‘Western’ \weh-strn\ : Situated in the West Also a term indicative of a certain type of lifestyle or livelihood
‘Martingale’ \maar-tuhn-gayl\ : A martingale is traditionally used as an equestrian tool that helps to direct or influence control of an animal’s head; this tool can also be used to reduce speed.
( Pas ture, Rangeland, Forage & Livestock Risk Protection)
•
• N o claim forms for PRF
• Q u i c k & e a s y c l a im
Le t CKP H e l p You Pro t ec t Your P RF & LRP so you :
• Protect your land and livelihood against potential losses due to lack of rainfall
• Make the most informed decision for your business
• Never purchase unnecessary coverage and pay more than you need
Red u c e ri s k a nd pro t ec t yo u r o p er a tion f rom t h e u n pr e dic ta bl e marke t s wit h
Lives t ock R isk P rot e c t ion ( L R P ) !
LRP can be used as a useful tool to securing lending for your operation! It provides year-round coverage on a per-head basis and a guaranteed price with no bid/ask spread.
Whe
PRESIDENT
Jerry Wroten (Wilder) 208-831-7339
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Spencer Black (Almo) 208-647-8130
VICE PRESIDENT
Val Carter (Pingree) 208-390-4811
PAST PRESIDENT
Kim Burton Brackett (Kimberly) 208-308-1952
TREASURER
Cody Hendrix (Rigby) 208-360-9693
FEEDER COUNCIL CHAIR
Shawna Gill (Grandview) 208-850-9076
PUREBRED COUNCIL CHAIR
Arnold Callison (Blackfoot) 208-681-8441
COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR
Roscoe Lake (Blackfoot) 208-604-3650
CATTLEWOMEN COUNCIL CHAIR
Tay Brackett (Filer) 208-866-4967
DISTRICT 1 REPRESENTATIVES
Eric Wittman (Lapwai) 208-790-5344
Cece Baldwin (Coeur d’Alene) 208-699-6611
DISTRICT 2 REPRESENTATIVES
Lori Ireland (Mountain Home) 208-866-0112
Royce Schwenkfelder (Cambridge) 208-550-2200
DISTRICT 3 REPRESENTATIVES
Chase Lanting (Twin Falls) 208-539-4371
Jesse Human (Jerome) 208-358-1277
DISTRICT 4 REPRESENTATIVES
Shane Rosenkrance (Idaho Falls) 208-589-3110
Chris Kirby (Salmon) 208-223-2258
DISTRICT 5 REPRESENTATIVES
Matt Thomson (Blackfoot) 208-589-6901
Tim Munns (Snowville) 435-279-4420
ALLIED INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Kody Dee Williams (Fruitland) 509-948-6430
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Casey Scott (Clarkston) 208-431-3024
Adrian Meyer (Grand View) 208-509-1892
CATTLEWOMEN BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Christie Prescott (Filer) 208-420-3548
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Cameron Mulrony cameron@idahocattle.org
NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY DIRECTOR
Karen Williams karen@idahocattle.org
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Michelle Johnson michelle@idahocattle.org
DIR. OF MEMBERSHIP & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
Morgan Lutgen morgan@idahocattle.org
Contact Idaho Cattle Association:
Mailing address: P.O. Box 15397, Boise, ID 83715
Location: 2120 Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705
Phone: 208-343-1615
For advertising sales, contact: idahocattlepublications@gmail.com
The Line Rider is the official publication of the Idaho Cattle Association. It is published 10 times each year, in January, February, March, April/May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December.
It all comes down to how you manage the prosperous times
“
Even if you’re on the right track, you will get run over if just sit there.”
–Will RogersLooking back over 2023, quite a few of our cowcalf operators across the state and region had a good year for prices, especially in comparison to previous years. Idaho has been blessed with the opening of three new meat processing facilities and our state has the ability to feed the cattle needed for those facilities. When you take a step back, one could say we are on the right track. But as Will said a long time ago, if we just sit here, we will get run right over.
It starts back at the ranch. Cow-calf operators are the foundation of the cattle industry that starts the whole process. We cannot thank Idaho cattle families enough for the work they do 365 days a year to raise an animal in the first step of the beef cycle. 2023 calf prices were amazing and there is promise of better prices in 2024; however, this doesn’t mean we can pull out the Hawaiian shirts, lounge chairs and a cold one. As with many industries, costs have increased in all areas and Idaho ranchers have not been immune to this rise in costs. Our operation just recently finished up the 2023 financials; we weren’t surprised at the increases that we expected, but we were humbled. Our calves and our neighbors’ calves sold for record prices; personally, it was a memorable experience hearing the prices and seeing the smiles on the old cowboys’ faces. Back at the ranch though, we also paid record prices in fuel, interest, and increased hay costs for the winter/spring of 2023 that we thought would never end.
BY JERRY WROTEN ICA President
In 2024 there’s a promise of better prices that keep the cattle sector in business throughout the beef cycle. There are also quite a few events happening as well outside our industry. Idaho and the nation have major elections that naturally will carry implications to our industry. There are still multiple conflicts happening across the world that affect the prices of the commodities we need in the operation. Inside the industry, over the next several months, our industry partners will be having their seed stock sales and there is a high probability that those sales will correlate with calf prices. When you look at the commodity boards, there is optimism for possible maintained feed costs in the grain and corn market. Winter is just getting rolling for Idaho. As I write this article, there are blizzard warnings flashing across my phone which makes my 73-yr old rancher (father) appreciate our newer, enclosed 4x4 tractor. But, need I mention the prices for equipment are not falling in value either?
As we stand here in a bright and beautiful new year, we can look around and feel pretty good about the tracks we are on. But tracks were built to be traveled and we are not alone on these tracks. The Idaho Cattle industry will keep moving forward with possibly small steps and hopefully great leaps and bounds. Building on our previous successes and taking advantage of our hard-won opportunities will continue to build our successful industry. There are still factors out there that can run us over, so don’t get caught flat-footed standing there and take advantage of where we are going.
As I write this today, we are in the swing of the legislative session here in Idaho. As always, this is one of the busiest times of the year. Winter beef schools, legislative events, bull sales, NCBA annual meetings, and the other events that take place in our lives as ICA staff and leadership are taking place all at one time.
This is no different for our operators on the landscapes. Calving, feeding, snow management or mud management (depending on your situation), freezing temps, and those wrestling tournaments, basketball games, FFA events, and local events. The days get shorter, and the hours get longer this time of year on our cattle operations, as well.
One of the things that often rises to the top of my realizations as we travel to events, whether work related or not, is the value of those individuals that are willing to take in information and make a decision. If you have read my past articles, this should come as no surprise. However, as we make decisions on our operations and as they make decisions across the nation, I want to touch on the importance of information.
