The Carolina Cattle Connection - Vol. 33, Issue No. 6 (June 2019)

HEREFORD

The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Address Service Requested

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID Raleigh, NC Permit No. 2483

Spotlight on

CC C

JUNE 2019 •

Vol. 33, Issue No. 6

arolina attle onnection

FEATURED PRODUCTS Complete Feed for Beef Cattle Value Price makes 13% Feeder Blend a great choice for any farm.

Performance Feeder Blend is a pelletized combination of corn, dry corn gluten, soy hulls, calcium carbonate, and wheat midds with a trace mineral vitamin pack.

Performance Feeder Blend in designed as a maintenance ration for all stages of cattle production.

The Analysis is 13% protein, 2% fat, and 20% fiber with a 72% TDN.

Performance Hi-Mag Mineral is a free choice mineral containing 14% Magnesium which is essential in controlling grass tetany in cattle on vegetative forage.

- Available with Extra Selenium Manufactured by: Performance Livestock and Feed Company 11 Redd Level Plant Road, Martinsville, VA 24112 5767 NC 8 Hwy. N., Lawsonville, NC 27022 www.performancefeedco.com

ONNECTION 2019 S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Youth Scholarship Winners ....................................................... Page 40 2019 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship to be Held in California .................................... Page 29 33rd S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up, by Brian Bolt ....................................................................................... Page 58 Amazing Grazing — Right Sizing Your Cow Herd, by Johnny R. Rogers .......................................... Page 18 American Angus Association News ....................................................................................................... Page 27 American Brahman Breeders Association News ................................................................................ Page 37 American Simmental Association News ............................................................................................... Page 23 Animal Agriculture Alliance News ......................................................................................................... Page 64 Ashley’s Beef Corner — Summer Sizzle, by Ashley W. Herring ......................................................... Page 16 Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges News ........................................................... Page 62 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ............................................................................... Page 21 Beef Improvement Federation News .................................................................................................... Page 24 Beef Quality Assurance Update ............................................................................................................. Page 65 BioZyme Incorporated News .................................................................................................................. Page 56 Boehringer Ingelheim News ................................................................................................................... Page 44 Carolina Cooking — Beef Steak & Black Bean Soft Tacos .................................................................. Page 16 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary ................................................................................ Page 18 Clemson Spring Dairy Show Results ...................................................................................................... Page 44 Director’s Report , by Roy Copelan .......................................................................................................... Page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Dealing with Honest Folks, by E.B. Harris .......................... Page 19 Focus on Youth — 2019 Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute - Level II, by Rachel Brown .............. Page 20 From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President, by Roscoe Kyle ..................................................... Page 46 Greenville County Livestock Association News, by Roy Copelan .................................................... Page 31 Herd Health — When to Use MLV (Modified Live Vaccine) in Your Hand, by Patty Scharko ........................ Page 31 Herd Management — Preconditioning - Adding Value to Calves, by Dr. Brian L. Beer & Lee VanVlake .................... Page 34 International Brangus Breeders Association News ............................................................................ Page 38 Lexington County Cattlemen’s Association News, by Roy Copelan ................................................. Page 38 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight — N.C. Cattle Working Contest Looks to Expand Nationally, by Teresa L. Herman .................. Page 45 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report ............................................................................................................... Page 63 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ..................................................................................... Page 63 New NCCA Members for 2019 ................................................................................................................ Page 50 On the Edge of Common Sense — Three Wheel Roping, by Baxter Black ..................................... Page 23 On the Horizon — Surviving a Wet Winter with Respectable Stocker Steer Growth on Unconventional Land, by Jordan Cox-O’Neill .............. Page 30 Performance Foodservice Trade Show News, by Roy Copelan ......................................................... Page 37 Performance Livestock Analytics News ................................................................................................ Page 46 Planning Can Help Pasture Owners Manage the Mud, by Tom Hallman ......................................... Page 42 Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of the North Carolina Bull Testing Stations .......... Page 52 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ........................................................................................... Page 50 Supporting the S.C. Beef Checkoff Program…, by Laura Lester ......................................................... Page 46 The Race is On…and what beef seedstock providers can learn about genetic improvement from the dairy industry, by Bill Zimmerman .................... Page 24 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker ................................................................................................... Page 22 York County Cattlemen’s Association Awards $15,000 in Scholarships ........................................ Page 56 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden ........................................................................................................... Page 32 Zoetis Quick Tips ....................................................................................................................................... Page 48

HEREFORD

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 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

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 33, No. 6

JUNE 2019

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

is printed on 30 lb recycled newsprint

by BN Printing in Benson, N.C.

Manager, N.C.

STAFF

BRYAN BLINSON

Manager, S.C. ROY COPELAN

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

KIM BURDGE

N.C. Circulation S.C. Circulation

KIM BURDGE STEPHANIE CROWE

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 Executive Director Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to ROY COPELAN return items such as photographs and artwork as P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211-1280 requested.

South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association

Phone: 803-917-1119 • Fax: 803-734-9808 The Carolina Cattle Connection, the official Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov publication of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Website: www.sccattle.org and the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association is published Executive Committee monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association.

President - Thomas Legare 1st Vice President - Roscoe Kyle 2nd Vice President - Travis Mitchell Secretary/ Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Cecil Eaddy NCBA Representative - Pat Williams

William Brigman, Latta • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale Pat Williams, Walhalla • Roscoe Kyle, Inman Eddie Evans, Easley • Cecil Eaddy, Manning Thomas Legare, Johns Island • Travis Mitchell, Saluda 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 Richard Sox, Lexington • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg

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.

All address changes for SCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection P.O. Box 11280 Columbia, SC 29211-1280

American Hereford Association Commercial Programs, page 15 Dams of Distinction Honored, page 14

Grassy Creek Farm, by Pamela Bissett, page 5

Most Exciting Times for Hereford Breeders and Ag Production,

by Karen Kornegay Scalf, page 6

North Carolina Hereford Association Board of Directors, page 11 North Carolina Hereford Sale Honorees, page 7

North Carolina Hereford Pollette Update, page 14 Taylor’s Mill Farm, by J. Brent Creech, page 4

The 51 Annual North Carolina Hereford Association Annual Banquet and Meeting,

by Myron McCoy, page 10 st

The 51st Annual North Carolina Hereford Classic Sale is Dedicated to Dale White, page 8 The 51st Annual North Carolina Hereford Classic Sale Results, by Mike Mericka, page 12

Our breed Spotlight special sections are excellent forums to reach producers and cattle industry insiders in the Carolinas and throughout the Southeast.

Advertisers also receive a special discount for placing their message in the Spotlight.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 1

JUNE IS BEEF MONTH

PAGE 2

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Director’s Report

By ROY COPELAN Executive Director, SCCA S.C. Beef Council funded Meat Smoker for the Clemson Block & Bridle Club

June has finally arrived with the official start of summer. Schools are out, the daylight is longer, the temperatures are hotter, and maybe a little vacation time is ahead for you and your family.

June is also declared as “Beef Month” and “Dairy Month” here in South Carolina.

The state’s cattle inventory was up two percent from last year and continues to generate approximately $150 million in cash receipts and supports thousands of jobs in our state.

South Carolina cattle producers take great pride in their land, animals, and operations. Each producer practices safe measures and treats their cattle as part of their family. The end result is a great protein and lean beef for the consumer.

We salute our cattle producers, not only during June, but each and every day of the year. Our hats are off to you, and a word of thanks extended to each and every one.

Beef promotional activities have already begun, including six retail beef promotions, two food service beef promotions, two consumer beef education activities, as well as two tastings. Contact your local supermarkets, restaurants, and community festivals to schedule one in your area.

Father’s Day is June 16 and a great time to celebrate with your father. What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than

June June is Beef Month in South Carolina.

grilling a great steak, burger, or other beef product. The SCCA office has grilling aprons for sale for $15 and caps for $10 for Father’s Day gifts. Call and order one today.

Our “Summer Grilling” campaign started Memorial Day weekend and extends through Labor Day weekend. These 100 days of summer are a great opportunity to light up the grill and enjoy your favorite cut of beef along with some outstanding South Carolina fresh fruits and vegetables.

Carolina Sensations Charolais Sale

Over 75 out of the first 100 SCCF Specialty License Plates have been assigned around our state. Support the Specialty License Plate program in order to fund youth scholarships and educational programs. Call the state office to get your low number or visit your local DMV and proudly display your cattlemen’s license plate.

Our county and regional cattlemen’s associations should start preparing their rosters and collecting dues for 2020. Next year, please note the first time members on your Excel spreadsheets. Dues and rosters are due in the state office by January 1, 2020.

We must all band together to recruit new members to our local and state cattlemen’s associations as well as NCBA. Membership growth to grass roots organizations is very important, and it is no different for the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Here are a few recruiting tips: • Don’t be afraid to ask if they are members. That includes your friends, coworkers, and community.

• Stay up to date on the latest issues and don’t be afraid of the tough questions.

• Tell them why YOU are a member.

• Get their contact information and

follow up.

We can bring one to two new members into our local, state, and national groups.

Make this your goal for the last six months of 2019 and the new 2020 year!

Checkoff funded consumer market research shows us that the key generation for beef marketing, millennials, practically live on their computer devices. They tell us that they get virtually all of their information online, and then use that information to draw conclusions and make important decisions about agriculture and the food they eat.

They use social-media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to get beef recipes and information about beef and the beef industry, the research shows. In addition, they share their thoughts about beef and beef production through these platforms. And they look online for what their fellow consumers are saying about beef, and then look online elsewhere to see if the information is scientifically sound. Perhaps most important for beef producers, they look to social media for quick and convenient recipe ideas to feed their families and help them thrive.

Four website ads were auctioned at the rd 23 SCCA Annual Meeting in March. Eva Hurley State Farm Insurance in Greenville, S.C.; Arrowquip in Sharon, S.C.; Mid-

Atlantic Cattle Sales in Turnersburg, N.C.; and Sumner Ag Services in Tifton, Ga.. purchased website ads. Thanks to these four firms. Let’s all support them when the opportunity arrives.

“McGill” (BiLo plastic cow) was mounted on a 5’x10’ utility trailer and has been viewed all over the state. Thanks to Willyne and Ned McGill from Star for the cow contribution and Virgil Wall from Greenwood for getting the trailer and mounting the cow. This is a promotional tool that we can use to tell the story of cattle and beef in South Carolina. Call the state office and arrange a time.

June is a busy month with beef promotions as well as program participation in the S.C. Family Physicians Annual Meeting on June 5-9 in Myrtle Beach, the Southern Animal Health Conference in Greenville on June 2-5, the AG in the Classroom Institute on June 10-14 in Columbia, and the S.C. Beef Council meeting in Columbia on June 20.

I hope to see you out during the hot days of Beef Month in South Carolina.

Summer officially begins on June 21.

