The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 34, Issue No. 1 (JANUARY 2020)

CHAROLAIS

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Vol. 34, Issue No. 1

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ONNECTION 2020 NCCA Calendar Correction, by Kim Burdge …....................................................................................... page 32 Alltech News …....................................................................................................................................................... page 4 Amazing Grazing — A New Year, a New Use for Polywire, by Dr. Deidre Harmon …............................... page 12 American Angus Association News ….............................................................................................................. page 29 American Farmland Trust Releases First Ever Non-Operating Landowner Survey Results — North Carolina Fact Sheet …...................................................................................................................... page 62 American Hereford Association News …......................................................................................................... page 32 American Shorthorn Association News …....................................................................................................... page 34 American Simmental Association News …...................................................................................................... page 24 Animal Agriculture Alliance News …................................................................................................................ page 40 Ashley’s Beef Corner — What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?, by Ashley W. Herring …....... page 10 Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges News ….................................................................. page 52 Beef Checkoff News, by Greg Hanes ….............................................................................................................. page 66 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods …....................................................................................... page 55 BioZyme Incorporated News …......................................................................................................................... page 54 Boehringer Ingelheim News ….......................................................................................................................... page 44 Brookside Agra News …...................................................................................................................................... page 24 Carolina Cooking — Four Way Slow Cooker Shredded Beef …................................................................... page 42 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary …........................................................................................ page 18 Clemson Agribusiness Experts Help Farmers Find Opportunities Amid Travails of Trade War …........ page 64 Director’s Report — N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Conference, by Bryan K. Blinson …............................. page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — The Cattle Trailer Turns Over, by E.B. Harris ….............................. page 14 Farm & Agribusiness Insurance Tips — Animal Collision, by Adelaide Henry …......................................... page 32 Farm Credit News …............................................................................................................................................ page 38 Focus on Youth — What a Year!, by Brent J. Jennings …................................................................................. page 18 From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President, by Roscoe Kyle …............................................................ page 64 FSC Ranch 3rd Extra Effort Sale Results …........................................................................................................ page 21 Jackpot Shows — Four Reasons They Are MORE Than a Weekend Trip, by Jessica Judge …................... page 21 JBS SA Faces New Fraud Charges in Brazil …................................................................................................... page 67 Merck Animal Health News …............................................................................................................................ page 56 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Spotlight — The Benefits of Unrolling Hay to Feed Cattle, by Allison Brown …....................................................... page 23 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report ....................................................................................................................….. page 60 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News …............................................................................................ page 68 New NCCA Members for 2020 …...................................................................................................................... page 50 On the Edge of Common Sense — Thumbs Up, by Baxter Black .............................................................….. page 16 On the Horizon — Trash to Treasure, by Elizabeth Mullins …......................................................................... page 15 Plan Now for Colostrum Needs This Spring …................................................................................................ page 66 Public Lands Council News …............................................................................................................................. page 23 Reinke Recognizes Brock Equipment Company with Diamond Pride Award …...................................... page 52 S.C. Beef Council News, by Roy Copelan …....................................................................................................... page 42 SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Ten North Carolina Counties ….................................. page 58 SVG Ventures News …......................................................................................................................................... page 41 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker …........................................................................................................ page 22 Three Tips for Developing Cattle Winter Nutritional Plans ….................................................................... page 65 Verra Announces New Methodology for the Reduction of Enteric Methane Emissions from Ruminants …..................................................... page 29 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden ….................................................................................................................... page 16

CHAROLAIS 14 Things to Know About Charolais Cattle, page 6 ABC Cattle, by Bryan Killian, page 4 Char Advantage Program, page 8

JR Blackwelder Farms, by Jason Blackwelder, page 7 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb, page 8

Short History of Modern Charolais Cattle - Part 4: Performance Cattle, by John Dellinger, page 5 The Charolais Heritage, page 4

Today’s Charolais, by Mark Byrd, page 6

North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association President MIKE COX P.O. 1317 • Elon, NC 27244

Vice Presidents JEREMY LEE 5153 Battle Run Drive • Catawba, NC 28609 KARL GILLESPIE 860 Corbin Road • Franklin, NC 28734 BURON LANIER 2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425 Immediate Past President JOHN LANGDON 7728 Raleigh Road • Benson, NC 27504

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 34, No. 1 JANUARY 2020 Sales and Publication Office 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111 or 919-552-9112 Fax: 919-552-9216 Email: mail@nccattle.com Website: www.nccattle.com

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NCBA Policy Division Director - FRED SMITH, JR. NCBA Federation Division Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - ROBERT CRABB Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

Manager, N.C.

STAFF

BRYAN BLINSON

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor and Advertising Director CASEY L. HINNANT

Executive Director BRYAN K. BLINSON Assistant Editor and Proofreader 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council Director of Consumer Information ASHLEY W. HERRING Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director TRAVIS MITCHELL Phone: 864-803-1126 Email: twmitch@clemson.edu S.C. Beef Council ROY COPELAN Phone: 803-917-1119 Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov Website: scc3sa.wildapricot.org/ Executive Committee President - Thomas Legare 1st Vice President - Roscoe Kyle Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Cecil Eaddy

William Brigman, Latta • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale Roscoe Kyle, Inman • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg Eddie Evans, Easley • Cecil Eaddy, Manning Thomas Legare, Johns Island • Richard Sox, Lexington Carol Hendrix, Westminister • Clay Alexander, Starr Timmy Benton, Walterboro • Michael Bailey, Lancaster Dale Wilson, Abbeville • Thomas Jones, Marion Lee Haddon, Gaffney • Jack Ferguson, York Drake Yon, Ridge Spring • Gene Crim, St. Matthews

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Material in The Carolina Cattle Connection is not to be reproduced in total or in part without the written permission of the Editor. All submissions becom property of The Carolina Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to return items such as photographs and artwork as requested.

The Carolina Cattle Connection, the official publication of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association is published monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association.

A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Nonmember subscriptions are $25 per year.

All address changes for NCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

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breed Spotlight special sections are excellent forums to r e ac h p r o d u c e r s a n d cattle industry insiders in the Carolinas and throughout the S outheast . A dvertisers also receive a special discount for placing their message in the Spotlight.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Director’s Report

By BRYAN K. BLINSON Executive Director, NCCA

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Conference As we welcome 2020, I am sure we all made some sort of New Year’s resolutions to go by for the coming year.

Resolutions such as getting in shape, losing weight, quitting a bad habit, and other grand ideas often go out the window before the final whistle of the college football Bowl games. Maybe welcoming in a whole new decade makes us even more interested in new habits, new ideas, and new challenges. Each new year offers opportunities we can either seize or let slip by. This brings me to a great opportunity we can all take part in and enjoy — the 2020 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference.

Once again, the conference will be held February 28-29 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center and hosted by the Catawba Valley Cattlemen’s Association. For those who attend the conference every year, I am sure you look forward to the fellowship with others interested and involved in beef production. I know many folks enjoy the new products, technologies, and ideas that can be found in the trade show, which is

shaping up nicely. Most of you also enjoy the educational and decision making opportunities in the committee meetings.

Without question, we all look forward to seeing the enthusiasm on the faces of the attendees of the Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute.

Dr. Deidre Harmon has put together what is shaping up to be an excellent educational program for Friday and Saturday mornings. Many of you have asked for another demonstration on the beef cutout. Dr. Harmon has secured Dr. Phil Bass, a meat scientist at the University of Idaho, to demonstrate the beef cutout and discuss management practices that affect the carcass. Our stocker operators will also have the opportunity to learn new supplementation and management strategies for their operations. This program will be led by Dr. Kim Mullenix from Auburn University. Alex Teague, Extension Agent from Auburn, will be discussing the beef production system from pasture to the rail, which sounds very interesting. One of our own, Ethan Henderson, will be demonstrating how

root development can aid in forage production. Dr. Harmon is also working on a few other special topics and speakers to make available throughout the conference so we can continue to learn how to save money, save time, and produce better feeder calves or finished cattle.

The conference will once again offer an opportunity to discuss policy topics at the state and national levels with experts from both Raleigh and Washington D.C. The legislative committee will feature presentations on current issues and provide time for discussion on critical topics facing the industry. Both the stocker and cattle feeder committee and the Forage and Grasslands Council meetings will include topical and helpful educational programs. The BCIP (Beef Cattle Improvement Program) committee and the Purebred Breeders Council will offer the chance to discuss topics important to seedstock and replacement producers and purchasers.

While the educational program and business sessions are both enjoyable and necessary, I feel most people look forward to the fellowship and networking at the conference. There is always plenty of time on Friday and Saturday to visit with vendors in the trade show and friends we might not have seen since the previous conference. The social on Friday night and the excellent barbeque meal provided by the Catawba Valley Cattlemen are always highlights of the conference. One of the new features of the conference this year will be a Young Beef Leaders reception following the meal on Friday night. We look forward to the new ideas that will come from this inaugural event that can help lead our organization and

industry into the new decade and beyond.

On Saturday, there will be additional educational programs, both hands on and in presentation form. We encourage you to come and stay for both days, but if you are not able to make it on Friday, spend Saturday morning with us. Take part in the educational programs and enjoy the excellent trade show that will include everything you can possibly need for your farm.

Saturday also helps to highlight our youth with our youth recognition breakfast, followed by the inclusion of these awesome young people in our educational events. There will again be a skill-a-thon contest and a quiz bowl that will test the forage knowledge of our young people. I cannot stress enough the great opportunity we all have to interact with the youth involved in the Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Program.

They will certainly be our industry leaders in the future. The alumni of this program have gone on to do great things not only in North Carolina but across the country. We have veterinarians, doctors, cutting edge producers, business and industry leaders, and elected leaders in our association who have put the leadership skills and contacts they acquired through this program to work for all of us, and I am proud of each of them.

My challenge to all of us is to make a resolution that we can keep. Register and attend the 2020 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference and join in the fun and fellowship. Help us to shape the future of the association, help yourself to new and useful information, and help us encourage the youth and young leaders who will keep our industry strong going forward. Happy New Year!

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CHAROLAIS

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The Charolais Heritage No other breed has impacted the North American beef industry so significantly as Charolais. These white cattle have changed beef production concepts as much, or more than the original British breeds did for the gaunt Longhorn in the American Southwest more than a century ago.

The Charolais breed has changed the nation’s thinking regarding efficient beef production standards. Charolais cattle have demonstrated a definite superiority in growth ability, efficient feedlot gains, and carcass cut out values. Today, Charolais top all breeds in nearly every category of performance in the records of beef performance testing organizations.

One of the oldest of the French cattle breeds, Charolais is considered to be of Jurassic origin and was developed in the district around Charolles in Central France. The breed was established there and became regarded as a producer of highly rated meat in the markets at Lyon and Villefranche in the 16th and 17th centuries. There is also historical evidence that these white cattle were being noticed as early as 878 A.D. In 1773, after the French Revolution, Claude Mathieu, a cattle breeder from the Charolles region, moved to the Nevere province, taking with him his herd of Charolais. The breed flourished there, so much in fact that the cattle were known more widely as Nivernais cattle.

One of the early influential herds in the region was started in 1840 by the Count Charles de Bouille. His selective breeding led him to develop a herd book in 1864 at his stable at Villars near the

village of Magny-Cours. Breeders in the Charolles vicinity established a herd book in 1882, and the two merged in 1919, with the older organization taking the records of the later group into their headquarters at Nevers, the capital of the Nievre province.

Soon after the First World War, a young Mexican industrialist of French name and ancestry, Jean Pugibet, brought some of the French cattle to his ranch in Mexico. He had seen the Charolais during World War I and was impressed by their appearance and productivity.

In the mid-1940s, an outbreak of Hoof and Mouth Disease occurred in Mexico. As a result, a treaty between the United States, Canada, and Mexico set up a permanent quarantine against cattle coming into any of these countries from Europe or any country where the disease was known to exist.

The first Charolais came into the United States from Mexico in 1934. From that beginning, the breed grew rapidly.

Wherever they were shown, the big white cattle commanded instant attention.

Cattlemen admired both Charolais bulls and females for their muscling, correctness, and size. They were also very impressed with their calves. An ever expanding demand for purebred Charolais seedstock kept an active market for both bulls and females. Livestock producers across the country were searching for animals who would improve their profit picture.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the breeders established the American Charbray Breeders Association and the American Charolais Breeders Association, both of which limited

pedigrees to a blend of Charolais and Brahman breeding. Producers who were utilizing other beef breed cows to produce Charolais by compounding Charolais blood through successive generations formed the International Charolais Association. In 1957, the American and International Associations merged into today’s American-International Charolais Association (AICA). In 1964, the PanAmerican Charolais Association, whose registrations were based on performance rather than genetic content, merged into the AICA. And three years later, the American Charbray Breeders Association merged with the AICA, bringing all Charolais based breeds in the United States under the fold of a single breed registry.

ABC Cattle

By BRYAN KILLIAN ABC Cattle is located in York, South Carolina. Formally Double K Charolais, we split up the farm with my uncle after my father passed away in August of 2018. We have added cattle from some of the best farms in the southeast. As a family, we have been raising Charolais since the mid-80s with a focus on low birth weights, exceptional growth, and balanced EPDs. My wife Amy and our children are now running the operation.

I am currently in the process of A.I. breeding many of our cows to better our genetic base using a Fargo son out of a powerful Mazzeppa female. We currently have 18 brood cows, six bred heifers, and

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

With the limited availability of pure Charolais during the early years, American breeders established a five generation breeding up program to expand the breed.

This program involved using purebred Charolais bulls for five consecutive generations to produce a 31/32 Charolais animal. Geneticists say this percentage is the equivalent of a purebred, containing only three percent of the genetic material from the foundation breed.

Charolais is a naturally horned beef animal, but through the breeding up program, using other breeds carrying the polled gene, polled Charolais emerged.

Some of the breed’s strongest herds and leading breeders specialize in the production of high performing polled Charolais.

four open heifers. I have already A.I.’ed seven of them for September calves next year. Some of the bulls we are using are Outkast, Slam Dunk, Efficient, Polar Vortex, and Resource.

We are going to get back into showing again. I miss the ring and can’t wait to grow some champions! I truly feel blessed to be able to farm, raise cattle, raise several hogs, and cut/bale hay for a living. I look forward to hearing from you for any and all of your cattle and hay needs. For more information, visit www.

ABCcattle.com or contact me at 803-2427293 or bryankillian20@gmail.com.

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Short History of Modern Charolais Cattle - Part 4: Performance Cattle

By JOHN DELLINGER Beginning in the January 2017 issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection, I have written a series of articles about the history of Charolais cattle in the United States. I wrote generally about influential bulls in 2017, and I wrote about the extra influence of a bull named BR Duke 261 in 2018. In 2019, I wrote about the history of Charolais cattle in the show ring. This year I thought I’d write about how performance testing and evaluation of cattle for measures of performance have evolved, especially in the Charolais breed, and especially in the Carolinas.

Avignon 1106

When Charolais cattle were developed in France throughout the 1700s, and even earlier, they were generally selected for rapid growth of lean muscular animals. Mature size and muscularity were very important.

Marbling was less important because the French markets didn’t treasure that trait, and the more maternal traits, like easy keeping and milk production and udder quality, were a bit less important. But the strict selection for fast, lean growth was paramount. As these cattle came to the United States in the 1930s and throughout the middle of the 1900s, they were quickly recognized as being something different from the more maternal, all purpose British cattle. The calves grew faster. The cattle were bigger and more muscular.

GCR Supreme 141

Cardinals Reflection 852

Charolais arrived in the U.S. at about the same time that scientific cattle breeding for performance was getting started. In the 1930s and 40s, scientists determined how to objectively measure growth genetics and developed estimates of the heritability of these traits.

Individual farmers and ranchers were starting to develop breeding programs based on performance and not on show ring appraisals. Central bull tests started in Texas in 1941. The “gift of Charolais,” as described by Thomas King, came then, showing breeders of all breeds that extra growth was possible, and giving other breeds a performance target to aim for. This was the beginning of modern performance testing in beef cattle.

PRI came to an end in the 1970s, and beef cattle performance evaluation focused largely on bull tests. The Charolais breed did very well on these tests, including producing many bulls that gained in excess of five pounds of bodyweight per day over the entire test period. Cattle that stood out as being particularly strong in these tests were often fairly large framed cattle that were lean in their type. Growth is, after all, positively correlated with mature size, and gaining in lean muscle is more efficient than gaining fat. A few bulls that sired a large number of high performance cattle in the 70s and 80s included GCR Supreme 141, Cardinals Reflection 286, CCC Eleuthera’s Nulook, and HBR Performer 181.

Nutmegs Avignon FR31

HBR Performer 181

CCC Eleuthera’s Nulook

One of the early efforts at promoting performance based beef cattle genetics was Performance Registry International (PRI). PRI set standards for cattle progeny evaluations. The program identified sires that were superior at producing progeny that were evaluated for growth and carcass traits as compared to standards. PRI existed for many years, and a decent number of early Charolais bulls were proven to be outstanding on the PRI program, earning the designation of “Certified Meat Sire,” with various categories describing the best ones. For example, Avignon 1106, a full French bull whose bloodlines still flow strong throughout the breed in the U.S., was a PRI Golden Certified Meat Sire.

had a Sire Evaluation Program (SEP), which involved directly comparing progeny of a test sire with progeny of “reference sires” that were used in every group. By comparing to the common reference sires, the association could develop Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for the test sires. Prominent bulls who were successfully evaluated on the SEP included Nutmeg’s Avignon FR31.

But North Carolina and South Carolina Charolais breeders were not left behind when it came to producing high performing bull test winners. Grassy Forks Farm of Catawba, N.C., had one of the highest gaining bulls ever in North Carolina with a bull called Grassy Forks Junker. And in South Carolina, the 1986 Edisto Bull Test was won by THE HHP Monte Carlo 1ST, bred by Horace Porter of Lancaster, South Carolina. The Monte Carlo bull is still very important today.

While all this was going on, the American International Charolais Association was working through initial efforts to develop breeding values for Charolais cattle. Early on, the association

The Sire Evaluation Program continued through the 90s and was essentially replaced by the development of methods of computing Expected Progeny Differences using ratios of performance traits measured on individual farms, without the need for reference sires. This program continues today. Breeders can use EPD information to make mating decisions to improve a long list of traits. Recently, these EPDs were improved by including information on the DNA of the cattle themselves.

Throughout their existence, Charolais cattle have been well recognized as the true performance bred of cattle.

Breeders have always worked hard to develop systems for identifying the best performing animals in order to continue to make progress in improving the breed.

THE HHP Monte Carlo 1ST

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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Today’s Charolais

By MARK BYRD Most people agree that a Charolais bull crossed with any good cow will produce a good calf. This is true. I believe the Charolais cow should be promoted as well. Today’s Charolais females have solid udders, improved feet, and mostly

good disposition. Disposition depends largely on management with any cow.

The white female has a much better tolerance for heat than most dark haired animals, therefore, performing better in the hotter months. This can be very important in the southern United States.

In 1992, we began breeding Charolais cattle for seedstock. In 2018, we decided to try a different approach.

We purchased a Red Angus bull from Bull Hill Red Angus in South Carolina. The first calf crop is now on the ground. The Red Angus crossed with the Charolais cows are producing mostly tan calves with an average BW of 72. The calves are born quickly and are nursing in minutes.

If you are a commercial cattleman or interested in becoming one, I strongly encourage you to consider Charolais or Charolais cross females for your program.

Regular copy deadline is JANUARY 5 for the FEBRUARY issue Spotlight material is due JANUARY 1 for the FEBRUARY issue PAGE 6

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

14 Things You Should Know About Charolais Cattle • These Continental cattle are thought to have originated in a French area near Burgundy called Charolles, first being recognized around 800 AD! • The cattle are usually white or cream colored, with broad chests and well defined hindquarters. Charolais are quite large compared to their continental counterparts, weighing in at an average of 2,000 lbs for cows and 2,400 lbs for bulls. In fact, one Charolais bull was rumored to have reached a weight of 4,400 pounds! Their distinctive color is often considered a good advantage for farmers of the breed, as the easy identification can help the sale of cattle.

• They’re naturally horned, which is something important to consider before purchasing Charolais for your herd. Some farmers may not want to go through the effort of dehorning their cattle, but if animals are in close proximity to each other, then it may be safer to do so.

• The cattle are suited to a variety of climates, as they can thrive in changeable weather throughout the year with the help of their adaptable coat.

It maintains a longer, thicker coat of hair in colder winter months, but usually sheds into a sleeker, shorter coat as the weather improves in summer. In areas of temperamental weather, the ability to thrive in an unusually harsh winter or exceptionally sweltering summer is a good advantage.

• The hooves of Charolais cattle are very sturdy, making them suitable for uneven or rugged and rocky terrain. In some mountainous regions, this is something to benefit from when choosing Charolais.

• The temperament of Charolais cattle is something of a disadvantage.

The cattle are known for aggressive tendencies with some fighting between themselves, and they can be flighty at times. Since their protective mothering instinct is quite strong, the dams can be risky to deal with when their offspring is nearby. Bulls of this breed can be quite a serious threat to farmers and other visitors; however, increased safety around bulls of any breed is always encouraged.

• Calves are usually very hardy and weigh quite a lot when born. The calving process is usually simple and without complications. This is a big advantage for farmers who worry about the tricky business of calving, especially on a one person farm!

• However, it’s vital to note that there are reports of reproductive issues with some Charolais cattle, where dystocia (difficult birthing) or prolapse can occur. This causes many problems to arise and should be investigated thoroughly by farmers with pregnant cows.

• Because of the large size of Charolais cattle, crossbreeding with considerably smaller cows should be avoided at all costs!

• There are also some difficulties reported in Charolais cattle regarding their genetics. In areas with abundant sunshine, Charolais cattle may suffer due to their light coloring. Sunburns can affect the breed, and they are unfortunately susceptible to cancer of the eye, and cases of pinkeye can be quite common.

• Charolais cattle are praised for their carcass’ high yield and good quality meat. Their intramuscular fat also contributes to excellent edible quality in their beef cuts.

• The cattle grow quickly and are excellent at fast weight gain. Their big appetite can hinder some farmers, however. The need to provide constant high levels of food can drain resources if farmers are not sufficiently prepared.

However, the cattle have the ability to graze efficiently on most pastures, and they convert their feed to muscle with ease. This is important for farmers whose land is less than suitable for other breeds who would struggle to nourish themselves properly on their farm.

• Charolais cattle usually mature quite late; this can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the farmer’s needs. The breed may be suited to farms where a consistent, steady flow of available beef is needed unless producers wish to complete the process in shorter, intense periods.

• This breed of cattle often does well in contributing to dairy herds. Dairy calves bred from Charolais sires are often hailed as successful and healthy, with high growth rates.

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JR Blackwelder Farms

By JASON BLACKWELDER Welcome to JR Blackwelder Farms.

We are located in central Anson County and raise beef cattle and hay. Currently, we have Angus based commercial cows primarily bred to Charolais bulls, along with a herd of registered Charolais with the majority of the registered calves being the result of embryo transfer. We typically

merit. We purchased a syndication interest in these two sires, as I feel they have a lot to offer with their calving ease, explosive growth, and extra eye appeal. As an added bonus, both bulls are homozygous polled.

CJC Ms Cigar Y757

the registered herd, so an embryo transfer program was added. Currently, we have two donors that are flushed, CJC Ms Cigar Y757 from DeBruycker Charolais in Montana and M6 Ms Nancy Rep 007 P ET from M6 Charolais in Texas.

Jason and Kim Blackwelder of JR Blackwelder Farms

calve in the fall and begin offering bulls for sale when they reach a year of age.

Birth, weaning, and yearling weights are recorded. Females and embryos are offered private treaty, but we also enjoy attending consignment sales where we’ve made many great friends all over the United States.

M6 Ms Nancy Rep 007 P ET

JDJ Maximo A18 yearling bull out of 007

JDJ Maximo A18 yearling heifer out of Y757

As long as cattle are sold by the pound, I feel the Charolais breed will be very important in the beef industry.

Most commercial cows are Angus based, and it’s sure hard to beat the Charolais x Angus feeder calf. A lot of the other breeds have lost their identity by turning them black, but it’s easy to recognize Charolais sired cattle. If you’re in the market for registered Charolais cattle or just want to talk about how using Charolais genetics could work for you,

your call or visit is welcomed. You can also find us on Facebook or email us at jrblackwelderfarms@gmail.com. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about us!

Charolais sired steer calf just before weaning. Pounds pay!

Both of these females are highly proven, and the quality of their calves is outstanding. Two of the sires we are

“DESIGNED FOR CATTLEMEN BY CATTLEMEN”

JDJ Maximo A18 P

Yearling heifer from the embryo program sired by LHD Mr. Perfect Y416

Growing up, I remember my father using Charolais bulls on his commercial cows and being really impressed at the performance those calves possessed.

About 20 years ago, the decision was made to add a registered Charolais herd to our existing commercial herd, and I’ve never looked back. We were looking to increase the quality and consistency in

now using in the registered herd are JDJ Maximo A18 P and DC/BHD King F2503 P from DeBruycker Charolais, a program well known for producing cattle with feedlot efficiency and proven carcass

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Char Advantage Program Why Enroll?

CharAdvantage is an age, source, and genetic certification program designed to add more value to Charolais influenced feeder cattle. By enrolling in this program, you receive source, age, and genetic verification in the calf crop that you are currently marketing.

By documenting this information, participants can add value for buyers seeking feeder cattle with a known background that can qualify for added marketing opportunities and programs.

CharAdvantage staff partners with IMI Global to create these opportunities for producers who are seeking more premiums in the marketplace.

Overview: There are two tag options to enroll in this program: Option #1 - EID (Electronic ID) Cost-

$4/head for EID Tag + Verification Option #2 - EID + Visual Tag Cost-$5.25/ head for EID Tag, Visual Tag + Verification CharAdvantage Certificates: Once cattle are enrolled, producers will receive a certificate which highlights several aspects of age, source, and genetic components of the feeder cattle being offered.

In addition to age, source, and genetic verification, these elements are also included on the certificate • Seedstock origin of the sires/dams that produced the cattle • Composite TSI (Terminal Sire Index) Score Average TSI score of AICA sires/dams of the feeder cattle • Marbling indicator (indicates if the average of seedstock parents are above breed average for Marbling EPD • Genomically Enhanced EPD Indicator notes if the accuracy of sire/dam

2020 Spotlight Issues Schedule

Most of the breed associations in North and South Carolina have stepped forward and renewed their contracts for Spotlight sections in The Carolina Cattle Connection for 2020. If your breed is not featured as a Spotlight section and you would like to inquire on any open months please feel free to contact me. Below is the tentative schedule for the upcoming year.