It is easy to find the answer you are looking for in today’s environment. Dr. Google can give you any answer you are looking for, whether it is accurate or not; you can find something to back the decision you have made.
I once read a post on social media that was blasting an ag industry (not beef) for utilizing arsenic and in turn there was concern for eating the gizzards causing health issues. I usually do more looking than interacting on social media, however this one got my attention. I carefully constructed a response noting that I had no data disproving their comment, but rather asking where they had found this source of information, and in my response noted that we should use caution if we were going to make a statement disparaging the safest food supply in the world.
I quickly was questioned on how I could make such
BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President
a statement regarding the U.S. food supply, and that the backyard blog that had written the post regarding the arsenic issue was credible and I should not question the source. Where did I reference the food supply? The statistics on world food deaths and disease from multiple sources were not sufficient to ease the minds of the crew which had now gathered behind their screens to damn my comment.
My lesson that continues to come to mind is that the information we choose to utilize in our decision making can create positive and/or negative returns. Now each of us has trusted sources of information, and our own way of validating that information; let’s take our EPD’s: we all have some type of comfort level with the EPD’s provided by our associations. They may not be an exact science, but a tool we use. The results of which are tangible in our cow herds. We utilize the best information available to us to make our decisions and evaluate our risk.
Our decisions are made with an intent to make an effect on our cattle herd, operations, families, happiness, etc. The same is true for the votes made in our legislative seats and other elected officials. Their intent is to make the decision that they feel is best suited to provide an intended result. All this to say that we need to make sure that our information is sound. Our industry message is consistent and the reliability of the information we provide can be utilized by our decision-making bodies. If we provide sound accurate information and the decision is made that differs from your own belief, remember there is a vote to be made to speak your voice from time to time at the ballot box.
The legislative session here in Idaho is underway and we will watch closely as decisions that could impact our operations will see the floor this session. Please stay engaged so when the time comes, we can make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Happy Calving!
Over the Christmas break, we scheduled the vet to preg-check some of our cows while extra family members would be visiting and we would have a good crew available to help. My girls and I arrived at the appointed time to begin gathering the cows, as the rest of the crew assembled. My brother, however, had arrived a little early, and impatient to get started, had gone off to begin gathering before we were there and without providing any instruction to our extra help or co-
As experience has shown, ideas and actions need proper forethought, time, and debate and discussion amongst all who will be involved or impacted.
ordinating who would do what. We quickly got on our horses, but at that point, the chain of events had been set in motion. The cows, happy to follow the feed truck, quickly and easily went out the gate before anyone had time to fill the gaps in the fence along the road or get to the corner to head the herd in the right direction. Thrilled with their new-found freedom, the cows quickly forgot about the feed truck and scattered—few of them in the right direction. It certainly wasn’t a catastrophe. The cows were easily re-gathered and corralled. However, it was completely avoidable and wasted valuable minutes. Taking a little time on the front end to make a plan and provide instruction to the
BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director
help rather than hurrying off would have, ultimately, got the job done quicker than did rushing to get started early.
It was at that moment that I had the epiphany that being in a hurry usually ends up costing extra time. There really is something to that age-old adage, slow and steady wins the race.
Looking out my office window now, I see blowing snow and ice-covered roads. If I were driving in these conditions, the worst possible thing to do to get to my destination more quickly would be to hit the gas. Although it may feel counterintuitive, the more time you take on the front end, the better you communicate, and the more methodical your approach, the quicker a job gets done, and done right.
This theory is certain to be tested in 2024. Over the next few months, we’re going to see a rush of regulations pushed out from the Biden Administration as the end of the President’s first term nears, the election approaches, and his presidency potentially comes to an end. In December, the Administration released the President’s Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions which details a staggering list of 3,200 rules that will be issued this year. The administration will be in a big hurry to finalize rules during the first half of this year because of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA enables Congress to overturn rules within 60 legislative days, which puts the timeline for rule finalization sometime around late spring or early summer. Any time after that and the rules are at risk of being overturned by the next Congress if there is a change in administration after the election.
Plan to see a rash of regulations that are in line with Biden’s ambitious climate agenda. Closer to home, and more direct, we are expecting the forthcoming
release of rules we have been expecting that have the potential to greatly impact Idaho cattle producers. Although the timelines are not being shared publicly, indications are that in late February, the much anticipated and feared updates to the BLM’s sage grouse management plans will be released for public comment. If the administration adheres to the state-led guidance, we will be satisfied, but if they choose to return to some of the restrictive provisions from the 2015 rule, we will be on the fight.
Around the same timeframe, two renewable energy-related plans from the BLM will be released. The Lava Ridge wind energy development project final decision will be issued and a Draft Utility-scale Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be opened for public review and comment. We are opposed to large scale renewable energy projects that disrupt grazing permits. You’ve heard me say it before, utility-scale solar development on public land scares me and in a recent meeting with state BLM officials, we learned that there are multiple applications from energy companies for solar developments on BLM land across the state.
And then, our worst fears could come true later in the spring when the BLM’s Conservation and Landscape Health Rule could be made final. It is currently sitting at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.
The wheels of government certainly turn slow, and many of these issues have been stalled for the past three years, so it may seem like a contradiction to say that these rules are going to be rushed through. Despite their taking a long time to be released, there will be a rush to finalize them once they are released to the public will review. By law, there are timelines that must be upheld for public comment, but you had better believe that these timelines will follow the shortest possible route and there will certainly be no comment deadline extensions to provide ample time to review and respond to voluminous federal rules packages. In other cases, as with the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, regulations grow out of internal backroom discussions within the administration and are pushed out without the benefit of any outside input before being drafted.
As experience has shown, ideas and actions need proper forethought, time, and debate and discussion amongst all who will be involved or impacted. Otherwise, rushing them through turns into a long, drawn-out process. These forthcoming rules will not have benefitted from these three essential aspects of time, forethought, and discussion. As a result, there will be ensuing years of litigation and cancellations and redrafts, taking far longer to reach resolution than if conducted properly in the first place.
One of the greatest things about our livelihood is the endless supply of cowboy quotes, and wisdom that gets passed around. One that I heard this past year goes, “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!”
As is common for this time of year, I spend a lot of time reflecting on last year and how I can make this new year better than last. When I think how last year started, we were already 2 months in to a LONG winter. Right after the new year our family experienced an accident that involved our 3 year old daughter getting run over by the feed tractor. Although she was bruised from the top of her head to the bottom of her foot, and required 3 days in the hospital
“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!”
for some internal injuries, she miraculously recovered quickly and was back to her old self before calving season. It was a terrible experience for a parent to say the least. But as terrible as it was, we got to see and feel firsthand the goodness and love of our family, friends and neighbors, which will always be a cherished memory.
