Delrick Berrian, Tyrone

Jake McAllister, Mount Carmel, SC

Jared Williams, Piedmont, SC

Lee Hernandez, Bowdon

J. C. Cole, Jr., Brandford, FL

Lauren Hudson, Waverly Hall

James & Sharon Granito, Southern Pines, NC

Blake Soles, East Dublin

Micah Wells, Gainesville, FL

Chatt Jones, Twin City

Andrew Denman, Madison Addison Cook, Climax Joe Stephens, Whitesburg

Eddie Brannon, Zebulon Huriel Roblero-Lopez, Morgan

Kelly Cooper, Elberton Scott Baxter, Dallas Owen Gore, Tallapoosa

Dawson Clark, Athens

Darius Woodruff, Kathleen GW Jarriel, Gainesville, FL

William Scott, Butler James Farrow, Pitts Nema Mobley, Morganton

Ben Bynes, Wrightsville Mark Faulk, Hoover, AL

Drew Wesolowski, Canton Hunter Wesolowski, Atlanta Brian Wesolowski, Canton Dave Girardot, Cumming Shawn Lawrence, Dawsonville

Todd Burkhalter, Mineral Bluff Glenn (Rip) Montgomery, Cave Spring Jim McNair, Zebulon

Ricky Beckworth, Baxley Gary Burns, Pendleton, SC

Christian Hayes, Rome

Dale Robinson, Orange Beach, AL

Clent & Danielle Moore, Pine Mountain

Tom Bush, Hamilton

Doris Distel, Monticello

Matt Bohannon, Martin

Thomas Aderholt, Eastanollee Mark Faulk, Clewiston, FL

Riley Staudenmaker, Bethlehem Raylee Sparkman, Doerun

Laine Weeks, Norman Park

Payden Littleton, Moultrie

Coralie Gosnell, Tifton

Ashley Nichols, Rome

Austin Rosenburg, Elberton Kyleigh Rosenburg, Elberton Clay Taylor, Elberton

Matt & Kim Gulldy, Bowman Rick & Gina Thomas, Elberton Brooks Dickson, Elberton

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.*

NEW MEMBER

Member Information

Member Name:

RENEWAL

Operation Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Cell Phone: Email: County/Chapter: Recruited By:

Membership Dues

1 Year Regular Membership – State & Local Dues $50.00

3 Year Regular Membership – State & Local Dues $140.00

Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association (21 & Under) $15.00

GCA Young Cattlemen’s Council (YCC) ..........................................................$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

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS Monthly Devotional

By Chaplain and CFC Executive Director Dave Harvey

Matthew 28:18-20 18: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”

“I am with you always” – and folks, that is a promise from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. There are many teachings on the different great “I AM” declarations throughout the Holy Scriptures. And these declarations of Truth by Jesus were one of the reasons that the Pharisees, Sadducees and religious leaders hated Him. When He invoked the “I AM,” He assumed the position of Almighty God, and they just could not accept this teaching, especially from a carpenter from Nazareth. Their hatred was so strong that they completely overlooked the many miracles that confirmed His Lordship and established that He truly was the Messiah. In fact, their hatred was so intense and totally consuming that they carried out the illegal court hearing and condemned the Messiah sent by Father God and they even demanded the crucifixion of God’s One and Only Son.

Of the many teachings and declarations by Jesus of the “I AM,” this is the one that I hold very dearly and you should, too. I expect that most folks reading this know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord – and I certainly hope that all do, or will real soon. And most understand the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. We now have eternal life as children of the Holy God and as forgiven sinners, because of our Savior and Lord, God’s own Son. But we also have a promise directly from our Lord Himself that He will always be with us. And maybe that doesn’t mean much to you right now; maybe you are out in the wonderful setting of God’s creation and listening to God’s Word and hearing and singing praise to our Glorious Savior. But during those dark nights, during those times of testing and temptation, during those times of sorrow, grief, heartache and pain – those words will mean the whole world to you, and more.

What about the authority to carry out this promise? Words are just expended air unless the person making those statements and promises has the power and authority to carry them out and bring them to fruition. I could be very sincere and say to you that I would give you a million dollars, but that would not be worth much to you, because I don’t have a million and so I certainly couldn’t give you or anyone else a million dollars. I may want to, and I may wish that I could; but in this case, the wants and the wishes are not worth much. But as we see in verse 18 of our text, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’” Jesus declares that He has all authority, and that this authority has been given to Him by Father God. He has “all authority in heaven and on earth; this means that He can not only make this promise, but He has the authority to carry out this promise completely – and every one of HIS promises, too. Every part, every time and everywhere: no restriction, no weaknesses, and certainly no excuses. And this, my friends, is our Lord Jesus Christ.

All authority He certainly has, as He is the great “I AM” – and He has earned this right and authority by His Own Blood by the way of the cross. But there is another element that is needed in having “all authority,” and that is having the power

to carry out that authority: completely, in every circumstance, and in all situations. And as the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” And the spoken Word has all power, just as the Son of God has all power. I would like to share a little about the different translations of these three verses. The actual Holy Writings have “every knee bow” and “every tongue confess”: There is no should, would or could; and no maybe, will, shall, might or may. It is declared in God’s Holy Word that every knee will bow; there are no exceptions, no excuses, and no exemptions. And every tongue will confess; again, there is no should, would or could. This is because, cowboys and cowgirls, at the presence of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, everyone will be on their knees or flat on their faces – confessing, worshiping and acknowledging Jesus Christ, who has all authority and all power. Our wonderful Savior didn’t stop at the cross for us, He didn’t stop at the tomb, and He certainly didn’t stop at His ascension to the Right Hand of the Father. He is still our Lord and Savior, and He is our Great High Priest, and He is still with us every step of the way through this sinful and troubled world. What a promise. What a comfort. What a joy to know that the Savior, God’s Own Son, Master of the Universe, has promised to be with us, every day, and through the deep dark valleys and the high mountains of this life on earth. Please don’t take this promise lightly because this promise is sealed with His Own Blood – and that certainly gives you an indication of the depth, the width and the scope of this wonderful promise of Jesus Christ: “I am with you always.” And as I have said many times: All of God’s promises are facts – each and every one. God bless you as you seek Him, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Red Angus Dream Come True

By Shelby Kirton

Do you know that saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work”? Well, that fits the dynamic of what JYJ Red Angus is all about.