Grilling beef hot dogs and burgers

West End Precast 276-228-5024 Wytheville, Virginia

8 ft Concrete Feed Bunks

U or J Bunks - $160-$180 • Calf Bunks - $110

Water Troughs • Pads • Silo Sides • Septic Tanks • Reservoirs The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 3

e Special Taylor’s Mill Farm

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

By J. BRENT CREECH Welcome to Taylor’s Mill Farm. We are a Hereford based cow/calf seedstock operation located in Zebulon, N.C., about 20 miles east of Raleigh and about 20 miles west of Wilson. Our main farm contains about 150 acres and sits in the southwest corner of Nash County. We have been raising cattle at this location since 1999.

made aware that Tim Ohlde at Ohlde Cattle Company was working with some Trask Hereford genetics. So off to Palmer, Kan., to meet with Tim Ohlde. Tim has some phenomenal Angus cattle and it seems that whatever breed Tim is working with gravitates to a similar phenotype. He was crossing some Trask Hereford with Dutch Beef Fresian that he obtained from Europe that was a more moderate frame dual purpose breed there in the 1950s. This is the same Dutch Beef Fresian he used to create his AmeriFax breed. To make a long story short, Tim had some ¾ Trask Hereford, ¼ Dutch Beef Fresian bulls that he said were very heat tolerant, short haired, docile, moderate framed, milky bulls. We purchased 069W from Tim as a yearling bull.

Strip grazing stockpiled fescue

We currently graze about 75 brood cows on pastures containing mainly fescue, crabgrass, and dallisgrass. We overseed the summer grasses with winter annuals and stockpile the fescue for winter grazing. We believe it is essential to raise cattle that are capable of thriving on forages.

We utilize an intensive artificial insemination and embryo transfer program to expedite reproduction of our best genetics. Our main focus and passion is registered Hereford cattle, but we also have another segment of the business that we call Hereford Plus.

Several years back, we made a visit to several southeastern states investigating what is referred to as Trask Hereford genetics. We made stops at Clemson University, Tennessee River Music, Bent Tree Farms, Fowken Farms, and many others. While at Tennessee River we were

Farm office

From this bull we started what we call the Hereford Plus, mainly to use as recipient cows for our embryo program.

Our goal with this line of cattle is to retain the desirable attributes of the Hereford such as docility, fertility, and carcass quality, while adding more heat tolerance, an ability to tolerate endophyte infected fescue, easy fleshing ability, added milk, and a smaller frame. We have five generations of Hereford Plus daughters that have calved and are very pleased with the progress we are making with the program. The females are averaging around 1,100-1,200 pound

Cattle grazing

PAGE 4

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

The original Hereford Plus bull

mature weight and have really good udders and teats. This line has evolved to the point that we are selling some bulls and females and our customers seem to really like these cattle.

Last year we purchased semen on a bull named OCC Chrome that is ¾ Dutch Beef Fresian and ¼ Trask Hereford. We will work the daughters of these matings back to ⅜ to ¼ DBF and we intend to maintain this approximate percentage cross and have more females and bulls available for sale in the future.

We focus on Polled Hereford cattle, although we do occasionally use semen from a horned bull. Performance is the overriding factor since we can use polled cattle to remove the horns from future generations.

Hereford Plus cow

Hereford Plus and registered bulls

Registered Hereford cattle is the focus at our farm. The main advantages of the registered Herefords are genetic purity, data availability through expected progeny differences (EPDs), performance data availability, known pedigrees, and the support of the American Hereford Association. AHA is doing a fantastic job in providing valuable genetic data that we use daily in our decision making. Since implementing the BOLT system of genetic evaluation at AHA, we have noticed EPDs that seem more in line with the actual performance of our cattle.

The majority of our registered females were originally purchased from Knoll Crest Farm in Red House, Virginia. Through the years we have purchased some exceptional females from across the country. Currently, we are retaining replacement females from our herd and buy very few from other sources.

Registered bull 719T son

e

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Hereford Plus calf

We have bulls and females available for sale most of the year. We currently sell mainly through private treaty but intend to have a production sale or bull selection day in the future.

You may be wandering whom I am referring to when I use the word “We.” As most of you know, the cattle business is a lifelong learning experience. I have been fortunate to have mentors and lots of help along the way. I have to mention a few people who have helped me the most.

Mark Hucks, a retired Extension Livestock Specialist from Nash County and owner

f

of Nash Livestock Services, has helped me tremendously, as has Dr. Sam Galphin.

I have also been fortunate to have been a past President of the N.C. Forage and Grasslands Council and a current member of the N.C. Hereford Association where I have and will receive more than I give. I encourage you to get involved in what you are passionate about.

We love to talk grass and cattle and would love for you to visit the farm. You can visit our website at www.tmfherefords. com or our facebook page for more info as well.

Registered bull Trust son

Grassy Creek Farm

By PAMELA BISSETT

I am a third generation Hereford Breeder, mother of three girls, and married to my wonderful husband Scott Bissett. I was almost born at the Henderson County fair in Illinois while my big sis was showing. So, it’s fair to say I was born into Herefords and livestock showing. When I was at a young age, we moved to Whip-O- Will Farms, then on to Raleigh where my father still is the beef herd manager at bloodlines have come from farms such N.C. State University. as Rausch Herefords, Frank Myers, Mead, Forrest, Terrace Farm, and N.C. State. I am hoping to bring my many different experiences to aid the board in the marketing and promotion of Hereford cattle, along with growing the breed so everyone can see all the benefits whether purebred or cross that Herefords can do for their program. I am always looking to talk cattle and visitors are always welcome to Grassy Creek Farm.

After marriage we have set up our small farm on Kerr Lake in Granville County where we raise purebred Hereford cattle along with show steers and Hereford beef. My

Chatel Farms now offering custom feeding opportunities for high quality cattle produced by innovative cattlemen looking to join the transformation of Southeastern cattle industry.

For more information, please contact : Brad Chandler 706-910-9397 brad.chandler@fplfood.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 5

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

Most Exciting Times for Hereford Breeders and Ag Production

By KAREN KORNEGAY SCALF Kornegay Hereford Farms and Bull Barn Not only is 70 years of Hereford production an event to celebrate for Kornegay Hereford Farms, but it comes in sync with the regenerative era of agriculture, which will provide unmeasurable leaps and bounds to the livestock industry. Brace yourself. Farm life will be the good life once again, and it will include the Hereford breed.

Fertility, Docility, and Efficiency.

While so many breeds have metamorphized to black in color, the Hereford continues to have the same red and white color pattern and is still King of fertility, docility, and efficiency.

Crossbreeding with the Hereford creates the baldy, whether black and white or red and white. This crossbred calf delivers a premium price because of its heterosis.

With lower feed intake and decreased maintenance requirements, the bottom line is a reduced cost of maintaining a cow herd. Hence, the Hereford has been labeled “The Efficiency Specialist”.

A majority of folks see a very bleak future for agriculture. But in reality, agriculture is sitting on the edge of the most historic movement towards efficiency that it has ever known. I believe Hereford cattle will be right in the center of this era.

Farm Life with Herefords. Here’s a well known statement: “Nothing like a Hereford.” There’s no running for the corral panel or jumping to avoid the stampede. No matter if it’s a cow or a bull, the disposition of the Hereford breed is to stay calm even in the sight of chaos.

Not to say that there are zero crazies in the Hereford breed, but 99 percent are ladies and gentlemen. Call them...they will come. Lead them to grass...they will follow. Place them in the corral...they will stay. They do get excited about fresh grass though!

Docility, not Pets. Many cattlemen chuckle at the gentleness of a Hereford.

However, it’s true that docile cattle have higher growth rates and higher rate of gain.

Docility impacts the entire production chain and especially the quality and flavor of beef.

Pencil in the feed conversion ratios and final weights from docile cattle compared to the higher rates of injury, morbidity, and mortality of temperamental cattle. The difference in numbers are real.

The taste is even better.

On the Table – Hereford Beef.

Growing up as a kid on our farm, beef was a regular meal because my mom had plenty of it to cook. Those dinner table gatherings are some of my fondest memories, and I learned a great deal working alongside my mother in the kitchen and my father in the pasture.

PAGE 6

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Today, we are still growing Hereford beef for my family and many others. Our goal is to grow the most nutritious, tender, flavorful beef that we can grow. Herefords have been the foundation of our farm since 1949. The strengths of the Hereford breed have been evident in the longevity of our farm, surviving the good times and the tough times in agriculture.

Farms Dying. Unfortunate for so many farm families, they have had to dispose of their cattle because of the financial struggles of farming and are now wondering how they will hold on to the remainder of their precious farms.

These lands have been passed down from families to families. No family wants to be the generation that leaves the farm.

Sadly, many have already been forced to make that decision.

Broken financially, mentally, and physically, our farmers have scraped to make a living on their farms. When the farm couldn’t pay its bills, the farmer and their spouse would take an additional job while still continuing to work the farm.

Others have sacrificed the farm so they could save their families.

It is heartbreaking to see the destruction of our farm families while everyone agrees that they need the farmer.

New Day for Agriculture. But there is HOPE for our farm families. That hope does not come from working harder or gaining better financial management. It’s not growing more crops, new crops or being diversified in all crops. All those concepts have been already tried and end in failure. This mentality only delays the final pound of the auctioneer’s hammer.

The salvation of our farms won’t come from the government agencies and services that proclaim to be working for the farmer. Crop insurance or larger operating loans will not save our farms either.

Agriculture’s future will come from the soil itself. When farmers begin to ask themselves real questions and search for the truth, they will be set free. They will be free from the bondage of debt and the long hours of sweat and tears that they have endured far too long.

Hereford Cattle and Farming. Yes, it is true. I have witnessed the hope of agriculture personally. I have seen what is possible and I have experienced only the very beginning of what is to come. With the reality of what is happening all around me, I have to step over the silence of those who remain silent.

e Special I challenge you to hold tightly to your livestock. Remember the value of the Hereford breed. Ask yourself the tough questions while you continue to pray. Start a serious productive conversation with your fellow farmer next door.

There’s no turning back for me because I have searched for truth. I know what the future holds for our Hereford cattle and farming family. It is time to make life easier on the farm. The struggle to step over the fence will be a challenge, but the end result will be worth it.

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

The words of my father still ring loudly. “In your lifetime, the grocery store shelves will be empty.”

When you’re ready to begin this journey, then know that Duplin County is where you can begin. We don’t have all the answers here, but we will certainly point you in the right direction so that we can take this journey together. The truth is waiting for you if you only search for it.

Are you willing to save your family and farm? If so, I’ll see you in the pasture because it is...In God We Trust!

Section f

North Carolina Hereford Sale Honorees

The sale is dedicated each year to a person selected by the previous three honorees.