2020 Reserved Spotlight Issues JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

CHAROLAIS FORAGES ANGUS *************** BRAHMAN HEREFORD *************** SIMMENTAL SANTA GERTRUDIS *************** *************** RED ANGUS

Contact The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Phone - 919-552-9111 for the contact person for each Spotlight Issue.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

EPDs is increased due to Genomically Enhanced EPDs • Marketing Venue for Feeder Cattle • BQA Certification of Origin Ranch or Farm • Additional Health and Management Protocols for Enrolled Cattle Additional Options: In addition to age, source, and genetic verification, producers can also elect to enroll their cattle in one of the following programs for an added fee if desired.

Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) The Non-Hormone Treated Cattle Program allows your cattle to be eligible for buyers and brands exporting beef products to the European Union • Calves can NEVER receive any growth promotants of any kind (implants) • Calves must be identified with a CharAdvantage EID tag before they leave the farm/ranch of origin • Your operation must maintain a quality manual (which is provided) and

train all family members and employees on NHTC requirements and proper procedures • An onsite audit of your operation is required annually • Calves must move through NHTC approved locations at all times (i.e., they cannot sell through an auction market that is not approved to manage NHTC cattle) NHTC Enrollment is available for an additional service fee of $750 plus travel for an onsite audit (in addition to the per head cost). This is an annual fee for this service.

Verified Natural Beef (VNB): The Verified Natural Beef Program allows your cattle to be eligible for buyers and brands seeking specialty markets requiring natural beef and/or exporting beef products to the European Union • Calves marketed as VNB cannot receive growth promotants, antibiotics or animal byproducts of any kind • Calves must be identified with a CharAdvantage EID tag before they leave the farm/ranch of origin

S.C. Charolais News

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

I hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Here we are in the New Year, hopefully with an increase in cattle prices. If we could get tariffs passed for Argentina and Brazil and COOL back on board, we might be able to make it, but that’s just my opinion.

My news right now is that there will be no Carolina Sensations Sale this April. With not enough cattle, we have discussed with the folks in Tennessee to have a combined sale with them. They are having the same trouble, so we are going to combine and have a sale in Knoxville on the second Saturday in April. We are in planning mode for 2021 for some exciting news to implement a huge sale here.

This is going to be something new, and nothing like this takes place for Charolais on the east coast. It will take us a year to get this together, but I will drop hints all year. This time next year I will give you all of the information.

Believe it or not, I do not have any bad news to share this month. As of this moment, no one is sick or having any major problems, so your prayers are

working. Keep up the good work, and keep praying for everyone. I have had some response to new members, and several folks have called me for information on joining the Charolais association.

The story I have this month starts with a question. How do bulls find a loose wire in the fence before I know it is there? I was here by myself, looked out the window, and there were all five of the 15-month-old bulls in the wrong pasture.

They were trying to figure out how to get two pastures over to the open heifers.

There was no coaxing them back because you know there are only two things that bulls are interested in, and open heifers are one of them. I decided to go for their number two desire and pour out feed.

Finally, they decided that they were not going to be able to get to those heifers, so they headed to the feed trough. I locked them in and proceeded to fix the fence. I worked and worked on the fence, and I don’t think the Incredible Hulk would be able to get through that fence. Why does this always happen when I am here alone?

e

Spotlight on

CHAROLAIS

• Your operation must maintain a quality manual (which is provided) and train all family members and employees on VNB requirements and proper procedures • An onsite audit of your operation is required annually • Calves must move through VNB approved locations at all times (i.e., they cannot sell through an auction market that is not approved to manage VNB cattle) VNB Enrollment is available for an additional service fee of $750 plus travel for an onsite audit (in addition to the per head cost). This is an annual fee for this service.

GAP 5-Step Animal Welfare Program: The Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 5-Step Animal Welfare Program is a tiered animal care and well being standard focused on continuous improvement and natural cattle production systems. GAP qualifies cattle for Whole Foods purchasing and other marketing opportunities.

• Location must have a written farm/ ranch plan, including procedures and practices of operation • Animals must have BCS of 4+, less than two percent lameness, and less than five percent assisted calving • Castration must occur at less than six months of age • Weaning must occur after six months of age • Horns must be disbudded at less than six weeks of age, and dehorning is prohibited • No animal byproducts in feed • ⅔ of life must be spent on pasture • CharAdvantage EID tag required • Antibiotics, ionophores, hormones, growth promotants and sulfa drugs are prohibited • Animals must not be transported for more than 25 hours at shipping time GAP + NHTC/Natural is available for

f

$1,750 plus travel in addition to per head cost. This is an annual fee for this service.

Process: To begin, simply download and fill out this document and submit it to becky@beefcenter.org. Phone assistance is also available by calling 816-401-6427.

Enrollments can be paid for by check or by credit card over the phone. Once enrollment is paid for, the tags can be ordered and will usually arrive in seven to ten business days. This set of tags will be assigned to your operation’s premise according to the enrolled year. IMI Global will then contact the participant to perform a desktop audit via phone, to ensure all program rules are in compliance. Once approved, CharAdvantage staff will email and mail a copy of the CharAdvantage certificate, which can be presented at the time of cattle marketing.

Requirements: • 75% of either sires or dams represented in the calf crop must be registered or recorded with AICA. Registration or recordation numbers of sires must be included on the enrollment form, regardless of the ownership of the sire.

• Groups of calves must predominately show Charolais characteristic (color) • All cattle enrolled must have a known age, as determined by the date of the first calf and last calf born in the calving season; or by individual birth dates of each calf • Enrollments can only be made by the original owner of the cattle, and cattle must be owned by this participant at the time of enrollment • All enrolled cattle must be tagged with a CharAdvantage EID tag at the time of shipping For more information, contact Colt Keffer, Director of Industry Relations and Sales at 765-376-8784 or ckeffer@ charolaisusa.com.

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q JANUARY 2020

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Ashley’s Beef Corner

T

What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?

By ASHLEY W. HERRING Director of Consumer Information N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council Beef promotion comes in many forms, and I’ve learned through my time here that education and promotion go hand in hand. Often it is easy to reach young minds with our message, but we can’t simply push “eat beef” as our mode of operation. There’s quite a bit more to the “why” and “how.”

One of the best parts of talking

with students is hearing how they enjoy cooking. Thanks to the Cooking Channel and the home chef movement, there is endless enthusiasm for preparing meat.

Smoking and grilling are glorified and celebrated. Photographs and videos are shared, and recipes are swapped online in a near constant stream of “foodie fun.”

This has infiltrated grade school students,

leading to an uptick in culinary arts enrollment.

I was recently a part of an event called JoCo Works, organized by the Johnston Community College and businesses in the county. All of the eighth graders in the schools visited the event over a two day period. Groups rotated through sections organized by transportation, industry, hospitality, and agriculture. The emphasis was placed on vocational careers and the growing need for skilled employees who wouldn’t always be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

I call this the “Mike Rowe” movement, based on the unofficial spokesperson who explored jobs on his television show that are the very foundation of what makes our life possible. Agriculture fits quite well within this. We’re blue collar, but there’s more.

Beyond livestock production, there’s agribusinesses that help farmers. From marketing to finances and in between, there’s a lot of diversity.

Often the first thought about agriculture is driving a tractor or raising livestock. While that’s a big part, the options are endless beyond that.

Agriculture is our state’s number one economic driver, with the military coming

in second. If you’ve been to Fort Bragg, you have an idea of the scale. Teaching, extension, agricultural lending, marketing services from USDA and NCDA, commodity and membership organizations, animal nutrition, communications, advocacy, and more are the plethora of opportunities within our industry.

Recently, I was asked to be on a career panel for one of the classes at NC State University in the agriculture education and extension program. This class was mostly seniors preparing to graduate in the spring. We discussed beef, but broader discussion focused on the future of agriculture. Will some careers become obsolete, absolutely; will others develop, of course. The eight years that pass between eighth grade and the senior year of college seems like a lifetime, but the growth and development packed in this time is astonishing.

Comparing the two groups shows a lot of similarities. Eagerness, curiosity, and a drive to learn are foremost. These folks are ready to make a mark whether they obtain a four year degree, associate’s degree, or begin working after high school graduation. We need all their skill sets, drive, and ambition. We have a world to feed and clothe!

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 11

By DR. DEIDRE HARMON N.C. State University

A New Year, a New Use for Polywire By now, if you are a frequent reader of this column or if you have been to an Amazing Grazing event, I am sure you have heard of “The Power of One Wire” by Dr. Matt Poore and Johnny Rogers. The slogan “The Power of One Wire” is used to describe the ability and benefits of adaptive grazing management through the use of a single strand of temporary fencing. Although “The Power of One Wire” was created by Dr. Poore and Rogers, I would like to share my temporary fencing story, and how I have used a single strand of polywire to better manage my forages and Charolais cattle at my home farm in Galax, Virginia.

In recent years, temporary fencing has become a staple on my farm. My father and I continue to find new uses for it each year. The flexibility of temporary fencing makes it a great tool that can be used on both rented and owned properties and as a test run before installing a more permanent fence. At the farm, temporary fencing has allowed us to creep graze calves with high nutrient requirements, fence out winter feeding areas that need protection, flash graze winter feeding areas to relocate nutrients, and strip graze stockpiled fescue for higher forage use efficiency.

Creep Grazing - A few years ago, we had one of those winters that seemed to linger well into spring. The weather was cold, the precipitation was of the frozen kind, and the fescue was growing slowly. The spring born calves were just

beginning to nibble at the available grass, which was very limited in the winter feeding pasture. To encourage this grazing and to allow those rapidly growing calves to receive the best pasture available at the time, my father and I fenced out an area of the pasture with one strand of polywire set as high as it would go on the step-in posts. We did this to promote the growth of fescue in that area and to allow the calves to slide underneath the wire while preventing their dams from grazing the same area. The goal of creep grazing is to allow animals of different ages, sizes, and nutrient requirements to graze forages that may be different in quantity and quality, to better match nutrient needs with forage availability. Historically, creep grazing has been accomplished by allowing smaller animals to go from one pasture to another through an opening (gate) in the fence line. However, it works just as well using one strand of polywire if the cowherd has previously been trained to respect it. This grazing method can be used to creep graze calves on winter annuals, summer annuals, grasslegume mixes, hayfields after first cutting, or even stockpiled fescue.

Fencing Out and Flash Grazing Winter Feeding Areas - Almost everyone had a winter feeding area this past year that needed some kind of attention.

Repetitive equipment and hoof damage paired with one of the wettest years on record required us to pay special attention to our winter feeding areas. After

A calf creep grazes while the single strand poly wire fence keeps the dam on the other side.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

smoothing the area out, we broadcasted crabgrass seed (previously we have also used pearl millet) and installed a one strand temporary fence about waist high, preventing both cows and calves from entering the area. We did this to allow adequate rest of the winter feeding area and to prevent the herd from overgrazing the extremely palatable crabgrass before it was ready. Once the crabgrass was 6-8 inches tall, we allowed the herd to graze the winter feeding area for a few hours before pushing them back out into the rest of the pasture. This was done to try and remove nutrients in the winter feeding area and deposit them back out onto other parts of the pasture. Winter feeding areas typically have high levels of deposited nutrients because of the combination of bringing in feed resources and the concentration of urine and manure on the area. Having animals act as fertilizer spreaders by allowing them to consume standing forage in one place and make their “deposits” in another is an efficient way to help reduce nutrient loads to winter feeding areas.

Strip Grazing Stockpiled Fescue Stockpiling tall fescue is a sure fire way to extend the grazing season and reduce hay feeding. However, why go to all the work of saving the forage, fertilizing it in late summer, and letting it stockpile if you are also not going to give it the attention it deserves during grazing? Utilizing a single strand of polywire to allocate a strip (1-3 days worth) of stockpiled fescue to cattle is a great way to increase the efficiency of grazing, allowing cattle to trample less and consume more. At the farm, we have used this method the last two years and have been able to graze the stockpiled field longer than in previous years. Some of the benefits of this grazing method have included a uniformly grazed pasture with evenly distributed manure piles throughout the field. However, stockpiled fescue is not the only forage that can be strip grazed.

Winter and summer annuals are also other forage options that can be strip grazed for increased forage efficiency. If regrowth of annuals is expected, including a back

fence will promote regrowth and prevent animals from trampling or grazing the young tissue.

Although most of the work with temporary fencing on my farm has been to control grazing and/or forage growth, I have also used it as a stockmanship tool to manage and move cattle. We have used polywire to set up a temporary lane to move cattle from one field to another.

We have also used it to prevent two herd sires from running beside one another in two adjoining pastures by splitting one large pasture into two fields and allowing a “pasture” to be in between the herd sires. Dr. Poore and Johnny Rogers have both used it to separate cows and to load cattle onto stock trailers. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to the use of temporary fencing. As a new year’s resolution, I encourage you to give it a try if you have not used it before, and if you have, I challenge you to use it in a new way this year. I hope you have a prosperous New Year, and I look forward to hearing your 2020 temporary fencing stories.

Any news from your county? Be sure to share your meetings, sales, field days, etc., with your fellow cattlemen through the Connection!

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q JANUARY 2020

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E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture

By E.B. HARRIS

The Cattle Trailer Turns Over A few weeks ago, I was down toward Pitt County, visiting with some farmers about their farm equipment inventory. I had just left and was on Hwy. 64, which is normally about an hour’s drive back to the farm. That’s where I was headed when my cell phone rang. This was about 2:30 in the afternoon. The voice from the other end says, “E.B., the cattle truck has turned over just about a mile below your house.” That’s all he knew. My next phone call was to the office to get Shane and everyone on the farm to head to the scene.

My overdrive senses kicked in, not knowing what the situation was and what all was involved. Let’s put it like this, my truck stayed above the speed limit more than it did within the speed limit coming back. That normal hour trip to get home took me about 40 minutes. As I was nearing, what I thought about was getting on the two-way radio getting things in position – the portable corrals, trucks, and goosenecks.

If this accident had to happen, it probably couldn’t have happened in a better place. It happened in a curve close to the edge of one of our cow pastures.

The truck was loaded with 81 head. We figured about 46,000 pounds was on it, so it was not loaded to capacity, but it was a fair load. These 81 head belonged to eight different producers. We load out of our barn most every week to go to the sale.

They vary anywhere from mostly feeder calves to big cows and big bulls.

The best I could understand was that maybe in that curve, something made the driver go off the shoulder of the road, and when that trailer went off the shoulder, the rear end just slipped into the ditch.

Once it got into the ditch moving at the speed limit, there was no bringing it back up. It was pretty much inevitable that it was going to turn over. The main thing is that no other vehicle was involved, and the driver of the truck was not seriously injured. He was just banged up a little.

As I drove up on the scene, Shane already had the portable wheel corral in place, and fire departments were arriving.

The trailer was laid on its right side, so that meant the roll up tailgate was at the back end top of the trailer, making it inoperable for turning the cattle off the trailer. They had started cutting out the sheet metal on one side of the trailer. I

marked off an area, which used to be the very top of the trailer but was on the side. I got a fireman at the scene with a power saw that had a metal cutting blade on to cut out the section, which would let us unload what used to be the top deck.

We started unloading cattle by putting rope halters on as we got to them, setting them up and getting them out. We had to remove the ones that were deceased before we could get to any that were alive. This was a long, tedious process as me and one crew worked on the top deck, and Shane and another crew worked on the back, belly, and front nose. North Carolina Department of Agriculture representative, Wendy Thompson Lane, arrived to give her assistance, and bookoodles of other folks were coming to help to do what they could.

them fixed and given to folks who needed them. At 10:30 that night, everything was wrapped up. All the live cattle were back at our farm. The truck and trailer were sitting up and had been moved over to the pasture. Little did I know that my work had just begun.

I will tell you this, I would not wish this on anybody, especially for the cattle’s sake. It was a learning experience of how to disassemble one of those trailers that’s in this situation to save what cattle you can. We learned as we went. Everybody pitched in, and it was done as safely as it possibly can.

The next day, starting at daybreak, was spent doctoring the cattle that had wounds on them and seeing if we could take care of them and getting them into the proper positions and proper care. We

About an hour and a half later, the wrecker service arrived. He set up his winches and booms and started lifting some of the dead out. We had a trailer sitting there, and we immediately put them on the trailer. I was able to contact some of the local hunting clubs, and they came and got some of the salvage to have

used several different drugs and even went back to some of Granddaddy’s old recipes. What he stood by was Pinee. The scrapes and cuts got a lot of that poured on them.

Even though it was not my trailer or truck, I did find out later on if you do handle livestock and move livestock, make sure you read your policy well. The policy on this one only covered the cattle that were deceased. It did not cover any injured cattle. So, I reckon the learning experience from this is: 1) familiarize yourself with a plan in case it was to happen, 2) get your insurance policy to notify the steps to make sure you’re fully covered.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Don’t get caught napping!

Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!

On the Horizon

By ELIZABETH MULLINS N.C. State University

Trash to Treasure Hi folks! My name is Elizabeth Mullins, and I am starting the second semester of my master’s degree in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina State University. I work under the advisement of Dr. Matt Poore. I am a native of Clintwood, Va., where my family raises Katahdin Hair Sheep and has had a small commercial cow/calf operation. My involvement in 4-H and FFA helped to cultivate my interest and passion for animal agriculture. This led me to Virginia Tech, where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences in May of 2019.

I’m excited to be here in North Carolina, furthering my knowledge of cattle nutrition and pasture management.

It is well known that cotton byproducts make great cattle feed.

Cottonseed is an excellent protein supplement, and gin trash can be used as a roughage source. However, there are some challenges associated with feeding cotton meal, seed, gin trash, and cottonseed hulls. The primary challenges associated with these feeds are availability, storage, and handling, and in the case of gin trash, which I will now refer to as gin byproduct, glyphosate resistant weed seeds. My research aims to evaluate the effect of pelletizing gin trash or gin byproduct and whole cottonseed as a feedstuff for growing cattle. One of the feed manufacturers here in North Carolina has recently developed a process to pelletize whole cottonseed as well as the gin byproduct. No producer wants to feed a product that has the capability to spread herbicide resistant weeds all

through their pasture. We believe there is potential that the process of pelletizing the gin byproduct will sterilize the weed seeds.

My project will be three parts, the first of which is already underway. I am currently working to conduct a survey of cotton gins throughout the state to determine how whole cottonseed and cotton gin byproduct are being marketed and utilized. The goal of the survey will be to increase local usage of these feeds by ultimately being able to communicate to producers where they can access these cotton byproducts. The second portion of the project will be a feeding trial that will begin next fall. The purpose of the feeding trial will be to evaluate the feeding value of whole or pelletized cottonseed in comparison to corn and soybean meal, and the value of pelletized gin byproduct relative to cottonseed hulls.

The final portion of my project will look at whether or not the weed seeds survive the pelletizing process and to see if this process alters the nutritional value of the product.

I am eager to be working on this project, and I am looking forward to keeping you all updated on our progress and results. Cottonseed is often reasonably priced, and gin byproduct has the capability to be utilized as a hay substitute, especially during times of hurricanes and flooding when pasture and hay have been destroyed. This project is a great opportunity to better understand a feed source that has the potential to be of economic importance to producers throughout the state and the Southeast.

BE A WINNER!

Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state or regional breed association.

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q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 15

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics N.C. State University You Decide: A Milestone to Celebrate? A milestone was recently set in the country, one that – quite frankly – I thought I would never live to see. For the first time in decades, the U.S. exported oil to more destinations than the number of locations from which we imported oil.

Although the amount of oil our country imports is still more than we export, the gap between imports and exports has been cut in half in the last ten years.

We still import oil because, in some cases, it is actually cheaper to do so, and in other situations, the quality of the imported oil better fits some of our domestic needs. However, in recent years, the U.S. has been rapidly moving to energy self sufficiency.

It’s been a long time coming. In the early history of our oil production, the U.S. supplied much of the world with oil.

With large quantities of oil discovered in Texas in the 1930s, our country rapidly became the top oil producer in the world.

Prior to World War II, many countries, such as Japan, relied on U.S. oil to run their factories. Indeed, the U.S. used the threat of stopping oil sales as a negotiating tactic with Japan prior to World War II. However, our domestic production ultimately couldn’t keep up with rising usage, and by the 1970s, we were importing half of the oil we used. Much of our imported oil came from the Middle East, where massive oil fields were discovered in mid-century. Some analysts argue our dependence on Middle East oil naturally led to our involvement in Middle East politics – something that has been highly controversial.

Now, the U.S. is back among the top oil producers in the world. In fact, in 2019, the U.S. was actually the top oil producer in the world, exceeding both Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Thanks to the U.S. rebound, the world now has ample oil supplies, and this is clearly reflected in prices. In constant purchasing power dollars, the price per barrel of oil is cheaper today than a decade ago. And since gasoline is a derivative of oil, gas prices today are also more moderate.

Another way to measure the benefit of more plentiful oil supplies is to look at how much the average household spends in its budget for energy use in dwellings and vehicles. Despite the proliferation of

PAGE 16

modern technological devices using large amounts of energy, household spending on energy as a percent of after tax income hasn’t budged in 30 years.

What happened to take an industry like oil, which was declining four decades ago, to a booming industry today? There’s a one word answer – ingenuity.

The story of oil in the last forty years is the story of how the essence of our economic system works. First, when something is scarce – like domestic oil was in the 1970s – prices will be high and the potential to make big profits even higher.

Second, the lure of high profits will motivate risk-takers and inventors to develop ways of finding or creating the source of those potentially high profits – in this case, oil.

The big breakthrough was hydraulic fracturing – or fracking for short.

Traditionally oil was found in large underground pools, almost like lakes of oil. Once the underground oil pools were found, it was just a matter of inserting a pipe and drawing the oil to the surface.

This could be a fairly inexpensive process.

By the 1970s and 80s, most of these underground oil pools in the U.S. had been found and depleted. Supplies of oil in the U.S. were simply going dry.

But oil can also be encased in rock formations. Accessing this kind of oil is more expensive because the rock formations have to, first, be split to get at the oil. As long as there were pools of oil floating freely underground, the rock encased oil was ignored.

With the easy-to-access oil pools gone, and with oil prices high, it became feasible economically to go after the rock encased oil. That’s exactly what has happened in recent years. Useable methods were created to break (fracture) the rock and remove the oil. The new fracking techniques have put the U.S. back in the oil business.

Of course, the fracking revolution has not been without its issues. One is safety. There have been debates about whether fracking has harmed the quality of underground water reservoirs. There’s the related concern about the fracking technique’s use of large amounts of water to split underground rocks and the potential depletion of water reservoirs.

Last is a worry that lower oil and gasoline prices resulting from the fracking

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

revolution have delayed the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The thinking is that if the high prices for oil and gasoline of the 1970s had continued, there would have been an even greater motivation to find alternative fuels. And, those alternative fuels like solar and wind would have looked more appealing compared to the high priced fossil fuels, so more people would have adopted them.

Even recognizing these potential shortcomings of the fracking revolution,

there is little doubt it has changed the economic and geopolitical dynamics of the world. Energy prices are lower, and U.S. energy supplies are increasingly independent of sources from the Middle East.

Yet recognizing there are possible issues with the hydraulic fracturing technique, and also realizing oil and oil based products are fossil fuels that can emit harmful CO2 to the environment, the question is whether the return of the U.S. as a major world oil producer is a positive or negative milestone. As always, you decide.

Baxter Black

On the edge of

common sense Thumbs Up

I confess to not owning a tractor.

I have plenty of friends nearby with tractors. But in a lapse of good judgment, I borrowed one to brush hog a patch of weeds. Experienced farmers, even an eight-year-old farm kid, know that you always drive a tractor thumbs up. I didn’t remember.

As I was farming around, I managed to hit a post with the front wheel. The steering wheel spun like a helicopter blade and jammed my protruding thumb!

It swelled up so big it wouldn’t fit through the neck of a quart jar.

I only mention this humiliating self inflicted injury because Dr. Willis sent me a scientific report regarding wound response in plants. It said, in effect, that localized injury in one part of a plant causes a protective response in another part of that plant. For instance, when a caterpillar gnaws on a near leaf, a change occurs in a far leaf that inhibits that type of caterpillar’s digestive enzymes.

It is, therefore, a natural assumption that if plants are able to protect themselves, that the human body, particularly my human body, would work to prevent further similar injuries to itself.

But when you listen to rodeo cowboys recount the list of their broken bones, it is obvious that some human bodies forgot to read the scientific report.

However, it is possible that no protecting mechanism could safeguard people who leap off galloping horses onto stampeding steers or tie themselves to 1,200 pounds

of horns and hair and then scream, “Turn ‘em out!”.

I admit, there is some sort of warning that goes off in your brain the second time you realize you have not completely latched the headgate. Or you’re fixin’ to stab yourself with the pistol grip syringe again, or you’ve just set yer hair on fire with the branding iron like you did last year.

So you would think that through experience, if nothing else, the body would learn to be more careful.

I confess to not owning a roping arena. I have plenty of friends nearby with roping arenas. Four days after I had stove my thumb on the tractor, I was roping at a friend’s. Even a novice trail rider with a law degree knows when you dally you always keep yer thumbs up. I didn’t remember.

I managed to double hock a speedy little steer, set my horse, go to the horn and catch that same thumb under a coil.

It peeled a square foot of skin off the outside and mashed the tip till it looked like the paddle on a butter churn. It turned black, so now when I put my hand in my pocket, it looks like I’m packin’ a roll of silver dollars.

But all is not lost. It has occurred to me that since the injuries were both crop and livestock related, something good could still come from my misfortunes.

So I have submitted my swollen digit for consideration as Poster Thumb for the “Diversified Farming Movement.”

You Decide: Do the Costs and Benefits of Technology Balance? Modern technology has done wonderful things for us. Take my job – university professor – as an example. I began teaching at North Carolina State University in 1978.

I used dust creating chalk written on a blackboard to illustrate economic concepts to my classes. My books and studies were typed with a typewriter. Corrections were made with a liquid called “white out.”

The data I used in my statistical analyses were painstakingly key punched onto cards, which were then run through one of only a few mainframe computers located on campus. Getting the results from any computer run could take days. To read published studies, I had to go to the library.

Over four decades later, my work world has changed, and very much for the better. I lecture to students using multicolored, clearly prepared slides projected onto a widescreen. Students can easily download the slides prior to each lecture.

There is no chalk dust to contend with. I type my books and reports and newspaper columns on my desktop computer, where making changes is a breeze.

For my various studies, I can often download the necessary data directly from the web. The web is also where I can easily access and read published studies that relate to my teaching, research, and outreach programs. And what about the statistical analyses that used to take days to perform?

I can now finish them in mere seconds in my office using programs on my computer.

There have been equally significant changes in the way we communicate.

In 1978 I could reach out to others in three ways – in person, telephoning, or writing a letter delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Furthermore, if I phoned someone in 1978 and they didn’t answer, I either had to call back later or, if I was lucky, a colleague or assistant would answer and take a written message.

Often when I was away from my office in classes or meetings, when I returned, my door was covered with paper notes telling me who called, when they called, along with a short, written message.