Little did we know, that calving season here in eastern Idaho would be possibly the most difficult we have ever experienced. Day in and day out, week after week, was filled with plowing snow, and putting out straw, just to wake up the next day and do it all over again. Fences were buried in several places and the drifts were so hard that the cows would just up and leave. However, once we survived calving season and
BY ROSCOE LAKE Cow-Calf Council Chair
the calves were all branded, things started to really look up with incredible grass, and several days of trailing cattle without any dust.
I don’t mean to share this as a reminder of the hard days that we faced, but as a reminder that things will always get better. The sun will always come up and the grass will always start to grow. While we can’t do anything about the weather, there are always things we can learn that will make it easier to manage or navigate those types of experiences if we face them again. Our operation, for example, learned some things that we will implement this year that will hopefully provide better protection from not only the weather but from disease as well.
As this new year is already unfolding, it is exciting to see a great cattle market, lower feed costs, and moisture that will surely help us come spring. As we all get wound up in calving, or bull sale season, I hope we can remember the things we have learned and continue to be grateful for our industry and livelihood. Even with the challenges we face, it is still very rewarding to be in the cattle business and to be a part of ICA.
SimAngus
ALSO OFFERING 25 SELECT ANGUS AND SIMANGUS REPLACEMENT HEIFERS. Producing the best maternal cattle with superior marbling. Multiple generations of proven genetics. All bulls on test at Double M Feedlot, Stanfield, OR.
BY MORGAN LUTGEN Director of Membership & Industry Engagement
Have you ever met someone who, in one-on-one conversation, has the most valid points, inspirational takeaways, and passionate viewpoints, but in large groups struggles to speak up? Maybe you’ve had that exact description applied to you personally, but when it comes to taking action on a bigger stage or committing to long term leadership in an organization you believe in, you just aren’t in a position to move to that level. Here at the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA), we are always seeking passionate, vocal leaders to step into a variety of roles, and our staff thrives in a space where we get to advocate for our members with Idaho’s legislature and regulatory agencies. But, as it’s been mentioned before, the political landscape is changing before our very eyes and while ICA will certainly be a stronghold amongst agricultural groups when it comes to taking action on the Idaho beef industry’s behalf, there is absolutely a growing need for those within our industry to speak up individually. Enter: the Western Martingale!
You may be asking yourself “the what?” or, reading this with a completely bewildered expression at this point, and I’m just here to tell you, that’s okay! Over the last few months, the team at ICA has been crafting a platform designed specifically for supporters of Idaho’s beef industry and we gently began rolling this out, testing problems and making tweaks during late summer of 2023. We were fortunate to be able to present a live demo to our members who attended the ICA Annual Convention in Sun Valley back in November and since then, you’ve likely seen a small piece in the convention recap, read about it in Cameron’s musings in Line Rider, or maybe seen an advertisement for it in our magazine. All of the careful planning and testing has led us to this: the 2nd regular session of the 67th Idaho Legislature. The main purpose of this platform is to be used as a vehicle directly to our state legislators and now that the session has begun, February is traditionally where we start seeing bills and issues of interest and impact begin to roll in. I’d like to start by giving you a little background on the naming of the site, as well as its purpose statement.
The naming of “The Western Martingale” was crafted from a desire to specifically note, not only our geographic region (and similarly, geographic isolated issues), but also the term encompassing a way of life: WESTERN. Additionally, a (running) martingale is traditionally used as an equestrian tool that helps to direct or influence control of an animal’s head; this tool can also be used to reduce speed. And so the platform was named, the Western Martingale.
Livestock, and cattle in particular, are an important (if not vital) component of the economy & landscape in the Western United States. While the Idaho Cattle Association serves
as the official front-facing voice for all segments of the beef industry in Idaho, many times there are opportunities for our members & supporters to advocate individually as well. Just as the horse - a powerful animal in its own right - requires guidance by the influence of a martingale, so do our state lawmakers and agency officials responsible for enacting policy affecting those in the beef industry of Idaho.
This site serves as a corral of sorts for this “martingale of influence” that those within our industry can use when it comes to taking action on policy. It will provide information and quick action resources to facilitate commenting and participation on legislative policy and regulatory rulings with potential impact to the beef industry in Idaho.
You can visit the site and peruse it at your leisure (hopefully not too leisurely though, you may need to jump into action sooner rather than later!) and get acquainted with the features. I’d like to point out that simplicity is the key and the site is built to house information and action steps for individual issues or bills. Our intention is to house in one place the bills, proposals and rulemakings that directly impact Idaho’s beef industry, along with a clear path of progression. Within each action’s landing page, there will be:
● a description of the proposal,
● any background information (disseminated from reading bill text and translated to more digestible terms),
● what it means for the cattle industry,
● does ICA support or oppose and,
● how can you (the individual) take action.
Past this, there could be subpages to designate ways to engage – in some instances, you could sign onto ICA’s comments (although ICA writes comments on behalf of members as a group, a lengthy list of individual signers, industry supporters and a variety of segments lends additional “weight” to our comments). In others, submit your own comments or follow a bill passed in the legislature to a regulatory rulemaking (if applicable, as an example).
Doubling down on the “simplicity” factor that I mentioned earlier, when you choose to submit individual comments (be it to a committee, House or Senate, etc), our team will be working to provide pre-written text that is then selected based on a segment – for example, if an issue directly relates to public lands, then you could select
“Western Martingale is very easy to navigate. I am not too tech-y, so to get through this and know my voice is heard and headed to the right place is priceless. Don’t be afraid to jump in the deep end and use this great resource!”
Arnold Callison (Blackfoot)
your segment as a, let’s say, “cattle producer – public lands permitee” or “cattle producer – in state”, there will be short form text automatically generated (having been crafted by our team at ICA) to help with making action quick, easy and accurate. Furthermore, this text can be edited by you to include specific references to your operation or include other items that you wish to highlight!
The platform was built to focus on state issues, and most specifically those going through Idaho’s state legislature, so we have utilized a rolodex of legislators (and their public contact information) in their committee roles to make sure that submitted comments for particular issues are going to the attention of the correct lawmakers for that stage (say, the House Ag Committee, for example). This takes any guesswork out of it for you and further streamlines the process of making comments on behalf of Idaho’s beef industry.