Jim and Jessica Yance of Columbia, Ala., are all about teamwork – from the establishment of their purebred operation JYJ Red Angus, down to raising their two sons: Tye, 11, and Reid, 7.

Flash back to Jim’s childhood. Growing up as a third-generation farmer under his dad and granddad, Jim started participating in the day-to-day chores at a very young age. “So, I’d say it was in my blood from Day One,” Jim recalls. As he grew older, so did his love for the industry; the drive to follow in the footsteps of his granddad grew even more.

His granddad began the family’s herd of cattle in the late 1940s; the herd contained mostly commercial cattle. “The challenge was that granddad’s herd was somewhat of a mixed-breed herd of cows. He was a member of the ‘Bull of the Month,’ club as I call it,” Jim explains.

After graduating high school, Jim packed up his belongings and moved to Tifton, Ga. There, he would begin his next journey in life: attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. This proved pivotal for Jim: “Being at ABAC allowed me opportunities I would otherwise never have. I was able to increase my knowledge of food-animal production and really start focusing on certain things I wanted to pursue after graduation.”

Jim began introducing Red Angus bulls into his commercial herd in the early 2000s. After seeing a dramatic improvement in the herd, he knew that his best option was to make a transition from the commercial herd to a purebred Red Angus herd. It was in 2006 that the newly married couple started their new venture and the JYJ Red Angus was established.

Building an operation from the ground up takes volumes of time, effort and stress. Jim and Jessica experienced this firsthand when starting up this

purebred operation. Jim stresses the rewards: “The process is long and often hard, but nothing beats seeing the cattle perform and reach the goals that you have set for them.”

JYJ Red Angus is a seed stock operation merged with their commercial herd, YJ Farms. Their operations include all the stages of ranching. This ranges from artificial insemination breeding, to embryo transfer, to producing beef for your plate –and everything in between. To ensure that each calf crop is better than the one before, the Yances have incorporated data tracking from birth to production and genomic testing. “This portfolio of information on each animal is used in helping us determine the right matings to produce a better calf crop with each season,” Jim notes.

With every team leader, you need a right-hand man – or in this case, a right-hand woman. Jim’s Wife, Jessica, is just that. Jessica works tirelessly behind the scenes; she organizes the operation’s schedules, data and day-to-day management on the farm, while still going above and beyond for her two boys and the family. The couple work closely together to maintain the common goal of a successful operation, while still being considerate and supportive of each other. Together, Jim and Jessica constitute the “dream team.” The legacy that they hope to carry on is that ranching is a family business and takes teamwork. Jim sums it up memorably: “So, we work hard and pray hard to keep our team strong because without each other we would not be who we are today. We strive to keep the ranch in the family and the family in the ranch.”

Along with maintaining JYJ Red Angus, Jim also serves as the Southeast Beef Specialist for Premier Select Sires. In this role, he assists cattlemen in breeding projects while also promoting advanced beef genetics.

Jim and Jessica strive day-in and day-out to improve their herd. When selecting new genetics,

they ensure that they include maternal traits that will produce not only high-performing and sustainable females but also genetically sound and proficiently functional herd sires. “Our animals are a lot like our kids in that we work hard to raise something that we’re going to be proud of.” And the Yances are rightly proud.

While the Yances may call Alabama home, Jim cites the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association as the important extended family to be a part of: “We believe that it is important because of the amount of knowledge gained, the exposure and introduction to new people with similar interests and a common passion.” Networking with others in the industry has allowed for many new doors to open for the family, and for new and innovative practices to be incorporated into their operation.

The Yance family ensures that their operation is surrounded by the Lord. “This is clearly evident in the daily life of a farmer or rancher as we watch, wait and depend on God for all things pertaining to this life – from the changing of the seasons, to the next rainfall, a new baby calf, or a new son or daughter. It’s all in His hands and in His time,” Jim emphasizes.

Jim and Jessica strive to teach others the vital importance of the cattle industry. They want the world to know that beef is safe. Today, cattlemen and cattlewomen across the country – just like Jim and Jessica – maintain the goal of raising high-quality, safe and nutritious beef. Jim is firm on this: “There has never been a more like-minded, goal-oriented group of producers all striving for the betterment of beef nutrition, quality, sustainability and consumption than the American rancher.”

Jim Yance concludes with strong advice for making a dream – any dream – a reality: “Stay positive! Anything worth fighting for will take a lot of hard work and grit – but keep pushing in a positive direction! Set your goals and don’t back down.”

Cattle industry friends,

Another year has flown by, and here we are getting ready for Christmas again. Some refer to Christmas as the “Giving Season.”

We were given the greatest gift of all by our Lord over 2,000 years ago when He gave us His Son, Jesus. Nothing compares – but our Lord did not stop there. He also gave us the gifts of family and friends for us to love, and livestock for us to care for.

Many years ago, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Foundation was formed to provide a conduit for our cattle family to give young folks a foundation in their livestock education. A foundation is what you build on and supports what you live in. Through the generous giving of many cattle families, the GCA Foundation has provided scholarships to hundreds of college students. Your giving has also provided the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association with financial underpinning so they are provided opportunities to learn animal husbandry and industry advocacy from the cattle industry’s perspective. The Young Cattlemen’s Council, where our leaders of tomorrow are being developed, is another benefactor of Foundation funds. I am happy to report that we have really good seedstock!

A couple of years ago, the Foundation undertook the creation of the Georgia Cattle Industry History Book to preserve the history and heritage of the industry. It is an award-winning documentary that chronicles the hard work and forward-thinking of many men and women who led the way. By buying one or more of these, you can contribute to the education of those who will carry the torch into the future. Ads in this magazine give instructions on how to order the books (see page 16).

The Foundation recently sent funds to help our cattle friends in Florida who suffered losses to their operations due to a hurricane. If you want to provide emergency funds to those in the cattle industry, please note it on your checks and send them to the GCA Foundation at the GCA office. We are working with the cattle organizations across the country anytime a disaster strikes one of our family.