Of course, like everyone, today I communicate using email, texts, and phone calls. The difference with today’s phone calls is that it’s easy to leave a voicemail if the recipient isn’t available.

I believe these technological changes have made my life as a university professor better. I also think I’m more productive. The tech advances are probably a big reason why I’m in my fifth decade of work.

Yet I clearly have seen some downsides of technology in my world.

Personal interactions have been reduced.

Decades ago, I constantly encountered

faculty as we interacted with the secretaries who typed our papers and tests and took our phone messages. We’d also have conversations as we delivered our data boxes to the mainframe computers and later when we anxiously awaited the results.

Now each faculty member’s office is a self contained workroom, where reading, writing, and analysis can take place without help from another person.

More conversations take place in cyberspace than in person. I’ve attended meetings where half the attendees were not present in person, instead replaced by their live image via a video camera.

Then, there are the jobs that have been lost. In the old days, my typing was done by secretaries. Secretaries also made and collated copies of handouts for my students. Now, I do my own typing. Also, when I distribute handouts to students, the fancy copy machine makes the copies, collates the pages, and staples each result.

Of course, new jobs have been created. We now have campus tech experts helping us with hardware and software issues of our computers. The university also has new positions dealing with cybersecurity and protection of student records and faculty work.

Past technological advances have had similar pluses and minuses. The mechanization of farming removed millions of individuals from working on the land.

They found jobs in the emerging factories of the early 20th century. Now as modern technology and machinery are replacing humans in the factory, both the country and North Carolina face the challenge of training individuals who would have worked in manufacturing for different jobs.

We’re about to move into a new decade. I have no doubt it will be a decade of vast technological change, some of which we can’t even now conceive. There’s anticipation this new technology will make our lives better, perhaps by lowering the cost of necessities like health care, education, and even housing.

But we need to watch for two possible downsides. One is the impact on jobs and the need for retraining of those losing work to technology. Second is the impact on social interactions; that is, how we relate to each other.

Only then can you – and each of us – decide on the balance of benefits and costs from technology.

About the author. Mike Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University who teaches and writes on personal finance, economic outlook, and public policy.

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q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 17

Focus on Youth

By BRENT J. JENNINGS N.C. State University

2019 Skillanthon Team

What a Year!

As I write this article on a cool morning in December, I am excited to reflect on the last year and the many activities, programs, contests, clinics, and shows we have been involved in. I am confident to say the future continues to shine brightly for the livestock industry in North Carolina. Every year I continue to be amazed by not only the youth involved, but the strong dedication we see from parents, volunteer leaders, agents, and ag teachers to make certain these youth have the best opportunities available to succeed.

This year we had great representation at the regional and national levels from our state 4-H skillathon, quiz bowl, and livestock judging teams. All of these

teams spent months in preparation for the national contests, which were held in Louisville, Ken., in November. As you can tell from the list of accolades, these youth all performed admirably and represented the state of North Carolina proudly.

This year the state 4-H skillathon team also served as the quiz bowl team since this was the first year they moved the national contest for quiz bowl to Louisville. The team members included Daniel Dunn from Wayne County, Marissa Suedbeck from Pitt County, Sierra Everhart from Durham County, and Hannah King from Stokes County. The team was coached by Andy Burlingham, the Pitt County Livestock Agent.

The state 4-H livestock judging

team members included Regan Mitchem from Lincoln County, Justin Wood from Johnston County, Lynae Bowman from Forsyth County, and Katherine Eastep from Caswell County. We also had two alternates who traveled with the team: Emma McSwain from Lincoln County and Stacie Winner from Nash County.

This team was coached by me and Noah Henson, area agent for Buncombe, Polk, and Henderson counties.

All of these young people put a tremendous amount of time and effort preparing for these events, and as you can tell from the accolades, it did not go unnoticed. If you know any of these

youth, please take a minute to congratulate them on their accomplishments. I am confident the life skills learned from participating on these teams will have a lasting impact on each of them.

As you begin 2020 and make those resolutions, please consider spending some time helping a young person. I am confident that not only will the youth reap benefits, but those that give their time and effort to helping them will certainly be rewarded as well.

2019 Livestock Judging Team

All competition results can be found on the following page.

“Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: the only way to help yourself is to help others.”

– Elbert Hubbard

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Week ending DECEMBER 5, 2019)

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of all markets ending Thursday, DECEMBER 5, 2019. All cattle in this report are located in North and South Carolina.

Prices FOB the farm or local scale and many weighed with a 0-2 percent shrink and sold with a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only. Many lots all natural.

Cattle Receipts: 1,133 Last Month: 2,091

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 67 percent steers and 33 percent heifers. Nearly 92 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds. Head totals are based on load lot estimate of 49,500 pounds.

Head 65

Wt. Range 750-750

Head 136 63 121

Wt. Range 725-725 775-775 800-825

Head 87 70 50 63 38 61

Wt. Range 565-565 700-700 735-735 775-775 775-775 800-800

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range 565 $144.75 700 $142.00 735 $135.00 775 $144.00 775 $136.00 800 $152.50

Avg. Price $144.75 $142.00 $135.00 $144.00 $136.00 $152.50

Split Loads Value Added Split Loads Value Added

Head 70

Wt. Range 700-700

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range 700

$140.00

Avg. Price $140.00

Delivery Value Added

Head 63

Wt. Range 785-785

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 785 $128.75 $128.75

Head 70 136 40

Wt. Range 700-700 725-725 725-725

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 700 $131.25 $131.25 725 $136.00 - $140.00 $138.00 725 $129.00 - $130.00 $129.68

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range 750

$150.75

Avg. Price $150.75

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 725 $144.00 $144.00 775 $140.00 $140.00 812 $139.25 - $140.50 $139.88

Delivery Value Added Delivery

Delivery

Delivery

Delivery Value Added Split Loads

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. - 919-707-3156

LIVESTOCK JUDGING RESULTS

SKILLATHON RESULTS

Keystone International - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Team Placings • 9th Place - Overall • 8th Place - Beef • 4th Place - Sheep • 9th Place - Swine • 6th Place - Reasons

Stockman’s Contest - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Team Placings (74 teams participating) • 2nd Overall Team - Daniel Dunn, Hannah King, Marissa Suedbeck, and Sierra Everhart • 3rd Overall Team - Trey Howey, Kaleb Pope, Cade Stegall, and Isaac Williams

Individual Placings • 14th Overall - Lynae Bowman • 7th Beef - Regan Mitchem • 13th Beef - Colton Cox • 4th Sheep - Lynae Bowman • 4th Swine - Katherine Eastep • 9th Reasons - Katherine Eastep • 14th Reasons - Regan Mitchem • 20th Reasons - Colton Cox NAILE - Louisville, Kentucky Team Placings • 7th Place - Overall • 8th Place - Reasons • 3rd Place - Cattle • 6th Place - Swine • 7th Place - Sheep Individual Placings • 8th Overall - Regan Mitchem • 24th Overall - Lynae Bowman • 28th Overall - Justin Wood • 9th Reasons -Regan Mitchem • 4th (Performance Cattle) - Regan Mitchem • 3rd Cattle - Regan Mitchem • 9th Cattle - Justin Wood • 3rd Swine - Regan Mitchem (tied for 2nd) • 16th Sheep - Justin Wood • 21st Sheep - Lynae Bowman Southeastern Regional - Raleigh, North Carolina Team Placings • 2nd Place - Overall • 5th Place - Meat Goats • 3rd Place - Sheep • 5th Place - Cattle • 3rd Place - Swine • 2nd Place - Reasons Individual Placings • 10 Overall - Regan Mitchem • 12th Overall - Lynae Bowman • 16th Overall - Emma McSwain • 4th Meat Goats - Emma McSwain • 6th Sheep - Lynae Bowman • 14th Sheep - Regan Mitchem • 15th Sheep - Emma McSwain • 5th Cattle - Regan Mitchem • 7th Swine - Lynae Bowman • 17th Swine - Regan Mitchem • 4th Reasons - Regan Mitchem • 10th Reasons - Emma McSwain th

Individual Placings (261 total participants) • 2nd Overall - Sierra Everhart • 4th Overall - Trey Howey • 6th Overall - Hannah King • 9th Overall - Isaac Williams • 13th Overall - Cade Stegall • 16th Overall - Daniel Dunn • 19th Overall - Marissa Suedbeck NAILE - Louisville, Kentucky Team Placings • 5th Place - Overall • 5th Place - Quality Assurance • 8th Place - Identification • 5th Place - Evaluation Individual Placings • 5th Overall - Hannah King • 8th Overall - Sierra Everhart th • 5 Quality Assurance - Hannah King • 2nd Evaluation - Sierra Everhart • 7th Evaluation - Daniel Dunn Southeastern Regional - Raleigh, North Carolina Team Placings • 2nd Place - Overall • 1st Place - Identification • 4th Place - Quality Assurance • 4th Place - Evaluation Individual Placings • 4 Overall - Daniel Dunn • 6th Overall - Sierra Everhart • 7th Overall - Hannah King • 10th Overall - Marissa Suedbeck th

• 2nd Identification - Sierra Everhart • 5th Identification - Hannah King • 7th Identification - Marissa Suedbeck • 8th Identification - Daniel Dunn • 7th Quality Assurance - Sierra Everhart • 8th Quality Assurance - Hannah King • 4th Evaluation - Daniel Dunn • 7th Evaluation - Marissa Suedbeck • 8th Evaluation - Hannah King

You shouldn’t have to have a gun held to your head to take advantage of the expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies featured in the Classifieds in this issue!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Jackpot Shows – Four Reasons They Are MORE Than a Weekend Trip

By JESSICA JUDGE BioZyme, Inc. Competitive nature and livestock enthusiasts are two terms that go hand in hand. During the winter and early spring, this is on full display as livestock exhibitors travel up and down the state and across the country to attend jackpot shows. For consecutive weekends, livestock families pull to shows, spend their time bundled in layers, rely on bucket heaters to keep water from freezing, and have their aerosol cans ready for action. With weekend jackpot shows consisting of long days, unpredictable weather, and a long work week to travel back to, it might seem like only crazy people would make the haul for these shows. Yet when you break down the advantages, there are four reasons why jackpot shows are so valuable to attend:

Trial and error - Most livestock exhibitors have an end goal in mind. They might dream of winning their county show, their state fair, or maybe even a banner at a national exhibition. While these ambitious dreams are great to think about, every accomplished end goal started with a beginner’s trial run. Jackpot shows provide the perfect opportunity to get your new livestock out for their very first time. It gives them a chance to travel to a new place for a show, experience some time in the ring, and get one show under their belt, so they are ready to behave better at the next one. If you keep your animals at home their whole life and take them out for the first time at your “end goal” point, there’s a good chance they won’t react well and what

rd

FSC Ranch 3 Extra Effort Sale Results The FSC Ranch 3rd Extra Effort Sale was held on October 26 at the farm in Clayton, North Carolina. The weekend began with a Friday evening dinner and an educational talk by Dr. Bob Weaber on managed heterosis, simple breeding systems, and complementarity. The crowd enjoyed a Saturday luncheon before auctioneer Dustin Rogers led the sale. Simple Auction Site facilitated online bidding while marketing representatives Rocky Forseth, Marty Ropp, and Corey Wilkins of Allied Genetics provided support. The FSC Ranch sold cattle to eight different states.

Sale Averages • 15 18-month-old bulls averaged $3,857 • 21 yearling bulls averaged $2,645 • 2 pairs averaged $1,900 • 10 bred heifers averaged $2,105 • 12 open heifers averaged $1,354 • 60 total lots averaged $2,575 High Selling Lots • Lot 1 - FSCR Riverwood F041, sired by Gibbs 3133A Mountaineer - sold to Phil Lawler of Montevalle, Ala., for $5,250 • Lot 8 - FSCR United F067, sired by FSCR B062 United - sold to Brad Johnson of Shawano, Wis., for $5,100 • Lot 2 - FSCR Mountaineer F052, sired by 3133A Mountaineer - sold to KJ Fauth of Lavina, Mont., for $5,000 • Lot 3 - FSCR Beacon F035, sired by Hook’s Beacon 56B - sold to Phil Lawler for $4,750 • Lot 6 - FSCR United F064, sired by FSCR B062 United - sold to Gregory Felts of Greensboro, N.C., for $4,250 • Lot 10 - FSCR United F061, sired by FSCR B062 United - sold to Colin Wilson of Hollywood, Ala., for $4,200 • Lot 11 - FSCR Deacon F042, sired by Gibbs 1100HY Deacon - sold to Tommy Parker of Thomasville, N.C., for $4,100 • Lot 4 - FSCR First Cut F018, sired by TJ First Cut 1109C - sold to Colin Wilson for $4,000 • Lot 9 - FSCR United F062, sired by FSCR B062 United - sold to Waitus English of Burgaw, N.C., for $3,600 • Lot 15 - FSCR Wolfpack F025, sired by GW Wolfpack 712A - sold to Zack McCullen of Clinton, N.C., for $3,500 • Lot 17 - FSCR Mountaineer F141, sired by Gibbs 3133A Mountaineer - sold to William Tally of Bear Creek, N.C., for $3,500 Buyers from eight states - North Carolina, Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Indiana, Montana, South Carolina

you have been dreaming about can easily be crushed due to bad behavior or animals going off feed and water.

Not only do your livestock need to get used to being at a show and getting through the ring, but you need a chance to get more familiar with your new livestock! Whether you are a seasoned veteran or this is your first livestock project, getting on the end of the halter or whip with a new animal takes some time to get used to, as no two animals will show the same. While you should always get plenty of practice at home with that animal, nothing beats the real life experience of being in the ring at an actual show. The more times you attend a jackpot show and get in the ring, the more comfortable you will be with your animal’s tendencies while showing, and the better you will be able to work with those tendencies to get your animals presented at the highest level.

Practice makes perfect - Chances are, if you are just starting out, show day preparation may seem stressful, hectic, and maybe even a bit of a nightmare.

However, the only way you get better at planning ahead for getting your livestock show ring ready is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. If you want to get better at fitting a leg or getting skin and hair just right, attending numerous shows will give you a chance to do just that. If you struggle to know when to start getting ready to make it to your class on time, having a few trial runs at different shows can help you discover the perfect time to start. There are so many things to learn each and every time you show, from what to feed the morning of, how much water to give them, when to start getting ready, how long you need to head up to the ring, and so much more.

Get some opinions on your stock - While all opinions may vary, getting feedback from various judges at different shows can give you some ideas on where your animal is, and if there are management decisions you can make to help improve your animal. A judge’s perspective can help you better understand the animal you have and what you can do to maximize its potential. Maybe your animal is a little too green and skinny, and you need to push it harder on feed. Or maybe your animal is a little too far along in its condition at an early stage, and the type of feed you are giving them needs to be adjusted. These comments, while they may be critical, can help you better evaluate the way you care for your animal and help you make some

The Carolina Cattle Connection

changes to improve for the next outing.

Likewise, this also can help you get a better idea of the competition you will be against all year, whether it be in a breed, age break, or similar weight division. By getting your livestock out and in a class, you can see how you compare and stack up to the others.

Find your weekend warrior gang - Attending jackpot shows each weekend isn’t just about learning – it is also about building. Building relationships with other show families who understand what you do each weekend is so important for support, learning, and maybe even your sanity! Finding that niche group of people who go to the same events you do and understand the importance of attending a few shows, will give you a group of friends to rely on and ask questions as you start to learn more. Amongst all of the things, you will learn about showing livestock and preparation from this group of people, you will also discover great friendships. Each weekend you travel, you will see lots of familiar faces, and chances are, those familiar faces will turn into lifelong friends. These are the people who understand why you travel every weekend and withstand the cold because they are doing the same things for the same reasons.

Loading up and heading to a jackpot show every weekend can be a big undertaking. There is lots to learn for both you and your animal, and things will not always go as planned. It often requires an investment of money, time, labor, and sacrifices, but the payoff of your investment will be priceless.

Y’all have stumbled on the best place to advertise expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies.

Check the Classifieds in this issue! q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 21

showing people their bulls and females and answering questions. Will Thompson was the auctioneer for the event and got the sale rolling in spite of the early bite of winter wind. The top selling bull was

THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale. November 1 was the date for the Genetic Opportunity Sale held at High Ridge Farms in Albemarle, North Carolina. Val and Lori Eberspacher from Minnesota were the sale management, and the auctioneer was Cody Lowderman from Illinois. The top selling lot was an Angus female, HRF Tough Love 804, sired by Jindra Acclaim. She sold for $10,000 to Sloup Simmentals in Staplehurst, Nebraska. The next top selling lot was a SimAngus bull, HRF Nashville Cat F33, which sold for $5,400 to Ernest Rowland of Roxboro, North Carolina. This bull is a son of Kappes Carson B700 and was also the grand champion Percentage Simmental bull at this year’s N.C. State Fair. Another

Fred Smith, Doug Parke, Bruce Cuddy, and Stewart Moss at the High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale.

Bruce Cuddy welcomes everyone and introduces his family and farm crew before the sale begins.

SimAngus bull, HRF Revival F29, was also a top seller at $5,000. This bull sold to Frank Howey, Jr. of Monroe, North Carolina. The top selling SimAngus female was HRF Anastasia E8, a daughter of HRF Top Shelf B2. She sold for $3,800

to Woodlawn Farms of Clarksville, Georgia.

The entire sale averaged $2,334, with the open heifers averaging $2,923 and the bred females averaging $1,746. The 17 bulls sold averaged $3,371.

a son of LRS Iconic 303C out of a GW Premium Beef daughter. This bull sold for $4,000. Two other bulls tied for the second top selling at $3,200. One was a Gibbs Mountaineer son out of a SAV 8180

Did I mention that the wind was very cold.

SimAngus Solution Sale. The 11th Annual SimAngus Solution Sale was held on November 16 at the farm in Burlington, North Carolina. Owners Johnny, Jonathan, and Melissa Massey were welcoming everyone to the sale and very helpful in

The big tent at the High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale.

Frank Bell is a constant friend and mentor to the Massey family.

A good LRS Iconic daughter offered at the SimAngus Solution Sale.

SIMMENTAL . . . Because They Work!

Take it from this N.C.S.A. Breeder: Marvin Hutchison of Waco Cattle Company in Waco, N.C.

“Some people have lost sight of the end product of a beef animal by trying to breed what is in fashion. If your cattle are easy calvers, produce milk, wean sound, healthy calves with forages, then your market will be around for a long time.

My Simmentals have accomplished this goal since 1977.”

~ Marvin Hutchison, Waco Cattle Company

Marvin Hutchison Waco Cattle Company

Contact these progressive SIMMENTAL breeders!

Cub Creek Farms Doug Peterson Wilkesboro, NC 336-667-4306

Ridgewood Simmentals Rusty & Cara Henson Boone, NC 828-265-3450

Fred Smith Company Ranch Fred Smith Clayton, NC 919-422-4092

Triple M Farms Tony Matthis Clinton, NC 910-592-7472 or 910-592-6702

Rucker Family Farm Phil & Jennie Rucker Hamptonville, NC 336-468-1675

Nicholson Livestock Clay & John Nicholson East Bend, NC 336-699-4780

Cedar Creek Ranch Bill & Marie Pyle Franklinton, NC 919-494-1145

Circle M Cattle/Massey Farms Johnny & Jonathan Massey Burlington, NC 336-260-2565

Langdon Red Angus & Simmental John & Eileen Langdon Benson, NC 919-796-5010

Waco Cattle Company Marvin Hutchison Waco, NC 704-435-4607

Shade Tree Simmentals Ralph Blalock, Jr. Wilson, NC 252-289-6007

TX Enterprises Charlie & Amy Thomas Winston-Salem, NC 336-575-5461

PAGE 22

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

JBB Simmentals Jeff Broadaway Monroe, NC 704-221-0997

• BOONE WILKESBORO •

• EAST BEND • HAMPTONVILLE • WINSTON-SALEM • FRANKLINTON BURLINGTON • WILSON • CLAYTON • • BENSON • WACO • MONROE • CLINTON

• GRAY COURT

N. C. Simmental Association • Jennie Rucker, Executive Secretary 1341 US Hwy 21 • Hamptonville, NC 27020 • 336-468-1679

√ Check out our webpage: www.ncsimmental.com • email: NCSA@yadtel.net

American Simmental Association 1 Simmental Way Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-4531 406-587-9301 FAX

Traveler daughter. The other was sired

by SDS Graduate 006X out of a SAV 004 Predominant daughter. The third top selling bull went for $3,100 and was a flush mate to the SDS Graduate 006X bull.

The open heifers were in demand as bidding continued to be strong when we moved to the female pens. The top selling heifer was a daughter of Gibbs Mountaineer, and she sold for $2,350. The next top selling heifer was sired by LRS Iconic 303C, and she brought $1,800.

The third top selling heifer was sired by Connealy Guinness and sold for $1,775.

The 23 bulls sold for a gross of $53,500 and averaged $2,326. The 17 heifers sold for a gross of $22,205 to average $1,306.

N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight

By ALLISON BROWN, N.C. State University

The Benefits of Unrolling Hay to Feed Cattle

Gary Gregory always helps at the SimAngus Solution Sale.

Looking over the bulls at the SimAngus Solution Sale.

PUBLIC LANDS COUNCIL NEWS The 2020 Nick Theos Scholarship Application Opens. The Public Lands Council (PLC) recently opened the application period for the 2020 Nick Theos Scholarships. The scholarships provide students with a passion for the western livestock industry an opportunity to attend the 2020 PLC Spring Legislative Conference held March 30-31, 2020, in Washington, D.C. The PLC Legislative Conference brings together top industry leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss public policy issues impacting public lands ranchers.

Selected participants will engage in an unforgettable hands on learning experience exploring legislative priorities and navigating the regulatory environment of public lands ranching.

Two Nick Theos scholarships are available for 2020. The scholarships provide a $250 stipend, complimentary hotel accommodations on Capitol Hill, and complimentary conference registration. While PLC is unable to pay for travel in full, additional sponsorships to help cover travel costs are encouraged

and may be available through individual state public lands council associations.

Nick Theos, a founding member of PLC and lifetime supporter of the livestock industry, passed away on April 11, 2013, at the age of 92. The scholarship was created by the Theos family to encourage the next generation to engage in the policy issues facing public lands ranching.

Application Details - The Nick Theos Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate level students. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in public lands ranching. Interested students should complete the online application and submit two letters of recommendation by February 1, 2020.

More information is available online at www.publiclandscouncil.org.

About the Public Lands Council.

PLC represents public lands ranchers in Washington, D.C. Since 1968, PLC has worked with Congress and the federal land management agencies to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world. Visit www. publiclandscouncil.org to learn more.

Unrolling hay to feed cattle has been gaining in popularity in recent years.

Cattle producers site many benefits to unrolling hay, such as frequent interaction with the herd, all animals have a chance to eat at once, and manure distribution by moving feeding areas daily.

When you mention unrolling hay as your preferred method of feeding cows, hay waste is usually the first thing you hear. However, is hay really wasted when you use the unrolling method?

The goal of unrolling hay is to allocate a daily allowance of hay to feed your herd, or only allow them access to a one day supply. Hay can be wasted when using the unrolling method if you unroll too much hay at one time. Information you will need to know to prepare for success: bale weight and the amount of hay needed to meet your cow’s nutritional needs (2% of body weight x number of animals). Pay attention to your cows.

They will let you know if you are feeding them the right amount. If the cows are standing at the gate waiting on you and there is no excess hay left, give them a little extra next time. However, if you look and see significant amounts of hay left and trampled, you may want to unroll slightly less. Remember that cold air temperature and/or rain can increase nutritional requirements and feed intake.

Hay amounts will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Okay, so unrolling hay every day has you worried. When the weather is looking good, you can unroll hay for two or three days. Then pull a temporary fence, only allowing them access to a one day supply.

On the second day, move the temporary fence allowing them access to another days’ supply of hay and so forth.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

There is the argument that rings, hay wagons, and other feeders offer less waste of hay due to trampling. That may be true to a point, but these methods also prevent manure distribution unless the rings or wagons are moved frequently.

Let’s be honest, those hay rings are not moved frequently. When you unroll hay, you use a different area each time. Make the cows fertilize your pasture for you!

What some folks see as hay trampled or left on the ground, others see as fertilizer, and organic matter added back to the soil.

Unrolling hay also allows all animals the chance to eat at once. Cow/calf producers and multi-species producers can really appreciate this method as it allows calves and small ruminants equal access to hay. They don’t have to wait their turn or fight for a chance to eat.

There are many different tools on the market today that can be used to unroll hay. Some are designed to be used with tractors, trucks, or even ATVs, and costs vary. Of course, if your pasture has a hill, round bales will unroll downhill. Just be careful that nothing is in the path of a runaway hay bale. If you would like to see two different methods of unrolling hay and a producer testimonial, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srtx3r5IsZQ and check out the videos.

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NEWS

Natural Oral Nutritional Supplement Calf-Rescue™. Gives Spring Calves Boost They Need at Birth, Weaning. Spring weather can be unpredictable. Snow and sleet one day can quickly change to 70°F the next. Spring calving can be equally unpredictable and, while some producers believe that cold and snowy weather yields larger spring calves, one way to ensure a healthy calf at birth and weaning is through proper nutrition, say the animal health experts at Brookside Agra.

To give spring calves the nutritional boost they need during times of stress, such as birth and weaning, Brookside Agra has developed natural oral nutritional supplement Calf-Rescue.

When given as directed, Calf-Rescue provides calves with select vitamins and a stabilized source of direct fed microbials (probiotics) to maintain a healthy, natural appetite, digestion, and immune system -at a cost of only about $1.50 per calf.

“The cold and snow can actually be very difficult on nursing calves. When calves are stressed, their appetites often decrease, while their nutritional demand on their bodies increases. Giving calves the nutrients they need at birth when they are weak and vulnerable will actually keep them healthier, therefore reducing the need for expensive shots and costly medical treatments to treat illnesses,” said Tim Nelson, Brookside Agra Vice President Animal Health & Nutrition Sales.

Calf-Rescue’s unique blend of

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vitamins and natural microorganisms works to promote healthy microbial counts in the rumen to increase feed intake and improve digestive function.

The gut of a newborn calf is nearly sterile; Calf-Rescue helps the calf develop a healthy gut microflora and promote a healthy digestive system, enabling it to grow to its full genetic potential.

Calf-Rescue includes: • Select Vitamins - Calf-Rescue provides guaranteed levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Thiamine HCL, Pyridoxide HCL, and Vitamin B12 - vitamins critical for normal calf growth and development.

• Pre-biotic Inulin - Calf-Rescue also contains inulin, a complex carbohydrate that serves as a nutrient source to help successfully colonize beneficial bacteria in the gut.

• Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract - Calf-Rescue provides a source of high quality protein based from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and contains concentrated levels of essential and functional nutrients critical for young animals.