Currently, the Western Martingale is housing an example of legislation that went through the full process in the 1st session of the 67th Idaho Legislature held in 2023 : SB1049. Please note, this was REAL legislation and a true example of how the process played out. It was supported by ICA at a couple of stages, and ultimately passed the legislature - SB1049 has been enacted as law following the regulatory rulemaking through Idaho Department of Lands in 2023. While your comments won’t be directed to the legislature in this instance, this legislation serves as a demonstration/sample on the site so that users can become familiar with features and get acquainted with the flow. Also currently on the platform is proposed federal legislation to
fully delist grizzly bears, S. 2571 known as the GRRR Act. While ICA aims to focus attention on state matters, when a federal issue arises that is introduced by the Idaho delegation and is impacting Idaho producers, we felt it important to engage our membership. While the previously mentioned legislation (SB1049) is shown as a sample, the GRRR Act is actively open for commenting! When you visit www.westernmartingale.com, be sure to submit your comments via the preferred action through the GRRR Act/S. 2571 landing page. These comments will be delivered to our Idaho Senators Mike Crapo & Jim Risch.
If you’re not ready to submit comments, the website also has a form for those who want to subscribe to action alerts and bill/proposal updates – these will be delivered via text and email to facilitate quick action in the preferred modality for the recipient. As of this month (February), all current ICA members will be automatically added for alerts from the Western Martingale!
Hopefully this article has painted a picture for you about the purpose and usage of this new tool – our staff and leadership are looking forward to leading the charge in the West to protect the cattle industry! If you’d like to come by the office for a live demonstration, or give us a call with any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Preserve. Promote. Protect. How do my interactions and actions on behalf of the beef cattle industry at the Idaho Capitol reflect the three aforementioned words and further our mission? Those three words mean something to us all and can be drawn back to the simple roots of why we are members of this organization. Whether you’re a fourth-generation rancher following a long lineage of ranchers before you, or you are just starting into the industry those three words offer a type of sanctuary when we work to effectuate them. When you start to analyze them from the public policy lens, they also play a large role in how I analyze policy being presented within the walls of the statehouse. We promote those policies that will strengthen our grazing and protein interests in Idaho. We work to protect the cattle industry from unfriendly policies because what we have in this great state is truly a gem when you start analyzing our neighboring states. Through promotion and protection we find ourselves preserving what has been built by the grit and hard work of those generations involved in ranching that came before us. Now, a look at some of the policy swirling this session and how our mission or slogan affects what I do in the statehouse.
A top priority for the ICA board is supporting legislation that would establish a Rangeland Improvement Program. Notice how we use the word establish, and not create. All the necessary components are already in existence – the grazing advisory board and a department inside ISDA that deals with rangeland monitoring. This legislation would simply weave them all together. Ideally, we would put forth a framework and funding for a framework, but our conservative approach this year is to chalk up a success if we get a framework instituted. This is the promotion of a new idea and program that would ideally lead to preservation of our industry.
An issue that has plagued my inbox for more than one session has been the discussion around changing or updating Idaho’s fence laws. In a recent roundtable with legislators and several stakeholders we have also started to look
BY PATXI LARROCEA-PHILLIPS
at whether updating the estray statute in Idaho Code would be an ideal place to look to make sure bad actors are not painting a bad picture for our industry. In any changes to fence or stray statutes we are keeping open range at the forefront. Protecting open range is a large driver of making sure we get any changes to fencing or stray statutes correct.
The Idaho Brand Board initiated negotiated rulemaking during the interim that would increase the fee collected per head to $1.25, from the current fee of $1.19. This process was preceded by 18 months of stakeholder discussion to determine if this was the correct path for the industry; and it was not a decision taken lightly. The brand board inspects all the cattle in the state when a sale occurs to determine ownership. Additionally, the brand board investigates any potential claims of theft. Stakeholders circled the wagons on the board because it appeared that the board could be in financial trouble as it is runs solely on dedicated funds or funds derived from the fees assessed, and stakeholders wanted to make sure we looked at all potential avenues before instituting a fee increase. Inflation and the cost of doing business has put the board in a pinch because the amount of income is directly tied to the number of animals assessed. The board was fine in 2021 and 2022 because the drought that we suffered in Idaho caused the number of head that were inspected to increase. However, as the cattle herd is rebuilding and inspections are slowing down a touch, costs continue to stay inflated to some degree. Hopefully the 6-cent increase will hold the board steady for the foreseeable future. Making sure the board is properly funded protects our industry.
How can you provide input? I will be working alongside ICA staff to make sure that any direct and impactful legislation is worked into the new Western Martingale site. This is where we will need you to incorporate your feedback because that is what drives our decision making. Remember, we all can have a hand in preserving, promoting and protecting this great industry.
»
»
»
»
»
»
»
»
»
Why your Beef Checkoff is used to educate the world.
Of all the programs supported by the Checkoff Dollar at Idaho Beef Council, research might be the most misunderstood of them all. Why do we spend all this money on learning about the “effects of daily beef intake, as a component of a heart-healthy diet, on cellular zinc status?” What difference does it make to cattle producers if “media is concerned about the emissions related to beef production?” How do these projects equal more sales which brings more dollars back to you, the producer? The answers might surprise you.
The utilization of Checkoff dollars stands as a pivotal force propelling the cattle industry’s pursuit of cutting-edge research and innovation. Through strategic allocation and reliance on the three pillars of sustainability beef research – social, environmental, and economic – we empower researchers and experts to delve deeper and amplify the impact of their work. Your dollar goes to shape the future of beef production, ensuring its resilience, sustainability, and profitability for generations to come.
The social aspect of beef sustainability research has to do with many important factors including the safety and efficiency of the cattle ranch - including worker and animal safety - antibiotics and technology use,
and even the traditions and culture of beef producers.
Studies being done now in this area are pivotal to the future of beef production in the U.S. Key insights have been published related to the human benefits of cattle grazing rangelands or the social sustainability of communities with beef production systems along with many others. You can find many of these studies at beefresearch.org/sustainability or just scan the QR Code below!
It isn’t enough for the cattle rancher community to know that beef is a sustainable, safe, and healthy protein, it is also important to the consumer. This is why “The Consumer Beef Tracker”, a continuous online survey is run by the NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. The survey tracks consumer appreciation of taste, price, convenience, health, safety and how beef is raised. When consumers are asked if they have concerns about how beef is raised, more than half do not. Of those that do have a concern, animal welfare is the most important factor. That is why being Beef Quality Assurance certified is so important for all producers which goes towards a more socially sustainable industry. See “The Consumer Beef Tracker” for yourself at beefresearch.org.
Sustainability has become a hot topic around the beef industry. Meeting the growing demands for nourishment and high-quality protein while safeguarding the future’s resources is a tough row to hoe. The commitment to growing beef involves being aware of the many factors that go into sustaining your land while being cognizant of the environmental impact of your herd. Not only that, but outside sources question the producer’s actions without knowing the facts of the beef business. Thankfully we have research and from that the knowledge to help outsiders understand the truth about raising cattle. From optimizing grazing practices to promoting land conservation to increase the yield from each carcass, the practices being used today were developed by research groups funded by the Beef Checkoff. Emissions are often a topic brought up and research has put not only global emissions (the U.S. beef industry is at least two times lower than Argentina or Australia ) in perspective but also U.S. emissions in perspective, hormone use, water quality on the ranch, carbon sequestration and methane emissions. Environmental impact research isn’t just something that the beef industry funds, but something that our cattle ranchers and producers use to increase production while also increasing the viability of their land. It’s this type of research that cultivates our legacy and leaves something better for the next generation of producers.