As a final thought, lift up the great memories of those who have finished their work in the green pastures by providing a memorial gift that will build a foundation under a young person – so they too can someday stand in the sunshine in a lush green pasture and thank God for His many gifts. May this Christmas bring peace and joy to you and your family.

Steve Blackburn Chairman Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation

Optimizing Winter Forages for Spring-Calving Cows: Could There Be a Forgotten Player?

By Kendall Whatley, M.S.

In the Coastal Plains, the ability to extend the grazing season has allowed cattle producers more flexibility in choosing calving seasons, growing and stockering calves, and reducing the need for supplement. Cows require their highest nutrition from approximately 2-3 months prior to calving (late gestation) and until they are rebred after calving (approximately 3 months post-parturition). The effects of dam nutrition during late gestation, when 70-80 percent of fetal growth and development in utero occurs, have lasting consequences on postnatal growth and performance of subsequent progeny. Many cattle producers choose to calve in late winter or early spring, resulting in a higher nutritional requirement for the dam during this time period. Producers are constantly looking for alternative management strategies to help decrease costs and

improve profitability, and winter feeding is one of the more costly components of management for cattle operations. Fortunately, many producers in Georgia have the possibility to achieve a nearly year-round grazing season through improved grazing management strategies.

It is well known that cool-season annual forages are higher in forage nutritive value, and warm-season forages are typically higher yielding. However, a year-round grazing season cannot be achieved on a monoculture forage base of either cool- or warm-season forages. Further, there are times (typically spring and fall) when perennial forage production lags as we transition from cool- to warm-season or from warm- to coolseason growth. During these transitional growth periods, it can be difficult to fill the forage gap to

Student, and Jennifer J. Tucker, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia Photo credit: Clover - Shauni Nichols; Cows - Kendall Whatley

provide the needed nutrients for gestating cows. Utilization of grass and legume mixtures has been well studied for serving the purpose of bridging the grazing-gap. Southeastern producers overseeding warm-season perennial sods with cool-season grass/legume mixtures have customarily utilized true annual clovers (i.e., Crimson or Arrowleaf) that have more of a bang-and-bust growth pattern. These clovers tend to provide their greatest contribution to the stand at one significant point in the growing season. These legumes are a great option for producers to consider, especially those overseeding hayfields with the goal of gaining the nitrogen benefit without fighting additional species during the warm season. However, what if we had a legume option that could provide a contribution even when our warm-season pastures wake up?

Recent research at the UGA Tifton Better Grazing Program has focused on the integration of short-term perennial legumes into warmseason grass bases and has identified red clover as a potential legume that can extend stand contribution beyond a single flowering event in the growth season, providing contributions well into the summer in some instances. Combining red clover with a high-quality winter grazing option, such as annual ryegrass, could prove to serve the needs of a cow herd through the transition from cooler into warmer months, especially if overseeded onto an existing bermudagrass stand.

Annual ryegrass accounts for 135,000 acres of pasture in Georgia and is a common cool-season annual in the Deep South, potentially providing grazing from approximately late January through May, depending on planting date and location. This availability matches the time frame when spring-calving cows would have their highest nutrient requirements. Likewise, bermudagrass accounts for approximately 3 million acres in Georgia but serves little purpose before green-up in late spring/early summer. Thus, there is still a need for additional grazing options to fill the gap between the decline of ryegrass and the surge of bermudagrass. Interseeding an annual ryegrass and red clover mixture into established bermudagrass

could serve as an option to extend and transition the grazing season, provide additional necessary nutrients to dams, while increasing profitability by reducing associated costs with commercial feeding, additional supplementation, and nitrogen fertilizer. Nutrient needs for cows in early lactation are approximately 62-percent TDN and 11- to 12-percent CP. Looking at the proposed annual ryegrass and red clover system, annual ryegrass should contribute a TDN and CP of 60- to 65-percent and 12- to 16-percent CP, respectively, while the red clover offers approximately 20-percent CP and 60- to 65-percent TDN. With these nutrient characteristics combined with fertilizer cost savings from the nitrogen fixing properties of the legume component, this winter grazing mixture may be a value-added option for you and your operation next year!

As always, managed grazing will provide the greatest benefit of this system. It is well known that late-season annual ryegrass can have a delaying effect on bermudagrass green-up. Through timely forage removal under managed grazing, we should be able to effectively utilize this cool-season mixture of ryegrass and red clover and expect the red clover component to carry into bermudagrass green-up. Through this, we can develop a managed grazing system that transitions beautifully from our cool-season into our warm-season perennial pastures, helping better meet the nutritional needs of our lactating cows. Additionally, extending the grazing season allows us to be better stewards of the environment, reduce weather risk, increase animal performance through utilization of betterquality forages, decrease labor costs, and lower other feeding expenses.

*Research evaluations supported by the Georgia Beef Cattle Commodity Commission have been initiated in Tifton to further evaluate yield, quality, and rotation strategies of this mixture in the 2021 funded project: “Evaluating the potential of annual ryegrass and red clover overseeded onto bermudagrass sods to meet the nutritional needs of late-gestation and early-lactation cows during the spring transition.”

2022 Southeastern Hay Contest

Presented by Massey Ferguson

By

The Southeastern Hay Contest (SEHC) proudly recognizes regional producers who grow and harvest high-quality hay. Although we are all growing weary of the word “unprecedented,” there is no better word to describe this forage production season. Producers faced many difficult decisions this season with respect to managing high input costs. With record fertilizer and diesel prices, even the simplest task in the hayfield was scrutinized for its economic return! We want to praise our local and state Extension personnel for aiding in these decisions and educating producers on how best to balance agronomic productivity with economic benefits. On top of financial challenges, Mother Nature threw us a few curveballs in the Southeast this season. Many producers encountered extended periods of drought or heavy rain depending on the time of year, neither conducive for a successful hay harvest. High rainfall periods can also make insect control a challenge, especially for timing applications for the bermudagrass stem maggot and fall armyworms. It is not surprising that hay market reports are illustrating a downward trend in available hay for purchase. This severity of these implications will be felt this fall and winter as livestock producers are forced to make tough choices with regard to supplementation strategies. Hay testing will be more important than ever before!