Calf-Rescue also contains a healthy dose of microorganisms, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, and Bacillus subtilis to promote healthy ruminant function during times of stress.

Use Calf-Rescue during: • Birth and weaning • Shipping and receiving • Following antibiotic therapy • During digestive disorders • Showing

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

• Times of stress Made in the U.S.A., Calf-Rescue is available in a case of 12 applicator tubes (1.04 oz. each) for easy oral administration. Calf-Rescue contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Calf-Rescue may be purchased online at www.brookside-agra.com/products/ animal-health/calf-rescue/.

Brookside Agra Experts Recommend Simple Tips to Manage Cold Stress in Calves. The animal nutrition experts at Brookside Agra recommend a balance of natural nutritional supplementation, such as CalfRescue, and some simple tips to manage cold stress in calves and help them grow into productive members of the herd.

Use a Warming Box - Use a warming box, a small ceramic electric heater in a small enclosed crate, to keep calves warm. A warming box works well

to regulate their temperature and provides their lungs with warm air to breathe.

Warming boxes should be cleaned and disinfected between calves to prevent the spread of calf scours.

Use Warm Water to Thaw Calves - Use warm water, not hot, to thaw a freezing calf. If a calf has scours or another illness like pneumonia, it is likely lying down and dehydrated and has less blood flow to its extremities, which can cause its limbs to become cold and more vulnerable to freezing. A moderate water temperature of 100°-105°F should be used so as to not burn the calf. Monitor the calf’s rectal temperature to make sure it doesn’t overheat and be sure to dry the calf completely before it goes back outside to prevent another chill.

Provide Adequate Bedding - Straw bedding provides some of the best insulation for calves. Straw bedding

Simmental News To d a y ’s Simmental.

The evolution of a breed has built cattle suited to perform and add value in any environment. Hybrid vigor and environmental adaptability of the modern Simmental are keeping demand on the rise. Southeastern breeder Fred Smith has believed in the breed for decades and says it deserves its growing position in commercial herds.

“Simmental has made a lot of progress and produces an animal that’s very attractive to the commercial producer,” says Smith of Fred Smith Cattle Company Ranch in Clayton, North Carolina. “What we’ve found out is that

by SimAngus™, by producing an animal that’s balanced, that calves easy, grows, produces an outstanding carcass and has longevity, we can produce an animal that’s successful in all different slices of the meat business. SimAngus does that.”

Lasting power pays. An additional calf crop makes all the difference to the bottom line.

“Statistics will show that an F1 calf will, throughout her lifetime, produce one more extra calf. It also helps the commercial cattlemen in that they don’t have to raise as many replacement heifers, which is the No. 1 cost for our commercial cattlemen - to produce replacement heifers,” Smith says.

Breeders like Smith do their part to ensure success for the home ranch - and for their commercial customers.

“If we’re going to be sustainable,

we’ve got to be profitable and the goal of the American Simmental Association, the goal of seedstock producers primarily has to be to take care of our customers’ needs, and the way we take care of our customers’ needs is to produce a product that will help make them both sustainable and profitable,” he adds.

Smith’s admiration for the breed is just part of why he loves raising cattle.

“I feel like what we’re doing is producing an outstanding, healthy product to feed the world,” Smith says. “I think meat brings so many advantages. It brings the advantage of a food that, with minimum calories, produces a strength that not only young people but older people need - strength for body and mind.

I think that the product that we produce is very important and a product that the world needs.”

Ranchers wanting to learn more can visit www.simmental.org or contact the Association at 406-587-4531.

About the American Simmental Association. Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana.

ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education, and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA, along with its partners, formed International Genetic Solutions - the world’s largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Learn more at www.simmental.org.

should be at least three inches deep and enough to cover a calf’s legs when it is lying down. Keep the bedding clean and dry. Using an all natural drying agent, like Brookside Agra’s Absorb, will safely absorb moisture and provide odor control in animal housing.

Dress the Calf - Place a calf jacket on a dry calf to prevent heat loss. Some

farmers have even begun using earmuffs on calves to keep their ears warm and prevent hypothermia. Since calves cannot regulate their own body temperatures due to low fat reserves, adding a layer of clothing will help them retain valuable body heat.

For additional product information or custom orders, contact Tim Nelson, Vice

President - Animal Health & Nutrition Sales at 402-560-7381 or tim.nelson@ brookside-agra.com.

About Brookside Agra. Brookside Agra is a global fifth generation, family owned business based in O’Fallon, Ill., that manufactures and distributes a variety of research proven, all natural products for specialty feeds; animal

The Carolina Cattle Connection

health and production; agriculture; and commercial, industrial and environmental use. For more information about Brookside Agra and its all natural products and services, visit www. brookside-agra.com or contact Chad Vaninger, Executive Vice President and General Manager, at 618-628-8300 Ext. 23 or chadv@brookside-agra.com.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

ANGUS NEWS Apply now for a 2020 Angus Internship. Four hands on internship opportunities are available to college students. Applications are now open for college age students to apply for the American Angus Association, Angus Media, and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) 2020 summer internships. All of these ten week, paid internships provide hands on, real life opportunities in the Angus business.

Not only are these internships valuable in helping students build their specific skill sets, but also, they are an opportunity to extend their professional network. Interns at Angus are assigned responsibilities and guided along to help ensure success and increase intern confidence.

The four internships being offered are: • Angus Media - This writing intensive opportunity offers the chance to participate in producing publications, including the Angus Journal, Angus Beef Bulletin, Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Angus Journal Daily, editorial websites, and social media. The internship can be tailored to the intern’s strengths, but

many duties can be anticipated, including traveling to industry events. Experience in news and feature writing, editing, and photography are strongly suggested.

• Communications - From print stories to video scripts, photography, graphic design, and more, the communications intern will truly gain valuable agricultural communications experience. Applicants should have strong writing and design skills and have completed coursework in news and feature writing, editing, and design.

Experience in photography, video, and social media would be helpful.

• Events and Education - The intern will assist in planning and executing youth events hosted by the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), including preparations, correspondence, and coordination for junior shows and events. Applicants should be a self starter, detail oriented, and outgoing with the ability to work well with others.

Livestock and event planning experience is a plus but not required. Travel to the 2020 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Leaders Engaged in Angus

Development (LEAD) Conference, and other events is expected.

• AGI - Students pursuing their master’s degree or Ph.D. in animal breeding and genetics should apply for the AGI summer internship. The intern will have the opportunity to work with one of the world’s largest beef genomic databases. The internship will be focused on research that involves data analysis, so candidates should have experience in analyzing animal breeding data sets and genomic data.

Students interested in applying should send a résumé, cover letter, and references to careers@angus.org by February 1, 2020. Visit www.ngus.org/ careers for internship descriptions and requirements.

Angus Foundation Hires Thomas Marten as Executive Director. Marten will be responsible for leadership and oversight to the growth of the Foundation. Thomas Marten started as the executive director of the Angus Foundation on January 2, 2020, and he will be responsible for leadership and oversight to the growth and development of the Angus Foundation. Marten joins the Foundation from the FarmHouse

Foundation, where he served as the director of the FH Excellence Fund.

“I’m very excited to have Thomas joining our organization to lead the Angus Foundation,” said Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. “Thomas comes with a strong resume of philanthropy and fundraising, and couples that with a background and passion for agriculture.”

Prior to his current role at FarmHouse, Marten was the FarmHouse director of advancement after serving as the executive director of the Stark County Farm Bureau in Toulon, Illinois.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural sciences from Southern Illinois University and grew up on a diversified farm in Illinois.

“I am honored and excited to join Team Angus and work with our many loyal donors to continue to increase the incredible impact the Angus Foundation is making in growing leadership, investing in research, and providing opportunities for the next generation of cattlemen and cattlewomen in the Angus breed,” Marten said. “It is evident farmers

Continued on the next page

Verra Announces New Methodology for the Reduction of Enteric Methane Emissions from Ruminants Methane emissions that result from the digestive process of livestock are responsible for approximately 30 percent of global anthropogenic methane emissions. These enteric methane emissions are a result of fermentation that occurs as biomass consumed is broken down in the digestive system of ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, or goats.

Mootral, a Swiss Agritech company, has developed a new Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology that will reduce such enteric methane emissions.

This new methodology is based on a detailed understanding of the biochemical processes in the rumen and of methanogens (the microorganisms within the rumen that produce the methane) and relies on natural feed supplements that inhibit methanogenic activity and thus reduce methane emissions. These supplements are safe for animals.

This methodology provides the equations and parameters for calculating the emission reductions produced through the use of methanogen inhibiting feed supplements. For ease of use, it uses emission reduction factors, eliminating the need for direct measurement for monitoring. Also, the methodology utilizes an activity method for the demonstration of additionality, which currently is applicable in every country.

About Mootral. Mootral is a Swiss Agritech company that develops innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions for the agricultural systems of tomorrow.

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American Angus Association News continued from the previous page and ranchers across the United States are passionate to support the continued success of the Angus breed. I look forward to bringing my experiences in non-profit development and leadership to the Angus Foundation.”

Established in 1980, the Angus Foundation is an affiliate of the American Angus Association and supports programs involving youth, education, and research to prepare future leaders and ensure the future of the Angus breed. The Angus Foundation invested $611,450 in youth and education programs, with a total of 1,809 participants in 2019 alone. The Foundation also invested $126,000 in research to benefit the Angus breed and awarded $286,700 in scholarships in fiscal year 2019.

“I believe Thomas’ energy and experience will be a great asset to the Angus Foundation and the great mission it supports,” McCully said.

Applications Open for 2020 Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Apply by January 10 to be considered for the Angus

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Foundation sponsored representative.

Future beef leaders – apply now for the 2020 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC). Again this year the Angus Foundation will sponsor an individual to represent the Angus breed at YCC held May 27-June 4, 2020, in Denver, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Applications can be found on the Angus Foundation website and are due b January 10, 2020.

YCC is a program developed for up-and-coming cattle producers who are interested in seeing every part of the supply chain from production to marketing, to Capitol Hill. The primary objective is to develop leadership qualities in young cattlemen and women and expose them to all aspects of the beef industry while building their professional network.

“The Angus Foundation is committed to providing opportunities and resources for Angus Association members to be successful,” said Rod Schoenbine, Angus

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Foundation director of development.

“YCC is a great opportunity for cattlemen and women to learn the ins-and-outs of the industry from industry-leading professionals while building their network.”

The sponsored attendee will have registration and travel costs covered by the Angus Foundation. Applicants must be between the ages of 25-50 and in good standing with the American Angus Association and a member of NCBA. For more information, visit NCBA at www. beefusa.org or the Angus Foundation website.

Henry Smith of Russell Springs, Kentucky, was selected to represent the Angus Association at the 2019 YCC. Smith inherited his passion for the Angus breed and community while working alongside his father and grandfather. After attending Somerset Community College and graduating from Western Kentucky University with a degree in agricultural education, Smith continued to give back to the industry he grew up in. He now operates Smithland Angus Farm, a 300 head Angus, and 30 head commercial cattle operation.

“I was impressed by the lengths taken to ensure the highest level of food safety and quality control for consumers on the retail side of things,” Smith said. “A lot of us are grass roots type producers, and seeing the retail side of the industry and the demand for high quality cuts only encourages me to keep producing the best and safest beef possible.”

For more information and to download the application, visit www. angusfoundation.org.

Angus Foundation Scholarship Applications Open Now. The Angus Foundation continues to support the next generation of agriculturists. Scholarship applications are now available for college students associated with the Angus breed.

This past year, the Angus Foundation awarded $227,700 in scholarships at the 2019 National Junior Angus Show alone, and next year will be no different. The Angus Foundation offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students each year as a way to help Angus youth achieve their educational goals and offset the continually rising costs of tuition at higher education institutions.

“We have a responsibility to support the next generation of agriculturalists here at the Angus Foundation,” said Rod Schoenbine, Angus Foundation director of development. “With education costs being higher than ever, we want to help students in their educational endeavors, and awarding scholarships is a key

factor.”

Today, countless past junior Angus members have benefitted from the financial support of Angus Foundation funded scholarships. This year, five past scholarship recipients were put in the spotlight in the Angus Foundation Success Story campaign.

“The Angus Foundation’s core mission of youth, education, and research are so important to developing young people to come back into our breed, into our community, and to our industry as a whole,” said Jara Settles, vice president of livestock mitigation at the Livestock Marketing Association and past scholarship recipient. “If we don’t invest in these young people and welcome them back in and give them truly viable opportunities in terms of education and professional growth, they might leave us.”

To see the stories and hear the success of past recipients, visit www. angus.org/foundation.

• Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships - Applicants for undergraduate and graduate scholarships must have, at one time, been a member of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) and currently be an active junior, regular, or life member of the American Angus Association. The following documents are required to be considered for a 2020 undergraduate or graduate scholarship: the 2020 scholarship application; three letters of recommendation; a copy of current high school/college/university transcript; and applicant’s Association member code.

Undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications, eligibility requirements, and application guidelines can be found online at www.AngusFoundation.org.

Applications are due May 1, 2020.

• Allied Angus Breeders Scholarships - The Angus Foundation also will award three $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students who use Angus genetics in a commercial cattle operation breeding program or whose parents use Angus genetics.

Emphasis will be placed on applicants’ knowledge of the cattle industry and perspective of the Angus breed.

Applicants or their parents/guardians must be members of the American Angus Association or have an affiliate member code. The applicants or their parents/ guardians must have transferred or been transferred an Angus registration paper in the last 36 months (on or after May 1, 2018). The scholarship is applicable to any field of study. A separate application, from the general Foundation application,

is required for the Allied Angus Breeders Scholarship. The application can be found on the Angus Foundation website.

Applicants having received or applied for Angus Foundation undergraduate scholarships using our standard general application this year or in past years will not be considered for this scholarship.

• Certified Angus Beef/National Junior Angus Association Scholarship - Since 1990, the NJAA has teamed up with Certified Angus Beef (CAB) LLC to help Angus youth pursue their higher education goals. The selected applicant will receive a $1,000 scholarship. A separate application from the Angus Foundation scholarship application is required for the CAB/NJAA scholarship.

Requirements are similar to the general Angus Foundation scholarship; more details can be found on the application.

The application is available on the Angus Foundation website.

“At the Angus Foundation’s core are youth and education,” Schoenbine said. “Our Angus and allied commercial producer youth deserve the best higher education learning environment they can experience, and these scholarship opportunities help make that possible.”

Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $3.5 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

For more information about the Angus Foundation or scholarships, visit www. angus.org/foundation.

Applications Open for Women Connected Conference. American Angus Auxiliary sponsored event registration closes January 15, 2020. American Angus Auxiliary invites women in the Angus industry to apply for the fifth Women Connected Conference. Sponsored by the Angus Foundation, it will bring together Angus cattlewomen, Auxiliary members and other women involved in the Angus industry. Twenty women will be selected from applications to join the ten member, Auxiliary executive committee on March 4-6, 2020, in Wooster, Ohio. Women 21 and older are eligible to apply, and those selected will gather to “Engage, Empower and Educate” at the Certified Angus Beef LLC headquarters.

“We are really looking forward to hosting another Women Connected Conference,” said Anne Lampe, Women Connected Conference chair. “It’s a unique event that allows women from diverse backgrounds to come together to learn and form a network of friends and colleagues who share the common bond of Angus cattle.”

An application is available here and is due January 15. For more information, contact conference chair Anne Lampe at alampe@wbsnet.org or 620-874-4273.

Selected applicants will be notified by February 1.

Registration costs, including lodging and meals, will be provided through the generous support of the Angus Foundation; participants will be responsible for transportation to and from Wooster, Ohio. Group ground transportation for those flying through Cleveland Hopkins Airport will be arranged.

About the American Angus Auxiliary. For over 60 years, the American Angus Auxiliary has been working with the American Angus Association and the National Junior Angus Association to promote youth and the Angus breed. The American Angus Auxiliary has worked to develop a number of educational and promotional programs to benefit everyone involved in the Angus industry. The American Angus Auxiliary presents more than $10,000 in scholarships, each year, to ten young men and women involved in the Angus industry. As a member of the American Angus Auxiliary, you can play an important role by working to promote our youth and the Angus industry, meet the challenges of today’s society, and work toward developing our Angus youth into tomorrow’s leaders. The American Angus Auxiliary offers individuals interested in the welfare of the Angus breed the opportunity to work together to provide educational, promotional, and social programs and activities.

About the Angus Foundation.

Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $3.5 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research throughout the past decade.

For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100 or visit www.angusfoundation.org.

Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association ® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by nearly 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

North Carolina Angus Association ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS Backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program.

Registered Angus genetics deliver better calving ease, more growth, and superior marbling.

Contact one of these N.C. Angus breeders today for your next genetic selection: 4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 email: info@tarheelangus.com

MESSICK ANGUS Kathleen Messick Madison 336-937-1956 email: messickangus@yahoo.com

BACK CREEK Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla 704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) email: robinbackcreek@att.net

PANTHER CREEK FARMS John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 email: JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com

BB ORGANIC FARM NC, LLC R. & E. Miller Wake Forest 919-570-2816 email: bborganicfarmnc@gmail.com

PROPST FARMS James L. Propst Zach Moffitt - Manager Concord 336-736-6340 email: zmoffitt19@gmail.com

BILTMORE ESTATE Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 email: livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com BRIDGES BEEF CATTLE Eddie, Cindy, John & Crystal Bridges Shelby 704-692-2978 email: bridgesbeefcattle@gmail.com C-CROSS CATTLE COMPANY Duane Strider Asheboro 336-964-6277 email: ccrosscattle@yahoo.com www.ccrosscattle.com

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 email: mrooker@mrookerlaw.com SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Rick Kern - Manager Louisburg 919-880-9062 (Phil); 919-272-6124 (Rick) email: jpgoodson@bellsouth.net www.springfieldangus.com TRIPLE LLL ANGUS Greg Little Monroe 704-219-1294 email: greg.little@ATImetals.com

FOUR S FARMS Kim & Connie and Jason & Robin Starnes Luther Lyerly - Manager Salisbury 704-640-5875 email: kim-4sfarms@carolina.rr.com

UWHARRIE RIDGE FARMS Mark Wilburn Asheboro 336-953-0521 email: uwharrieridgefarms@gmail.com

GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS Howard & Donna Gentry King 336-413-6698 whgentry@windstream.net

VANDEMARK ANGUS Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 email: keaton@vandemarkfarms.com

H&H FARMS Buddy & Jennifer Hamrick - Owners Bly Hamrick - Manager Boiling Springs 704-472-1912 email: jennham@bellsouth.net

WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC Michael A. Moss Will Moss - Manager Ramseur 336-549-0070 email: michaelmoss@rtmc.net

HILL ANGUS FARM Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 email: gmhill@uga.edu

WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 email: rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com

JACK KNOB FARMS Karl, Janet, & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 email: karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com LANE ANGUS Roger Lane Bundy Lane - Manager Gates 252-398-7711 email: ritalane@embarqmail.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Sharon Rogers

N.C. Angus Association Executive Secretary

336-599-8750 Email: ncaa.sec@gmail.com Website: www.ncangus.org

q JANUARY 2020

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Added Benefits Enhance the Hereford Advantage Feeder Cattle Marketing Program. Designed to identify superior Herford influenced feeder cattle, the Hereford Advantage program now offers additional benefits to add value to feeder cattle. With these enhancements, cattlemen using Hereford bulls can provide value beyond genetic merit through health and management practices. New components of the program are backed by documented market price advantages, giving producers a great opportunity to increase their bottom line. Established by the American Hereford Association (AHA), this tagging program is now offered in

News

conjunction with IMI Global, an industry leading source for third-party verification of food production practices in North America.

“The Hereford Advantage program serves as a valuable tool for commercial cattlemen using Hereford bulls to set themselves apart in a competitive market,” says Trey Befort, AHA director of commercial programs. “Cattle feeders are looking for healthy cattle that have been managed properly, and that will perform in the yard and on the rail. The Hereford Advantage program helps to identify cattle that will check those boxes and reward producers who are working to do so.”

Requirements include: • Source and age (required IMI base verification) • Genetic merit - Minimum of 50% Hereford genetics - Bull battery ranking in the top 50% of the breed for CHB$ profit index (bull battery average) • Bull ownership transferred (all bulls) • Vaccination program - Two rounds of preweaning vaccinations (minimum) • BQA certification To be part of the Hereford Advantage, download the enrollment form at www.HerefordAdvantage. com and submit the completed form to IMI Global. Program cost is $3/head (no minimum enrollment required), which includes verification and program electronic identification (eID) tag costs.

Additional programs offered through IMI Global, such as the NHTC (NonHormone Treated Cattle) and VNB (Verified Natural Beef) programs, can be added with just an on-site audit fee plus travel expenses.

During the enrollment process, an expected progeny difference and profit index summary for the submitted bull battery will be developed and provided to producers, allowing them to track genetic merit to make future selection decisions. Participating producers will also receive additional marketing support and exposure through this program.

Qualifying cattle will be listed on the AHA’s feeder cattle listing page, and cattle information will be communicated to a growing list of interested feeder cattle buyers.

About the American Hereford Association. The American Hereford Association, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The not-for-profit organization along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI), and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth, and research. For more information, visit www.Hereford.org.

***2020 NCCA Calendar Correction ***

By KIM BURDGE, NCCA Administrative Assistant

Farm & Agribusiness Insurance Tips

It has been brought to my attention that I made a mistake on the dates of the N.C. Hereford Association’s Annual Meeting and Banquet and their 52nd Annual Classic Sale. The correct dates should be March 27 for the Annual Meeting and Banquet and March 28 for the 52nd Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale. Please make these corrections in your 2020 NCCA Calendar you recently received.

I wish to apologize to all the members of the N.C. Hereford Association for my mistake and promise to get it right in 2021.

By ADELAIDE HENRY, AFIS Insurance of the Carolinas

Animal Collision The grass is always greener on the other side of the road, right? Either way, a cow is going to find out if she gets the opportunity!

One of the most frequently asked questions I get while talking with farmers is, “Do I have coverage if one of my cows gets out in the road and gets hit by a car?” The answer is quite simple. A farm owner’s policy consists of homeowners, commercial property, and commercial liability coverage. It’s a unique combination of commercial and personal coverages that is crucial to farming operations because farms tend

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I got a great buy in the Classifieds in The Carolina Cattle Connection! to almost always have both exposures.

The liability portion of the farm owner policy will kick in, but what about the animal that was hit? We see it happen too often—a cow gets hit by a vehicle in the road, and the farmer gets nothing for the death of the animal. An endorsement is an inexpensive addition to an existing farm owner policy and provides coverage for a cattleman’s livelihood up to the limit per animal on the policy. In some cases, no deductible applies.

Check with your agent today about coverage options for a collision resulting in the death of livestock.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Check out the expert A.I, superior genetics, fine purebreds and terrific farm supplies offered!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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Shorthorn News

ASA Annual Meeting Forum and Awards Banquet. On November 22-23, more than 100 attendees gathered for the 2019 ASA Annual Meeting – Forum and Awards Banquet at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Missouri.

On November 22, attendees chose a workshop taught by ASA staff. Matt Woolfolk shared how selection indexes are created for genetic evaluations.

Heather Lange and Emily Velisek explained the ASA registry and answered related questions. Shelby Diehm described the opportunities ASA provides to members to market Shorthorn cattle, and Amy Sampson of Shorthorn Country spoke about magazine advertising.

After breakout sessions, members were encouraged to attend committee meetings. The ASA Genetic Evaluation Committee, ASA Commercial Acceptance Committee, ASA ShorthornPlus/ Composite Committee, and ASA Promotion Committee had members eager to contribute ideas to submit to the ASA board and staff. The 150th Anniversary Committee is actively planning for the 150th celebration to begin at the annual meeting in 2021.

Later that afternoon, the “Building a Positive Breed Image” portion of the Annual Meeting began with a panel consisting of Virgin Huseman of Kansas, Marty Lueck of Missouri, and Randy McCabe of Kansas. They discussed how to build a commercial image. The panel was followed by Patrick Wall of

Iowa State Extension, reviewing the ISU Shorthorn feed efficiency heifer project.

The evening concluded with Eric Grant of Grant Company showing attendees some of the new ASA marketing campaign his team has been working on since July.

On Saturday, the morning began with Matt Woolfolk, ASA Director of Performance Programs, giving a breed performance update. He was followed

by Dwight Williams, of ABS Global, speaking about A.I. Sire Procurement.

Next was Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch sharing Building Blocks to a Strong Breed. He was followed by a panel of Derek Jungels of North Dakota, Paul Hill of Ohio, and Jim Husz of Missouri, discussing Breeders’ Impact on a Breed.

That afternoon following speakers, the annual meeting was in session. The ASA auditor began with a financial report and told members that ASA is in great financial condition. Montie Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of ASA, gave the state of association report. The highlights of his report being a 65 percent increase in new senior membership in the last year.

The top five states for registrations are Ohio with 1,219 registrations, Indiana with 1,196 registrations, Iowa with 1,124 registrations, Kansas with 1,010 registrations, and Illinois with 940 registrations. Another major highlight is that ShorthornPlus registrations are 28 percent of total registrations. The nominating committee submitted three

candidates for the available positions on the ASA board. Jerrell Crow of Oklahoma, Lee Miller of Ohio, and John Russell of Texas were elected to serve a three-year term. The board elected new officers for the nine-member board. The new president of the board is Nancy Grathwohl-Heter of Kansas, the first woman president. The vice-president is Hugh Mooney, and the executive director is Dave Greenhorn of Ohio. They serve alongside Joe Bales of Tennessee, Toby Jordan of Indiana, John Sonderman of Nebraska, Jerrell Crow of Oklahoma, Lee Miller of Ohio, and John Russell of Texas.

On Saturday evening, there were more than 130 people in attendance for the awards banquet. Members were recognized for Century Club, Pacer Performance Awards, and Show Awards. Bruce E. Brooks of Oklahoma was awarded the Merit Award. Keith H. Lauer of Kansas was presented with the Heritage Award. Mark W. P. Gordon and Phillip and Linda Bowman were recognized as Builders of the Breed.

The Annual Meeting will be held in Louisville, Ken., during the North American International Livestock Exposition, in 2020.

ASA Board Elects First Female President. During the American Shorthorn Association Annual Meeting, the board elected new officers to serve for the 2019-2020 term.

Nancy Grathwohl-Heter of Kansas, made Shorthorn history when the board elected her to serve as the first female president of the ASA. Nancy has spent her life raising and showing Shorthorn cattle, which has grown her passion for the breed. She

served on the American Junior Shorthorn Association board of directors from 19941997, serving as president her last year.

Nancy and her husband Ryan run DTR Cattle Company in Raymond, Kansas.

Their two children, Josie and Ryder, exhibit Shorthorns at local, state, and national shows. Her love for the breed is evident in her dedication to serving on the board and raising Shorthorns.