Environmental research isn’t just about sustainability, but also about the animals on our ranches and feed yards. Research shows us that the ethical treatment of livestock, fostering transparent supply chains and embracing sustainable practices isn’t just better for producers, but produces better beef for consumers.
Agriculture is a driving force in the United States and beef and cattle ranches make up 30% of it in the United States, making it the biggest sector in the country. The economy of beef isn’t just important to fellow ranchers but is a driving force in the whole U.S. economy. Economic research around beef sustainability includes studies about the economic consequences of removing grazing from federal lands or the economic value of wildfire breaks in grazing lands. Additionally, con-
sumer insights, and consumer demand drivers that include fascinating studies on consumption and a variety of topics that relate to beef, and the protein landscape are on beefresearch.org.
A major resource for beef and cattle producers that is done by NCBA is the “National Beef Quality Audit.” This report, conducted every five years, is done with Checkoff dollars through the Beef Quality Assurance program and is a “report card” on many aspects related to the quality in the U.S. beef supply. This audit, which can be found at bqa.org,
gives a deep dive into not only the quality of beef being produced, but the many aspects of how that quality was achieved including transportation, sustainability, and other factors such as how cattle brands or the presence of horns affects the quality of beef produced. For example, did you know that the USDA Yield Grade has increased consistently since 2011? This means the quality of beef that is being produced is getting better and better over time more money is going into producer’s pockets. A winwin because of beef research.
As hard as you work for your Checkoff Dollar, the dollars that are invested in research work hard providing key knowledge and proven insights that are used to increase awareness, beef consumer demand, and the ability to increase profits. Whether it’s through convincing consumers on the fence to purchase more beef or giving cattle producers a better understanding of how to properly raise livestock to increase carcass volume, the research program not only helps us today but illuminates pathways that will secure the future of the beef industry.
1U.S. vs Global Emission Intensity – https://bit.ly/41ROR8R
A new randomized, controlled trial, the gold-standard in nutrition evidence, shows that individuals have more choice in how much of their healthy diet can be from lean, unprocessed beef without increasing risk factors for heart disease or diabetes. It adds to the growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that lean beef can be part of a diabetic friendly diet that supports metabolic and cardiovascular health.
The 33 study participants (26 women and 7 men) were at risk for type 2 diabetes. Cardiometabolic risk factors were measured at the end of each feeding phase and compared within the same individual throughout the trial.
About half of participants started the USDA Healthy eating pattern with up to 1.2 ounces of red meat per day.
(USDA-CON)
About half of participants started a a similar pattern that contained an additional 5.3 ounces of lean, unprocessed beef per day in place of refined starches.
(USDA-LB)
Measured cardiometabolic risk factors after 28 days
Participants were allowed to eat freely for 14 days or more as a “washout”
Fed the opposite diet for 28 days
Measured cardiometabolic risk factors after 28 days
Individuals have flexibility to include up to about 6 ounces of lean, unprocessed beef in daily healthy diets without increasing risk factors for heart disease or diabetes.
The same individual’s risk factors were compared between the two diets
Most indicators of cardiometabolic health, such as insulin sensitivity and LDL cholesterol, did not differ between the two diets.
The only significant difference observed was a shift toward a greater percentage of cholesterol carried in larger, more buoyant LDL particles during the higher beef diet. More buoyant LDL particles are considered a favorable finding as they may be less likely to promote atherosclerosis.
University of Idaho
Grazing and hay were in good supply this year. However, a planned winter-feeding program that is based on individual ranch resources will still be critical to producing a healthy calf and a fertile cow next spring. Working with an Extension professional or consulting nutritionist on a custom program for your ranch is important.
While working on a winter feed plan reducing costs is always a consideration; however, gestation, especially late gestation, is not the time to be making cuts if it compromises cow nutrition. Nutritional recommendations for gestating cows have generally been based on insuring cows were in body condition score (BCS) 5 at calving. Considerable research indicates that cows that calve in BCS 5 (BCS 6 for 1st calf heifers) tend to have healthier calves and breed back earlier. However, the trend to get cows fat early in winter and allow them to lose weight before calving to get to BCS 5 may not be a good idea. Similarly, allowing cows to consume low protein range or hay without supplementation may cause problems for the calf. There is increasing evidence that nutrition during late gestation has profound effects on the calf which affect subsequent performance throughout life.
Maternal nutrition during gestation impacts fetal growth and calf vigor. Cows consuming high energy diets during late gestation give birth to calves weighing 5 to 8 lbs more than calves from restricted fed dams. Contrary to conventional thinking, late gestation reduction in energy does not decrease calving difficulty or dramatically decrease calf birth weight. Severe reduction in
gestation nutrition may compromise calf survival especially in heifers. Calves from undernourished dams are more susceptible to hypothermia, respiratory disease, and scours.
Last winter, we saw more weak calf syndrome or similar symptoms in some areas of Idaho. Weak calf syndrome has many factors. In some cases, BVD may be involved. In most cases, it is combined protein, vitamin and trace mineral deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies need to be addressed at least 30-45 days before calving (60 days is better) to prevent weak calf syndrome.
Protein - Cows consuming range or hay that is low in protein (< 8-9% CP) may or may not lose weight depending on the energy content of the forage. However, these cows can produce “weak calf syndrome” calves. Low protein decreases the ability of the cow to efficiently digest forage which results in less energy reaching the calf. Calves from protein deficient cows are unable to generate body heat from brown fat as effectively as calves from well fed cows. Therefore, the calves from protein deficient cows are more susceptible to hypothermia. To prevent protein deficiency, ranchers should test hays and silage for nutrient content and supplement protein as needed. Energy should be supplemented if needed.
Vitamins – Vitamin A and E deficiencies are associated with weak calves. In a recent report from the Iowa State diagnostic lab almost 100% of calves submitted as weak calf mortalities were vitamin A deficient. Vitamin E deficiency Hay and dormant range
are deficient in vitamin A and E. After 3 to 4 months without green growing forage, cows become deficient in vitamin A and E. So, by the time spring calving cows are in late gestation, they are deficient in vitamin A and E and so are their calves. Cows need 30,000 to 45,000 IU vitamin A per day and 300 IU vitamin E per day. Usually, daily vitamin supplements are provided along with the mineral supplement. Injections can also be used which will give a 1-to-2-month supply. Vitamin A is very sensitive to heat so proper storage of supplements is important.