The SEHC continues to fulfill their mission to bring awareness to the importance of hay testing and of managing feed demands based on nutritive value. The SEHC is celebrating its 18th year with 371 entries coming from nine states across the SE region. Producers can enter the SEHC in 7 categories of hay and baleage: warmseason perennial grass hay, alfalfa hay, perennial peanut

hay, perennial cool-season grass hay, mixed and annual grass hay, grass baleage, and legume baleage. The samples are ranked based on RFQ and the top 3 entries in each category receive a cash prize. The overall winner also receives a choice of the use of a new Massey Ferguson DM Series disc mower or RK Series rotary rake for the 2023 hay production season plus $2,000 in cash!

Despite the aforementioned challenges, we have seen some of the highest relative forage quality indexes (RFQ) ever. This year’s winners are presented on the table below. Our top prize goes to Beeson Farms in Climax, NC, with an alfalfa hay that broke the scale at an RFQ of 357. The SEHC award ceremony was held at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where winners were announced on October 18, 2022.

The SEHC continues to increase their reach and strengthen their commitment to education. In the upcoming year, we aim to host our second SE Hay Shortcourse in Virginia, lead a sponsored session on forage establishment at the American Forage and Grassland Conference, and more! Again, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of our Extension agents, who engage producers and collect samples, and our many sponsors, who support each of the categories. We encourage you to continue the tradition and “prove your hay is the best” by submitting samples to next year’s contest. Submissions are open year-round: check www. sehaycontest.com for more information, or contact your local county agent or forage Extension specialist.

The SEHC is a partnership between Cooperative Extension and private industry, who make this event possible.

Lisa Baxter (UGA), Leanne Dillard (AU), Katie Payne (VT), Marcelo Wallau (UF), and Uttam Saha (UGA)

Tentative Agenda

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

9:00 AM Large Equipment Exhibitor Setup S Exhibit Hall

2:00 PM General Exhibitor Move-In S Exhibit Hall

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

8:00 AM Attendee Registration Opens Registration Desk

8:30 AM Junior Contests

Speaking Contest - Seniors 103

Speaking Contest - Intermediate 102 Speaking Contest - Junior 101 Junior Cattlemen Quiz Bowl 104 Youth Photo Contest Hall

Committee Meetings Media & Communications Boardroom Membership & Services Exhibit Manager’s Office

9:30 AM Opening Session/Legislative Update S Exhibit Hall

10:30 AM Break

10:45 AM Cattle Health & Well-Being S Exhibit Hall 11:45 AM Break

12:00 PM Industry Luncheon S Exhibit Hall

1:15 PM Tradeshow Kickoff S Exhibit Hall

1:30 PM Production & Marketing Committee 104 GCWA Meeting 103 Tour Committee 102

3:30 PM Attitude Adjustment Hour Inside the Tradeshow

5:00 PM Tradeshow Closes S Exhibit Hall 5:30 PM Evening Receptions 103/104

Thursday, March 9, 2023

7:00 AM GCA Foundation Meeting Boardroom

8:00 AM Attendee Registration Opens Registration Desk

8:30 AM Cattlemen’s College Session 1

Track 1 101 Track 2 102 Track 3 103 Track 4 104 9:30 AM Break 9:45 AM Sponsored Symposium S Exhibit Hall

Thursday, March 9, 2023 - Continued

10:45 AM Break

11:00 AM Cattlemen’s College Session 2 Track 1 101 Track 2 102 Track 3 103 Track 4 104

12:00 PM Awards Luncheon S Exhibit Hall Organization Awards Scholarship Recipients

1:15 PM Tradeshow Opens S Exhibit Hall

1:30 PM Panel Discussion 104

5:00 PM Tradeshow Closes

6:00 PM Cocktail Hour S Exhibit Hall

7:00 PM Cattlemen’s Ball S Exhibit Hall

Cattleman of the Year GCWA Cattlewoman of the Year GCWA Hall of Fame Induction Junior Cattleman of the Year YCC Producer Development Award YCC Visionary Award GCA PAC Bull Credit Auction

9:00 PM Comedy Hour – Nick Morrison S Exhibit Hall

Friday, March 10, 2023

7:00 AM GCA Executive Committee Meeting Boardroom

8:00 AM Exhibitor Move-Out S Exhibit Hall

8:00 AM Closing Session Dining Gallery

8:15 AM Weather Outlook Dining Gallery

9:00 AM Break

9:15 AM Southeast Market Outlook Dining Gallery

10:00 AM Break

10:15 AM Board of Directors Meeting Dining Gallery

12:00 PM Adjournment (Agenda Subject To Change)

Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories: Update

By Binu T. Velayudhan, Hemant K. Naikare, and Jesse M. Hostetter, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia

As we prepare for the future, hopefully one that moves beyond the COVID pandemic, the Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (GVDLs) in Athens and Tifton are exploring new and innovative ways to provide the highest-quality and most technologically advanced services to veterinarians and livestock producers. We are developing new strategies to meet the changing needs of animal agriculture, and we are incorporating new cuttingedge technologies to ensure accuracy of results while reducing turnaround time for our clients. The top priorities of the GVDLs are to support animal and public health, and to safeguard animal agriculture, the largest sector of Georgia’s agriculture industry. This update provides a brief overview of our services for cattle producers, details our support for our communities during the pandemic, and offers a glimpse at new advances that will enhance our support of animal and human health in Georgia.

GVDL mission and support of the cattle

industry: The GVDLs are both fully accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratories with a shared mission to serve the animal agriculture industry and animal owners through excellence in veterinary diagnostic services. Supporting Georgia’s cattle industry is a top priority of the GVDLs. Both labs offer diagnostic testing for a vast array of viral, bacterial, parasitic, protozoal and fungal diseases in cattle. The laboratories provide regulatory testing required for livestock transport, as well as pregnancy

testing. The GVDLs offer surveillance testing for key diseases that impact production – including Bovine Viral Diarrhea, Anaplasmosis, Johne’s Disease, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus, and Brucellosis. In addition, the GVDLs perform diagnostic and surveillance testing for zoonotic diseases such as rabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis that affect cattle and threaten human health.