“I am very honored to serve as the President of the ASA board,” Nancy said. “Growing up in the Shorthorn breed, I have looked up to members of our association and feel the opportunities available to junior members have helped develop me into the person I am today.

I am looking forward to this next year as I get to work with my fellow board members for the betterment of the breed.”

About the American Shorthorn Association. The mission of the ASA is to provide quality service and support to its members by promoting the value of Shorthorn cattle in all aspects of the beef industry while maintaining the integrity of the herd book and performance database.

The ASA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and was founded in 1872 with herdbook records going back to 1822.

As one of the oldest American breed associations, the ASA provides services for more than 6,000 junior and senior members who register more than 15,000 cattle annually. To learn more, contact the ASA office or visit www.shorthorn.org.

Have you forgotten something?

Make sure your cattlemen friends are members of your state association!

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

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VIDEO AUCTION EVERY MONTH Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

January 7 • February 4 • March 3 • April 7 • May 5 • June 2 • July 7 August 4 • September 1 • October 6 • November 3 • December 1

SOUTHEAST LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

John Queen: 828-421-3466 • Evans Hooks: 770-316-9611 Canton, NC • 828-646-0270 • SELEXvideo@gmail.com • www.selex-video.com PAGE 36

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

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Farm Credit News AgCarolina Farm Credit Announces Record Toys for Tots Donation. AgCarolina Farm Credit announces a record donation of toys from members and employees for local needy children. Over 1,300 toys were collected in the fifth year of AgCarolina’s participation in the toy drive.

The Toys for Tots campaign began in September in conjunction with member appreciation events held at AgCarolina Farm Credit’s 12 branches in eastern North Carolina. Members and employees were also able to purchase raffle tickets for 12 rocking benches donated by a

PAGE 38

member of the Rocky Mount branch. The raffle generated over $5,100 with all funds going to purchase toys for the toy drive.

On December 9, AgCarolina’s Rocky Mount branch was the host of a celebration of the efforts of members and employees. Representatives of Toys for Tots and each of AgCarolina’s branches were on site for the collection.

All toy donations will benefit local North Carolina children.

“AgCarolina Farm Credit is committed to making a positive impact in the communities of eastern North Carolina throughout the year, and

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

especially during the holiday season,” said AgCarolina President and CEO Dave Corum. “This is the fifth year of our Toys for Tots toy drive. With a record number of toys donated this year, it is clear our members and employees will continue to come together in support of needy children in our state. We thank all of our members and employees for their efforts in the Toys for Tots campaign!”

AgCarolina Farm Credit Awards $29,400 in Grant Funds AgCarolina Farm Credit announces $29,400 in grants have been extended to twelve organizations through its corporate giving program. The grants will aid recipients in carrying out programs specifically benefiting farmers and rural residents in eastern North Carolina.

Grants up to $5,000 per organization were awarded at a reception held at Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville, N.C., in one of the four focus areas of Education, Environment, Technology, or Quality of Rural Life to the following organizations: • Bear Grass Charter FFA - Update existing greenhouse on campus with a cool cell for all season use.

• Bertie County 4-H - Purchase shears, clippers, stand, and portable air compressor for youth to prepare their animals for show.

• Cleveland High School FFA Purchase livestock scale, wide blade, blocking chute, and supplies for the livestock program.

• Edgecombe County 4-H - Building a multi-functional barn to support the increase in educational programming from 4-H and other Extension groups.

• Johnston County Public Schools (South Johnston High School) - Purchase trees to establish and maintain a tree identification forest/arboretum on the SJHS campus.

• Nash County 4-H - Purchase ten portable interlocking hog and small ruminant pens to be housed at the East Carolina Agriculture and Education Center.

• New Bern High School FFA Funds to construct a chicken coop, fence, and feeders/waterers on campus.

• North East Carolina Prep Agriculture Program & FFA Chapter Equipment for greenhouse to develop the ag-ed program.

• South Garner High School FFA Funds for purchasing materials for Ag Mechanics II class to build a pig cooker for use in school fundraising.

• Southern Nash High School FFA - Upgrade greenhouse heaters in two greenhouses on campus for Horticulture I & II students.

• Wakefield High School - Purchase biotechnology kits to experiment with genetic engineering of the tobacco mosaic virus and the importance of genetic diversity in tobacco plants.

• Washington County 4-H Purchase materials for agricultural based curriculum for school enrichment programs. Also replacing sidewalls of 4-H livestock barn.

Association CEO Dave Corum states, “The AgCarolina corporate giving fund has awarded over $440,000 in grant funds to benefit the rural and agricultural communities of our eastern North Carolina service area since 2005.

AgCarolina is committed to partnering with organizations to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for rural residents of eastern North Carolina.”

The application period for 2020 grants opened January 1, 2020. For more information, please visit www.agcarolina. com/News/Community/Grant-Program. aspx.

About AgCarolina Farm Credit.

AgCarolina Farm Credit is a farmer owned financial cooperative with headquarters in Raleigh. They are the leading provider of credit to farmers in central and eastern North Carolina.

AgCarolina Farm Credit has over $1.5 billion in loans and commitments outstanding to nearly 3,000 North Carolina farmers. Loans are made to finance land, homes, farm buildings, operating expenses, livestock, and equipment, as well as other purposes.

Credit life insurance, appraisal services, and leasing are also available through AgCarolina Farm Credit.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

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NEWS

2020 Stakeholders Summit registration now open. U.S. Farm Report’s Tyne Morgan returns as moderator.

Registration is now open for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2020 Stakeholders Summit, themed Primed & Prepared.

Now in its 19th year, the Alliance’s annual Summit brings together thought leaders in the industry to discuss hot button issues and out-of-the-box ideas to connect everyone along the food chain, engage influencers, and protect the future of animal agriculture.

The 2020 event is set for May 7-8 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Va. Early registration discounts are available through January 31. To register, visit www.summit.animalagalliance.org.

“What makes the Summit special is our focus on making sure our attendees walk away with actionable tools and solutions to challenges they face,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president, and CEO. “Attendees will leave the 2020 Summit primed and prepared with the tools they need to take action and be part of any and all conversations that could

impact the future of animal agriculture and their business.”

U.S. Farm Report’s Tyne Morgan will reprise her role as event moderator once again. As the host of the longest running syndicated program focused on agriculture and rural life, Morgan brings viewers the latest agriculture and market related news by diving into stories impacting not only farmers and ranchers but also rural America.

Growing up in rural Missouri, Morgan attended the University of MissouriColumbia, where she majored in agriculture journalism, with an emphasis in broadcast.

Be sure to check the Summit website for the most up-to-date Summit information. You can also follow the hashtags #AAA20 and #PrimedAndPrepared for periodic updates about the event. For general questions about the Summit, please contact summit@ animalagalliance.org or call 703-562-5160.

Get involved - Show your support for the Alliance’s outreach efforts by becoming an official Summit sponsor today! For 2020 sponsorship

opportunities, please visit www. summit.animalagalliance.org. For more information, contact Allyson Jones-Brimmer at ajonesbrimmer@ animalagalliance.org.

Thank you to our 2020 Summit sponsors - Watt Global Media, Farm Journal, Meatingplace, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Smithfield, National Pork Board, American Feed Industry Association, Country Folks, National Biodiesel Board, United Egg Producers, Protect the Harvest, Progressive Dairyman, Agri Beef, American Veal Association, Cobb Vantress, Inc., Empirical, Kemin, National Chicken Council, Vivayic, Mountaire Farms, and Food Industry Environmental Network.

The Alliance also thanks the following members for their continued support of Summit and other Alliance programs - U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Zoetis, Alltech, Inc., Cattle Empire, LLC, Charleston|Orwig, Genus PLC - PIC/ABS, Hy-Line North America LLC, Iowa Soybean Association, Merck Animal Health, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, Nutrien, Aviagen Group, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America, Hendrix Genetics, Provimi North America, Inc., and Seaboard Foods

About the Alliance. The Animal Agriculture Alliance is an industry united, nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

Regular copy deadline is JANUARY 5 for the FEBRUARY issue!

Is there a problem?

Contact these RAAC members to learn more about Red Angus genetics and how they can fit into your herd.

HARDROCK BEEF CATTLE Ronnie & Donna Holman 4613 Hickory Nut Ridge Road • Granite Falls, NC 828-302-8659 ronnie@hardrockbeefcattle.com JK RED ANGUS Jeff Banfield & Madison Adams 331 Tee Jay Farm Road • Aberdeen, NC 910-281-3821 jkredangus@gmail.com LANGDON RED ANGUS & SIMMENTAL John & Eileen Langdon 7728 Raleigh Road • Benson, NC 919-796-5010 johnlangdon5@gmail.com ROGERS CATTLE COMPANY Johnny & Sharon Rogers 945 Woodsdale Road • Roxboro, NC 336-504-7268 rccbeef@gmail.com PRESNELL RED ANGUS Jonathan & Jacob Presnell 368 Whitaker Road • Shelby, NC 704-473-2627 (Jonathan) • 704-616-8775 (Jacob) BULL HILL RANCH Jim & Alvina Meeks • Raymond Prescott, Manager 1986 Trinity Church Road • Gray Court, SC 864-682-3900 • 864-682-2828 bullhill2@mindspring.com COUNTRY BOY FARMS David Miller 316 Key Road • Edgefield, SC 706-840-3709

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

NEWS SVG Ventures announces Kubota Corporation as the Latest Partner to Join the THRIVE Venture and Innovation Platform. SVG Ventures, a Silicon Valley based venture and innovation firm, announced recently that Kubota Corporation, headquartered in Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan, has become the latest Corporate Partner to join their THRIVE Venture and Innovation Platform. As a global company, “For Earth, For Life” is much more than Kubota’s brand statement, it’s their mission. Kubota is committed to engineering excellence so that customers can focus on planting, feeding, building, and caring for our world. The new partnership between Kubota and SVG signifies the company’s continued commitment to accelerate open innovation with AgTech startups, farmers, and other external partners, which directly contributes to labor savings and efficiency improvements across global agricultural

communities.

SVG-THRIVE leverages its award winning global AgTech platform to connect corporate partners like Kubota with their worldwide network of entrepreneurs to drive innovation and identify emerging technologies that advance the future of food and agriculture. Kubota will have the opportunity to connect with SVG’s extensive network of agricultural industry partners, participate in global agtech summits, and engage with best-in-class emerging startups in their innovation ecosystem.

“We are delighted to welcome Kubota to our award winning SVGTHRIVE platform. Progressive corporations like Kubota are proactively looking across the globe for innovative solutions,” said John Hartnett, CEO and Founder SVG-THRIVE. “Our platform delivers qualified dealflow and incredible opportunities for both our corporate

partners and our startups. Furthermore, we are excited to strengthen and expand our partnerships with the Japanese agriculture ecosystem.”

“Through our participation in the THRIVE Program, we intend to further strengthen our coordination with numerous players, including startups, agricultural producers, research institutes, and universities, and make a contribution to the agenda of saving labor and heightening efficiency in farming in the United States and other countries,” said Yuichi Kitao, Representative Director and Executive Vice President, GM of Innovation Center.

About Kubota. Kubota Corporation is one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of a comprehensive range of machinery and other industrial and consumer products. Since 1890, Kubota Corporation has offered various products, including farm equipment, engines, construction machinery, electronic equipped machinery, pipe related products, environment related products, and social infrastructure related products, to contribute to improve human lives and society. With a broad product lineup and its unique, comprehensive strength,

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Kubota Corporation presents in more than 110 countries and strives to solve the worldwide problems related to food, water, and the environment, which are indispensable for human beings. For more information, please visit www. kubota-global.net/index.html.

About SVG Ventures-THRIVE Innovation Platform. SVG VenturesTHRIVE is the leading AgriFood innovation ecosystem, comprised of top agriculture, food, and technology corporations, universities, and investors. With a community of over 2,500 startups from 90 countries, the THRIVE platform invests, accelerates, and creates unparalleled access for entrepreneurs to scale globally to solve the biggest challenges facing the food and agriculture industries. THRIVE’s corporate innovation program is focused on connecting their corporate partners with emerging technologies and startups that will make the most significant impact in their organizations. AgFunder recognizes SVG Ventures-THRIVE as the “Most Valuable AgriFood Platform in the World.” For more information, please visit www.thriveagrifood.com.

q JANUARY 2020

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Carolina Cooking Four Way Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Total Cooking Time - 10 hours, 30 minutes 1 beef Shoulder Roast (2 to 2½ pounds) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional) 1 large onion, chopped 2 tablespoons minced garlic Salt and pepper Recipe Variations (recipes follow) For optional browning, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Brown beef Shoulder Roast on all sides.

Place onion and garlic in 3½-5 quart slow cooker; place roast on top. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours or LOW

Four Way Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

9 to 10 hours or until roast is fork tender.

Remove roast from slow cooker. Skim fat from cooking liquid if necessary and reserve 1 cup onion mixture. Shred beef with 2 forks. Combine shredded beef and reserved onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Continue as directed in recipe variations below, as desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Alternate Cooking Methods: This recipe can be made in a 6 quart electric pressure cooker. Place beef roast, onion, garlic, and ½ cup beef broth in pressure cooker. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 90 minutes on pressure cooker timer. Use quick release feature to release pressure;

West End Precast

carefully remove lid. Continue as directed in Step 3. (This recipe variation was tested in an electric pressure cooker at high altitude. Cooking at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet may require slightly less cooking time. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.)

Recipe Variations Mexican Shredded Beef - Combine tomato or tomatillo salsa and beef mixture as desired. Place in large microwave safe bowl. Cover, vent, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Serve in warmed flour or corn tortillas topped with pico de gallo, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and/or chopped white or green onions, as desired.

BBQ Shredded Beef - Combine prepared barbecue sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave safe bowl. Cover, vent, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Serve on whole wheat rolls topped with

S.C. Beef Council News

By ROY COPELAN The S.C. Beef Council continues to expand the purpose of promoting beef through consumer promotions (retail and foodservice), producer communications, and youth activities.

The football radio spot ads were very successful this fall with Clemson, USC, Coastal Carolina, and S.C. State.

A targeted audience of over 50,000 were reached with all four colleges during their football games.

276-228-5024 Wytheville, Virginia

8 ft Concrete Feed Bunks

U or J Bunks - $170-$180 • Calf Bunks - $120

Water Troughs • Pads • Silo Sides Septic Tanks • Reservoirs PAGE 42

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

creamy horseradish sauce, coleslaw, Cheddar cheese slices, chopped green bell pepper, and/or canned French fried onions, as desired.

Asian Shredded Beef - Combine prepared hoisin or teriyaki sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave safe bowl. Cover, vent, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Serve in lettuce or cabbage cups topped with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, chopped fresh cilantro or mint, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes and/or chopped peanuts, as desired.

Indian Shredded Beef - Combine prepared Indian cooking sauce, such as Tikka Masala or Vindaloo. Place in large microwave safe bowl. Cover, vent, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in naan or pita bread topped with toasted chopped pistachios or coconut, raisins, Greek yogurt or mango chutney, chopped fresh mint or cilantro, and/or sliced cucumbers or green onion, as desired.

Six billboards around South Carolina have been placed on all five interstates and US-17, as well as ad bills at all three major South Carolina airports.

Youth activities, including the S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up, 4-H Annual Meeting, and

five county beef shows have been sponsored by the Council over the last five months.

Our state and national financial audits were performed by a third party and reported as correct and in order.

Plans are underway for our participation in the NCBA Annual Convention and Trade Show scheduled on February 5-7, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas. South Carolina should have 2025 people attending this large three day annual convention.

Until next month...

Beef Promotion and Research Program

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM Information is required by (7 CRF 1260.201). Failure to report can result in a fine.

Information is held confidential (7 CRF 1260.203).

Today’s Date: ________________ Seller’s Name: ____________________________

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

Address: _________________________________

Address: _________________________________

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

Seller’s Signature: _________________________

Buyer’s Signature: _________________________

Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1.50 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Beef Promotion & Research Board.

Total Number of Cattle Sold: ___________________ x $1.50 Per Head = $ _______________________ Date of Sale: __________________

Person remitting assessment form:

Seller

o

Buyer

o

* State of Origin of Cattle: ______________________

* If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.

Send Report and Remittance to:

SOUTH CAROLINA BEEF COUNCIL P.O. Box 11280 Columbia, SC 29211 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1.8 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disbility, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, or protected genetic information. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 43

Watch Out for the Threat of a Blackleg Outbreak. Learn how the weather can impact clostridial diseases and what you can do to keep your herd protected. From blizzards to torrential flooding, dramatic weather continues to challenge cattle producers. There are many things to worry about when the weather is bad, but there’s a threat that may not be top of mind — blackleg.

“Blackleg can occur after flooding, and sometimes we’ve even seen outbreaks of blackleg after dirt work or

NEWS

excavating has been done on the farm,” remarked Daniel Cummings, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “The clostridial spores will rise to the top of the soil, and then we get an increased risk of animals ingesting those infective spores.” Dr. Cummings noted that outbreaks can also occur after prolonged dry spells followed by heavy rainfall.

Clinical signs of blackleg include fever, depression, tremoring, or even loss of appetite. According to Dr. Cummings, these signs are difficult to identify and,

oftentimes, are not observed within a herd. Many times, the first sign of disease is the acute or sudden death of cattle.

“Most of the time, blackleg affects well conditioned or well nourished cattle ranging from ages 6-18 months,” commented Dr. Cummings.

Finding a successful treatment for blackleg is rare, so taking preventive measures is critical.3 “We rely heavily on prevention through vaccination; however, this year, we haven’t vaccinated cattle as we normally would, according to the herd health calendar, due to weather challenges,” remarked Dr. Cummings. “I think this may be a contributing factor as to why we’re seeing an increase in blackleg cases.”

To protect against blackleg and other fatal clostridial diseases, Dr. Cummings

INCEPTION

INFESTATION

INGESTION

INFECTION

Clostridial spores are found in the soil and can live in a dormant state for years.1

Spores are stirred up from the soil through conditions such as heavy rainfall.2

Cattle consume the spores while grazing or eating feed contaminated with the spores.2

Spores are triggered by anaerobic conditions, like bruising and damaged tissue in the muscle.1

Figure 1. The graph above shows the path of clostridial spores, from the soil to infection of the animal.

Virginia Herd Health Management Services, PC In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) & Embryo Transfer (ET) * On-farm aspiration of oocytes via Ultrasound Guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU). * Embyos come back in 8 days for placement or direct thaw freezing on-farm. * Can do on donors aged 8 months and older, up to 120-150 days pregnant.

Doesn’t interfere with pregnancy. * Pregnant cows work really well, so the cow doesn’t get out of her production group. * Can do a donor every 2 weeks.

Oocytes fertilized at BoviteqUSA in Madison, Wisconsin. www.boviteq.com

For more information, contact:

PAT COMYN, DVM

P.O. Box 555 Madison, Va. 22727 540-829-3625 (cell) • 540-948-5238 (office/fax) pcomyn@verizon.net Visit us online at www.vhhms.com.

PAGE 44

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

recommends vaccinating with a single dose, seven way clostridium vaccine.

“The clostridium vaccines are very effective because they stimulate an adequate immune response to protect against blackleg,” stated Dr. Cummings.

“Blackleg is one of the few diseases in cattle that can be prevented, quite well, with vaccination, because our vaccines are considered to be highly effective and safe.”

If a producer experiences, or suspects, blackleg disease in their herd triggered by factors that may include flooding, dirt excavation, or extreme weather conditions, the first step should be contacting their veterinarian. Working with a veterinarian will help determine the most effective vaccine protocol to improve overall herd health.

References 1 Cothren J. Blackleg in cattle still problem after thousands of years. North Carolina Cooperative Extension. 2014.

Available at https://wilkes.ces.ncsu. edu/2014/10/blackleg-in-cattle-stillproblem-after-thousands-of-years/.

Accessed October 11, 2019.

2 Rodning S.P., Owsley W.F., Gard J.A., Lovelady A.S. Blackleg and other clostridial diseases in cattle. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. 2018.

Available at www.aces.edu/blog/topics/beef/

blackleg-and-other-clostridial-diseases-incattle/. Accessed October 11, 2019.

3 McGuirk S.M. Managing clostridial diseases in cattle. University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine. Available at www.vetmed.wisc.edu/dms/fapm/ fapmtools/7health/manage-clostridial.pdf.

Accessed October 11, 2019.

It’s Time to Take a Fresh Look at Trichomoniasis Management.

“There’s not another disease out there that approaches the economic significance of trichomoniasis for a cow/calf producer,” stated John Davidson, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Trichomoniasis, or trich, is a sexually transmitted protozoal disease that is transmitted from bull to female or female to bull. While clinical signs may not be observed, bulls are the carriers of trichomoniasis and spread it to cows during breeding. Infected cows show no outward signs; however, reproductive failures such as infertility, low pregnancy rates, abortions, and pyometra are indicators of infection.

With trich’s ability to cut a calf crop in half, implementing a management protocol is crucial.1 “Infected bulls are asymptomatic permanent carriers of this disease,” said Dr. Davidson. “A bull’s value can be wiped out in a single service with an infected cow or heifer. Most operations simply cannot tolerate a scenario where a $5,000 bull is used for one or two breeding seasons and is culled due to a trich infection. To avoid lost profits due to reproductive inefficiencies on your operation, I recommend taking a fresh look at the trich prevention and biosecurity protocols you have in place for your herd.”

Discussing the following topics with a local veterinarian can help producers establish an effective trich prevention and management program: Bull selection and testing - Though bulls of any age are susceptible, older, sexually active bulls are more likely to be infected with trich. To reduce the likelihood of trich introduction, it is recommended that producers avoid purchasing untested, nonvirgin bulls, or bringing them into a herd.

Since trichomoniasis is physically unnoticeable in bulls, testing prior to breeding is strongly encouraged.

“Testing bulls for trich before turnout is an absolute must,” said Dr. Davidson.

“I suggest that large operations in at risk areas conduct post breeding testing on bulls. Post breeding testing, coupled with accurate pasture breeding records, can go a long way in avoiding a trich disaster.”

Prior to testing a bull, sexual rest should be observed for two to three

weeks to allow numbers of the organism to increase and improve the chances of detecting a positive bull. Dr. Davidson noted that this is also a good time for a veterinarian to perform a breeding soundness exam (BSE). The Society for Theriogenology has recently adjusted BSE standards, allowing for more accurate and potentially more useful results for both veterinarians and producers.

Vaccine selection - In heifers, the transmission rate of infection was reported to be 95 percent after a single mating with a three-year-old trich-infected bull.2 Given the ease of transmission and the likelihood of delayed detection, administering appropriate reproductive vaccinations is crucial.

“If a properly vaccinated female is exposed to a trich-infected bull, the likelihood that she calves successfully is increased substantially,” Dr. Davidson explained. “Proper vaccinations provide insurance against costly diseases and production losses.”

He recommends producers choose a vaccine that reduces the shedding of trichomoniasis in addition to a vaccine that can protect against the other leading reproductive diseases. This vaccination plan protects cattle against common diseases known to cause delayed breeding, abortions, and smaller calves.

Vaccination timing - “In trich-prone areas, it’s pretty common to vaccinate cows at pregnancy check,” said Dr. Davidson. “However, this may be a little later than ideal to prevent this venereal disease, as peak antibody production typically occurs 30 days after the annual dose is given. For optimal protection, cows should be vaccinated 30 days prior to bulls being turned out.”

He encourages producers to read and follow the vaccine label closely. Proper administration timing is critical for cattle to receive the intended benefits of a vaccine Record keeping - While it can be a daunting task, record keeping is key.

In a large ranch with multiple breeding pastures, it’s important to know which cows and bulls have been in each pasture.

Ear tags and other identification systems are helpful to keep track of the location of bulls and cows.

“Managing trichomoniasis comes down to having a number of strategic management practices in place,” concluded Dr. Davidson. “Be sure to work with a local veterinarian to tailor trich management protocols to your herd.”

References 1 Clark B.L., Dufty J.H., Parsonson I.M. The effect of Tritrichomonas foetus infection on calving rates in beef cattle.

Aust Vet J 1983;60(3):71–74.

2 Parsonson I.M., Clark B.L., Dufty

J.H. Early pathogenesis and pathology of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in virgin heifers. J Comp Pathol 1976;86(1):59–66.

Boehringer Ingelheim announces 2020 ‘BVDzero Case Awards.’

Boehringer Ingelheim will award a total prize of 15,000 euros to the top ten clinical cases entered. Applications can be submitted through the BVDzero website at www.bvdzero.com. Boehringer Ingelheim, a leader in the animal health industry worldwide, is announcing the 2020 ‘BVDzero Case Awards,’ now open for applications. The bi-annual awards reflect Boehringer Ingelheim’s long term commitment to promoting the health and well being of farm animals.

The company will provide a total prize of 15,000 euros for the top ten clinical cases entered. Any person involved in the cattle industry is eligible for participation.

Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, research, diagnostics, animal science, veterinary practice, production veterinary medicine, cattle production, and animal health and welfare. The list of the 2018 winners, which also includes the awarded amounts, is available on the Boehringer Ingelheim website.

Through the ‘BVDzero Case Awards,’ Boehringer Ingelheim aims to encourage the search for both clinical and subclinical cases of BVD (Bovine viral diarrhea) in cattle herds. The company believes that it will help increase the awareness of BVD and, as a result, help reduce its prevalence. Applications can be submitted until March 20, 2020.

“Bovine viral diarrhea is one of the most common diseases in cattle, causing harm to the affected animals and huge economic damage to the livestock industry. We aim to challenge the status quo and bring a paradigm shift in the control of BVD globally,” explained Steve Williams, Head of Global Ruminants/Cattle Strategic Business Unit at Boehringer Ingelheim.

The award ceremony will take place at this year’s BVDzero Press Conference held in May 2020. The winners will be selected by the BVDzero Committee, consisting of renowned external experts in the field of bovine health.

More information is available at www.bvdzero.com.

Investigating the Causes of Respiratory Disease. Time to go back to the scene of the crime and explore a series of questions. “When producers are struggling with bovine respiratory disease [BRD], one of the first questions I get asked is, ‘Hey, Doc, what new antibiotic is working these days?’” said Daniel

Continued on the next page The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

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Boehringer Ingelheim News continued from the previous page Cummings, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

“While antibiotics are important, they are just one part of the big picture.”

Oliver Irons, DVM, consulting practitioner based in West Virginia, agrees.

“Controlling BRD involves a multifaceted approach,” he explained. “Many factors can contribute to its development

PAGE 46

and progression. We need to look at management decisions and how we handle those calves prior to stress periods.”

“Addressing BRD on an operation is like an investigation,” added Dr. Cummings. “We need to go back to the scene of the crime, and work with our veterinarians to review the answers to

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

several key questions:” • What’s the source of those cattle?