Minerals – Analysis of mineral status of weak calves indicates that copper, iodine, and selenium are the primary deficient trace minerals. It is important that high concentrations of these minerals are supplied to cows. Mineral content of hay and silage vary greatly across the state; therefore, it is important to use a mineral supplement designed for your region.
Calves after birth – Proper nutrition for cows is the most important method to prevent weak calf syndrome. However, supplementing calves after birth with injectable minerals and vitamins can improve outcomes for all calves.
Research indicates that the nutritional environment in utero may affect an offspring’s long-term growth, health, and reproductive ability. Often called “fetal programming”, it appears that fetal nutrition may activate different genes which affect biological processes later in life. For example, steers born to cows that were supplemented with protein during late gestation were heavier at weaning, produced heavier carcasses, and had better marbling than steers from unsupplemented cows (Table 1).
While an ever-expanding volume of research is giving insight into how prenatal nutrition affects growth and metabolic functions in the postnatal animal, limited information is available on the long-term effects on female offspring. A classic study by Nebraska researchers discovered that protein deficiency in late gestation results in heifers having greater difficulty becoming pregnant (Table 2). Heifers from dams that were protein supplemented were heavier at pre-breeding, pregnancy exam and the beginning of the second breeding season. Interestingly, heifers from protein deficient
dams were the same age at puberty as heifers from the protein supplemented dams, but fewer of these fetally undernourished heifers became pregnant or calved during the first 21 days of the calving season. In another study, more heifers from unsupplemented dams failed to reach puberty before the breeding season compared to heifers from protein supplemented dams. Therefore, in the Nebraska studies undernutrition during late gestation produced heifers that were smaller and more reproductively inefficient.
This year’s winter-feeding program can have an impact on this year’s calf survival as well as next year’s calf weights and replacement heifer performance. Healthier calves, an additional 10 to 15 lbs. of weaning weight or 10% more heifers becoming pregnant will help offset the pain of supplementation costs.
• Cows should calve in BCS 5 and 1st calf heifers in BCS 6.
• Cows need to gain 1.25 lbs per day; 1st calf heifers should gain 2.0 lbs per day.
• Supplement protein and/or energy as needed.
• High quality minerals that include vitamins and are formulated for your area should be fed free choice.
• Available supplements vary greatly in cost and convenience; choose wisely and don’t over-supplement.
A sure fire heifer bull and a 57 pound actual with a great calving ease figure. He also excels with elite marbling, ribeye and $CHB combined with plenty of growth. We sold his sire to ABS and his dam is a first calf heifer by the young performance giant Belle Heir.
This is one that we have been excited about all summer and he continues to impress. These Barracuda bulls are incredible but this sire is double bred for IMF being out of a Validated daughter who is a trait leader for carcass quality. He puts this together with low birth high calving ease indicators and has the pigment and look.
genetics and still has
of our most elite donors in his pedigree. He is a bold ribbed, easy fleshing sire that looks like he will pass on maternal and carcass traits.
This is a perfect blend of genetics with the power and performance of Guardian and the moderate maternal young donor 0119. All of the indicators lead you to believe this young sire has everything a cattlemen is searching for. Top shelf carcass genetics and maternal quality with the color and pigment.
Here is a Denver pen bull with as much real muscle and shape as any. Dark red color with loads of pigment and one of the first Guardian sons to sell. This will be one of the top horned bull calves for sale this season.
This is the ideal combination of power and performance with carcass traits and maternal values. He has all the muscle and bone you could hope for in a bull who has a 1.22 Marbling and well over a 300 $C. He is an ET calf from our strongest cow families.
This will be the lead off bull in our 2024 Denver pen. He already has a win under his belt as he was named the 2023 Champion Horned Bull in Reno. He has the look and color pattern of a herd bull with so much power and performance. His mother 4264 is also the mother of herd sire Belle Heir, Real Deal, and grandmother of Guardian.
We are very excited about this one and feel he has the opportunity to be as good as any we have produced. His donor dam 1311 has produced over 1.6 million dollars in progeny and is also the mother of Arlo who was the top selling bull and lead off bull in our Denver pen. He truly has it all with elite phenotype and EPD’s that offer calving ease, performance, maternal and carcass all in one.
This ET bull calf and his full brothers have been standouts all summer and fall. His combination of calving ease and performance with phenotype and carcass traits place him in elite company. Over a 1.00 for both Marbling and REA and over a 300 $C but still the kind you enjoy to look at.
Thursday, February 29
Consignment Deadline: February 21
WVM Headquarters Cottonwood, CA
Thursday, April 11
Consignment Deadline: March 25
Location to be determined
Simulcast on DISH 998
Thursday, May 2
Consignment Deadline: April 17
Location to be determined
Simulcast on DISH 998
For any niche issue you can imagine, there are lobbyists here in Washington fighting for those issues, but no one has pockets quite as deep as the animal rights lobby. For years, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has gone head to head with powerhouse animal rights organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the ASPCA, but now these activist groups have gotten sneaky and are funding new organizations that pretend to represent farmers and ranchers.
Groups like Farm Action and the Organization for Competitive Markets are frequently in Washington or in the media pretending to speak for cattle producers. Farm Action’s co-founder Joe Maxwell spent his career as the Vice President of Outreach and Engagement for HSUS. Before his latest venture at Farm Action, Maxwell led the Organization for Competitive Markets. Marty Irby, a longtime animal rights lobbyist, now serves as the board secretary for the Organization for Competitive Markets. Irby previously worked for the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Center for a Humane Economy, and Animal Wellness Action. These organizations lobby for things like taking real milk out of schools, banning livestock feeding operations, and adding restrictions to the cattle industry that make it harder for us to stay in business.
These groups are what we in Washington call “astroturf” organizations because they pretend to represent grassroots supporters. Organizations like the Idaho Cattle Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are true grassroots organizations who are made up of real cattle producers who join these groups to have their voices heard at the state and national level. Farm Action, Competitive Markets Action, and the Organization for Competitive Markets have nice sounding names and
BY ETHAN LANE NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs
slick websites, but that’s it—no grassroots structure, no producers leading the charge on issues— just staff running around Washington with flyers and flashy advertisements.
In September, our fight against these animal rights activists came to a head when Indiana Congresswoman Victory Spartz introduced an amendment attacking the Beef Checkoff. Rep. Spartz’s amendment would prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using any taxpayer dollars to fund checkoff programs. This amendment was already misguided because no taxpayer dollars ever go towards checkoff programs. Still, Rep. Spartz was dead set on passing this amendment, which could have provided valuable messaging to animal rights activists.