2019 - Dale White 2018 - Bill Perry, Keith Blinson, & All Charter Members 2017 - Phil Fishel, Jr. 2016 - Earl Forrest 2015 - John Wheeler 2014 - Bryan Blinson Family 2013 - Harry Myers 2012 - Michael Mericka 2011 - Jim Love 2010 - Robert Smith 2009 - Frank Myers 2008 - James Triplett 2007 - Rick Kern 2006 - Colon Nifong 2005 - Bill Gragg 2004 - Porter Claxton 2003 - Bill Mericka

The Carolina Cattle Connection

2002 - McCoy Family 2001 - Roy Ammons 2000 - Jim Davis 1999 - Teeter Family 1998 - Kim Prestwood 1997 - Bob Rhyne 1996 - Jack Shanks 1996 - Roy Haberkern 1994 - Kenneth Buckner 1993 -Fred Hyatt 1992 - Bill Perry 1991 - Keith Blinson

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 7

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

The 51st Annual North Carolina Hereford Classic Sale is Dedicated to Dale White Dale and wife Dianne live in the Foothills of North Carolina in Taylorsville.

They have a son Wes, a daughter Laura, and a grandson Blake, who “Pop” thinks is pretty special. He is a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church where he has served in various positions on the Church Council.

He has also served on the Board of Directors for the N.C. Hereford Association

PAGE 8

and is a member of the Alexander County Cattlemen’s Association.

Dale, a licensed contractor, owns White Column Construction building and remodeling houses in the Taylorsville/Hickory area. He and his son operate Draggin’ W Farm, a Hereford and commercial cattle operation and Draggin’ W Poultry, raising broilers for Tyson Foods. The name “Draggin’ W” evolved when Dale, Wes, and Laura were avid team ropers. Thus, the name “Draggin.”

Dale’s father-in-law, a commercial cattle grower, was instrumental in getting Dale in the cattle business, telling him he should buy Herefords. In 1993 he bought his first cows from Cliff Adair. At the time, Dale was raising Quarter Horses. Dianne wasn’t too excited about the idea of cows because she loved the horses. Dale told her, “We’ll only buy a few.” Now, 26 years later, a “few” has turned into 175 head of Hereford and commercial cattle being raised on land that has been home to cattle for over 100 years.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

THANK YOU to the Buyers at the 51 st Annual Hereford Classic Sale Thomas Cline • Cline Farm • Conover, N.C. Wesley Bowen • Trouble Creek Farm • Walnut Cove, N.C. David McKay • Carolina Cattle Company • Mooresville, N.C. Dale White • Draggin’ W Farm • Taylorsville, N.C. Richard Collins • Collins Polled Herefords • Mineral Wells, W. Va. Bryan Lineberger • Lineberger Herefords • Iron Station, N.C. Dan Snyder • Stone Ridge Manor Farm • Gettysburg, Penn.

Rob Mehlmon • Black River Farm, LLC • Darlington, Md. Marty Parsons • Ransom Cross Farm LLC • Traphill, N.C. Brad Forrest • Forrest Polled Herefords • Saluda, S.C. Luke Hatchner • Ferrum Mountain Farm • Ferrum, Va. John Barnes • Bravo Cattle Company • Autryville, N.C. Dustin Brim • B&D Farm • Walnut Cove, N.C. Norris McClelland • White Oak Farm • East Bend, N.C. Lavette Teeter • Will-Via Polled Herefords • Mooresville, N.C. Eric Walker • Walker Polled Herefords • Morrison, Tenn.

Bryson Westbrook • 4B Farms, LLC • Shelby, N.C. Russell Crouch • Crouch Polled Herefords • McMinnville, Tenn.

James Adams • Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Joe Mabry • Still-Mabry Farm • Albemarle, N.C. Jody Standley • Five J’s Cattle Company • Clayton, N.C. Neil Fishel • Windmill Acres • Kernersville, N.C. Darrell Westmoreland • Westmoreland Farms • Walnut Cove, N.C. Andy Isley • Cotton Wood • Stanfield, N.C. Nathan Sines • Oakland, Md. Joel Blevins • Hereford Hollow Farm • Wytheville, Va. Jim Davis • Terrace Farms • Lexington, N.C. Joe Landrum • Landrum Family Farm • Warren, Ind. John Wheeler • Double J Farm LLC • Earlysville, Va. John Bowers • Big Branch Farm • Hays, N.C. Randy Mitchell • Three Weed Cattle • Taylorsville, N.C. Alice Little • Little’s Polled Hereford • Conover, N.C. Jim Leach • J&A Hereford Farm • Washington, W. Va. Mark Sloan • Olin, N.C. Howard Reinhardt • Windy Hill Farm • Maiden, N.C. Wayne Garber • Garber Cattle • Laurens, S.C. Blinson Polled Herefords Keith and Bryan Blinson 3945 Oak Hill Park Circle Lenoir, NC 28645 828-754-5549 or 919-422-9108 Claxton Farm C. Porter Claxton, Jr. 240 Upper Flat Creek Road Weaverville, NC 28787 828-645-9127 cpcfarm@msn.com www.claxtonfarm.net Double J Farm LLC John H. Wheeler 775 Clacton Circle Earlysville, VA 22936 910-483-6713 or 910-489-0024 (cell) doublejfarmllc@yahoo.com Draggin’ W Farm Dale and Diane White 414 Herman Road Taylorsville, NC 28681 828-632-7844 or 828-320-3166 (cell) dwhitecc@bellsouth.net Four B Farm Bryson Westbrook 405 W. Marion Street Shelby, NC 28150 980-230-4868 brysonw@thewestbrookco.com

Grassy Creek Farm Pam and Scott Bissett 9196 Grassy Creek Road Bullock, NC 27507 919-482-1176 grassycreekfarm@centurylink.net Green Meadow Farm James and Sharon Granito 2247 East Connecticut Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387 910-693-0304 jamesgranito@earthlink.net Hereford Hills Bill, Jr.; Bill, III; and Don Kirkman Heath Smith 2440 Herfshire Drive Greensboro, NC 27406 336-500-7818 (Bill, Jr.) or 336-382-9635 (Bill, III) BKHerefords@gmail.com Kornegay Hereford Farm Karen and Gary Scalf 1920 Tram Road Mt. Olive, NC 28365 919-658-3829 or 919-738-4888 dccowgirl3@aol.com Lookabill Family Livestock Reggie and Patty Lookabill Tyler Berrier 1994 Arnold Rd. Lexington, NC 27295 336-731-8698 (home) or 336-240-2142 (cell) Love Farms Jim Love 1689 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828-295-4236 or 828-266-1438 (cell) lovekk@appstate.edu

McCoy Cattle Farms Myron and Charlie McCoy 11350 Old Hwy. 70 West Cove City, NC 28523 252-637-4995 252-229-4602 (Charlie) • 252-229-4603 (Myron) mccoycattlefarms@gmail.com Prestwood Beef Cattle Kim Prestwood 390 Pleasant Hill Road Lenoir, NC 28645 828-728-8920 Rhyneland Farms Robert Rhyne, Jr. 3700 Peach Orchard Road Charlotte, NC 28215 704-545-3253 (home) rhyneland@juno.com Taylor’s Mill Farm J. Brent Creech 13037 NC Hwy. 39 Zebulon, NC 27597 919-269-7706 or 919-801-7561 (cell) jbcreech@aol.com Terrace Farms Jim, Linda, and Chad Davis 243 Horseshoe Neck Road Lexington, NC 27295 336-853-8019 or 336-247-1554 (cell) jgdavis101@yahoo.com Thompson Cattle Company Will Thompson 210 Kistler Road Lawndale, NC 28090 704-616-8553 thompsoncattlecompany@yahoo.com www.thompsoncattlecompany.com

Triple M Ranch Mike Mericka 5963 Summit Avenue Browns Summit, NC 27214 336-337-5480 Trouble Creek Farm Wesley Bowen 1262 Cherry Lane Walnut Cove, NC 27052 336-413-8621 powerstroke8357@aol.com W&A Hereford Farm George and Tammy Ward 3404 Shady Grove Road Providence, NC 27315 336-388-2177 or 434-251-3637 (cell) Will-Via Polled Herefords Lavette Teeter 2075 Landis Hwy. NC #152 Mooresville, NC 28115 704-663-1466 (farm) or 704-664-1947 (home) 704-662-5262 (cell) or 704-664-1379 (fax) willvia1@aol.com Windmill Acres Farm Phil Fishel, Neil Fishel, Wes Carpenter 1522 Jasper Lane Winston-Salem, NC 27127 336-408-4254 (Phil) • 336-408-3324 (Neil) 336-970-1655 (Wes) jcarpenter@alphagraphics.com

North Carolina Hereford Association

• Secretary - Myron McCoy Phone & Fax: 252-637-4995 • www.nchereford.org • nchereford@yahoo.com The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 9

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

The 51st North Carolina Hereford Association Annual Banquet and Meeting

By MYRON McCOY Secretary/Treasurer, NCHA The N.C. Hereford Association held their 51st Annual Banquet and Meeting on March 22 in Statesville at The Iredell County Agricultural Center.

President Will Thompson called our meeting to order and welcomed everyone.

Keith Blinson gave our invocation.

We all enjoyed a delicious meal of Certified Hereford Prime Rib with all the trimmings. A special thank you to Patty and Reggie Lookabill and Andie and Wes Carpenter for all the preparations and decorations.

A moment of silence was held to remember Eddie Land and Benny Grady who had passed away.

Mike Mericka recognized our out of state guest and first time attendees. We then went around the room and everyone introduced themselves. Wow! What a great crowd.

Melanie Fishel, N.C. Junior Hereford Association President, gave a report on their activities. We will host the

2019 Spotlight Issues Schedule

Retiring Board of Directors Lavette Teeter, Rick Kern, Bill Kirkman III, and Dale White were thanked for their service. Newly elected Board of Directors Wes Carpenter, Reggie Lookabill, Kim Prestwood, and Kevin Robinson were introduced by President Thompson.

Southeastern Regional in 2020. She recognized the Hereford Royalty and thanked them for all they did. Melanie represented us at the Junior National as the N.C. Hereford Queen. Certified Hereford Beef hamburgers will be served for lunch at the sale. Remember to bid on silent auction items. We need to keep all these juniors busy and interested in Herefords – they are our future!

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 2019. 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.

2019 Reserved Spotlight Issues

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

CHAROLAIS FORAGES ANGUS PEST MANAGEMENT BRAHMAN HEREFORD GELBVIEH SIMMENTAL SANTA GERTRUDIS BRANGUS SHORTHORN 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.

PAGE 10

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Linda Davis, Pollette President, reminded everyone that they would have coffee and hot cider in the morning, along with homemade sweets. All proceeds go to the juniors. She invited all the ladies to attend their meeting following the annual meeting.

The 51st North Carolina Hereford Classic Sale is dedicated to Dale White.

President Thompson introduced Dale and presented him his dedication plaque. Dale said that it was a privilege and honor to receive this.

Tommy Coley, American Hereford Association Field Representative gave an update on the upcoming shows and sales.