“It’s important to know the history of animals, including previous vaccinations and disease incidence before they come on to your operation,” said Dr. Irons.

• Are they being handled properly?

Stress is known to suppress the immune

system, resulting in a greater incidence and severity of respiratory disease. 1 Proper cattle handling is a key aspect of managing stress.

• Are we providing adequate nutrition? A solid nutrition program that includes adequate protein, energy, trace minerals, and plenty of water will help an

animal’s immune system work properly and fight disease.

• Is there a respiratory vaccine program in place? “If I could get all producers to implement one change to fight BRD, it would be including a modified live, five-way vaccine,” stated Dr. Irons. “If we can get that vaccine implemented consistently at the cow/calf stage, that’s five fewer viruses we have to worry about in an outbreak of BRD.” • Are we running diagnostics?

Finding the specific cause of BRD can ensure we’re implementing the correct vaccination and treatment protocols.

Diagnostics could include conducting a necropsy or performing a deep nasopharyngeal swab on live calves with the guidance of a veterinarian.

• Is metaphylaxis treatment being practiced appropriately? “If you’re using metaphylaxis, it’s important to get the timing right and find a broad spectrum antibiotic that works quickly and has a long duration of activity,” stressed Dr. Cummings. “Your veterinarian is your best resource for antibiotic recommendations to control BRD on arrival.”

• Are we testing incoming calves and pregnant animals for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)? BVDV causes immunosuppression and increases the risk of BRD.2 When purchasing animals, there’s a chance that they are persistently infected (PI) with BVDV. “A PI animal is similar to a Typhoid Mary; they appear normal and healthy, but they’re actually shedding BVDV onto the rest of the group,” explained Dr. Cummings. “That’s why testing and removing those animals is an imperative biosecurity measure to control BVDV.” • Is that animal parasite free, or is there a heavy parasite burden? Clinical or subclinical parasitism decreases the animal’s ability to fight BRD and may negatively affect response to vaccination by competing with the immune system for protein and energy.

Despite all that, we do to keep animals healthy, sometimes antibiotic treatment for BRD is necessary.

When treating animals, Drs. Irons and Cummings agree that it’s important to ensure antibiotics are used thoughtfully: • Treat according to the label. This includes using the correct route of administration and an accurate dose based on the animal’s weight.

• Recognize the signs of BRD early, and administer a fast acting antibiotic to minimize lung damage and other long lasting effects on performance.

“The question of ‘What’s working for BRD, Doc?’ is a great question,” confirmed Dr. Irons. “But the answer will never be as simple as using this or that

product.”

“Every herd is different, so remember to consult a veterinarian to develop the most effective BRD prevention, diagnostic, and treatment protocols for your operation,” concluded Dr. Cummings.

References 1 Hodgson P.D., Aich P., Manuja A., et al. Effect of stress on viralbacterial synergy in bovine respiratory disease: novel mechanisms to regulate inflammation. 2005. Comp Funct Genomics 6(4):244–250.

2 Booker C.W., Abutarbush S.M., Morley P.S., et al. The effect of bovine viral diarrhea virus infections on health and performance of feedlot cattle. Can Vet J 2008;49(3):253–260.

About Boehringer Ingelheim.

Improving the health and quality of life of patients is the goal of the research driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The focus in doing so is on diseases for which no satisfactory treatment option exists to date. The company, therefore, concentrates on developing innovative therapies that can extend patients’ lives. In animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim stands for advanced prevention.

Boehringer Ingelheim is the second largest animal health business in the world. We are committed to creating animal well being through our large portfolio of advanced, preventive healthcare products and services. With net sales of $4.4 billion and around 10,000 employees worldwide, we are present in more than 150 markets. For more information, visit www.boehringeringelheim.com/animal-health/overview.

Don’t put your cart before your horse...advertise that sale ahead of time! You’ll see positive results.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Extreme weather issues across the U.S. resulting in high risk for mycotoxins in corn silage. The past year has been one of the most challenging years in recent memory for corn farmers across the Midwest due to excessive rainfall, which has resulted in delayed and/or prevented planting in many areas.

Extreme weather conditions and moisture levels can reduce yields and induce plant stress, and they can also lead to future issues for the crop, including molds and mycotoxins. Increased moisture can allow Fusarium molds to flourish, producing a variety of mycotoxins that include deoxynivalenol (DON), fusaric acid, T-2, HT-2, and zearalenone (ZEN).

Mycotoxins are a concern for livestock producers, as they influence feed quality and animal safety. They are produced by certain species of molds and can have toxic properties that impact animal health and performance. Samples of the 2019 corn silage from across the U.S. are currently being submitted to the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analytical services

NEWS

laboratory, and analysis is indicating the presence of high levels of mycotoxins.

The samples have included an average of 7.13 mycotoxins, with a range of 2 to 14 mycotoxins per sample. In 86.6 percent of the samples, DON was present; 99.5 percent contained fusaric acid; and 94.1 percent tested positive for emerging mycotoxins, including beauvericin, moniliformin, enniatins, phomopsin, and alternariol. These emerging mycotoxins will add to the risks potentially affecting rumen function, gut health, and immune response. A point of interest is that ZEN was found in 48.9 percent of the samples and has become increasingly prevalent over the past two years.

“These levels of mycotoxins found in the 2019 crop are significantly higher than the average values,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team. “Livestock producers across the U.S. should test their own corn silage to identify the levels of individual mycotoxins and the subsequent risk present to livestock health and performance.”

Mycotoxins are seldom found in

isolation, and when multiple mycotoxins are consumed, they may have additive — or even synergistic — interactions that increase the overall risk to performance and health. As a result, an animal may have a stronger response than what would be expected if it was only experiencing a single mycotoxin challenge.

About Alltech. Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a cutting edge technology company in a traditional industry, agriculture. Our products improve the health and nutrition of plants and animals, resulting in more nutritious products for people as well as less impact on the environment.

With expertise in yeast fermentation, solid state fermentation, and the sciences of nutrigenomics and metabolomics,

Alltech is a leading producer of yeast additives, organic trace minerals, feed ingredients, premix, and feed.

Together, with our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide, we believe in “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.” With the adoption of new technologies, the adaptation of better farm management practices, and the ingenuity inherent in the human spirit, we believe a world of abundance could be ours.

Alltech is a private, family owned company, which allows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and stay focused on advanced innovation.

Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Ken., Alltech has a strong presence in all regions of the world. For further information, visit www.alltech.com/news.

Our advertisers are “Champions” too.

For expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies, check the Classifieds in this issue!

March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale Quality REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL heifers, cows, COW/CALF PAIrs, & Bulls

Angus • Hereford • Red Angus • SimAngus • Simmental • AND MORE!

MARCH 14, 2020

Chester Livestock Exchange (2531 Lancaster Hwy. • Chester, SC)

Preview starts at 9:00 a.m. • Sale starts at 12:00 noon * Lunch provided before the sale

Facebook @marchmadnesscattlesale Auctioneer - Darren Carter 864-980-5695

Sale Information Bob - 704-614-0826 • Zach - 336-736-6340 • Farrah - 704-242-0270 The Carolina Cattle Connection

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New NCCA Members for 2020

In 2007, members of the Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection at the NCCA Annual Conference in Hickory. A new member is defined as someone who has never been a member or someone who has rejoined after a brief break in membership. The new members are identified in this new members section by name and county of residence.

Below is a list of NCCA’s new members for the last month: Out of State Wilbert Bryant – VA Hunter Johnson – Farmplus Insurance Services – VA T. V. Smith – Smith’s Cattle Farm – GA Sam Strahan - VA Alamance County Solomon Turner

Bladen County M. Keith Dennis – K & D Farm Herbert C. Roberts, IV Buncombe County Mary A. Kirstein Caswell County Bill Foster Chowan County Joseph Parrish Cleveland County Scott Skinner – Rocky Hill Farm Davidson County Gerald Sink Duplin County Chris Civils – Civils Farms James & Price Farms

Franklin County Justin Champion – Champion Farms

Randolph County Jessica Braddy – Shallow Creek Farm

Gaston County Melvin & Suzanne Kiser – Kiser Farms Rob Wallace – Wallace Farms

Robeson County Joseph H. Locklear

Iredell County Ned S. Gaither Boyd Glenn – Nutrien Statesville

Rockingham County Michael Griggs – Honey Ridge Farm Rowan County Greg Overcash – Overcash Farms & Hay Co. LLC Harold B. Sechler

Jackson County Dennis Bryson Johnston County Theron E. (Tad) Atkinson – Atkinson Farms Randy Kinsey – Kinsey Farms Terry A Parker, Sr. Martin County Summer Taylor – LH Ange Farms

Rutherford County Natalie Beam – Beam Farms Stuart Beam – Beam Farms Stokes County Grady McHone Surry County Hannah Haynes Johnson – Haynes Farm

Mecklenburg County Robert L. Johnson Moore County Melissa Boles – Blossom Ridge Farm Pasquotank County L. E. Winslow, Jr. - Runabout

Watauga County Joe McNeil Wilkes County Mike McNeil Yadkin County Gilbert Hemric

ALL Regular Copy for the

FEBRUARY ISSUE

by JANUARY 5!

ALL Spotlight Material for the FEBRUARY ISSUE

By JANUARY 1!

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

UC

UC

The Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale consignors would like to thank the following bidders and buyers as well as those who attended the 44th Annual Sale held December 7, 2019.

High Selling Angus McDONALD FARM

High Selling Simmental DAVID CARTER

High Selling Gelbvieh JEFF ELMORE

Greg Beer • Richburg, SC Bryan Redfern • Indian Trail, NC David Carter • Concord, NC Tom Seymour • Apex, NC Circle A Ranch • Lancaster, SC Dale Shronce • Iron Station, NC Roger Cox • Monroe, NC Kevin Shy • Locust, NC Chad Easton • Waxhaw, NC Mark Thomas • Peachland, NC Jeff Elmore • Claremont, NC C.J. VanAsch • Oakboro, NC Mike D. Harkey • Mt. Pleasant, NC Wayne Willis • Raeford, NC Eddie Hatem • Waxhaw, NC Volume Buyers Scottie London • Concord, NC Patricia McAuley • Lancaster, SC Roger Cox McDonald Farm • Blackstock, SC Circle A Ranch Randy Mitchell • Taylorsville, NC Mike Harkey Ron Moore • Indian Trail, NC Tom Seymour Propst Farms • Concord, NC C.J. VanAsch We invite you to join this list of performance oriented progressive producers in 2020!

45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale December 5, 2020 • Union County Livestock Market The Carolina Cattle Connection

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A s s o c i a t i o n o f A m e r i ca n Vete r i n a r y M e d i ca l C o l l e g e s

NEWS

AAVMC, MSD Animal Health Collaborating on Global Antimicrobial Resistance Project. MSD Animal Health is teaming up with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) on an international grant program designed to help mitigate the global public health problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Administered through the AAVMC’s Council on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME), the new MSD Animal Health CIVME Antimicrobial Stewardship Grant program seeks to improve instructional programs related to AMR in educational institutions around the world.

“Successfully mitigating the antimicrobial resistance problem is going to require the coordinated efforts of many institutions in both the public and private sectors working together at the global level,” said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “Training students and professionals about responsible therapeutic practices is an important strategy for success, and we’re pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with Merck Animal Health on a promising initiative.”

The grant program goal is focused on building networks and using communication technology to increase awareness, share ideas, and support innovative approaches to improving veterinary medical education at universities around the world.

“We support the responsible use of antibiotics as essential, life saving veterinary therapeutic tools to improve the health of animals,” said Elzo M. Kannekens, DVM, Director Global Public Policy and Multilateral Affairs, MSD Animal Health. “Their use in veterinary medicine also benefits humans by reducing the spread of disease between animals and humans. We recognize the critical importance of sound antibiotic stewardship by working with partners around the world to support ongoing science and available treatment options to help veterinarians deal with this challenge in an effective way. We are therefore proud to partner with CIVME in the MSD AH CIVME grant program on Antimicrobial Stewardship.”

The grant program will focus on antibiotic stewardship and emphasize disease prevention through improved vaccination protocols. Keeping more

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animals free from infectious disease through immunizations will reduce the number of antimicrobial agents required to treat sick animals.

The grant program is encouraging multi-university collaborations on a global scale. Total project budgets should not exceed $10,000 and will be awarded for a maximum period of 24 months.

Projects are expected to align with one or more criteria that advance CIVME’s mission.

The deadline for grant submission is January 30. Proposals should be forwarded to CIVME-grant@aavmc.org, and grant application materials can be found on the CIVME website. Recipients will be informed in March 2020. For more information about the program, please visit the CIVME website at www. aavmc.org/additional-pages/civme.aspx, or contact Dr. Harold Bok at g.j.bok@ uu.nl.

Recognizing its responsibility to provide global leadership for academic veterinary medicine, the AAVMC established the Council on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME) in 2016. CIVME seeks to promote collaboration, foster innovation, and share best practices on a worldwide scale to advance the quality of teaching and learning in veterinary medical education.

CIVME comprises representatives from eight major global regions: Australasia, North America, Central/South America, Continental Europe, UK/Ireland, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

About the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. The AAVMC is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect and improve the health and welfare of animals, people, and the environment around the world by advancing academic veterinary medicine. Members include 52 accredited veterinary medical colleges in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Asia, and New Zealand.

About MSD Animal Health. For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of MSD. Through its commitment to the

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Science of Healthier Animals ®, MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. MSD Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving

the health, well being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.msdanimalhealth. com.

Reinke Recognizes Brock Equipment Company with Diamond Pride Award Reinke Manufacturing, a global leader in irrigation systems and technology, has recognized Brock Equipment Company in Bailey and Calypso with a Diamond Pride award in recognition of the company’s marketing year success.

The organization was honored during Reinke’s annual convention in Charlotte.

“I want to congratulate Brock Equipment Company on receiving this award,” said Reinke Vice President of North American Irrigation Sales Mark Mesloh.

“Reinke appreciates the dedication they have shown to the growers in their area.

We are very proud to work with them and have them representing Reinke.”

Reinke dealerships from across the United States and Canada gather each year to attend the company’s sales convention. This year, Reinke dealers met in Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte. The awards recognized select Reinke dealers for their hard work, commitment to the higher standards of being 100 percent Reinke Certified, and for their dedication to sales and marketing efforts throughout the past year.

The Reinke Pride awards are determined as part of an incentive program that distinguishes superior achievement levels according to an evaluation based on a dealership’s exterior and interior housekeeping and maintenance, indoor and outdoor displays, safety, retail environment, merchandising, professionalism, promotions, event participation, and market share.

About Reinke Manufacturing. With hundreds of dealers in more than 40 countries, Reinke Manufacturing is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Family owned since 1954 and headquartered in Deshler, Neb., Reinke develops products and technology designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies. Reinke is a continued leader in industry advancements as the first to incorporate GPS, satellite based communications, and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management. For more information on Reinke or to locate a dealership, visit www.reinke.com or call 402365-7251.

Pictured from left to right - Chris Roth, Tyler Brock, and Mike Mills

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Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: How are They Different. Prebiotic and probiotic sound similar; in fact, with just one letter difference, you might even believe they function equally, too. However, that is not the case. Both prebiotics and probiotics do play a role in the health of the bacteria found in the digestive tract. Yes, there are good bacteria in there. But they are two very different supplements that play two very different roles in keeping cattle healthy and gaining.

Probiotics are a group of living bacteria that are administered to the animal. This life adds “good” microbes and bacteria to the animal. One caution about probiotics is that this “life” can become death with the heat, the cold, or other environmental challenges for the product; therefore, causing the probiotic to be ineffective. Simply stated, if you are giving your cattle a probiotic, you are adding live organisms to what is already in their gut.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are supplements that support the living microorganisms that already exist in the

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NEWS

gut. Prebiotics are not alive but rather work to enhance the naturally occurring growth and benefits of the good microbes that are present.

“The prebiotic is advantageous because it is not alive. It supports the bacteria that are still there, and there is still a large population of live bacteria that are waiting to flourish and grow.

I can pellet it or store it on a shelf for extended periods. I don’t have to worry about it dying. A prebiotic gives you a lot of flexibility. In my opinion, a producer should grab the prebiotic first.

Prevention always pays over treatment. In really severe cases where we’ve already implemented treatment, and the calves remain stressed and sick, then we would use probiotics.” said Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition at BioZyme Inc. The prebiotic serves more of a preventative measure to an animal because it can stimulate the growth of all bacteria in the digestive system and is not dependent on the diet of the animal. For living bacteria to survive, they are dependent on specific diets,

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

such as a high grain finishing diet or a high roughage starter diet. The probiotics respond differently when introduced to a new population largely due to the diet.

However, if you get a prebiotic in an animal early, you shouldn’t experience a declining bacteria population.

Glaubius said that the labeling on a probiotic can be confusing, especially since they often talk about adding a big number like adding a million colony forming units per gram. That is just a very small percentage of bacteria to add to the rumen when typically, three billion individual bacteria are found in every 1.0 cc of rumen fluid. And although a probiotic does have its place, it is usually a last resort effort to get calves back to eating and gaining after they have experienced extreme sickness and health.

“There is a place for probiotics,” Glaubius said. “I would use probiotics when I have a calf that has been off feed for an extended period of time and has been treated with antibiotics multiple times, which has often killed or reduced the number of rumen bacteria. I expect to see the biggest response in those extremely high stressed animals. The rumen is very good at digesting lots of different bacteria, and having a diverse population is just as important as having

live bacteria.”

One way to provide your livestock a prebiotic and help increase performance while decreasing digestive upset is with Amaferm. Amaferm is a precision based prebiotic that is designed to maximize the nutritional value of feed. It is research proven to promote calf health and vigor and stimulate digestion and nutrient uptake of forage for optimum gain.

Research also verifies that when Amaferm is added to the diet, there will be a 30 percent increase in live bacteria counts.

Producers want their animals to convert their feed to pounds of gain in an efficient manner. Numerous university trials have shown that Amaferm may have its greatest effect on feed efficiency, and as Glaubius reminds, prebiotics are effective on both sick and healthy cattle, forage, and grain fed diets. He said research has shown that in healthy cattle, the Amaferm advantage has increased gains as much as 0.25 pounds per day.

Other advantages that the producer will see include more fiber digestion, increased meat and milk production, and less manure waste.

Just because two words sound similar, doesn’t mean they are. That one

Continued on page 56

CHUCK

SHANK

CHUCK

BRISKET

RIB

PLATE

RIB

LOIN

SIRLOIN

ROUND SHANK

FLANK

LOIN

SIRLOIN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

ROUND

INGEDIENT CUTS

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

BRISKET LEAN

LEAN

PLATE & FLANK LEAN

LEAN

KEY TO RECOMMENDED COOKING METHODS GRILL or BROIL PAN BROIL/ SKILLET

BRAISE/ POT ROAST

LEAN

These cuts meet the government guidelines for lean, based on cooked servings, visible fat trimmed

ROAST

STIR-FRY

INDIRECT GRILLING

SKILLET TO OVEN

* MARINATE BEFORE COOKING FOR BEST RESULTS

A cut of cooked fresh meat is considered ‘lean’ when it contains less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, andless tahn 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams(3½ oz) and per RACC (Reference Amount Customarily Consumed), which is 85 grams (3 oz.)

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BioZyme News continued from page 54 letter makes a big difference in how your cattle’s rumen functions and their overall appetite and gain, which ultimately can make a big difference to your bottom line. Start with a preventative measure, a prebiotic like Amaferm. You’ll see a difference in growth and performance, and when you do have to use a probiotic, that Amaferm should help the probiotic become even more effective. To learn more about the Amaferm advantage, visit www.biozymeinc.com.

Misconceptions about Managing Livestock Body Temperature in the Winter. Humans tend to worry about the weather and the outside temperature.

And rightfully so, especially if you are involved in agriculture. Your crop planting, growing, and harvest times rely heavily on the weather. And, when you have livestock, you want to keep them safe from the elements and provide them as much comfort as you possibly can.

Show livestock are no different. They are well cared for, but in the winter, when most humans are layering up to stay warm, show livestock can actually experience heat stress.

Temperature is not the only measurement associated with heat stress, so show livestock tend to express signs of heat stress more often than livestock in their natural habitat. Heat stress is related to ambient temperature along with humidity and air movement. When the humidity increases, the animal’s evapotranspiration is reduced, and it cannot cool itself. This inability to cool itself increases the core body temperature. Let’s look at three common misconceptions about managing your show animals’ body temps during the winter.

If I’m cold, my livestock must be cold. No. Even though you’re cold, your animals are actually probably quite comfortable, or even hot. One of the primary causes of heat stress in the winter is the digestive system working overtime to break down the feed. Exhibitors often feed a higher energy diet to meet nutrient requirements in the colder months.

Therefore, the rumen works extra hard to break down the feed, creating extra internal heat in the animal.

“When we lead these haired up show cattle into a hot, humid barn with little air movement from the cool tie outs, their body temperatures increase significantly,” said Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development and Field Support for BioZyme Inc. “Livestock start to experience heat stress at 70ºF, and we know from personal experiences those barns can be hotter than 70ºF. We also need to remember that their rumen is

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working extra hard to break down their feed, raising their internal temperature even more.”

Besides digestion and extreme Temperature Heat Indexes (THI) created in hot, humid barns, other causes of heat stress at winter shows include extreme temperature shifts when traveling between climates and altitudes and walking long distances from tie outs into a hot barn.

Since it isn’t so hot outside, my animals don’t need as much water.

It doesn’t matter the season or the temperature, water is always the most vital nutrient to your animals’

health. Heat stress can wreak havoc on your show animals’ overall health, causing challenges with their digestive, respiratory, immune, and reproductive systems. Livestock will go off feed and water when they are stressed, they start to breath heavily, which can lead to respiratory issues. As well, their immune system is compromised, which could result in additional health challenges.

“Keeping animals comfortable in the winter is a challenge, especially when we have temperature fluctuations like we have recently or when we take them from

Continued on page 58

MERCK

Animal Health News Merck Animal Health Again Joins Sponsorship of Stockmanship and Stewardship Program to Benefit Cattle Handling. NCBA Producer Education Program will host up to five regional events in 2020. Up to five regional Stockmanship and Stewardship events will be coordinated throughout the United States by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in 2020, thanks to sponsorship from Merck Animal Health.

Additional funding and support for the program are provided by the Beef Checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance program.

Stockmanship and Stewardship events bring together cattle producers from a large area for a two day cattle handling and educational program.

They highlight proper and accepted stockmanship techniques and provide local stewardship information appropriate for the region. Events have been held throughout the country over the past three years.

Merck Animal Health has been a strong partner of the beef industry and NCBA in our BQA and other programs for many years,” says Chase DeCoite, director of BQA at NCBA. “We look forward to their continued partnership in this widely successful education effort.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with the NCBA and our sponsorship of the Stockmanship and Stewardship program for 2020,” says Kevin Mobley, executive director, cattle sales and marketing, Merck Animal Health. We enjoy the opportunity to

work directly with our customers to help educate them on proper animal handling as a part of our animal welfare platform.”

Stockmanship and Stewardship events include live cattle demonstration and hands on opportunities, as well as BQA training with possible classroom sessions. In addition to cattle handling and effective stockmanship, possible elements of regional sessions include sustainability and environmental stewardship, animal health and regional issues, and hot topics.

For more information on either the Stockmanship and Stewardship or BQA programs, contact DeCoite at cdecoite@ beef.org.

About Merck Animal Health. Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck.

Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services.

Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well being, and performance of animals.

It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animalhealth.com.

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BioZyme News continued from page 56 outside into a heated barn,” Rodgers said.

“Seventy degrees this time of year feels a lot hotter to your animals than it does in June or July, so we definitely need to keep their body temperature constant, regardless of the outside temperature.”

I need to keep my trailer warm while hauling livestock to winter shows.

Traveling to a show in a poorly ventilated trailer can cause unneeded heat stress.

Animals create their own body heat, and the more animals that you put in your trailer, the warmer that trailer will be.

Don’t forget to keep your trailer properly ventilated while traveling, and even though it seems cold outside, all species need that ventilation as they will generate body heat in an enclosed trailer while going down the road, just like humans put off body heat when they are in an enclosed area.

Heat stress doesn’t need to stress you out. One way to help your show animals defeat heat stress is with products developed by Sure Champ that help all show livestock species maintain their body temperature in a safe, fast, and natural way using the Amaferm advantage. Sure Champ Extreme and Vita

Charge Climate Control Gel are two easyto-use supplements to help your animals stay healthy and support normal body temperature. Sure Champ Extreme is a pelleted, daily supplement designed to be mixed into or top dressed onto feed. Vita Charge Climate Control is an oral gel that works as a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and thus cooling the body. It is recommended to be given two to three days prior to traveling to the show, and then daily while at the show when in warmer, more humid climates.

Amaferm is also proven to increase water and feed intake while decreasing the body temperature in heat stressed animals. As Amaferm aids in digestion, that decreases the amount of work the digestive tract has to do, therefore lowering the body temperature caused by digestion.

Other ways to help regulate your animals’ body temperature include putting up fans in the barn, rinsing animals, and making sure they stay hydrated with plenty of fresh, cool water.

Keep your livestock comfortable this winter, even with fluctuating temperatures

IRM Red Books Are Here The price of the books are again $5.00/each this year.

We would like to thank Performance Livestock & Feed Company and Carolina Stockyards for again sponsoring this book.

Some highlights of the book are the international year letter designations for animal identification calving records Beef Quality Assurance best practices judicious use of antimicrobials in cattle injection site quality control health records pasture usage cattle sales A.I. breeding records analysis of calving activity and back by producer demand the addresses phone notes pages plus many other record keeping sections.

Simply return the order form below, along with $5.00 for each book to: N.C. Cattlemen’s Association 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 You can now order them through our website at www.nccattle.com/resources/merchandise/red-book-order-form.

You can also call our office at 919-552-9111 or email us at kim@nccattle.com.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

with the assistance of Sure Champ Extreme and Vita Charge Climate Control Gel. Regulating your livestock’s body temperature keeps them eating, healthy, and performing.

To learn more, visit www.surechamp. com.

Producers’ Perspective: Managing Your Cows in the Winter. The changing of the seasons is inevitable. That’s true whether you’re running Angus cows

in North Dakota or Hereford and black baldie cows in south central Mississippi.

However, when you’re a cattle producer whose livelihood depends on those mama cows, the changing seasons mean making a few adaptations to cow nutrition and care to make sure your herd continues to thrive each day of the year.

Continued on page 60

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Ten North Carolina Counties Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Drought. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced recently that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations located in North Carolina as a result of drought in 2019.

The loans are available in the following counties: Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Mecklenburg, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Union in North Carolina.