The labs have developed diagnostic test panels that look for multiple infectious agents in a single sample. This decreases time and cost for making a diagnosis. This includes the bovine respiratory disease panel, the bovine abortion panel, and a bovine diarrhea panel. Additional tests have also been incorporated that include new PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) panel tests for small ruminant respiratory disease, Clostridium difficile toxin typing, and C. perfringens toxin typing. We have also added new testing for Brucella antibodies. Most of the submissions that we receive are from veterinarians. However, to facilitate diagnostic testing for effective herd management, cattle and small ruminant producers can directly submit ear notch samples to test for persistent BVD infection, serum samples for pregnancy testing, and Johne’s disease testing on stool and serum samples.

Protection against new disease threats: The GVDLs maintain constant readiness to respond to diseases that are not presently on U.S. soil. If

one of these diseases, such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, ever entered Georgia or the U.S., they would devastate the state’s and nation’s economy. Both Athens and Tifton laboratories have federal support for this mission and are part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). The NAHLN provides infrastructure support to ensure that laboratories can respond rapidly to an animal emergency. Moreover, the highly skilled technical staff in the GVDLs have special proficiency training to safely handle and process samples during an animal health emergency. The GVDLs regularly participate in drills and exercises to better prepare them for an outbreak situation. A recent example is an exercise conducted by state and federal partners with Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in the Southeastern U.S. in Nov 2021 (FAD SAFE). This exercise was based on a scenario of a Foot-andMouth Disease outbreak in the Southeastern U.S. The Georgia cattle industry and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association played a significant role in coordinating various activities as part of this exercise.

An actual animal emergency requiring GVDLs’ response occurred after the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in backyard poultry. The GVDLs worked closely with the Georgia State Veterinarian’s Office and NAHLN to provide rapid PCR testing for suspect cases sent from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This threat persists and, if needed, the GVDLs can provide large-scale testing for HPAI within 24 hours. If this emergency was Foot-and-Mouth Disease rather than HPAI, the GVDLs would be equally ready to respond.

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic: During the pandemic, the GVDLs remained open and fully operational. In addition, the Athens laboratory performed COVID-19 surveillance testing for the University of Georgia community, while the Tifton laboratory performed diagnostic testing for five rural

hospitals and clinics serving more than 20 counties in South Georgia. Together, the two laboratories performed more than 135,000 COVID-19 tests on human samples to support Georgians through the crisis. Both laboratories also performed COVID-19 testing on animals including dogs, cats, gorillas, otters and lions. Currently, the Tifton laboratory is continuing COVID surveillance testing for companion animals and livestock in Georgia, which is funded through the CDC.

Capacity building and acquisition of cuttingedge diagnostic tools: Technological advances in diagnostic medicine are occurring at an amazing pace. This includes capacity to run large numbers of samples in a short time (high throughput) and testing for multiple disease markers simultaneously (multiplex). The GVDLs are actively working to incorporate new technologies, which will translate into lower cost and faster turnaround time to the client.

Many of our new diagnostic assays are in Molecular Diagnostics; this includes platforms such as PCR, genome sequencing, and mass spectrometry. Examples of new technology in the GVDLs include new instrumentation for rapid isolation of nucleic acid from a sample for PCR testing, robotics for automated and precise measuring and delivery of liquid samples into analyzers, and a new mass spectrometry instrument that can identify bacteria in a sample without the need for bacterial culture. These advances mean that results can get back to the client in less than 24 hours, compared to days or more than a week using prior methodologies. Further, this new technology significantly expands our testing capacity and makes initiation of large-scale testing possible with very little lead time. This is important should an animal or human health emergency occur where the expertise of the GVDLs is needed.

Georgia National Fair HEIFER SHOW RESULTS

Champion

Champion

Georgia National Fair

STEER SHOW RESULTS

Oct. 7-9, 2022

Perry, Georgia

JudgeS: Blake Bloomberg

Photos: Square One Agri Marketing

Grand Champion Steer Champion Crossbred Luke Mobley

Reserve Champion Steer Champion Maine Jaleigh Hurst

Shorthorn Reserve Champion Jacob Sheri

Simmental Grand Champion Chandler Thompson

Simmental Reserve Champion Kalyn Chambers

Market Heifer Grand Champion Presley McQueen

Market Heifer Reserve Champion Addison Fuchs

Shorthorn Grand Champion Aubrey Herndon

Chi-In uence Reserve Champion Metts Stalvey

Limousin Grand Champion John Haven Stalvey

Limousin Reserve Champion Carson Sinclair

AOB Reserve Champion Jessie Ann Blair

Charolais Grand Champion Jackson Medder

Charolais Reserve Champion Elijiah Pollock

Angus Grand Champion Madeline Haines

Angus Reserve Champion Amber Watkins

AOB Grand Champion Nolan Osborne

3rd Overall Steer Reserve Maine Maddox Miller

4th Overall Steer Reserve Crossbred Maggie Miller

5th Overall Steer Champion Chi-In uence Luke Mobley

UPDATE

By Zach Floyd

Hello everybody.

When I was a boy, I heard an old-timer say about his cows that you “can’t starve a profit in them.” As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that this is true about most things in life. If you ain’t givin,’ you ain’t gettin’ –and the holidays remind most people of that.

But cattlemen don’t need a reminder. We serve year-round. Day-in and day-out. On Christmas, too. We serve our cattle, and they are a reflection of our service. The more you put in, the more you get out.

People are the same way. At the Young Cattlemen’s Council, we are here to serve you!

Cow folks are extra-special. People who are used to serving animals are especially good to other people. They go above and beyond for others. I was reminded of this at our tailgate at the University of Georgia game versus Tennessee. I was overwhelmed by the spirit of service by all those who made it a success. Thank you to everyone who came – and Go Dawgs!

YCC will continue to serve and be a resource for our young producers throughout Georgia. We are a close-knit group that would love for you to get involved. We have lots of exciting things planned for the New Year, and we hope that you’ll join us.

Until then, keep your cattle fat and your fences tight!

Board Members

Chair Zach Floyd 229-309-4714 Zacharycattle@gmail.com

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

Region 3 Rep. Greyson Fernandez 706-604-6165 greyson@ivycreekcattlecompany.com

Region 4 Rep. Cody Copelan 706-473-4757 Codycopelan@gmail.com

Region 5 Rep. Coleman Harrison 229-403-8011 charrison@gmail.com

ABAC Rep: Brennan Hart UGA Rep: Moira Taber

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GCA Young Cattlemen's Council

Is a Hot Fence Hot Enough for the Law?