He also invited everyone to Hereford on the Mountain on August 3. He said that there was a sale every weekend from now to Memorial Day. Dale Stith, sale manager, thanked the new consignors and said the cattle get better every year. The sale committee does a really good job at having a smooth running sale. We hope you will come out early and check these cattle out, eat lunch with the juniors, bid on the cattle, and carry one or more home with you!

Tommy Mead, American Hereford Association Board Member, said this was a testimony to the Hereford breed sitting in this room. This group gets bigger every year, and that is a great thing. He said all things in Kansas City were positive and good stuff was happening.

We would like to thank W&A Hereford Farm for sponsoring the grand champion bull, and 4B Farms for sponsoring the grand champion female at the North Carolina State Fair. We would like to also thank Will-Via Polled

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

the juniors.

The N.C. Hereford Association 20192020 Directory ads were auctioned by President Will Thompson. Thank you to all who purchased ads and all who helped make this a success. If you would like to purchase an ad, please contact Tammy

Herefords for sponsoring the Got To Be N.C. Born and Bred winner. We hope that you will come and present the winners their chair.

The N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up grand champion female will be sponsored

by Blinson Polled Herefords. Thank you and we hope you will come and present the winner their prize.

Ward. It is not too late, and we would love to have you advertise in our directory.

There was a short break and then we went into our Annual Business Meeting.

At the conclusion of this meeting there was a Board of Directors meeting, and all members were invited to attend.

The Red, White, and Moo print, signed by C.J. Brown, was donated to the juniors and auctioned. Thank you to William Ward for purchasing it. A cornhole boards kit was also donated to the juniors and purchased by Five J Cattle Company. Thank you both for supporting

NORTH CAROLINA HEREFORD ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Ward - President (2017-2020) 3404 Shady Grove Road Providence, NC 27315 434-251-3637

OFFICERS

Wes Carpenter - Vice President (2019-2022) 2939 Old Salisbury Road Winston-Salem, NC 27127 336-970-1655

Myron McCoy - Secretary/Treasurer (2018-2021) 11350 Old Hwy. 70 West Cove City, NC 28523 252-637-4995

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pam Bissett (2018-2021) 9196 Grassy Creek Road Bullock, NC 27507 919-482-1176

Reggie Lookabill (2019-2022) 1994 Arnold Road Lexington, NC 27295 336-240-2142

Wayne Mitchem (2018-2021) 400 David’s Chapel Church Road Vale, NC 28168 704-472-4369

Kevin Robinson (2019-2022) P.O. Box 1057 Mocksville, NC 27078 336-399-9884

Brent Creech (2018-2021) 13037 NC Hwy. 39 Zebulon, NC 27597 919-801-7561

Mike Mericka (2017-2020) 5963 Summit Avenue Browns Summit, NC 27214 336-337-5480

Kim Prestwood (2019-2022) 390 Pleasant Hill Road Lenoir, NC 28645 828-320-7317

Will Thompson (2017-2020) P.O. Box 123 Polksville, NC 27136 704-616-8553

Jim Davis (2017-2020) 243 Horseshoe Neck Road Lexington, NC 27295 336-247-1554

Bryson Westbrook (2018-2021) 405 W. Marion Street Shelby, NC 28150 908-230-4878

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 11

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

The 51st Annual North Carolina Hereford Classic Sale Results

By MIKE MERICKA N.C. Hereford Association The N.C. Hereford Association held its 51st Annual Sale on March 23. This was our 18th consecutive year at Stamey Farms in Statesville. Bob Stamey and his crew leader Adam Parsons helped make the sale another smooth one in the end. We were blessed with another rain free day, so the crowd was able to relax and enjoy viewing the cattle outside in their pens. Delicious Certified Hereford Beef® hamburgers were sold by the N.C. Junior Hereford Association for lunch.

At noon, our auctioneer Dale Stith started the introductions. The sale was underway soon after. Taking bids were our ringmen Neil Bowman, NCDA&CS livestock marketing director; Tommy Coley, AHA field representative; and Will Thompson, sale committee co-chairman.

Cowbuyer.com was again hired to handle internet bidding, which was very active this year. The sale committee members Mike Mericka, Will Thompson, Kim Prestwood, Wes Carpenter, Chad Davis, Wesley

Virginia Herd Health Management Services, PC

Sale Summary • 44 female lots grossed $107,625; averaging $2,446 • 2 bull lots grossed $5,150; averaging $2,575 • 1 pregnant recip sold for $2,350

Bowen, and Preston Cave worked tirelessly to get the cattle offloaded and penned, fed and watered, sorted for the sale order, and loaded onto buyers’ trailers. Other work crew members were Bryan Blinson, acting as auctioneer assistant; the checkin/out staff, consisting of Tammy Ward, Beth Blinson, and Sharon McCoy; David Hendricks, who worked as the sale ring “in” gate man; additional cattle handling helpers Dylan Setzer, William Ward, and Thomas Shutsky; and sale day veterinarian Truman Sanner, DVM. I want to take the time to praise the many helpers who make the sale a success every year. Our sale absolutely cannot happen without all these people working as a great team!

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 12

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

I want to sincerely thank all of those who attended the N.C. Hereford Classic Sale this year. It is with great hope that all of the buyers, especially the 14 new buyers, are still happy with their purchases. Our 52nd Annual Sale will be held at Stamey Farms on March 28, 2020. Hope to see you next year!

*If you interested in Hereford cattle, please visit our website at www.

NCHereford.org!

There were 36 buyers from eight states including Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Top selling female lots included: • Dr Applause Z311 C14, born 09/30/15 and sired by KCF Bennett Encore Z311, was consigned by W&A Hereford Farm in Providence, N.C., and sold to David McKay of Mooresville, N.C., and a September bull calf sired by THM Made Believer 6081, sold to Will-Via Polled Herefords in Mooresville, N.C., for a total of $6,000;

• NCSU Ms Pack 455 768, born 02/20/17 and sired by AWC WAF Trustworthy 100W 266Y with a heifer calf sired by JCS 240 Flintrock 5815, were consigned by NCSU in Raleigh, N.C., and sold to Five J’s Cattle Company in Clayton, N.C., for a total of $5,000; • Walker JH Lass Z311 Z302 5204, born 09/23/15 and sired by KCF Bennett Encore Z311 with an October heifer calf sired by THM Made Believer 6081, were consigned by W&A Hereford Farm, and sold to Dustin Brim from Walnut Cove, N.C, for a total of $4,500;

• GTW 10Y Lilian 532, born 12/17/15 and sired by NJW 73S W18 Hometown 10Y ET, and an October heifer calf sired by GTW Z311 Bartlett 515, were consigned by

e Special

W&A Hereford Farm, and sold to Bryson Westbrook of Shelby, N.C., for a total of $4,000; • 5 Star B711 Vicky Boom 621, born 09/15/16 and sired by KCF Bennett Sensation B711 ET, with a December heifer calf sired by RVP 46A Game Changer 114C, were consigned by Five Star Polled Herefords of Smithville, W. Va., and sold to Andy Isley of Stanfield, N.C., for a total of $3,900; • TF Roxanna 998 R117 226D ET, born 02/26/16 and sired by SHF Ribeye

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

M326 R117, was consigned by Terrace Farms in Lexington, N.C., and sold to Walker Polled Herefords in Morrison, Tenn., and Crouch Polled Herefords in McMinnville, Tenn., and an August heifer calf sired by Churchill Mack 665D ET, sold to Joe Mabry of Albemarle, N.C., for a total of $3,600;

• RF Hannah 8108 ET, born 01/08/18 and sired by NJW 98S 100W Handshake 83Y, was consigned by Rogan hereford Farms of Rogersville, Tenn., and sold to Nathan Sines of Oakland, Md., for a total of $3,500;

• JL Lady Love 4R 556, born 04/07/15 and sired by MSU TCF Revolution 4R with an October heifer calf sired by KCF Bennett Homeward C776, were consigned

by Jim Love of Blowing Rock, N.C., and sold to Darrell Westmoreland of Walnut Cove, N.C., for a total of $3,500.

• JL Hometown Love 10Y 787, born

Section f

03/22/15 and sired by NJW 73S W18 Hometown 10Y ET, was consigned by Jim Love and sold to Double J Farms LLC in Earlysville, Va., with a September heifer calf sired by Walker Big League X51 545 441B, and sold to Randy Mitchell of Taylorsville, N.C., for a total of $3,400.

• MF Victoria 485T F225, born 08/21/13 and sired by KJ HVH 33N Redeem 485T ET, was consigned by E. Frank Myers of Advance, N.C., and sold to

John Barnes of Autryville, N.C., with a July heifer calf sired by KCF Bennett Encore Z311 ET, and sold to Bryan Lineberger of Iron Station, N.C., for a total of $3,250.

• PAC Victory Time P606 401, born 04/11/14 and sired by CRR About Time 743, with a March bull calf sired by AH JDH Munson 15E ET, were consigned by PAC Cattle Company in Dobson, N.C., and sold to Wayne Garber of Laurens, S.C., for a total of $3,200.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 13

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

North Carolina Pollette Update The N.C. Pollettes had another successful fundraiser at the N.C. Hereford Association State Sale and Banquet.

Pollette members hosted a bake sale and silent auction throughout the weekend to help raise funds for the 2020 Southeastern Regional Junior Hereford Show that will be hosted by the N.C. Junior Hereford Association. There were also several items donated to the silent auction for the N.C. Hereford Queen Fund. The money raised from these items will help to relieve expenses for the N.C. Hereford Queen to represent the Hereford breed, N.C. Hereford breeders, and the beef industry across North Carolina and beyond. The Pollettes would like to thank everyone who furnished baked goods and silent auction items for this fundraiser.

The Pollettes would also like to express how proud they are of the current N.C. Hereford Queen, Melanie Fishel from Kernersville, North Carolina.

Melanie competed against nine other girls from across the nation for the title of National Hereford Queen at the 2018 American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., and was awarded first runner-up. Melanie is a senior at N.C. State University studying agriculture business management with minors in animal science, crop science, and economics, with plans to attend law school to pursue a career in agricultural law. N.C. Polettes President, Linda Davis,

PAGE 14

Section f

BE A WINNER!

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

Dams of Distinction Honored

said, “Melanie has represented us very well and we could not be more proud of her accomplishments. We look forward to seeing all of the great things she does during her second term as Queen.” North Carolina Hereford Queen Chairman, Brittany Lookabill Skeen, crowned a new N.C. Hereford Sweetheart (Samantha Wood) at the North Carolina Hereford Association State Banquet and recognized the current N.C. Hereford Princesses (Regan Mitchem, Sierra Sockwell, and

Lakota Sockwell), Sweethearts (Lillee & Hailee Bissett, Josie Correll, Amber Shutsky, and Erica Shutsky), and Queen (Melanie Fishel).

During their annual meeting, the Pollettes elected new officers and directors.