“These counties are eligible because they are contiguous to one or more primary counties in South Carolina. The Small Business Administration recognizes that disasters do not usually stop at county or state lines. For that reason, counties adjacent to primary counties named in the declaration are included,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm related and non-farm related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity, and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at Disasterloan.sba.gov.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center 14925 Kingsport Road Fort Worth, TX 76155 Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 19, 2020.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration. The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

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q JANUARY 2020

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BioZyme News continued from page 58 Mother Nature is Moody in the South. There’s no doubt that colder temperatures are a major part of what makes wintertime so challenging when it comes to taking care of livestock. And, it isn’t just the cold; it is the temperature extremes and the unexpected shifts that can challenge producers. Joe and Ryan McGuffee own McGuffee Polled Herefords, at New Hebron, Mississippi.

According to Ryan, their winters usually consist of 90 days of “bad weather,” although most of that time, what makes the weather bad is the lower temperatures, rain, and unexpected temperature swings.

“You don’t really know how to plan for it. When we worked cattle earlier in the day [mid-November], they had a lot of hair, so we might be in for a tough winter.

If we do have an ice storm coming, we do have timber breaks we can put our cows in. If it is really, really bad, we do have barns to calve in. If we do have bad weather, it’s only for a few days at a time, it doesn’t last 90 days,” he said.

Typically, the average temperatures where McGuffees run their herd of 165 registered Hereford cows and 600 black baldies, ranges between 25-80ºF, January through March, with summer

temperatures reaching 115ºF with 100 percent humidity. He starts his fall calving in mid-September and begins spring calving in January through mid-May, so he is getting calves and rebreeding during some of the most unpredictable weather seasons.

Noticeably Colder Up North - Nearly 1,600 miles northwest of McGuffees, Bob White owns and manages White’s Angus Ranch, near Bowman, North Dakota.

Although he faces temperature extremes, his generally comes months apart, not days apart. He said they, too, will have up to 115ºF days in the summer, but when January and February hit, subzero temperatures are the norm.

“When we started calving last March, it was -54ºF with the windchill factor.

That was pretty tough. We calved in the barn,” White said.

Although they live states apart, managing different breeds and under different winter conditions, both McGuffee and White agree that taking care of cows in the winter does take just a little extra effort. They make sure their cows stay on a good plane of nutrition and provide them shelter from the elements.

Wilkes Livestock Exchange 106 Armory Road • PO Box 2146 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: 336-838-3442 • Fax: 336-838-3591 Weekly Sales - Wednesdays - 1:30 p.m.

Take-up Tuesday Evenings

Catching and Hauling Services Available

Shelmer Blackburn, Jr.

919-270-1522 • shelmerblackburn@hotmail.com

Seth Church

336-927-5370 • sethchurch@charter.net PAGE 60

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Nutrition Comes First - McGuffee and White both work to put up the best hay supply possible for their cows to survive on through the winter months; however, they also know their cows are working extra hard through gestation and lactation, so providing them with adequate protein and energy is a priority.

McGuffee puts up between 2,5003,000 dry hay bales each summer and also makes haylage (wet hay), which provides his cows with extra energy. He also supplements his herd with VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S year-round. The Concept•Aid includes organic copper, zinc, and manganese to ensure maximum bioavailability of nutrients to the animal and high levels of vitamin E and selenium to promote optimized fertility. It is also available with MOS to trap bad bacteria limiting their ability to do harm and includes organic trace minerals, vitamins, and B vitamins.

White supplements his herd with the VitaFerm Concept•Aid Protein Meal all year and provides additional protein to his cows when it starts to get colder with the VitaFerm 30-13% Protein Tub. All VitaFerm products contain Amaferm, a precision prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility by amplifying nutrient supply for maximum performance. It is research proven to significantly increase forage digestion for an increase in utilization resulting in optimal health and performance. In addition to the Amaferm advantage, the Protein Tub that White uses contains 30 percent protein with no more than 13 percent equivalent crude protein from non-protein nitrogen and organic copper for maximum availability to support immunity.

“I don’t like the cows to go backward, it gets tougher to put weight back on once it gets cold. I like the Amaferm. It seems like the cows stay in shape year round, even just on grass.

Even in the winter, they have a full look to them – “bloom” you could say. I like the product, and I like the way my cows consume it,” White says.

Calving Time Shelters - Although McGuffee and White calve under different environmental conditions, they both know the value of having shelter for extreme cold and wet conditions.

However, when possible, they leave their cattle in their natural environment.

Conditions exist for ice storms down in Mississippi where McGuffee is, and when those happen, he is prepared. He does have calving barns, and the timber in their area also protects cows from the elements. He said despite the sudden shifts in temperature and unexpected cold

rains, he has very little sickness due to his health and nutrition protocols.

White provides plenty of man-made and natural windbreaks, as well as calving barns. If the conditions are not too cold or there isn’t too much snow on the ground, he will calve outside. Only under extreme conditions will he bring his calving cows inside for a few days.

While managing cows is simpler than managing the weather, there are extra management practices to consider in the winter. It doesn’t matter if you are in southern Mississippi or southwest North Dakota, those cows need extra protein and energy during times of late gestation and peak lactation.

4 Tips to Successfully Wintering Stocker Calves. There’s no doubt, agriculture is a risky business. There are a lot of uncertainties, especially when you add the environment and the ever changing weather into the mix. But with a good plan and some of these best management practices in place, you can come out in the spring time with healthy, growthy calves that are ready for their next feeding phase, regardless if you are preparing to sell the calves or retain ownership of them through the feed yard.

Have a good health program in place - By now, you likely have had your calves for a while, they are straightened out, and you have worked with your local veterinarian to have a vaccination protocol in place. This is a vital step in any phase of the production cycle, but especially important as these calves

Continued on page 62

N.C. Weekly Auctions Report Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 (Week ending DECEMBER 5, 2019)

Kind Steers

Avg. Wt. $/lb 300-400 $102.50 - 165.00 400-500 $120.00 - 156.00 500-600 $123.00 - 160.00 600-700 $114.00 - 151.00 700-800 $107.50 - 129.00 800-900 $ 90.00 - 125.00

Heifers

300-400 400-500 500-600 600-700 700-800 800-900

$ $ $ $ $ $

96.00 - 135.00 97.00 - 127.00 86.00 - 117.00 90.00 - 108.00 76.00 - 115.00 72.00 - 90.00

Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $43.00 - 62.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $42.00 - 61.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $54.00 - 73.00 Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services - USDA Market News, Raleigh, N.C. • 919-707-3156

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q JANUARY 2020

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BioZyme News continued from page 60 go through the stress of weaning, the potential stress of adapting to a new environment, and now entering a season of the year where temperatures can fluctuate with great variation within a 24 hour period.

A health management program should be a written plan that you and your veterinarian devise on how to best care for your cattle. It can include information like animal identification, a vaccination schedule, diagnosis and treatment procedures, and morbidity/mortality targets. Any treatments given should be recorded with this plan.

Plan for your nutritional needs Nutrition and health go hand-in-hand, and it is much more efficient to feed and grow a healthy animal than a sick one.

That’s why it is imperative to have a high quality mineral available to your stockers, 24/7. A good mineral program helps vaccines do their job and helps the animal respond to health challenges by boosting the immune response. That’s where a product like VitaFerm Gain Smart is useful in the stocker health management plan. VitaFerm Gain Smart is a line of

vitamin and mineral supplements for beef cattle with the Amaferm advantage that promotes economically produced pounds by maximizing the natural energy and protein available in forage.

Perhaps the most important nutrient to your calves’ success is sufficient, clean, fresh water. Water is necessary for adequate digestion, nutrient transportation, enzymatic and chemical reactions, and body temperature regulation.

Prepare for inclement weather - Even though you might get cold, you don’t necessarily need to worry about your cattle feeling cold unless extreme cold temperatures strike. If you are in the part of the country where cattle hair up and put on a heavy winter coat, they are already covered. In addition, as their digestive system works, they are warmed from the inside, out. However, any time the temps drop below zero or are accompanied by precipitation or strong winds, you will want to make sure your have some wind break and bedding for your calves.

Bedding like straw, hay, or stalks help keep the calves warm and off wet, frozen

or muddy ground. Windbreaks, man made or natural like tree rows, help protect the calves from severe winds and wind chills.

Manage stress for less shrink Any time cattle experience stress, they are likely going to encounter shrink, or weight loss, so think about ways to reduce stress as much as possible. Don’t handle them unless needed. When you do need to handle or treat a calf, follow the methods outlined in the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines. Do provide them with bedding and windbreaks during wet, cold weather. And perhaps the most important time stress becomes a factor is prior to shipping them to sell or to transport to the feedlot. Keep them in their natural environment as long as you can, with access to water. If you are hauling them to a livestock auction market the night prior to the sale, and they are bunk broke, inquire about feeding them at the Auction Market, even if it takes some extra effort.

The more of a routine you can keep them on, the better.

Caring for stockers through the winter doesn’t have to be a gamble.

Though you can’t control the weather,

you can control your health and nutrition programs, along with providing bedding and reducing stress. Control what you can to make your stocker operation a positive business venture.

To learn more about the Amaferm advantage, visit www.vitaferm.com.

About BioZyme ® Inc. BioZyme Inc., founded in 1951, develops and manufactures natural, proprietary products focused on animal nutrition, health, and microbiology. With a continued commitment to research, BioZyme offers a complete line of feed additives and high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral, and protein supplements for a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs. BioZyme brands include Amaferm®, AO-Biotics®, Amasile™, VitaFerm ®, Vita Charge ®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, and DuraFerm®.

Headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri, BioZyme reaches a global market of customers throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com.

American Farmland Trust Releases First Ever Non-Operating Landowner Survey Results – North Carolina Fact Sheet Revealing significant o p p o r t u n i t y f o r i n c re a s e d conservation practices on rented land to improve water quality and soil health. American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, recently released fact sheets summarizing results from its NonOperating Landowners, or NOLs, Survey that surveyed individually or partnership owned lands, not institutions or trusts, for North Carolina. The results are promising, demonstrating that landowners care about their land and are keenly interested in stewarding their land well — keeping it in farming and altering lease terms to support conservation.

A full report will be released this winter, drawing conclusions across all the surveyed states to inform a national conservation agenda.

“We began this research in 2018 to better understand attitudes

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related to conservation practices and how to better serve farmland and ranchland owners who do not farm their land but rent it to operators. In the U.S., 39 percent of farmland is rented, yet in some U.S. counties, that number is more than 70 percent. Therefore, non-operating landowners are an important stakeholder for the implementation of conservation and climate resilient practices. Further, close to 50 percent of farmland in the U.S. is owned by women,” said Gabrielle Roesch-McNally, AFT Women for the Land director.

Anecdotally, AFT has found that often there is a perception that landowners don’t want or do not support conservation practices on their rented ground. Thankfully, the research reveals this gap does not necessarily exist. If farmers and landowners start talking and are provided with the right resources, AFT, policymakers, natural resource agencies, and conservation groups can better support the implementation of conservation practices on rented lands.

Specifically, the results from North

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

Carolina are telling in how the needle can begin to move on conservation. In North Carolina, the farmer is the most trusted source for conservation information, followed by the local county soil and water conservation district.

The desire for landowners to keep the land in farming reveals the symbolic importance of the land, an important entry point for conversations.

Targeting the NOLS audience with educational materials can improve their awareness of and willingness to support conservation and partnership with farmers to meet larger goals for their land and its legacy.

In other words, if you are a farmer who wants to try new conservation practices on land you rent, AFT’s survey is good news. Your landowner is probably supportive and trusts your judgment as a farming expert. But they need to hear from you!

AFT is building a resource bank of fact sheets that can be found at www. farmlandinfo.org/special-collections/4763 as well as other resources on the

Farmland Information Center at www.farmlandinfo.org for NOLS and farmers who rent land.

AFT’s office staff is available to answer questions and assist all concerned, contact David Haight at 518-581-0078 or dhaight@farmland. org.

About the American Farmland Trust. American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work.

AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message.

Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on a half million additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families.

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Clemson Agribusiness Experts Help Farmers Find Opportunities Amid Travails of Trade War Uncertainty over the weather, trade policy, and prices are making earning a living an increasingly tough row to hoe for South Carolina’s farmers.

“It’s a very challenging time to pencil out a profit,” said fifth generation farmer John Michael Parimuha, who grows cotton and peanuts near Manning.

“Equipment’s expensive, everything’s expensive — and we’re basically producing a crop for about the same thing we were ten years ago. Everything is going higher, but our (profit margin) is not as much.”

But while the concerns are real, Clemson University Extension’s agribusiness experts say so, too, are the possibilities for growth and both domestic and global market expansion.

“Difficult times can bring opportunities as well, and it’s on those opportunities we’ll continue to build a strong ag industry,” said Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center Director Kathy Coleman in welcoming an audience of producers, lenders, and other agricultural stakeholders to the fourth annual South Carolina Ag Outlook Conference on November 15.

At the event, the Clemson Extension Agribusiness Team provided an outlook for 2020, focused on identifying opportunities and threats for the financial success of South Carolina producers, with presentations on corn, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, livestock, poultry, industrial hemp, and special topics on trade, small scale animal processing, farm stress, and ag labor.

Parimuha said while the overall message supported his own notion that producers are finding profitability difficult, the information provided by Clemson’s agribusiness team would be invaluable in helping him rise to meet the challenge.

“This is just a good event to come to for a little insight on what could happen with our markets for next year,” he said.

“I go to a lot of Clemson Extension events, and every single one of them has improved my bottom line somehow.”

Clemson Associate Professor of Agribusiness Adam Kantrovich kicked off the conference with a trade update, emphasizing to the audience that the current situation in U.S. agriculture met all the conditions necessary to be considered a “trade war.”

Clemson Associate Professor of Agribusiness Adam Kantrovich explains how economic policy plays a significant role in agriculture.

“Have we taken shots somewhere else? Yes. Has there been retaliation? Yes. Well, we’re in a trade war,” he said.

China is the most notable adversary in this particular trade war, according to Kantrovich, with its importance to American agriculture lying not only in its population — 1.4 billion people as of 2017 — but also an exploding middle class, which is estimated at 430 million and expected to be 780 million by the mid-2020s, making it a massive potential market for American producers. By comparison, the entire U.S. population is about 330 million, with roughly half being classified as middle class.

“China’s middle-class wealth is continuing to grow, and they have an appetite for Western products, including our protein,” Kantrovich said.

Where this case of supply and demand breaks down into something more problematic is when import duties and tariffs that will inevitably be passed

At the fourth annual S.C. Ag Outlook Conference at the Phillips Market Center in West Columbia, the Clemson Extension Agribusiness Team offered an outlook for 2020, identifying opportunities and threats for financial success of the state’s producers.

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down to the consumer are tacked on to the cost of products.

“Before the tariffs were coming into play, I had really high hopes of additional markets in China for our cotton. And that has obviously slimmed. South Carolina peanut exports, same thing,” Kantrovich said.

The most significant current challenges to U.S. agriculture, according to Kantrovich, are: uncertainty over international trade policy through negotiation; potential partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership —a trade agreement signed in 2016 but from which the U.S. withdrew its signature — have gained markets at America’s expense; and the European Union and Asia are looking at other partners besides the U.S. to supply ag and other products.

“The European Union, at least publicly, is not budging on a number of issues that directly affect U.S. ag industry’s access to their market,” Kantrovich said.

Kantrovich said the U.S. is also experiencing lost opportunity in its hog markets, with Canada now filling a greater portion of Chinese demand. A similar situation is occurring with Russian pork producer Cherkizovo, which is hoping to begin supplying pork to China and is already in discussions with China on a joint venture, Kantrovich said.

“If this begins to follow through, that

Clemson Agribusiness Extension Associate Scott Mickey addresses the crowd at the fourth annual S.C. Ag Outlook Conference.

has a dollar value on every head of pork we’ve got sitting there,” he said.

Still, those uncertainties over profitability take a toll on American farmers. A poll commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that about 91 percent of farmers and farmworkers have financial issues that affect their mental health, and 87 percent of farmers are afraid they’ll lose their farms.

For those reasons, Clemson Agribusiness Extension Associate Scott Mickey said chronic stress is a common response to the challenging economic conditions farmers are facing.

While tariffs are hindering the agricultural economy nationwide, the impact varies depending on the product.

Peanuts are primarily a domestic product,

From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President

By ROSCOE KYLE Well, the holidays are behind us, and I hope everyone had a safe New Year.

As we look back on 2019, it was a year of many challenges for our industry. It always seemed to be either too wet, too dry, too hot, or too cold. But all that is something we have learned to deal with and overcome. I know that we all hope and wish for a better 2020 and are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

I hope all the members will try to attend the SCCA Annual Convention on March 19-20 at T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena at Clemson. The local association presidents have raffle tickets for the Henry Repeating Rifle that is being awarded to the winner at the Annual Convention. You do not have to be present to win. Just purchase your tickets before the convention. All the money raised goes into the Foundation’s Scholarship and Educational Fund.

Remember, the first weekend in February will be the Clemson Bull Test Sale, so if you need new blood, come on out and purchase one.

I have been advised that the Extension Director is working on having some workshops around the state to update local associations on the use of the new SCCA website. I hope the appropriate members can attend.

If there is anything a member wants to be addressed at the state level, please advise your district board member, and they will bring it up at the next meeting.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year, and as always, if you need me, please contact me for assistance.

for example, and thus less affected by trade restrictions and tariffs than another Southern staple crop, cotton, which is largely exported.

For peanuts, while the U.S. saw roughly the same planted acreage of 1.425 million acres as it did in 2018, the harvested acreage was up one percent at 1.383 million acres, and the yield was up two percent to 4,080 pounds per acre — not far off the record yield of 4,211 pounds per acre in 2012. Ending stocks are also projected to be down some 1.1 million tons.

Clemson Professor of Agribusiness Nathan Smith said that peanut acreage is likely to hold or decrease slightly in 2020, and a slight improvement in consumption is expected with exports holding strong historically.

As for cotton, Smith said production is up in 2019 both nationally and globally as world demand and consumption on cotton grows, and stocks are expected to increase

Clemson Professor of Agribusiness Nathan Smith said that peanut acreage is likely to hold or decrease slightly in 2020, and a slight improvement in consumption is expected with exports holding strong historically.

in 2020, but that the current trade war is undoubtedly impacting the cotton market.

“We had cut down on exports to China because China was reducing their stocks — using some of their cotton — and we were exporting cotton to other countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia,” Smith said. “But also the economic slowdown has pushed prices down… and unlike peanuts, cotton is very dependent on the global market and global economy.”

But while trade negotiations with China will clearly play a substantial role in the U.S. agricultural outlook for the foreseeable future, Extension associate Bernt Nelson said that there are recent “concrete reasons to say” that progress is being made on that front.

“China is out of protein,” he said.

“They are short, approximately ten million metric tons of pork. That is a lot of meat. If we gave them our entire year’s production, we could not make up for that.”

Nelson also said three Asian countries — Japan, China, and South Korea — account for 51 percent of all U.S. beef exports. He noted beef export sales have been excellent in recent weeks and would continue to be a market driver.

“There are two things the U.S. can produce better than anyone else in this world, and they both go hand in hand: good corn leads to good beef,” he said. “Good grass. Good management practices. We have good beef. The world likes what we have to offer. We have a superior product, and they want it.”

Images Credit: Clemson University Relations

Three Tips for Developing Cattle Winter Nutritional Plans Ranchers need cattle to gain weight all year. Unfortunately, colder weather can make that challenging. Plan ahead today for a better, heavier animal tomorrow.

When it comes to preparing cattle operations for winter months, ranchers have many factors to consider. Decisions made prior to cold weather moving in are just as vital as choices made during winter months. Feeding cattle properly is a crucial management task in order to ensure a profit and maintain herd health.

Winter feed and nutritional supplements make up more than half of the annual cost of keeping a beef cow, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. With that in mind, here are three tips for developing a winter nutritional plan for herd upkeep and maintenance: 1. Identify energy requirements for your herd - It is no surprise that energy requirements increase for beef cattle during winter months. One important consideration? Wind and rain. Keeping cattle out of wind and precipitation is key to reducing energy needs.

“The energy requirement of beef cattle increases about three percent for each degree that the wind chill is below 59ºF and increases even further in wet conditions,” University of Minnesota Extension found.

Evaluating cow performance is another critical step in identifying energy requirements for your herd. Frame size, body condition and state of gestation in females are important factors to consider and can help determine if fed nutrients are being calculated correctly, as well as

if the herd is being fed on an adequate distribution.

2. Know the forage you’re feeding - To capitalize on feeding forages, understand the nutritional demands for your herd and the quality of hay available.

Having forages sent in for analysis can help match forage quality with animal nutrition needs.

For example, “heifers and thin cows require a more energy dense diet, compared to older or fleshy cows,” according to University of Minnesota Extension. “Sorting animals into groups based on body condition allows you to feed the available forage more effectively.”

However, it is just as important to know if you are feeding too many expensive nutrients as it is to know if you are lacking nutrients. Cattle require energy for maintenance, growth and production; therefore, analyzing the energy, protein and overall nutritional content of livestock feeds is necessary to ensuring that day-today production continues.

It is never too late in the year to send forage samples for analysis. Typical laboratory testing results are returned within one week. County extension offices, as well as local feed elevators, have the capacity to test forages.

3. Provide necessary supplements for your herd - Forages do not have all essential nutrients required for healthy herd maintenance, which is why forage analysis is a great tool to identify nutrition gaps.

Typical mineral deficiencies in mature forages are calcium and phosphorus.

One easy solution for low nutrients

in forage is supplements. Note, mineral programs are dependent on total ration mineral composition.

A study by South Dakota State Extension provided basic recommendations for winter mineral supplementation programs, which include the following: • Provide a trace mineralized salt • Supplement phosphorous when forage is dormant (unless a distiller’s grain is being used as a protein source) • Supplement copper if symptoms are present (monitor copper status to avoid reaching toxic levels) When it comes to providing mineral

The Carolina Cattle Connection

supplements, many guidelines currently in place are based on generalizations.

Therefore, it can be beneficial to develop a custom formula to meet individualized deficiencies dependent on each operation.

These three tips for developing a winter nutritional plan are stepping stone instructions for weather preparation. One of the most important pieces of advice to remember is that preparation can never begin too early. It is better to feed cattle adequately year round so that energy intake is increased prior to cold weather.

After all, it is easier to act now rather than to try to catch up once the winter months are here.

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Beef Checkoff News

By GREG HANES Cattlemen’s Beef Board, CEO The Reality of the Beef Checkoff.

In the few months since I took the helm as CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) – the governing and administrative organization of the Beef Checkoff – there appears to be many misperceptions, false rumors, and misinformation about how the checkoff works and is administered.

Let’s look at its history, what the Beef Checkoff can and cannot do, as well as the processes and procedures we have in place to continue to be strong stewards of your checkoff dollars.

The Creation of the Beef Checkoff - The Beef Checkoff was created through the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 as part of the Farm Bill. It was initiated as an effort driven by producers who saw an important need for more promotion and research to stave off falling beef demand in the late 1970s/1980s and was designed to be producer driven at both a local and national level. Immediately following its passing, the Beef Promotion and Research Order was created, outlining the detailed rules for governance over the program, funding distribution, contractor requirements, etc. The areas where checkoff funding can be used are clearly defined: promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, and producer communications. Conversely, lobbying or “influencing governmental action or policy” is also clearly prohibited.

Within 22 months, a referendum was conducted among producers throughout the U.S. to vote on the continuation of the program – which was passed by 79 percent of farmers and ranchers. The Beef Checkoff, as we know, it came life in 1988.

Copies of both “The Act and Order” are available online at www.beefboard.org/ beef-act-and-order, or you can contact our office, and we can ensure you get a copy.

USDA Oversight - The Act and The Order is our rule book – set in law – that we must follow every day. To ensure all aspects of this law are followed, the USDA is delegated authority by Congress to oversee the Beef Checkoff Program.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, USDA reviews and approves our plans, projects, budgets, contracts, processes and procedures, and keeps a watchful eye over our financials, our board, our

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communications, and our operations. In fact, the Secretary of Agriculture himself appoints all 99 CBB board members, which includes both domestic producers and importers, a process outside of our purview.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board - The Act and The Order outlines additional specifics about the governance supporting your checkoff dollars. As noted, they outline the type of activities that can/cannot be funded; define that all efforts must be producer driven; that the CBB board members must be producers and importers who serve on the national board in a voluntary capacity for three year terms; that no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms; and that the number of board members are based on the cattle inventory of each state.

Beef Promotion Operating Committee - Another piece outlined by The Act and The Order is the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. This important group of 20 producers and importers is created by appointed positions from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (ten members) and the Federation of State Beef Councils (ten members). This committee oversees the distribution each year of nearly $40 million of national Beef Checkoff dollars to beef industry contractors to do the work outlined in The Act and The Order.

Funding decisions must be made together by both national and state level decision makers, with great consideration to the balance between the national and regional needs of producers. No funding decision can be made without approval from at least ⅔, or 14 of the Operating Committee members, so neither the CBB nor the Federation can dictate where funding goes. As such, programs must show great benefit to the industry as a whole to get approved.

Beef Checkoff Contractors The Beef Checkoff currently partners with eight national non-profit, beef industry governed organizations we call contractors. All contractors are vetted, audited, and reviewed regularly by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Each contractor must meet specific criteria to receive Beef Checkoff funding, a process that can take up to a year to facilitate. In fact, the U.S.

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Cattlemen’s Association just became a new contractor this year.

The Act and The Order state that contractors to the checkoff be national non-profit industry governed organizations that are governed by a board of directors representing the beef industry, and have

been active and ongoing for at least two years. All contractors work on a cost recovery basis, meaning they must do the work outlined in their funding request and then seek reimbursement for their costs.

This allows for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board to have direct oversight of expenses

Plan Now for Colostrum Needs This Spring It is not too soon to begin to prepare for the spring calving season. Locating, obtaining, and storing several doses of colostrum or colostrum replacer will come in handy before the first heifers start to go into labor. Calves born after a difficult birth are at a high risk of failing to receive adequate colostrum by natural suckling because of greatly decreased colostrum intake. Calves that are born to a prolonged stage II of parturition (delivery through the pelvic canal) very often suffer from severe respiratory acidosis. Acidotic calves are less efficient at absorbing colostral immunoglobulins even if artificially fed colostrum. The only disease protection baby calves will receive is via the passive transfer of antibodies (immunoglobulins) from the colostrum that they ingest. Therefore effort should be made to provide weak newborn calves with the best source of colostrum available via bottle suckling or tube feeding.

Natural colostrum is still considered the best source of the immunoglobulins for disease protection for the calf. If there is still a dairy in your area, the opportunity may exist to obtain some natural colostrum from newly freshened dairy cows. Avoid obtaining colostrum from dairies that are known to have had an incidence of “Johnes Disease”. Take time to visit with a local veterinarian about avoiding the introduction of “Johnes Disease” into your herd.