By George T. Ligon II, J.D., M. Sc.

Several months ago, I was retained to research and write a confidential memorandum for a potential lawsuit that a personal injury firm was considering filing against a cattle operation in Georgia. As the case has now been settled between the parties, I have received permission to discuss the generalities of the case for this article.

The facts of the case, which I have modified and simplified here, are that a driver, on a storybooklevel dark and stormy night, struck a calf standing on the shoulder of the road. The incident occurred at a sharp bend on a narrow country road. It is likely that the driver was going the speed limit, but that this was also too fast for conditions. The collision totaled the car and caused a moderate physical injury to the driver and a very slight physical injury to a child. However, the calf did not die instantaneously, and there was convincing evidence that the child suffered some lasting psychological trauma from seeing and hearing the calf die.

I’ll briefly note that damages on a trauma claim come with a fairly high burden on the Plaintiff; however, that is not my area of law and not why I was retained to consult on the case. I was retained because the cattleman’s fence, which bordered unusually close to the road, consisted of just three strands of standard 14-gauge electric wire. What’s more, the strands were droopy and all clustered together about waist-high, instead of being more evenly distributed.

Oh, and the fence wasn’t hot when checked by a state trooper who responded to the accident. A key point of contention for both sides was that this timing was uncertain: There was clear evidence for a downed limb being the culprit, but there was no evidence that the fence had been checked for at least three days. The storm could have brought down the limb, but the limb appeared rotten in one photo and may have fallen days earlier on its own.

One final complicating factor (and here I have done the most simplification of the actual facts) is that the owner of the land had his cattle in an LLC, and that LLC had an unwritten contract with a local farmer to manage the herd.

The question in any case like this comes down to reasonableness. What I was hired to advise on was a simple question, even if it sounds odd to phrase it this way: Was the “fencing practice” reasonable as a matter of law?

In doing my research, I learned that good fences may make good neighbors, but they also make for good lawsuits. American case law has largely evolved beyond its English origins, but had this case gone to court, I believe that English cases from the 1700s would have been among those cited.

One legal maxim directly traceable to those old English cases that frequently came up was that “for damage occasioned by the escape of stock, the agister is liable in case he fails to exercise ordinary care in maintaining reasonably good fences.”

This maxim received a similar if slightly modified endorsement in the 1903 case Arrington Bros. v. Fleming, before the Supreme Court of Georgia, whose official syllabus phrased it this way:

“An agister (one who grazes cattle for payment) is bound to exercise ordinary diligence for the safety of the livestock [e]ntrusted to his care. What constitutes such diligence in a given case is a question for the jury, and evidence that others, presumably men of ordinary prudence, acted in the same manner as the defendant in the matter as to which he is charged to have been negligent, is admissible to show that he observed the diligence required of him by law.”

All farmers, not just agisters, owe a duty of care to maintain adequate fences and to keep their livestock off the road. In this case, that was complicated by the lack of documentation on who was responsible for maintaining the fences.

Setting aside this third-party contractual issue, my case bore close resemblance to the recent Georgia case Faulkner v. Crumbley, 357 Ga.App. 594 (2020), which was the latest in a long line of lawsuits in Georgia stemming from similar facts. What made my case different was the fence itself. In Faulkner, the fence along the roadway portion of the pasture is described as being a “five-foot-high board fence with a five-strand barbed-wire fence.”

This sounds a bit more reasonable than three improperly slung strands of wire, which is exactly what part of my memorandum argued. Clearly, the

cattleman’s lawyers came to the same conclusion –because after much bluster, the case settled.

But one question that I did not have to address in detail was the electric fence aspect in iso, which is a question that no state seems to have dealt with conclusively. Can an electric fence alone be reasonable? Certainly. But what additional requirements for checking it to meet the duty of care might that entail versus any other type of fence? And how do you document it?

I wanted to discuss, to the extent allowed, these questions and suggest some best practices in response. Frankly, this case worries me for the long term. Jury pools, even in rural counties, are increasingly removed from the realities of farm life; this means that it is likely that the definition of reasonable in coin-flip cases will evolve against farmers over time.

Here are some ideas to consider implementing in your operation to reduce your liability exposure:

1. If you check your fences, document that in a log, just as you document your mileage for tax deductions.

2. If your fence borders a road, invest in a few extra strands of wire, and make sure that they are pulled taught and will look professional if photographed for a trial.

3. If you have a relationship with someone else who works your cattle (or vice versa), draw up a contract that shifts some of the burden and risk away from your own operation.

Emmanuel Agriculture to Offer Dr. Leslie Fordham Endowed Scholarship for Agriculture

Dr. Leslie Hart Fordham was a valued member of the Emmanuel Agriculture Department until her passing in June of 2022. She was a shining light in her classroom and shared her love of agriculture and her Christian faith with Emmanuel students for five years. She was a champion of learning through doing and used her connections within the agriculture community to provide experiences for students to learn and grow.

Because of her example of Christian love, she impacted the lives of countless students during her time at Emmanuel.

“Dr. Fordham’s love for God radiated off her and had a way of inspiring everyone around her, including her students,” said Emmanuel Agriculture alumna Grayson Richardson. “I will never forget how Dr. Fordham always empowered me to do more than I thought I was capable of. Whether we were working cattle or in the classroom, Dr. Fordham saw her students’ potential and believed in each of us. She taught us to trust in the Lord first and to find our strength in Him, and with God, we could do exceeding and abundantly more. She continues to inspire me every day as I strive to love the Lord as she did.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia Veterinary School, Dr. Fordham led a life of service to agriculture and her community. She was an active member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Georgia Veterinary Association. Leslie was a state officer and director for the Outdoor Dream Foundation. She also served as the Chairman of the Sacred Heart Medical Board and the Medlink Georgia Board.

Dr. Fordham’s family held on to the traditions of American agriculture and still operates Covenant Cattle Company, which is a fifth-generation farm. The family markets cattle in graded and group sales, along with selling naturally-fed beef from the farm.