Right away, Farm Action and the Organization for Competitive Markets started sending long press releases announcing their support for the amendment and flinging all sorts of insults and accusations at NCBA. These groups even paid to have a truck drive around Washington, D.C. with a sign on the side calling for passage of the Spartz amendment. Yet, as astroturf organizations, spending money was all that these groups could do. NCBA responded by asking our grassroots members to talk to their elected officials and explain how the Beef Checkoff really works. Real cattle producers sent thousands of letters to their representatives urging them to support the checkoff and reject these animal rights activist-led attacks. At the end of September, the Spartz amendment failed in a vote of 49 to 377.
The Spartz amendment is just one of many examples of how grassroots activism is worth more than the deep pockets of the animal rights groups. In fact, the media is now starting to shine a light on how these groups fundraise and stash their cash. Both HSUS and ASPCA hoard hundreds of millions
of dollars in offshore bank accounts while they continue fundraising hand over fist, often using emotional tactics like the ASPCA’s famous “$19 a month” ad with photos of sad puppies and kittens. The reality is that only 1-2 percent of the money raised from these ads goes to local pet shelters. The rest goes into the pockets of activists seeking to end animal agriculture.
As Farm Bill discussions continue in Washington, animal rights activists are hoping for the opportunity to inject their radical ideas into this import piece of agricultural legislation. We need you to stand ready to defend the cattle industry and push back on any anti-agriculture bills or amendments. Being a member of the Idaho Cattle Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is a great first step, but I encourage you to also talk to your family, friends, neighbors, and fellow cattle producers. Tell them how important it is to join cattle industry organizations to represent you and urge them to talk to their elected officials about the risk these animal rights activists pose.
To learn more about these phony farm groups, visit phonyfarmers.com and charitypirates.com. Thank you for standing up to defend the cattle industry.
Ethan Lane is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. To learn more and join, visit NCBA.org.
FUNDING FARMS AND RANCHES SINCE 1904. Ag is our business.
For More Information Contact…..
Scott & Gwen Whitworth 208 940 0433
silverbit_ranch@yahoo.com
Silver Bit Bulls sire calves that gain, convert, & grade at the top end of thousands of calves in feedlots they’ve gone to. Silver Bit sired calves have consistently been the top selling calves on the summer Superior Livestock Video Sales.
Silver Bit Bulls come from one of the strongest herds of Angus cows anywhere. Wide based, easy fleshing, good footed, good milking, with tight udders & small teats. Lots of generations of breeding like kind to like kind for a consistent maternal package.
Embryo Program based on the best proven Angus Genetics
Silver Bit Ranch AI’s to only the Best Proven Sires!
Low to Moderate birth weights for consistent, easy calving!
PAP Tested ~ Semen Tested ~ Ultrasound Carcass Tested ~ BVD PI Free Tested
“I have been buying Silver Bit bulls for over 30 years and have always been happy with how they put pounds on calves, produce mother cows with good bags and mothering ability, hold up on our range that is over 6000 ’ altitude. Scott and Gwen are always great to deal with and always stand behind the bulls they sell. ”
Herb Whitworth, Elkhorn Ranch, Mackay, ID
“We have bought bulls from Scott & Gwen for several years and never been disappointed with the cattle. Being able to buy a set of bulls in volume that are full and half brothers from one place is great for us. We come back year after year for these bulls because they survive on the high desert we run on and that has also carried over and helped put longevity into our replacements. Since implementing Silver Bit Angus bulls, we have notices our carcass reports getting better & better, that has earned us repeat buyers on the calves. The docility of the bulls has improved greatly over the years, and anyone can appreciate that. These are truly good bulls from outstanding people. ”
Pat Hendren & McCall Hopkins, Hendren Farms, Monteview, ID
“Small Ranches have bought bulls from Silver Bit for more than 25 years. The bulls are easy to handle and produce some really nice calves. The calves have always done very well for us. They are easy to handle, they have good confirmation & gain well. The replacement heifers do well in our mountainous terrain. We have been very satisfied with the bulls we have purchased & plan on continuing to add their lineage to our herd. ”
Kevin Small, Small Ranches, Dubois, ID
$RANCH
• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top 13%.
• Mothers calve every year in 45 days or they are gone.
• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top13% for Fertility.
• All sale bulls’ averages rank in in 10% for Teat and Udder.
$Profit
• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top 8% .
• Balanced trait selection for Life Cycle Efficiency, moderate size, post weaning growth, carcass merit and low PAP.
$Feeder
• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top 13%.
• Feed Efficiency Testing since 2010.
• Every bull feed efficiency tested.
892.86
141.19
86.16
716.01
Without a doubt, contention permeates our nation’s capital. But, one thing that seems indisputable is the important role of ranchers to the well-being of our country. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed, as it typically does annually, a resolution recognizing the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to our communities. From protecting our natural environment through strong stewardship, to contributing to the economic health of every state, ranchers’ lasting legacy of personal responsibility, strength, hard work, integrity and determination deserves our ongoing support.
Today’s ranching families, like earlier generations
Today’s ranching families, like earlier generations who pioneered the West, unfortunately, can never really “take it easy” and raise cattle.
who pioneered the West, unfortunately, can never really “take it easy” and raise cattle. There is no easy in ranching, and the challenges at times seem to stack up. Inflation has driven up monthly expenses for Idaho families making it harder for earnings to cover costs, and it seems difficult at best to stay ahead of federal regulations coming down the pipeline. The Idaho Cattle Association and its members’ partnership in keeping me and other lawmakers informed on important federal issues affecting the cattle industry has been invaluable. Together, we are working hard to inject western commonsense into federal policy and push back against bad policy when needed, which is all too often.
With your help and insight, I am engaging with others representing western states on a number of
BY MIKE CRAPO U.S. Senator
issues impacting producers. A non-comprehensive list follows:
The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed Public Lands Rule: Congress created a framework for the BLM to manage its 245 million acres through the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA). Central to FLPMA is the “multiple use mandate.” The mandate directs that the many productive uses for America’s public lands must be utilized and balanced. These uses include: grazing, mining, energy development, timber harvest and recreation. The Biden Administration’s proposed Public Lands Rule upends this nearly 50-year public land policy by adding a restrictive definition of conservation— functionally no use—as a multiple use. The proposed rule would also create obstructive “conservation leases” to take otherwise productive land completely out of production for ten or more years. While conservation is often a result of many multiple uses, like grazing and forest management, it has never been considered a use of its own merit and goes in complete conflict with the productive multiple use mandate. This rule threatens Idaho’s grazing, ranching, timber, mining and outdoor recreation industries, putting unnecessary stress on our economy and families relying on those industries for income. I continue to work with fellow U.S. Senator for Idaho Jim Risch and others to block this rule.