Fresh colostrum can be stored in 1 quart doses by putting that much (1 quart) in a gallon size Ziploc bag. Lay the bags flat to freeze in the freezer. When it is time to thaw the colostrum, it will be easier and quicker to thaw, compared to 2 quarts or more in a big frozen chunk. The amount of immunoglobulin ingested is also a major determinant of final blood immunoglobulin concentration. A practical “ruleof-thumb” is to feed 5-6 precent of the calf’s body weight within the first 6 hours and repeat the feeding when the calf is about 12 hours old. For an 80 pound calf, this will equate to approximately 2 quarts of colostrum per feeding. Consequently, if the calf is quite large (about 100 pounds), then the amount of colostrum will need to be increased accordingly to 2½ quarts per feeding.

If there is no source of natural colostrum available, purchase a few doses of a commercial colostrum “replacer”. Colostrum replacers will contain greater than 100 grams of immunoglobulin per dose. Make certain to read the label before purchasing. Colostrum replacers may seem expensive, but the value of a live calf at weaning strongly suggests that every effort to keep all of them alive is worth the investment.

A cow/calf pair out on pasture.

that use checkoff funds. If expenses are submitted that do not meet The Act and The Order, they are not reimbursed. Thus, the checkoff does not pay for anything it should not. In addition, if a contractor has a lobbying arm, they must prove they have an accounting “firewall” between their checkoff and lobbying dollars. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board works closely with these organizations so that checkoff dollars aren’t used outside of the scope of the Act and Order.

Our eight contracting organizations for Fiscal Year 2020 (October 2019 September 2020): • American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture • Cattlemen’s Beef Board • Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education • Meat Import Council of America • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association • National Livestock Producers Association • North American Meat Institute • United States Cattlemen’s Association In addition, our contractors work with four subcontracting organizations: • Kansas State University • North East Beef Promotion Initiative • National Institute for Animal Agriculture • United States Meat Export Federation The Beef Checkoff plays an extremely important role in providing education and driving demand for our beef. Competition is fierce among proteins in the United States and global markets now, so we are proud of our contractors and the work they do every day to ensure beef continues to be the number one protein to consumers everywhere. We have small contractors and large ones; we have contractors with very targeted audiences and those who reach large swaths of the population.

Whether building a promotional campaign, researching nutrition and health, championing handling and safety, or engaging consumers, together they each play an important role in driving beef demand, both here in the United States as well in the international markets.

Beef Checkoff: The Decision Makers. The Beef Checkoff was designed by producers, for producers, to build value by focusing on key areas of research and promotion to drive demand for our beef around the world. But who decides where checkoff dollars are best utilized?

The decision making works with one simple purpose in mind – producers and importers making decisions to fund programs and activities that enhance their bottom lines. As it should be – it’s only right that those with skin in the game are the ones who make the funding decisions.

Simply Producer Driven - As I

described in “The Reality of the Beef Checkoff,” there are layers of processes and procedures in place to ensure that decisions are producer driven at both a local and national level and that checkoff dollars are invested according to strict and specific parameters. This decision making is mandated through the Beef Promotion and Research Act, and USDA has been delegated authority by Congress to ensure this happens.

Producer and importer representation and involvement are at the heart of the Beef Checkoff. It is through joint committee efforts between the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) and the Federation of State Beef Councils that producers can formally have their say in how Beef Checkoff dollars are invested each year.

Certified beef industry organizations nominate individual beef producers and importers to the Secretary of Agriculture for appointment to the CBB. The Secretary then selects individuals from those nominations, with the number of producers in each state determined by the cattle numbers in their state. In 2020, there will be 99 members of the CBB Board.

Those members have the opportunity to serve on CBB checkoff committees, CBB administrative committees, the evaluation advisory committee, as well as the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC).

One of the most important roles for CBB Board members is to participate on CBB checkoff committees, which are comprised of 20 CBB members and 20 members of the Federation of State Beef Councils.

These committees are created to match up with key goals that were determined by the industry Long Range Plan (LRP).

These committees are Export Growth, Consumer Trust, Innovation, Safety and Nutrition, and Health. Over several meetings throughout the year, qualified contractors present preliminary projects and ideas (Authorization Requests) to these checkoff committees, who then score each of the projects, provide comments and feedback, and request revisions to ensure the projects are as efficient and beneficial to the industry as possible. The updated projects and the committee feedback are then submitted, along with other evaluation results, to the BPOC. BPOC members all go through an intense screening and interview process by fellow producers and importers before they are appointed. It is a very competitive process, which is conducted each year, with many more applicants than seats.

Each September, the BPOC (comprised of ten CBB members and ten members of the Federation of State Beef Councils) reviews and hears presentations on all the Authorization Requests (ARs) by the qualified contractors.

Total amounts requested by the contractors are typically much higher than the available funds, so the BPOC must determine which projects to fund (or not to fund). This September, for example, the BPCO reviewed nearly $51 million in funding requests and allocated about $40.9 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications for fiscal year 2020.

A ⅔ majority is required to approve any project, so those projects which appear to provide the best return to the industry are approved for funding. This proposed budgeting plan is then submitted to the full board for approval. If approved by the full board, the budget, ARs, and contracts are finally submitted to USDA for approval.

Collaboration - It’s a well defined, layered and structured process, full of checks and balances, all of it geared toward ensuring that your voices are heard, and that cattlemen and women benefit from

the work that is done with Beef Checkoff dollars.

This decision making process fosters collaboration among stakeholders in the industry, ensuring that all decisions are made with strong rationale.

For many, the best place to get involved is by attending CBB and qualified state beef council meetings.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. To become a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a producer should work with a certified nominating organization in their specific state, region, or unit.

Producer driven. As it should be.

When it comes to the Beef Checkoff, those with skin in the game make the investment decisions and benefit from those investments.

Visit www.DrivingDemandForBeef. com for more information on the Beef Checkoff, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Qualified State Beef Councils, and Beef Checkoff contractors.

JBS SA Faces New Fraud Charges In Brazil Brazilian federal prosecutors have charged JBS S.A. and its holding firm J&F Investmentos, along with 14 other individuals, for alleged fraud in the approval of investments and loans by national development bank BNDES issued to the beef processor between 2007 and 2011.

Meating Place reports the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor's office is demanding payment of $5 billion in damage compensation and fines for the alleged irregularities.

Allegations of corruption were levied at brothers Joesley, Wesley, and Junior Batista -- all active in the family controlling JBS – for their dealings with former members of Brazil's federal government to facilitate the approval of loans that helped JBS become the world's largest beef processor.

Federal Prosecutor Ivan Marx said in a statement that JBS, through its owners and the use of intermediaries, “paid substantial bribes to senior government officials to co-opt the BNDES president and part of his staff,” in order to have access to “larger-than-necessary” loans.

He said the company also benefited from the overvaluation of stock prices in financial operations, and by having the payment of interests waived.

Meating Place reported JBS said in a statement recently that it hadn't been officially notified of the charges. The company added that all operations involving BNDESPar investment in the company occurred at market value and followed the Brazilian capital market's legislation.

“JBS is absolutely convinced that all business with BNDESPar was done with total transparency, seriousness and fairness,” the company said.

An audit, commissioned by BNDES to investigate eight bank approved operations for JBS and other J&F companies, found no direct evidence of corruption, but notes there were limitations to the investigation as the team did not have access to certain key documents and witnesses.

The investigative team comprised of two law firms found “several instances in which BNDES employees made deviations or made exceptions to BNDES policies or relevant contracts,” according to the investigation's summary report released recently.

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NCBA News

Legislation to Preserve Family Farms Introduced in Congress. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the nation’s oldest and largest national organization representing American cattle producers, recently announced its strong support for the “Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019.”

Introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (Dem. - 20th District California) and Jackie Walorski (Rep. - 2nd District - Indiana), this important bipartisan legislation would expand I.R.S. Code Section 2032A to allow more ranchers and farmers to take advantage of the special use valuation and protect family owned businesses from the devastating impact of the death tax.

NCBA President Jennifer Houston said that ranchers and farmers are very appreciative of the death tax relief that was passed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), but that many cattle producers are either still vulnerable to the death tax or will be vulnerable when the TCJA exemption limits revert back in 2026.

“America’s beef producers should never be forced to sell any of their family’s farm, ranch, or business due to a death of a family member,” Houston said. “NCBA is committed to the fight to defend family ranches and farms and has long advocated for sound policies that will preserve family owned beef operations for generations to come. I applaud Representatives Panetta and Walorski for their leadership and dedication to protecting future generations of agricultural producers who seek to preserve a multigenerational legacy by maintaining a family owned business.”

In the Tax Reform Act of 1976, Congress recognized the disproportionate burden of the death tax on agricultural producers and created Section 2032A as a way to help farmers keep their farms.

However, the benefits of Section 2032A have been stymied over the years as the cap on deductions has failed to keep pace with the rising value of farmland. The Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019 increases the maximum amount allowed under the exemption from $750,000 to $11 million (indexed for inflation), thus reviving a critically important tool in the toolbox for farm and ranch families across the United States. If enacted, this

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legislation will provide a permanent solution to an issue that has long plagued our nation’s cattle producers.

NCBA Seeks Clarity and Consistency in Beef Origin Labeling Practices. NCBA recently reaffirmed its policy supporting voluntary countryof-origin labeling (COOL). Because the association takes the concerns of its members and stakeholders seriously, its Executive Committee has unanimously approved efforts to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) to address the Agency’s longstanding policy on geographic origin statements.

Specifically, NCBA is seeking solutions to the labeling requirements and verification procedures in place for beef products labeled as “Product of the U.S.A.,” “Made in the U.S.A.,” or similar origin claims, which will resolve the concerns of beef producers, work at the speed of commerce, meet America’s trade obligations and prevent confusion among consumers.

For several months, NCBA has been studying origin claims in use on some beef product labels. During the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in July, NCBA leaders formed a producer-led working group to examine the extent of these concerns and the federal regulations governing such practices. Although the working group has not determined whether such practices are occurring on a widespread basis, concerns remain that consumer expectations relative to beef product labels bearing origin claims may not be consistent with FSIS’s current policy.

“NCBA recognizes that product labels are a defining feature of the shopping experience for consumers.

While the majority of beef products currently advertised, marketed, or labeled as ‘Product of the U.S.A.’ are likely compliant with current FSIS regulations, the potential for consumer confusion exists,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall.

“The core mission of FSIS is to ensure all meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, not adulterated, and properly marked, labeled, and packaged. While FSIS has policy regarding origin labels, ultimately origin claims are marketing claims and should be regulated as such.”

NCBA said it and its state affiliates are committed to working together with

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

USDA to bring forward a meaningful solution to ensure that any voluntary country-of-origin claims are verified by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) prior to the approval of labels

by USDA-FSIS. NCBA believes that beef labels with voluntary country-oforigin labeling marketing claims should be verified through existing USDA framework that is market-based and respects international trade commitments.

It is critically important that any changes not trigger retaliatory tariffs from Mexico or Canada that have already been approved by the W.T.O. NCBA believes that other recent efforts to address these concerns by Congress or other industry groups — while well-intentioned — miss the mark and don’t go far enough to address the situation.

“We look forward to working with USDA and other stakeholders – something NCBA is uniquely positioned to do – to ensure that accurate and voluntary origin labels are in place to benefit beef producers and consumers,” Woodall said.

Cattlemen Celebrate Finalization of Trade Deal With Japan. Jennifer Houston recently issued the following statement in response to Japan’s final approval of a trade deal that will lower tariffs for U.S. beef exports to that nation: “There’s just no other way to say it: this is a tremendous victory and a great day for America’s beef producers and Japanese consumers. Japan is the number one export market for U.S. beef, and for many years it has been a top priority of NCBA to remove tariff and nontariff trade barriers that have prevented American beef producers from meeting Japanese consumer demand for safe and high quality U.S. beef. This agreement levels the playing field and opens the door for U.S. beef producers to meet consumer demand in Japan. NCBA has been a strong supporter of President Trump’s push for a bilateral trade deal with Japan, and we look forward to capitalizing on this opportunity in 2020.

“Over the past few years, NCBA has met countless times with our nation’s top trade negotiators and Japanese trade officials to underscore the importance of market access to Japan to America’s cattle producers. NCBA is honored to have been a part of the process from Day One right on through to the official signing ceremony with President Trump in the White House. Because of the Administration’s commitment to this issue, America’s cattle producers will no longer be at a competitive disadvantage in our largest export market. That means our current market of $2 billion a year --

nearly $100 per head sold -- is likely to grow in the years to come.”

Background - Japan’s upper legislative chamber, the Diet, recently approved a bilateral trade deal with the United States that will gradually lower the tariff on U.S. beef from 38.5 percent to 9 percent. This will keep U.S. beef on a level playing field with imports from Australia, Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Japan is the largest export market for U.S. beef, accounting for approximately $2 billion in sales per year.

NCBA Is Accepting Intern Applications For Fall 2020. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting internship applications for the Fall 2020 semester. Positions for next fall (early September - midDecember 2020) include public policy interns and a law clerk. The deadline to apply for either position is March 6, 2020.

PLC Associate Director of Policy and Administration Allie Nelson, a former NCBA intern herself, said this is a perfect chance for students interested in the cattle industry and public policy.

“These internships let students get an up close look on how issues that impact U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen intersect with policy making in our nation’s capital,” said Nelson. “These internships represent unique opportunities to assist with NCBA and PLC’s advocacy and communications efforts.” Producer led, and consumer focused, NCBA is the nation’s oldest and largest national organization representing America’s cattle producers. PLC is the only organization in Washington, D.C., dedicated solely to representing cattle and sheep ranchers that utilize federal lands. The organizations work hand-in-hand on many issues, sharing office space in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Public Policy Interns - The public policy internship will give students an opportunity to learn about career options and provide practical experience. From tax and trade to environmental and food safety regulations, interns will work on a variety of issues and have the opportunity to work specifically in the area of their interest. College juniors, seniors, and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

Law Clerk - The law clerk will provide support to NCBA’s Environmental Counsel on issues relating to environmental legislation and regulations that impact beef producers.

The position will also work closely with the Executive Director of the Public Lands Council on issues relating to Federal lands management, grazing,

and the Endangered Species Act. To apply for the law clerk position, students must currently be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school.

How to Apply - Applications for the full-time internship positions will remain open until March 6, 2020. To apply for the public policy internship or law clerk position, visit www.ncba.org/ publicpolicyinternship.aspx.

NCBA Applauds U.S. Senate Introduction of Real MEAT Act. NCBA recently applauded the introduction of the Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. The Senate bill is a companion to H.R. 4881, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (Rep. - 1st District, Kansas) and Anthony Brindisi (Dem. - 22nd District, New York) in October.

“It’s clear that fake meat companies are continuing to mislead consumers about the nutritional merits and actual ingredient composition of their products,” said Jennifer Houston. “We commend the efforts of Senator Fischer on introducing this legislation, which would end deceptive labeling of fake meat products and allow cattle producers to compete on a level playing field.”

“Beef is derived from cattle — period,” Senator Fischer said. “Under USDA, beef undergoes a rigorous inspection and labeling process, but plant based protein products that mimic beef and are sometimes labeled as beef are overseen by the FDA instead. These products are not held to the same food safety and labeling standards as beef. The NCBA has been a leader on this issue, and I am thankful for their strong support of the Real MEAT Act, which will protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices and bring transparency to the grocery store.”

Specifically, the Real MEAT Act will: 1. Codify the Definition of Beef for Labeling Purposes • Establish a federal definition of beef that applies to food labels; • Preserve the Congressional Intent of the Beef Promotion and Research Act; 2. Reinforce Existing Misbranding Provisions to Eliminate Consumer Confusion • FDA has misbranding provisions for false or misleading labels; • Prevent further consumer confusion with alternative protein products; • Clarify the imitation nature of these alternative protein products; 3. Enhance the Federal Government’s Ability to Enforce the Law • FDA will have to notify USDA if an imitation meat product is determined to be misbranded;

• If F.D.A. fails to undertake enforcement within 30 days of notifying USDA, the Secretary of Agriculture is granted authority to seek enforcement action.

Captivating Speakers to Share Experiences, Knowledge at 2020 Cattle Industry Convention. A history making astronaut and a savvy business executive are among speakers who will share experience and wisdom at the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio, Tex., February 5-7. The convention will feature business meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and the American National CattleWomen.

Kicking off the event at the Opening General Session February 5 will be retired U.S. Navy Captain Scott Kelly, an astronaut who spent a record breaking year in space, laying the groundwork for the future of space travel and exploration.

The Sky is Not the Limit: Lessons from a Year in Space will include life lessons and personal stories from 229 miles above Earth, a journey that exemplifies the power and resilience of the human spirit.

The session is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

The Closing General Session February 7 will be a completely different experience, including a celebration of the industry’s Beef Quality Assurance Program. Closing session speaker will be Kevin Brown, who for two decades was a successful executive helping grow a little known family business into an industry giant with annual revenues reaching $2 billion. Brown will share with producers in the audience tools for winning in business and life using unconventional thinking.

Sponsored by the Beef Quality Assurance Awards Program, the Closing General Session will be a fast paced event that recognizes BQA award recipients and highlights consumer directed efforts promoting the BQA Program.

New developments in BQA will also be introduced. A special reception for BQA award recipients will be held immediately following the closing session. BQA is funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and in partnership with Cargill and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

As it has at previous conventions, CattleFax will present its CattleFax U.S. Global Protein and Grain Outlook Seminar to explore the factors driving the market, such as supplies and protein demand. Dr. Art Douglas will present his 2020 weather forecast for the United States and the world, and a grain outlook will also be shared. The presentation will take place February 6 at General Session

II and is sponsored by Zoetis and Purina.

“We always strive to introduce the most interesting and relevant individuals as speakers at the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, and our attendees regularly tell us we always deliver,” says Kristin Torres, NCBA executive director of meetings and events.

“We know the valuable information to be shared by speakers in San Antonio will provide guidance to last a lifetime.”

NCBA Welcomes First Phase In U.S./China Trade Deal. Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding the recent announcement that the U.S. and China have agreed to a phase one trade deal: “The announcement of a phase one deal with China is welcome news for the U.S. beef industry. While we wait to learn more about the details of the agreement, we are optimistic that this positive news will bring long lasting relief to farmers and ranchers who have been targeted with China’s retaliatory tariffs for many months,” said Woodall.

“While tariffs grab most of the headlines, China’s unjustifiable nontariff barriers and restrictions on science based production technologies must be addressed so that Chinese consumers can enjoy the same high quality, safe and sustainably produced U.S. beef that Americans have enjoyed for decades.

We encourage the Trump Administration to keep working with China to establish meaningful market access and rules

of trade based on market demand and science, most importantly. This is an important step forward and something that both countries must build on for our mutual prosperity.”

America’s Cattle Producers Hail House Passage Of USMCA. NCBA Urges Senate to Swiftly Follow House’s Lead. Jennifer Houston issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a vote of 385-41: “Today was a crucial win for all U.S. beef producers and a reassurance that U.S. beef will continue to have duty-free access to Canada and Mexico,” said Houston. “A big thank-you goes to the Trump Administration and every lawmaker who voted to approve USMCA. Of course, there is still more work left to do, so I urge the Senate to swiftly pass the USMCA and send it to the President’s desk.”

About the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

Be a winner!

Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state cattlemen’s association!

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

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2020 Cape Fear Regional Conference …......................…... 30 2020 Feeder Calf Conference …............................................ 2 2020 IRM Red Book Order Form ….................................... 58 2020 Perry & Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute ….... 70 2020 S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting Exhibitor/Sponsorship Registration ….............…......... 63 2020 Southern Farm Show …............................................. 46 28th Annual Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association Replacement Heifer Sale …............................................ 59 4K Farms/Tarheel Angus …................................................ 71 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale …........................................ 53 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale — THANK YOU …............................................................. 51 69th Annual N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference — SAVE THE DATE …...................................................... 15 Alltech …............................................................................. 48 American Angus Association ……...................................... 28 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency …...... 71 American Red ….................................................................. 38 American Simmental Association ….................................. 25 Back Creek Angus …........................................................... 71 Benton’s Hay Farm ….......................................................... 14 BioZyme Incorporated — VitaCharge …............................ 54 Black Crest Farm 22nd Angus Production Sale …............... 27 Black Grove Angus ….......................................................... 71 Bull Hill Ranch “More Bull for Your Buck” Sale ...........….. 41 C-Cross Cattle Company …................................................. 71 Carolinas Animal Health …................................................ 71 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. …................................... 34 Crystalyx …............................................................................ 3 Double J Farms …................................................................ 71 Dura•Cast …........................................................................18 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. ….......................................... 71 EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale …............................. 29 F. Haniff Farms …................................................................ 71 FPL Food, LLC ….................................................................... 9 Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Fall Sale …........ 20 H.J. White Farms …............................................................. 71 Harward Sisters Bull & Female Sale …............................... 35 Howard Brothers Farms …................................................. 71 Hunt’s H+ Brangus Bull & Female Sale ….......................... 56

Hutton & Sons Herefords …............................................... 71 Mix 30 ….............................................................................. 57 Moly Manufacturing …........................................................ 17 N.C. Angus Association Directory …................................... 31 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application …........................................... 50 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council 2020 Winter Conference Series …................................. 13 N.C. Hereford Association .............................................….. 33 N.C. Simmental Association Directory …........................... 22 National Beef Checkoff/ North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment …............. 11 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Company …................................................ 37 Pearson Livestock Equipment …........................................... 7 Persist Orchardgrass …....................................................... 45 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory …........ 40 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment …................................. 39 Smith Farm Trailer Sales …................................................. 71 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form …........................................ 43 Southeast AgriSeeds …....................................................... 47 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule …....................................... 36 Springfield Angus …............................................................ 71 ST Genetics — Bill Kirkman …............................................ 71 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2020 Spotlight Schedule ….............................................. 8 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates and Sizes …...................................... 61 Union County Cattlemen’s Association March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale ..….. 49 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM …..................................................... 44 West End Precast — Feed Bunks …..................................... 42 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs ….................... 10 Whitehall Beefmasters ….................................................... 71 Wilkes Livestock Exchange …............................................. 60 Yon Family Farms Spring Sale …......................................... 26

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JANUARY 2020

PAGE 71

VENTS ANGUS Jan. 4 — EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 25 — Harward Sisters Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 25 — Tokeena Angus Heifer Sale, Seneca, S.C. Feb. 1 — 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, S.C. Feb. 8 — Black Crest Farm 22nd Annual Angus Production Sale, Sumter, S.C. Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Feb. 22 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Spring Sale, Clayton, N.C. Feb. 22 — Saluda Count Cattlemen’s Association 28th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C. Mar. 7 — Iredell Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. Mar. 14 — Union County Cattlemen’s Association March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. BRANGUS Feb. 29 — Hunt’s H+ Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Calhoun, Ga. CHAROLAIS Jan. 25 — Harward Sisters Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 1 — 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, S.C. GELBVIEH Feb. 1 — 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, S.C. Feb. 22 — Saluda Count Cattlemen’s Association 28th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

HEREFORD Jan. 25 — Judging in January, Raleigh, N.C. Feb. 1 — 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, S.C. Feb. 22 — Saluda Count Cattlemen’s Association 28th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C. Mar. 14 — Union County Cattlemen’s Mar. 14 — Union County Cattlemen’s Association March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. Mar. 27 — 2020 N.C. Hereford Association Annual Meeting & Banquet, Statesville, N.C. Mar. 28 — 52nd Annual Hereford Classic Sale, Statesville, N.C. Red Angus Jan. 18 — Bull Hill Ranch “More Bull for Your Buck” Sale, Gray Court, S.C. Jan. 25 — Harward Sisters Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. santa gertrudis May 8-9 — Santa Gertrudis Breeders of the Carolinas 47th Annual Sale, Chester, S.C. SIMMENTAL Jan. 4 — EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 25 — Harward Sisters Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 1 — 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, S.C. Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Feb. 22 — Saluda Count Cattlemen’s Association 28th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C. Mar. 7 — Iredell Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. Mar. 14 — Union County Cattlemen’s Association March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JANUARY 2020

OTHER EVENTS Jan. 4 — EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 16 — 2020 Feeder Calf Conference, Albemarle, N.C. Jan. 21 — 2020 Winter Conference Series, Canton, N.C. Jan. 22 — 2020 Winter Conference Series, Statesville, N.C. Jan. 23 — 2020 Winter Conference Series, Staley, N.C. Jan. 24 — 2020 Winter Conference Series, Kenansville, N.C. Jan. 25 — Judging in January, Raleigh, N.C. Feb. 1 — 44th Annual Clemson Bull Sale,

Clemson, S.C. Feb. 22 — Saluda Count Cattlemen’s Association 28th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C. Feb. 28-29 — 69th Annual N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Conference, Hickory, N.C. Feb. 28-Mar. 1 — 2020 Perry & Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute Mar. 7 — Iredell Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. Mar. 14 — Union County Cattlemen’s Association March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C.

IGHTER A lonely frog telephoned the Psychic Hotline and asked what his future holds.

His Personal Psychic Advisor tells him, “You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you.”

The frog is thrilled, “This is great!

Will I meet her at a party?” he croaks.

“No,” says the psychic, “you’ll meet her in Biology class.” * * * When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset.

“You’re running around with other women,” she charged.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Adam responded.

“You’re the only woman on earth.”

The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve. “What are you doing?” Adam demanded.

“Counting your ribs.” * * * There once was a rich man who was near death. He was very aggrieved because he had worked so hard for his money and he wanted to be able to take it with him to Heaven. He began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him.

An angel hears his plea and appears to him saying, “Sorry, but you can’t take your wealth with you.”

The man implores the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules.

The man continues to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappears and informs the man that God has decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathers his largest suitcase and fills it with pure gold bars and places it beside his bed.

Soon afterward, the man dies and shows up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. Seeing the suitcase Peter says,

IDE

“Hold on, you can’t bring that in here!”

The man explains to him that he has permission and asks him to verify his story with the Lord. Sure enough, Peter checks and comes back saying, “You’re right. You are allowed one carry on bag, but I’m supposed to check its contents before letting it through.”

Peter opens the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaims, “You brought pavement?!” * * * An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. “You don’t want to try these techniques at home.”

“Why not?” asked somebody from the audience.

“I watched my wife’s routine at breakfast for years,” the expert explained.

“She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table, and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, ‘Hon, why don’t you try carrying several things at once?’”

“Did it save time?” the guy in the audience asked.

“Actually, yes,” replied the expert.

“It used to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in seven.” * * * Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged.

However, a student nurse found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn’t need help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let the nurse wheel him to the elevator.

On the way down she asked him if his wife was meeting him.

“I don’t know,” he said. “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.”

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MID-ATLANTIC CATTLE SALES • SELLING NC, SC, GA, & VA CATTLE SELLING TRUCKLOAD LOTS OF CATTLE OFF THE FARM 704-322-0840 or 704-322-9770 • www.macsvideo.com