A friend of Dr. Fordham and Emmanuel College has donated to establish an endowed scholarship in her honor. The Emmanuel Agriculture Department would like to match this donation so more funds can be raised to help students meet their financial obligations for college.

If you feel led to contribute, you can mail a check to Emmanuel College, PO Box 129, Franklin Springs, GA 30639, and write “Dr. Leslie Fordham Endowed Scholarship for Agriculture” in the memo; or give online at https://myec.ec.edu/ecart/?payee=donor.

Lexi Pritchard

At a young age, it can be scary to be involved in an industry where it can take decades to gain the knowledge needed to be successful. However, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association has contributed greatly to my confidence within the industry. Local meetings and state events provide excellent educational opportunities for furthering education. I take advantage of all that I can in order to learn more about such an important industry. Members can learn how to become more efficient and more profitable through the resources and research available within the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. As a young producer, I have been provided many invaluable connections and other opportunities. A few years ago, I utilized the Heifer Allotment Youth Program to buy my first registered Red Angus heifer. This heifer deepened my love and involvement in the show and cattle industry. I want to provide this same opportunity to other young producers. I am a member because education and support are the two most important factors in making sure that new and veteran members are successful in the always-changing cattle industry.

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.

$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

Katie Duvall

1941 Seven Islands Road Buckhead, GA 30625 (706) 248-2618 info@georgiaangus.org

Wilkes Barnett, President (706) 401-9157 wilkesbarnett1@gmail.com

Michael Cronic, Advisor mcronic99@gmail.com (706) 654-6754 Jr. Dues - $10 per

President: Todd Shultz

80 Collins Dudley Rd

Danielsville, GA 30633

Toddshultz4@gmail.com 770.652.5128

Vice Pres.: Skyler Davis

1132 Warbler Dr. Jefferson, GA 30549

littledlimousin@hotmail.com 770.307.7036

Georgia Limousin Association

Sec/Treas: Jodi Sizemore

149 Silver Dollar Road

Barnesville, GA 30204

Jodisi@bellsouth.net 770.358.6229

Directors:

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

IF YOU HAVE BRANGUS TO SELL, THIS IS YOUR SPACE! CONTACT

GCA TODAY OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@GABEEF.ORG.

IF YOU HAVE BRANGUS TO SELL, THIS IS YOUR SPACE! CONTACT

GCA TODAY OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@GABEEF.ORG.

COWS: % LEAN WEIGHT BULK LOW DRESSING HIGH DRESSING 75 80 850 LBS AND UP 60.00 74.00 58.00 73.00 69.00 81.00 80 85 850 LBS AND UP 58.00 77.00 50.00 68.00 69.00 84.00 85 90 800 1200 LBS 42.00 76.00 38.00 67.00 60.00 70.00

BULLS: YIELD GRADE 1 1000 LBS AND UP 85.00 100.00 69.00 90.00 90.00 109.00

FEEDER CLASSES: STEERS MED & LGE 1 WTD MED & LGE 2 WTD AVG MED & LGE 3 WTD AVG AVG 300 350 LBS 180.00 190.00 184.44 172.00 195.00 179.17 160.00 185.00 177.28 350 400 LBS 178.00 212.00 185.52 162.00 190.00 176.42 160.00 180.00 166.73 400 450 LBS 165.00 190.00 180.23 160.00 195.00 173.40 160.00 188.00 169.98 450 500 LBS 165.00 195.00 177.52 160.00 175.00 166.55 150.00 177.50 160.42 500 550 LBS 165.00 181.00 172.21 147.50 175.00 165.59 125.00 161.00 135.48 550 600 LBS 160.00 175.00 165.62 137.00 162.50 152 13 120.00 149.00 136.59 600 650 LBS 143.00 168.00 160.75 140.00 155.00 149.85 127.00 141.00 139.04 650 700 LBS 141.00 161.00 151 03 131.00 150.00 144.66 118.00 130.00 122.72

HEIFERS

300 350 LBS 150.00 160.00 156.09 140.00 170.00 150.90 116.00 162.50 140.46 350 400 LBS 150.00 165.00 155.75 130.00 158.00 145.33 115.00 148.00 132.28 400 450 LBS 140.00 159.00 152.40 125.00 157.00 139 93 112.00 150.00 132.92 450 500 LBS 137.00 157.00 148 42 125.00 150.00 138.50 110.00 138.00 126.79 500 550 LBS 135.00 155.00 144 46 124.00 141.00 134.37 109.00 131.00 121.15 550 600 LBS 132.00 158.00 141.66 120.00 148.00 130.80 105.00 125.00 115.98 600 650 LBS 122.00 149.00 137.39 117.50 136.00 123.36 105.00 123.00 115.07 650 700 LBS 116.00 136.00 126.29 109.00 120.00 116.66 90.00 120.00 105.23 BULLS 300 350 LBS 175.00 214.00 197.65 151.00 200.00 173.52 140.00 195.00 165.43 350 400 LBS 168.00 212.50 184.05 160.00 200.00 173.40 139.00 187.50 161.71 400 450 LBS 170.00 204.00 177.45 141 00 192.50 168.77 134.00 180.00 158.23 450 500 LBS 150.00 185.00 166.61 135.00 177.50 154.84 125.00 165.00 142.98 500 550 LBS 145.00 163.00 154.65 133.00 160.00 142.48 120.00 150.00 132.56

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Georgia Livestock Markets

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

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

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

Calhoun Stockyard Calhoun, GA 706-629-1900

Are you interested in measuring grazing success? One helpful tool to consider is tracking “Cow Days per Acre.” This simple formula measures how many cows graze a given acre for how many days over a grazing season. An example would be a herd of 60 head grazing a 12-acre pasture for a total of 36 days from April through October. The calculation would be: Cow Days per Acre = (60x36)/12 = 180 The value of the calculation becomes more apparent as you compare Cow Days per Acre for different pastures. If you have two pastures with considerably different values for cow days/acre, it might get you asking questions. Perhaps there is a difference in fertility management that is making one field more or less productive than the other? Maybe there is a forage variety difference and you are seeing the value in more grazing days from one variety over the other? Or perhaps it’s just a convenience issue and one field is more easily accessible than the other? Regardless, the calculation can help you measure what your herd is getting out of each acre, and as the old adage goes: “It’s hard to manage what you don’t measure.”