The Pollettes would like to thank everyone for their support this past year and look forward to another year advocating for the Hereford breed and supporting Hereford youth.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

The Dams of Distinction program recognizes superior cows in the breed and the cattle producers who manage them based on data submitted to the American Hereford Association. Efficient, fertile, and productive females are the foundation of the most successful cow herds.

To qualify, a cow must have: • Weaned a calf born since January 1, prior to the qualifying year.

• Produced at least three calves.

• Initially calved at 30 months of age or less.

• Had an interval between the first and second calves of no greater than 400 days. In addition, a 370-day calving interval must have been maintained after her second calf. The longer initial calving interval allows breeders to calve two-yearold heifers prior to the mature cow herd.

• Had weaning records submitted to the AHA Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Program for every calf produced that was born before June 30 of the qualifying year.

• Had a progeny average 205-day adjusted weaning weight ratio of at least 105.

A cow receiving the Dam of Distinction honor meets the highest

standards of commercial cattle production.

The cow must do her job, but her owner must also manage the herd correctly to give her the opportunity to excel. Only a few active cows are recognized. All heifers have the potential to be a Dam of Distinction, but only a small percentage fit the job description of an ideal cow year in and year out. For more information about the Dams of Distinction Program, visit www.Hereford.org, click on “Genetics” and select “Recognition Programs.”

Females attaining the Dam of Distinction status are recognized with “DOD” after their names on the AHA website.

The 2018 Dams of Distinction list recognizes 2,586 Hereford cows from 644 Hereford performance herds in 40 different states. North Carolina and South Carolina were both represented on the list.

Congratulations!

North Carolina • Double J Farm LLC - Traphill • Dolores Redmond - Statesville • Ruckus Hill Farms-Smith - Statesville • Terrace Farms - Lexington South Carolina • Fowken Farm - Jonesville

e Special

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

Section f

American Hereford Association Commercial Programs Maternal Advantage Program This new female focused program is designed to take advantage of hybrid vigor by capitalizing on Hereford genetics.

Benefits Maternal Advantage is a female program designed to take advantage of hybrid vigor by capitalizing on Hereford genetics. It has been documented that Hereford genetics maximize the value of a cow herd by leveraging its fertility, feed efficiency, profitability, and docility to the producer’s advantage.

The program targets heifers only, generating females with added longevity, more docility, increased fertility, and more profit per year. This program can be utilized by producers using Hereford bulls on British based cows or Brahman based cows in their breeding program.

Cattlemen who take advantage of the program will reap the many benefits offered by the AHA. Not only will they have added hybrid vigor in their operation, they will also have access to a sire EPD summary, added market exposure, replacement selection tools,

genetic improvement tools, and access to AHA resources, marketing, and staff.

Qualifications Producers must verify that eligible females are sired by registered Hereford bulls. Participating bull batteries must rank in the top 50 percent of the breed for Baldy Maternal Index (BMI$) if used on British based cows or the top 50 percent of the breed for Brahman Influence Index (BII$) if used on Brahman based cows.

Both of these maternally focused indexes are geared to identify Hereford bulls that will be profitable when used in a rotational cross with mature commercial Angus or Brahman cows.

ALL Regular Copy for the

JULY ISSUE

by JUNE 5!

ALL Spotlight Material

Hereford Advantage Program Increase added market power and brand recognition with feeder cattle sired by a Hereford bull battery ranking in the top 50 percent for the $CHB index.

com.

Program Benefits • EPD ranking summary • Added market exposure • Genetic improvement tool • Access to AHA resources Get started at www.HerefordFeederCattle.

Program Requirements • Registered Hereford bulls with transferred ownership.

• Hereford bull battery average $CHB index* value ranking in the top 50 percent of the breed. * The Certified Hereford Beef Index ($CHB) is a terminal sire index that is built on a production system where Hereford bulls are used on British cross cows with a focus on gain and end product merit.

How to Participate Complete and submit information form. Information will be reviewed and a sire summary with EPD rankings will be returned if all program requirements are met.

Visit www.hereford.org/commercial/ feeder-cattle/feeder-cattle-sales/ to enroll and view current listings.

Premium Red Baldy Program Premium Red Baldy is a tagging program designed to take advantage of

hybrid vigor by maximizing the best traits of both Red Angus and Hereford and providing commercial producers with premium replacement females.

Benefits Premium Red Baldy is a tagging program designed to take advantage of hybrid vigor by maximizing the best traits of both Red Angus and Hereford and providing commercial producers with premium replacement females.

The program will help producers access genetically verified females that have the best combination of longevity, fertility, and adaptability to incorporate into producers’ herds.

As the nation’s cow herd expands to meet beef demand, Premium Red Baldy females will rise to the challenges of producing more beef sustainably and profitably, without sacrificing quality.

The Premium Red Baldy program has the ideal balance of maternal and carcass traits, which will yield cattle poised to increase the profitability of the commercial producer.

Premium Red Baldy uses genetics supported by the only two beef breed associations backed by whole herd reporting.

Qualifications • Heifer only program – No steers will be tagged in this non-PVP tagging program.

• Females must be sired by bulls in the top 50 percent of the breed for Baldy Maternal Index (BMI$) or Herdbuilder Index (HB).

• Targeted breed percentages on qualified females will range from 25-75 percent Red Angus and Hereford, with a small allowance for other breeds.

• Females must be red bodied with either a bald or brockle face.

• No black hided cattle will be admitted, regardless of genetic makeup.

For more information or questions, call 816-842-3757 or email tbefort@ herefordbeef.org.

for the

JULY ISSUE

by JUNE 1!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 15

Ashley’s Beef Corner

I got a great buy in the Classifieds in The Carolina Cattle Connection!

T

Summer Sizzle

By ASHLEY W. HERRING Director of Consumer Information N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council

We’re taking all the steam from beef month and rolling it into summer grilling.

Here’s a snapshot of a few events recently attended from around the state.

The N.C. Transportation Museum hosted the Tractors and Trains Festival in Spencer. This unique setting hosts schools, homeschoolers, teachers, and families to learn more about agriculture as it relates to transportation. Be sure to check this out next year in April!

North Carolina State University annually hosts farm animal days at it’s beef unit on Lake Wheeler Road. Ten thousand students, teachers, and families attend to see food animals up close and experience a day on the farm. Seeing the event through the eyes of children is truly remarkable and it’s a reminder of how important it is to share agriculture.

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

Carolina Cooking Beef Steak & Black Bean Soft Tacos Total Cooking Time - 30 minutes N.C. Beef Ambassador Program and how it encourages advocacy from our young folks with an interest in beef. Their social media presence show how they’re working to help educate and inform their peers. We are quite proud of the job they are doing, and how they’re actively engaged in their communities with school agriculture events where they do show and tell with cattle, complete their Masters of Beef Advocacy program, and share pictures with educational captions.

Those as young as a few weeks old up to elementary school aged children are soaking up everything they see and hear. Perhaps more importantly, parents, teachers, and family members are alongside to converse and learn more about food production. The three day event features all of the commodity groups, posters from beef management class on display, and the opportunity to interact with animals. It’s a hit as you can imagine.

You are probably familiar with the

PAGE 16

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

1 pound beef Bottom Round Steaks, cut ¼ inch thick 1 cup salsa, divided 2 teaspoons chile powder 1½ teaspoons ground cumin, divided 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt added black beans 8 small corn tortillas (5 to 6 inch diameter), warmed 1 cup diced tomatoes ½ cup shredded lettuce ½ cup diced red onion 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 medium ripe avocado, cut into 8 thin slices 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges Combine ½ cup salsa, chile powder, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Place beef steaks and marinade in food safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.

Combine 1 cup beans, remaining ½ cup salsa, and remaining ½ teaspoon cumin in medium microwave safe bowl.

Mash with fork into chunky paste. Cover and microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes or until hot, stirring once. Keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot; remove from heat and coat with nonstick spray.

Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Cooking in batches, if necessary, place steaks in skillet (do not overcrowd) and cook 2 to 3 minutes for medium rare (145°F) doneness, turning once. (Do not

overcook.) Remove steaks from skillet; keep warm. Repeat with remaining steaks.

Spread bean mixture evenly on tortillas. Cut steaks into 4 pieces each and divide evenly among tortillas. Top beef with remaining ½ cup beans, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedge, as desired. Fold tortillas in half to serve.

Makes 4 servings.

Beef Steak & Black Bean Soft Tacos

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 17

By JOHNNY R. ROGERS Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator

Right Sizing Your Cow Herd Successful beef cattle grazing systems start with the right number of cattle and cattle that are adapt to their environment.

Cattle that are used to harvest and monetize forage production and the efficiency of this system can be enhanced with adaptive grazing management. In some cases, pastures can become overstocked and increasing amounts of harvested forage (hay, wrapped hay, silage, etc.) and/or other supplements are needed as grazeable forage becomes limited. Genetic selection for higher growth and milk production can lead to increased cow nutrient requirements, which put more demand on forage resources. However, producers can evaluate their resources and cattle inventory to find the right stocking rate for their situation.

This can lead to a more sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable operation.

Developing a sound grazing plan starts with determining the production capacity of your pastures and this is often called carrying capacity. N.C. Extension Livestock agents, NRCS, and Soil and Water staff can assist producers in establishing their carrying capacity by reviewing the Realistic Yield Estimates that considers soil characteristics, geographic location, and other factors. The yield estimate is reported in pounds/acre,

but producers cannot expect to harvest 100 percent of those pounds. A seasonal utilization rate is estimated based on the intensity of grazing management. Higher levels of management means moving cattle to fresh grass more frequently and more efficient utilization. However, the frequency of moving cattle must be balanced with labor constraints and many producers have found good results from moving cattle 2-3 times per week. Cool season pastures in the piedmont region often produce 6,000 pounds of forage dry matter annually and with good management can achieve a 65 percent seasonal utilization. Therefore, a producer can expect 3,900 pounds of forage dry matter available to his/her herd. Unfortunately, forage availability is not equally distributed throughout the year and seasonal variation must be considered. Cool season grasses will have the majority of their production in the spring with the balance coming with fall growth. Warm season grasses achieve their production during the summer months. Management tactics like over seeding warm season grasses with annual forages, stockpiling, and planting annual forages can extend the grazing season.

Managing the forage supply is only part of the carrying capacity equation and now we

must think about cattle nutrient demand.

Cattle nutrition can become a complex discussion. Protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals must be considered as cattle move through various production phases.

Often the most important nutrient is overlooked and it is water. Availability of clean water will have a major impact on dry matter intake and when calculating carrying capacity, cattle intake is a major factor. Why is cattle intake expressed as dry matter instead of as fed basis (as is)?