Farm Bill: The Farm Bill provides important tools producers need while facing a challenging farm economy and helps ensure the continuation of important research, promotion and conservation programs. As you likely know, Congress extended the 2018 Farm Bill, with all programs receiving funding through September 30, 2024, in its Continuing Resolution to fund the government into early 2024. The extension also extends the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program until January 19, 2024. The Senate and House will continue working on their own versions of the upcoming
Farm Bill. Once their respective versions are voted on, they will conference to negotiate the differences in order to create the final version to be passed into law.
Throughout the Farm Bill discussions, I have opposed the inclusion of radical reforms to livestock production and processing as I continue to advocate for making wise use of taxpayer dollars while providing an appropriate safety net and risk management tools to enable Idaho farmers and ranchers to weather difficult times and make continued advancements.
Grizzly Bear: Idaho’s wildlife is best managed at the local level through collaborative efforts among federal, state and tribal entities. The grizzly’s current Endangered Species Act (ESA) status rejects the reality of the recovered population within the grizzly’s historic range and ignores current management practices backed by science and commonsense. This past summer, I joined Senators Risch and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), along with U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), in introducing the Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart Act to fully delist the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states from the endangered species list.
The original ESA grizzly listing was made without regard to the grizzly bears’ historic range. At least 30 U.S. states are outside of the grizzly bears’ range. Unfortunately, this flaw in the original listing has led to serious misunderstandings, procedural shortcomings and technicalities. These challenges have enabled the courts to curtail delisting efforts regardless of the biological status of the bear populations. This legislation would delist the grizzly bear and give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the opportunity to identify and target grizzly populations that still require ESA protections.
Thank you for all you do to share ideas and help strengthen our state and country. Please continue to stay involved, as it will take all of our efforts to stand firm against federal overreach jeopardizing western values. With your great help, I will continue to work to advance policies that best address these and other issues impacting the economic and environmental well-being of the West.
Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc.
American Farmland Trust
Kent Bagley
Wade Beckman
Sedar Beckman
James Boggan
Doug & Sharon Boggan
Matt Brechwald
Jerry Brown
Cade Browning
Doug & Janice Burgess
Cary Burr
Guy Carlson, II
The Nichols Accounting Group
Willowcreek Animal Hospital
Carl & Carolyn Crabtree
Randall & Susan Crisp
D. Paul Dixon
Dean Dryden
William Eaton / 5E Group
Delbert & Linda Edstrom
Gary Eldredge
Carl & Kelly Ellsworth
Ron & Vicki Ford
Jesse Fullmer
American Angus Association
Greenway Seed Co
Neil & Sandy Helmick
Burke Higley
Judy Hinman
Jerry Hoagland
Scott Jensen
Terry Lee Johnson
Pacific Intermountain Mortgage Co.
David Judy
Gil King
Douglas Kohnken
Patxi Larrocea-Phillips
Russell Laursen
Bill & Laurie Lickley
Ted Lindsley
Little Land & Livestock Co.
Todd Lloyd
Beau & Chelsey Lundgren
Charles & Rebecca Lyons
Travis & Jill Mai
Mackenzie Malson
Bryson Matthews
Zak Miller
Jace Mink
Jarret Mink
Carren Morgan
Brett & Melanie Mosekian
Brice Mosekian
Briel Mosekian
Mark & Cody Moura
Mark Nelson
Paul Nettleton
Chad Nettleton
Carl & Terri Pendleton
Kevin Potter
Warren “Spike” & Karen Reese
Thad Rinderknecht
Dan Rogers
Dr. Trent Saxton
Peyton Schaefer
William & Anne Schroeder
Royce & Pam Schwenkfelder
Boyd & Jean Schwieder
Jade & Lindsay Searle
Dustin Skinner
Michael & Brenda Sliman
Jay & Chyenne Smith
Scott & Ryan Steele
Zach Stewart
Melvin Wagoner / Teresa Tuma
Tooke and Associates
Mark, Cliff, Nancy & Steven Toone
Virgil Tucker
Neil & Amy Uptmor
Ashlyn Ward
Holly Ward
Jayda Ward
Kayla Ward
Thomas & Jessie Warner
Kirk & Stevia Webb
Rodee West
Derek & Jessica Wilson
Todd & Shirley Wilson
Kris Young
Diamond S Ranch Corp
Boyle & Son Polled Herefords
Mountain Springs Ranch, LLC
Our age-advantaged bulls are available in volume! These bulls out of top sires can increase consistency and marketability in your calf crops.
As the second-largest registered Angus cowherd in Oregon calving out 600-plus females a year, you get the Advantage of only the cream-of-the-crop! The top 50% of our bulls have extremely large contemporary groups to increase predictability, consistency and quality for our customers, and are from a cowherd that has been around for nearly 40 years.
Ruthless culling for feet and legs, plus structure gives you the Advantage when it comes to bull selection. Our bulls are extremely athletic. They run in big pastures over the summer after weaning. They are developed in extremely large lots that require them to travel up and down hills over rocky, hard ground everyday between a high-roughage feed source and water to ensure soundness and longevity.
Our intense AI program utilizes the most current and sought-after genetics in the Angus breed, with herdsires infused and utilized that rival the most popular AI sires in the breed for genetic value and potency.
Volume and repeat discounts are available, and delivery is free. Bulls are backed by a Zoetis HD50K DNA evaluation, ultrasounded with complete performance and fertility evaluation, and backed by an industry best guarantee. Many bulls qualify for the CAB Targeting the Brand Program.
We strive to produce cattle that are balanced for ALL TRAITS. Calving-ease, performance and carcass value are important. We also emphasize productivity, fertility, longevity, maternal functionality and docility. Foot quality, soundness and udder quality are mandatory to stay in the program. Come by and see the bulls and the cowherd anytime - we would love to show you our program.
S a l e
S i l v e r B i t A n g u s
2 6
C h a r o l a i s S a l e
L u n d g r e n
2 5 2 0
R a n c h S a l e
S p r i n g C o v e
2 7
2 9
3 0
S U N D A Y 3
L o o s l i R e d A n g u s
S a l e
S a l e D i l l e R e d A n g u s
G e n e t i c s S a l e
M c C a n n R e d
I p s e n C a t t l e C o L u f k i n C a t t l e S a l e
C a r t e r C a t t l e S a l e
2 1
W o o d
VX S a l e
1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7
A n g u s S a l e
S n a k e R i v e r V a l l e y
2 2 2 3
S a l e
J L a z y S A n g u s
N e l s o n A n g u s S a l e
W e s t S a l e
A n g u s S a l e Q u e s t o f t h e
4 5 6 7 8 9
S a l e
C o l y e r S a l e
2 6
M O N D A Y
B a r k e r C a t t l e S a l e
2 7
2 8
2 8 W o o d e n S h o e
2 9 1 2
T U E S D A Y W E D N E S D A Y T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y S A T U R D A Y
Northwest
Office:
Email:
P.O.