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December beef management calendar

General

• Do not graze winter annuals closer than 4”. Over-grazing can reduce winter forage production.

• Provide high-magnesium mineral supplement for cows on winter grazing.

• Treat for lice if not already done.

• Keep a close eye on cattle when grazing on crop residues and residual summer grass. Quality will decline rapidly now.

• Evaluate your winter feed supply. Consider the amount of grazing planted, condition of grazing fields, hay quantity and quality. There is still time to buy supplemental feeds at fall prices.

• Vitamin A supplementation might be needed if frosted grass or weathered hay is the primary forage source (1,000-lb cow requires 35,000 IU/day).

Spring Calving

(January, February, March)

• Move heifers into dry, clean pastures and check frequently. They should begin calving in December.

• Tag calves at birth. Record birth dates, tag numbers and cow ID.

• Castrate, dehorn and implant at birth.

• Check breeding dates on cows. Watch closely as due dates approach.

• Feed requirements increase about 10-15% during the last 30-45 days prior to calving. Do not underfeed in an effort to reduce birth weight.

• Check with your veterinarian about suggested pre-breeding vaccinations for cows.

Fall Calving

(October, November, December)

• Check cows frequently. Be ready to assist with calving if necessary.

• Castrate, dehorn and implant calves at birth.

• Tag calves at birth. Record birth date, tag number and cow ID.

• Start breeding heifers about a month before the cow herd. (They should weigh 2/3 of expected mature weight.)

• For a high percentage of cows to rebreed early, they must be in moderate to good condition. You probably need to start grazing or feeding your best hay now. Supplement as needed according to forage test.

• Check bulls’ semen before turning in with cows.

Beef industry calendar of events

December 2, 2022

Knoll Crest Total Performance Bull and Commercial Heifer Sale Red House, VA

December 2, 2022

Meadows Creek It’s All Black and White Bull Sale Letohatchee, AL

December 2, 2022

Georgia Bull Test Sale - Calhoun Calhoun, GA

December 3, 2022

The Source Bull Sale Nashville, GA

December 3, 2022 Heart of Alabama Bull Sale Brundidge, AL

December 9, 2022

Turner Co. Stockyards Breeder Cattle Sale Ashburn, GA

December 10, 2022

Cowboy Logic Sale Talmo, GA

January 14, 2023

Columbia Livestock Market Black Bull Sale Lake City, FL

January 14, 2023

Greuel Family Brangus Bull Sale Lake City, FL

January 14, 2023 Florida Bull Test Sale Greenwood, FL

January 21, 2023 Rolling B Ranch Bull Sale Yatesville, GA

January 21, 2023 Bull Hill Ranch Production Sale Gray Court, SC

January 28, 2023 Tokeena Angus Sale Seneca, SC

Feburary 1-3, 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show New Orleans, LA

February 9, 2023 30th Edition UGA Focus on Genetically Enhanced EPDs Sale Athens, GA

February 11, 2023

Black Crest Farm Production Sale Sumter, SC

February 18, 2023

Yon Family Farms Spring Sale Ridge Spring, SC

February 22-25, 2023 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show Perry, GA

March 1, 2023

Georgia Bull Test Sale - Tifton Irwinville/Chula, GA

March 8-10, 2023

Cattlemen’s Convention Columbus, GA

April 1, 2023

Circle G RanchesFemale Sale Adel, 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 23, 2023

Rocking W Angus Sale Jefferson, GA

May 31, 2023

Georgia HERD Program SaleCalhoun Calhoun, GA

Advertising Index

Adams Angus Farm ........................................................... 37

Advanced Power Equipment 77 AGCO 5

Agrimerica .......................................................................... BC

All American Panel 32

Bar C Cattle & Produce Company ............................ 76

Black Crest Farm 45

Bull Hill Farm Sale ............................................................. 62

Cattle Industry Convent.&NCBA Trade Show 24

Carroll T. Cannon ............................................................. 76

Continental Genetics 76

Columbia Livestock Market - Lake City Bull Sale ..... 7 Creek Plantation 32

Cuffy Creek Farm 44

Dixie Lix 76

Dogwood Genetics 76

Edward Jones ...................................................................... 78

Elite Livestock 14

Florida Bull Test Sale ........................................................ 44

FPL Food/Chatel Farms 60

Franklin County Livestock ............................................. 76

Georgia Angus Breeders 66-67

Georgia Hereford Breeders ........................................... 65

Georgia Limousin Breeders 68

Georgia Livestock Breeders ..................................... 69-73

Georgia Metals 27

Gold River Liquid Products 76

Godfrey’s Feed ...................................................................... 1

Graham Livestock 60

Greenview Farms .............................................................. 39

H & H Equipment 36, 77

Kuhn North America/Kuhn Knight ...................... 31, 45

Langdale Farms ................................................................... 78

Lee County Equipment 2

L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms Sale IBC

Lone Pine Charolais 31

Manor Timber Co 76

Mid Georgia Livestock Market ...................................... 76

Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales IFC

Mike Jones ............................................................................ 76

Nationwide Insurance (Bill Hembree) 78

NE Georgia Livestock ...................................................... 17

Pasture Mgmt Systems 57

Priefert/Fuller Supply ....................................................... 56 Ranchwork.com 76

Raymond James/Wealth Intelligence ........................... 78

Reid Brothers Irrigation 55

Reproductive Mgmt Services 76 Rockin R Trailers ............................................................... 77

Rolling B Ranch 12-13

Southeast Agnet ................................................................ 77 Southeastern Semen Services 76

Southern Agri-Gro ........................................................... 76 Tokeena Angus 3

Turner Co Stockyards ..................................................... 62

Tyson Steel 33, 77

UGA Genetically Enhanced EPDs Bull Sale .............. 36

Upson County Livestock 76 Vigortone 76

Wayne Ansley Semen Sales 76

West End Milling Company 76

Wolf Creek Farm .............................................................. 21

Yon Family Farms 9

Remember the real reason for the season

Thank you for another great year and God bless you all!! - Sam Duke

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR TEAM