Using dry matter allows comparisons to be made across the wide range of feedstuffs since cattle consume very moist feeds (lush grass) to very dry ingredients (dry hay, mature forage, etc.). Cattle dry matter intake is expressed as a percentage of cattle body weight (1.8%-3.0%) and will vary depending on production stage, health

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Week ending MAY 9, 2019)

calf operation as an example since North

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of all markets ending Thursday, Carolina is a cow/calf However, the MAY 9, 2019. All cattle in this report are located in North and Southstate.

Carolina.

Prices same can be usedand to estimate the FOB the farm or local scale and many weighed withprinciples a 0-2 percent shrink sold with carrying capacity for stocker operations or a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only. Many all natural lots. multispecies grazing systems.

Cattle Receipts: 1,644 Last Month: 2,839

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 58 percent steers and 42 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 45 82 32

Wt. Range 535-535 600-600 790-790

Head 174 50

Wt. Range 850-850 980-980

Head 43 41 35 325 62

Wt. Range 600-600 600-600 720-720 750-750 800-800

Head 62

Wt. Range 785-785

Head 45 32

Wt. Range 535-535 760-760

Head 66 61 60

Wt. Range 750-750 810-810 850-850

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 750 $123.75 $123.75 810 $117.75 $117.75 850 $117.50 $117.50

Head 43 73 70 178 65

Wt. Range 570-570 670-670 700-700 750-790 750-750

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 570 $138.25 $138.25 670 $130.75 $130.75 700 $130.00 $130.00 764 $121.00 - $127.00 $122.69 750 $128.75 $128.75

PAGE 18

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range 535 $160.00 600 $158.00 790 $130.00

Diverse forage systems may include annual forages and will add stability to cattle operations.

status, forage nutritive value, prior plane of nutrition, and temperature, along with other factors. A major contributor for dry matter intake is cattle size (body weight) which is then multiplied by the intake percentage to give the estimated pounds of forage required by the cattle. A herd of 50 – 1,200 pound cows with a 2.0% body weight intake would need 1,200 pounds of forage dry matter daily. Furthermore, a herd of 50 -1,500 pound cows would need 1,500 pounds per day. This does not sound like much but annually the larger cows will have higher feed costs. In addition, cattle selected for higher milk production tend to have higher nutrient requirements even when they are not lactating because they have more visceral mass (guts) which could lead to higher intake for even more feed expense. This discussion uses a cow/

Avg. Price $160.00 $158.00 $130.00

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 850 $130.75 - $131.75 $131.08 980 $116.75 $116.75 FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range 600 $156.75 600 $146.25 720 $134.50 750 $132.50 - $135.00 800 $134.25

Avg. Price $156.75 $146.25 $134.50 $133.85 $134.25

FEEDER STEERS (Small and Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 785 $130.00 $130.00 FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range 535 $148.00 760 $124.00

Avg. Price $148.00 $124.00

Delivery Value Added Value Added Split Loads Delivery Value Added Delivery Split Loads Value Added Delivery

Delivery Value Added Split Loads Delivery

Delivery Split Loads Value Added Value Added

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

Many sources have reported that mature cow size has increased since the 1970s. Cow/calf producers have placed selection pressure on growth traits to increase weaning weights and to satisfy the market demand from the feeding and packing industry that clearly favors

larger cattle. This is logical for those two industry phases because the production unit is the cattle themselves. Feed yards can market more pounds with bigger cattle and packers desire the maximum carcass weight to cover their operating costs.

However, cow/calf producers operate on

E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture

By E.B. HARRIS

Dealing with Honest Folks This past December, we had a sale in Kinston, N.C., for Les Rouse. It had mostly tobacco related equipment on it, which included three riding tobacco harvesters (two of them were late models).

One of these machines was purchased

by Robert Lewis, a regular customer of ours who lives in the Brown Summit/ Gibsonville area. The week after the sale, Robert had a contractor to go and pick his machine up. When the contractor hauler got to Les’s farm in Kinston, Les assisted him in loading the machine by getting on the harvester and driving it onto the transport rig.

Have you forgotten something?

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

After the harvester was loaded, the gentleman who did the transporting left on Hwy. 70, came around the beltline in Raleigh, and got on I-40. He traveled I-40 for a ways and got off at the exit to take him to Brown Summit heading to Robert’s farm.

In the process of traveling from Kinston around the Raleigh-Durham area, the trip probably encountered approximately 20,000 vehicles all having wind currents to them that would send a kite into a tail spin.

When the machine arrived safely at Robert’s farm, he was standing there and they started to unload the machine. They saw a wallet lying on the trailer bed of the hauling rig. The transporter immediately felt in his hip pocket, and his wallet was in there. He said “Here is somebody’s wallet.”

He handed it to Robert, who took it and opened it up enough to see an ID in the wallet. It was Les Rouse’s. He immediately folded it back up, got some black masking tape, and taped it shut. He called Les and told him his wallet must have fallen out of his pocket when he was loading the harvester onto the transporting rig, and he would see to it that he got it back.

Edward Lewis, who helps us with auctions, lives close to Robert. Robert knew Edward would be coming my way that following week, so he could bring the wallet back to me and I would see to it that it got to Les. The following week I was going to be back close to Les, so I called Les and told him I had his wallet in my hand and would bring it to him when I came that way next week. He said that would be fine.

I met him down there on the following Monday and handed him his wallet. It made me feel good to know that I work with a segment of people, most of which have roots in agriculture, who have honesty and integrity.

a fixed land base and therefore, an acre must be considered the production unit. As previously stated, feed intake can follow mature cow weight with larger cows having higher dry matter intake than their smaller herd mates. Therefore, increasing cow size will require more feed from both on farm and purchased sources. So as cow size increases, the number of cattle grazed should be reduced due to greater feed intake from larger cows. If cow inventories are not lowered, more feed must enter the system through purchased feed. Many farms can become overstocked as cow size increases, even though the number of cattle do not change. Stocking rates, grazing management, and supplementation programs must be monitored and adjusted to meet the nutritional requirements of larger cows. Failure to meet cow nutrient requirements will lead to poor reproductive success and reduced calf crop revenue.

Cattle adapted to their environment will thrive with minimal inputs.

Increasing cow size can raise production costs and larger calves must be produced to generate additional revenue. Numerous research studies have demonstrated as cow size increases, calf weaning weights may increase, but the results are inconsistent. Furthermore, the value of additional calf weight usually does not cover the added production costs associated with larger cows. Increasing production efficiency means evaluating the impact of changing inputs and/or outputs (or both) while maintaining or improving the resource base. Small cows often wean a high percentage of their body weight and thus are considered highly efficient.

However, care must be taken to insure their calves are marketable and mating them to the right bull is the key. In most cases, functional cows will have mature weights in the 1,100-1,400 pound range

(Body Condition Score 5) and achieve good performance in pasture systems with minimal supplementation.

The North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment has funded a project conducted by the Amazing Grazing Team who is working with N.C. Extension Livestock agents and cow/calf producers to compare cow mature weights with calf weaning weight. It is called the Cow Efficiency Project and while this is not the only method to determine beef cattle production efficiency, it will start a conversion about the relationship between cow size, their environment, and their output (calves).

Farm carrying capacity can be evaluated and determine if current stocking rates will meet cattle nutritional needs with minimal hay feeding and supplementation.

Management strategies can be developed to moderate cow size while producing feeder calves that are acceptable to the feeding and packing sectors. Sustainable and profitable cow/calf systems will feature functional adapted cows that utilize the farm forage base and produce marketable calves. If you have interest in the Cow Efficiency Project, please contact your county livestock agent or the Amazing Grazing Team.

When it comes to “Right Sizing” a cow herd, it is not one size fits all.

Between farms, producers will encounter unique circumstances that will allow for different stocking rates to match their carrying capacity. Variation in hay prices can impact the optimum quantity of hay fed annually. Mature cow weight should be monitored and determine if some cows are over consuming feed resources relative to their production. Genetic decisions have consequences and setting production targets at an optimum level is usually more sustainable and profitable than selecting for maximum productivity.

Seedstock producers and breed associations are collecting feed intake data to develop selection tools to identify more efficient cattle. In the meantime, producers can determine cow weight and make sure their stocking rate is below their carrying capacity. In addition, cows that wean a low percentage of their body weight can be culled. Improving production efficiency is a journey but the rewards will be significant.

Adaptive grazing management will improve forage utilization and increase stocking rates.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 19

Focus on Youth

By RACHEL BROWN N.C. State University

2019 Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute – Level II Thomas Jefferson told us that, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit,” and Perry Teeter reminds us that children are our wisest investment. At this year’s N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Conference, we concluded out 12th Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute. We had 17 youth return for our second level of the Beef Leadership Institute. These youth span from Pasquotank to Haywood counties and have a wide range of backgrounds from growing up in the beef industry to being lucky enough to find their way here.

Perry Teeter presents a certification of completion of the 12th Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute to participant Nate Worley.

The Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute is a two year program which runs each year in conjunction with the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Conference in Hickory, N.C., and has been established through an endowment given

by Mr. and Mrs. Perry Teeter. The Institute allows youth who are willing to work hard and go the extra mile an opportunity to pursue training in leadership. The Institute is designed to equip young people with the necessary tools needed to become an effective leader in and out of the beef industry.

Our first year we focused on what being a leader really meant and how each of us possesses leadership qualities; we just have to learn to use them in the best manner. We had industry leaders present on a variety of topics concerning leadership.

These included a personality test, how

PAGE 20

to share your agriculture story, and even a beef update. After exploring the trade show, meeting with cattlemen across North Carolina, and multiple informative sessions, they went back to their home counties fired up and ready to be great leaders in the beef industry.

Throughout the year, we encouraged participants to attend their local cattlemen’s meetings and be an active member. Many also completed the Masters of Beef Advocacy program, and, most importantly, they all continued to share their agriculture story. We also watched as each participant stepped up into leadership positions in their respected local and statewide organizations and clubs.

This year we focused on how to share your agricultural story, branding and marketing yourself to employers, and leading in the beef industry. We were blessed to have many speakers present this year. These included Institute alumni, current industry leaders, 4-H and FFA state officers, and N.C. State professors. We also had an exceptional talk from the President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Jennifer Houston, about current issues in the beef industry and how we can move forward in improvement. This year during the trade show, participants sat in on all the workshops as well as made connections with professionals who had booths.

The participants asked questions of the professionals about how they got in their position, what it’s like to work for their respected companies, the ins and outs of the job, and what they should be doing in order to be just as successful.

NCBA President Jennifer Houston was the special guest speaker on Saturday morning.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

In seeing the youth complete this program, I feel confident that the future of the beef industry is in good hands. Not all came from a beef background, yet all have found a home in the industry. Thanks to generous cattlemen, like the Teeters, who believe not only in the future of the cattle industry but the youth who will be in the industry as well, we are able to grow industry leaders alongside of current leaders. Each participant expresses that they are forever thankful for the lessons learned and friendships made at the Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute.

We encourage all those who are eligible to apply, and those who know someone who is eligible, to encourage them because this institute is not an opportunity to be missed. Leadership is a life skill that

can be used in any industry, and even if you do not plan on pursuing a career in beef, being an advocate is something we can all do and we all need. Applications for the 13th Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute will open in October and those selected will participate in 2020 and 2021.

Ashley Herring of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council and Malarie Robins of Alltech speak about the importance of social media in telling their agriculture story.

2019 Peery and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership – Level II Participants • Lynae Bowman - Forsyth County • Madison Boyd - Washington County • Mason Carpenter - Catawba County • Colton Cox - McDowell County • Joshua Fletcher - Pasquotank County • Taylor Hall - Nash County • Haley Hargus - Henderson County • Evan Harris - Catawba County • Emma McSwain - Lincoln County • Regan Mitchem - Lincoln • Andrew Morgan - Buncombe County • Skyler Murray - Rutherford County • Lucas (Luke) Williams - Sampson County • Justin Wood - Johnston County • Mary Wood - Johnston County • Nate Worley - Buncombe County • Lane Worley - Buncombe County

Participants in the 12th Perry and Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute.

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 JUNE 2019

PAGE 21

THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association N.C. Junior Beef Spring Fling. The N.C. Junior Beef Spring Fling was held in Fletcher on April 13-14. In the Simmental show, the judge selected HTP/Bram Sazerac E756 as his grand champion heifer.

This heifer is sired by HTP/SVF Duracell T52 and was shown by Walker Housley of Dayton, Tennessee. The reserve champion Simmental heifer was Wiese Foxy Lady 18F shown by Samantha Roberts of Athens, Tennessee. This heifer is sired by W/C Loaded Up 1119Y. Other Simmental class winners were Bryan Ownby with AK/NDS Firez 820F, Evie Jones with Silverstone Joy, and Cole Ledford with DS/STF Missy FC70.

Congratulations to all these juniors!

Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship. It’s time to be thinking about applying for the Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship that goes to the most deserving student who is planning to major in agriculture or an agricultural related field.

We have a committee that looks over the scholarships and decides which applicant

will receive the scholarship funds.

Qualifications are based on academic merit, financial need, leadership, and character. Preference is given, but is not required, to those students who have been involved in the Simmental breed. We like for the recipient to be available to be presented with the award at our annual meeting in September. This year the annual meeting will be held on September 6. These applications can be found on our website at www.ncsimmental.com or by emailing the NCSA office at ncsa@yadtel.net or calling at 336-468-1679. The applications are not due until July 15, but that date is coming up very soon!

In Sympathy. An important member of the N.C. Simmental Association, E. L. “Tiny” Aldridge passed away on April 22 after an illness. He was from Tarboro, N.C., and was 81 years old.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Margaret Dew Aldridge. He is also survived by his son Edwin Lewis Aldridge, Jr. and wife Missy, grandchildren, Lila, Trey, and Anna Claire.

Tiny Aldridge was a fine cattleman and will be missed by the N.C. Simmental Association.

Tiny spent 42 years in construction with Barnhill Contracting Company. He retired from Barnhill in 2003.

Since retirement, Tiny spent much of his time enjoying his cows, others people’s cows, and cow sales. He especially enjoyed attending the N.C. Simmental Association Fall Harvest Sale and always brought in so much money in fundraising for the Juniors. In 2017, he raised over $2,235 at the annual meeting for the N.C. Simmental Association. He was always cheerful and willing to help the association any way he could. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Tarboro or Edgecombe County 4-H. Our condolences go to his family.

Any news from your county?

Be sure to share your meetings, sales, field days, etc., with your fellow cattlemen through the Connection!

SIMMENTAL . . . Because They Work!

Take it from this N.C.S.A. Breeder: Fred Smith of Fred Smith Company Ranch in Clayton, N.C.

“We believe in using superior genetics to produce the best SimAngus bulls for our customers.

SimAngus genetics are the best in the country and will provide our customers with hybrid vigor and heterosis by improving gains and feed efficiency in their feeder calves and improving fertility and stayability in their replacement females.” ~ Fred Smith Fred Smith Company Ranch

Fred Smith Fred Smith Company Ranch

Contact these progressive SIMMENTAL breeders!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cedar Ridge Simmentals Benji and Joe Ben Hunter Gray Court, S.C. 864-682-3308

Rucker Family Farm Phil and Jennie Rucker Hamptonville, N.C. 336-468-1675

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

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

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

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

PAGE 22

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

• BOONE WILKESBORO •

LINCOLNTON •

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

• GRAY COURT

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

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

Simmental News Fall 2019 Total Herd Enrollment enrollment is OPEN. Any females of calving age that will calve between July 1 - December 31 will need to be enrolled

by June 15 to take advantage of the lowest enrollment fees.

ALL members previously enrolled in 2018 Fall Total Herd Enrollment MUST submit an inventory even if there aren’t any changes/updates to enrolled females. If you submit an enrollment today, you will be able to adjust your inventory online through Herdbook Services up until the deadline of June 15. There’s absolutely no reason not to go ahead, fill out an inventory today, and submit it well before the deadline. Our THE motto is: don’t delay, enroll today!

Simmental Project to Accelerate Carcass Selection. United States cattlemen and women have successfully improved beef quality during the last several decades, yet capturing widespread carcass data proves elusive. The most important traits are still among the most difficult to predict.

A large scale project from the American Simmental Association (ASA) aims to change some of that - and arm ranchers with more accurate decision making tools.

“Over time, we’ve leveraged new technologies like ultrasound to help bolster information about end product attributes into our genetic evaluation systems.

However, as we look at different breeds, on average, between half and one percent reporting rate of the number of calves born every year make it into our carcass data evaluation,” says Dr. Bob Weaber of Kansas State University. “Carcass data is an area that’s expensive to measure, but we know it’s very important. All of the new dollars that come into the beef business come from somebody buying a piece of beef.”

That’s why the ASA recently launched an expansive new project that pairs actual carcass records with genomic data on sireidentified calves. The Carcass Expansion Project aims to boost total carcass records and to train genomic panels to more accurately predict carcass traits.

Rancher Tracy Brunner of Cow Camp Ranch near Ramona, Kan., is a participant and says the project has merit for all producers.

“This is not about just gathering carcass data. It’s not just a win for the individual animal owner. It benefits the cattle that are available to our consumer, industry wide,” Brunner says.

“All the information that we gather will develop better and more accurate EPDs that will lead to better consumer products.”

ASA’s Board of Trustees invested significantly toward the five year project, open to seedstock members and their commercial customers with SimGenetic influence.

“We focus our efforts and data collection, in this case, on a relatively large group of animals, of 20,000, and extract lots of information out of that exercise.

Then, the genomics tools will allow us to spread that information across the entire pedigree. So producers that aren’t directly engaged in feeding cattle benefit from the project because they’ll be able to use a genomics tool,” Weaber says.

For the genomic component, the Association plans to pay genotyping costs associated with the use of tissue-sampling units (TSU) provided through Allflex.

“Obviously, carcass data is one of the hardest things to get because not everybody is willing to share it and because it’s very expensive to just get carcass data,” says Scott Holt, North American marketing manager for Allflex. “Our ability now to get that carcass information through genomics is a really exciting phase in our industry.”

“Through the gathering of carcass data and tying that back to the origin of the genetics of those animals, we’re able to increase the predictability. We’re able to increase the accuracy of expected progeny differences,” Brunner says. “Whereas a non-enhanced EPD may have an accuracy rate of 30-40 percent, we can improve that possibly 10-20 percent by adding carcass information to that EPD foundation.

“To me, it’s about breeding better cattle to raise better beef.”

Seedstock members or commercial producers wanting to learn more, read the Fact sheet found at www.simangus.us/pdf/ programs/Carcass%20Expansion.pdf or contact the Association at 406-587-4531.

Prove your Sires with the Carcass Merit Program. As spring approaches and the sales are starting to wrap up, it’s that time of year again to start thinking about Carcass Merit Program (CMP) placement.

The ASA is looking for data driven breeders looking to enroll bulls in the CMP young sire test. The program will sample a diverse group of young sires among commercial cow herds across the nation.

The program provides valuable insight for a sire’s genetic merit but does not solely focus on the terminal portion of a calf’s life cycle. Performance data from the entire calf crop is collected: birth weights, calving ease, and weaning weights are gathered on every calf born along with a low density

genomic panel for every terminal calf.

Cooperator herds start breeding in May and there is limited space available to nominate a bull so please inquire about availability and updated procedures.

For more information, contact Lane Giess at lgiess@simmgene.com or 406587-4531 ext. 129.

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.

Baxter Black

On the edge of

common sense

Three Wheel Roping I’ve always sorta figgered the reason there is more cowboy poetry than there is farmer poetry has to do with horses.

Most cowboy poetry is about wrecks.

One person plus one cow equals a wreck now and then. One person plus one cow plus one horse equals a wreck every time!

But then farmers discovered the three wheeler! Honda invented the ATV! It was the farmer’s first real horse replacement, complete with speed, weight, maneuvering, swerving, rolling, flipping, crashing, and getting bucked off! The bonus was…they became a great inspiration for Cowboy/ Farmer poetry!

Kelly was workin’ for John, his brother and his dad. They were farmers who ran steers on wheat pasture in western Oklahoma. They didn’t use horses. They used three wheelers but they treated them like horses.

John had spotted a snotty nose so he picked up Kelly and they drove back out to find the critter. Kelly sat in the seat behind John as the three wheeler sailed over the sandy wheat field. John pointed to a brockle calf with a little ear. He was a tad wasty and looked to weigh about 600 pounds.

“Rope him!” directed John as he goosed the tricycle and snapped Kelly’s neck. They flew across the field toward the fence. John followed the racing calf, swerving from side to side. “Rope him!” he screamed.

Kelly was standing, tears streaming from his eyes, sand stinging his face and trying to swing a loop over the top of Kingfishers county’s answer to Evil Knievel.

“Git on the other side,” hollered Kelly, swingin’ his left hand loop at the steer on the wrong side.

“This is as close as it gits,” yelled John, “Throw it!”

Kelly fired a bullet of a loop. It looked like a monkey ropin’ a gnu off the back of a galloping triceratops. He caught the steer! Now what? Kelly was gatherin’ slack as John hazed the steer. John grabbed the tail of the rope and tried to dally to the handlebars.

The steer stumbled at the fence. Kelly bounced over the pilot, hit the dirt, and managed to take a wrap on one of the creosote posts. When the steer hit the end of the slack the post broke off catapulting Kelly into the tangle. He clung to the post till the steer slowed to a crawl.

Over the horizon came John’s brother Steve and their dad. They were pullin’ the fishtailin’ stock trailer behind the careening pickup. Kelly was plowing a furrow and poundin’ his pockets full of sand when Steve leaped out.

He dropped the tailgate and, just like it was choreographed, the steer jumped toward the trailer.

“Let go of the post, you dummy!” shouted Steve, “You’ll get hurt.”

Kelly did. Like a slingshot, the post left his grip and whacked Steve square on the butt. His head hit the crossbar above the tailgate and he executed a complete backflip. John and his dad slammed the tailgate on the steer (and Steve who hung like a gutted white tail from the highest slats.)

Time has gone by and 4x4’s have replaced the three wheeler. And it has its advantages, but neither three wheelers or four can beat a horse and cowboy with a rope in his hand for gettin’ the job done and makin’ a good story.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 23

The Race is On ... and what beef seedstock providers can learn about genetic improvement from the dairy industry

By BILL ZIMMERMAN No matter what your motivation is for being in the beef industry, your profit or success is contingent on improving phenotype. Phenotype is what we can see and measure – it’s what we sell! Think about these examples across the beef industry.

• A retail meat purveyor wants appetizing appearance and eating (and social) satisfaction of increasingly diverse customers.

• An AJSA member striving to stand in the winner’s circle depends on visual appraisal, sound structure, and good disposition.

• Stocker, backgrounder, and feedlot producers need efficient and rapid calf growth, good health, and resistance to disease and stress.

• A cow/calf producer seeks a combination of optimal maternal performance, superior calf vigor and growth, and feeder calf market acceptability.

And, it all begins with the foundation of seedstock producers providing predictable genetics to meet the phenotypic targets of various customers.

Beef cattle production starts and ends with genetic improvement of phenotypes - In trying to improve various beef cattle phenotypes, seedstock providers can only control some of the known environmental factors through management. But today, they have increasingly sophisticated tools to identify, select, and target superior genetics.

Speaking at the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation Congress (WSFFC) last fall, Dr. Mark Allan said the increased availability of selection information, what he calls the “genetic toolbox” of techniques, data, and information now readily accessible to virtually every seedstock provider, has driven the exponential progress in genetic evaluation over the past 20 years. Allan, current Director of Genetic Technology for

Trans Ova Genetics, has been intimately involved in the development, progression, and commercialization of genomics for genetic improvement in the beef and dairy industry. He said, “Genomics have enhanced our ability to know the true genetic value of animals at a younger age.”

Using the formula for predicting genetic gain (called the key equation, see below), Allan demonstrated the four main factors affecting genetic gain. Genetic gain is accelerated by increasing any of the factors in the numerator – increased accuracy of prediction, increased selection intensity, and greater genetic variation – or by reducing the generation interval. Why is it important to speed up genetic gain?

According to Allan, customers across the spectrum are increasingly asking for targeted genetic specifications or particular verifiable traits.

Genetic Gain = (Accuracy x Genetic Variation x Intensity) Generation Interval This equation seems simple. However, it tends to become more complex when considering that accuracy, selection intensity, genetic variation, and generation interval are often different for males versus females, and for growth versus reproduction or carcass traits.

Accuracy and intensity are independent concepts. You can select intensely regardless of the accuracy of the performance data. Even if you have good indicators of what is the best animal, if the accuracy is not high, there will be a slower rate of genetic change. When the product of these two factors is a small number, the rate of change will be slow.

Accuracy of selection - The more accurately you can predict breeding values, the more likely the animals you choose to be parents will actually be the best parents.

Accuracy ranges from zero, when there is no performance information used, to almost one, when there is an abundance of

Components of Phenotypic Variation Known Environment Unknown Phenotype Non-Additive Genetics Additive PAGE 24

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

information. Accuracy is never negative.

Accuracy of selection hinges on two main factors: Heritability – the higher the heritability of a trait, the better each piece of performance information is as a predictor of underlying breeding value.

Genetic prediction technology – accuracy can also be increased by using more information and more sophisticated genetic prediction technology. Selection based only on individual phenotypic record,

particularly if the trait under selection is lowly heritable, is not very accurate.

Alternatively, the selection of potential parents on the basis of expected progeny differences (EPDs) derived from large volumes of progeny data is very accurate.

The key elements here are collecting quality data and accumulating large amounts of it.

Selection Intensity - Mathematically, selection intensity is determined by the difference between the average

Beef Improvement Federation

NEWS

BIF Annual Meeting and Research Symposium Tour Stops Announced. The 2019 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Meeting and Research Symposium will be June 18-21 at the University Comfort Suites and Convention Center in Brookings, South Dakota.

An industry tour is scheduled for June 21. Stops will include Millborn Seeds, Redstone Feeders, Wienk Charolais, and Schadé Winery. A spousal tour is also planned for June 19. It will include stops at McCrory Gardens, Schadé Winery, and Local Foods Education Center.

This year’s BIF symposium features two and a half days of educational programming and a full day of tours.

The first morning’s general session — “Applications of Technology” — will feature Mark Allan, Trans Ova Genetics director of genetic technology; Alison Van Eenennaam, U.C. Davis animal biotechnology and genomics extension specialist; and a producer panel including John Moes of Moes Feedlot in Watertown, S. Dak.; Trey Patterson of Padlock Ranch in Ranchester, Wyo.; Tylor Braden of King Ranch in Kingsville, Tex.; and John Maddux of Maddux Cattle Co. in Wauneta, Nebraska.

The second day’s general session, “Utilization of Big Data,” will include presentations by John Geno, Neogen Corporation; Dr. Mark Trotter, Central Queensland University; and Jeremy Howard, Smithfield Premium Genetics.

The afternoon breakout sessions both days will focus on a range of beef production and genetic improvement topics. The conference also features a

Young Producer Symposium on Tuesday afternoon, designed for networking and to equip young cattle producers with essential knowledge as they grow their role in the business. Tuesday evening attendees will also enjoy an opening reception followed by the National Association of Animal Breeders Symposium at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on the tour stops, registration, a complete schedule and lodging information, visit www. beefimprovement.org.

Each year the BIF symposium draws a large group of leading seedstock and commercial beef producers, academics and allied industry partners. The attendance list is a “who’s who” of the beef value chain, offering great networking opportunities and conversations about the issues of the day. Program topics focus on how the beef industry can enhance value through genetic improvement across a range of attributes that affect the value chain.

About the Beef Improvement Federation. BIF is an organization dedicated to coordinating all segments of the beef industry — from researchers and producers to retailers — in an effort to improve the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of beef production. The organization was initiated almost 70 years ago to encourage the use of objective measurements to evaluate beef cattle.

Continuing the tradition, BIF is now the clearinghouse for developing standardized programs and methodologies for recording of performance data for all traits, from birth weights to carcass traits. Its three leaf clover logo symbolizes the link between industry, extension, and research.

performance level of selected parents and the average performance level of all potential parents. Selection intensity will be different on the sire side as compared to the dam side. While we tend to focus more selection on sires, because parents contribute equally to the genotype of the offspring, both the sire and the dam will contribute to the selection intensity involved.

Genetic Variation - Genetic variation is basic material that animal breeders work with. It is the variability in breeding values within a population for a trait under selection. With lots of variation, the range between the best animals and the worst is large and the best animals are far superior genetically to the worst. If there is little genetic variation, then even the best individuals will be only a little better than average, so will their offspring, and the rate of genetic change will be slow.

Generation Interval - Allan told the WSFFC attendees, “The younger the parents are, that is, the shorter the generation interval, has a massive impact on genetic gain.” Since generation interval is the denominator of the equation, even if nothing in the numerator changes, the shorter the generation interval, the faster will be the rate of genetic gain. Generation interval refers to the amount of time required to replace one generation with the next. It is a function of the biology of the reproductive rate, gestation length, nursing period, and age at puberty. Because of this biological disadvantage to pigs and poultry, it is critical to use the available technologies and management for the beef industry to make competitive genetic gains.

“The race to win – genetic improvement of young animals” - Of the four major factors affecting genetic gain, the focus of most technical, scientific, and management work today centers on improving selection accuracy and intensity through the use of genomically enhanced predictions (GE-EPDs), and reducing the generation interval by using advanced reproductive technologies. As a result of his somewhat unique familiarity with current work in both beef and dairy genetics, Dr. Allan described the work being done in the

Holstein dairy cattle industry in the U.S. where genetic gain is far more rapid than in any sector or breed in the beef industry.

Historical selection in dairy cattle (and beef) focused on identifying superior sires from proven dams and through extensive progeny testing, and multiplying their genetics through the use of artificial insemination and retaining female offspring as the dams of the next generation. Allan explained that today’s high density genomic technologies allow us to identify outstanding donor prospect females shortly after birth, producing IVF embryos from them well before a year of age – giving the power to increase selection intensity on the dam side – and multiply full-sib offspring through embryo transfer.

With similar reproductive technologies on the sire side, genomically superior young bulls are being managed to produce viable sperm before a year of age to be used as the sires for the IVF matings. The technologies are collapsing the historical biological generation interval. And, these procedures are not being done at the fringes of the dairy industry. Rather, they are being used every day across the industry.

The keys to success are quality data and lots of it - Allan is emphatic when he calls for more quality phenotype data tied to more DNA in the beef industry.

“The dairy industry has won the race,” he says, ”because of DHIA [Dairy Herd Improvement Association] they had decades of accurate production and progeny data collected across the commercial industry.” And, they have embraced DNA testing and genomic predictions across their commercial sector.

For example, data from the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) shows that 2,478,997 Holstein genotypes were included in their March 1 evaluation.

This includes DNA tests across density platforms, all tied to verified pedigrees and production records. A monthly total of 44,442 Holstein genomic tests were submitted to the CDCB evaluation pipeline in February alone. This volume of genomic information tied to quality phenotypic data has literally changed everything for dairy cattle breeders. Genomics has completely

changed the value of superior animals at younger ages and made outstanding females just as important in high end breeding programs as bulls.

Dr. Allan explained at the WSFFC the power and success of the dairy industry genetic gains are based on having a powerful database – which we need to address as a beef industry.

• Data from commercial progeny – not just selected seedstock animals • Lots of phenotypes and genotypes • Unbiased data collected routinely for management, not just for evaluation or marketing • Connectivity across the world How do ASA, SimGenetics, and IGS compare? When asked to identify the most significant milestone in beef genetic evaluation, without hesitation Allan responded, “Single step. Most of the important breeds are using some form of single-step evaluation.” ASA initiated “Operation Quantum Leap” in January 2014, which resulted in the May 2018 release of the IGS Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation powered by BOLT, a single step genetic evaluation. The IGS database has over 17 million records from 13 different breeds, with over 375,000 added annually.

SimGenetics animals account for 5.6 million of those phenotype records. During

2018, SimGenetics breeders added 145,392 animal records with some performance data to the database and 77,341 had genomically enhanced EPDs. By January 2019, the total number of IGS genotypes grew to 201,406 (74,908 from the ASA). While this pales when compared to Holstein data, these numbers show exponential growth in genomic testing!

Possible barriers and pitfalls Adoption of new technology or methods almost always comes with some concerns about barriers to success, or pitfalls of success that comes too quickly. Addressing this question, Dr. Allan said that the number one barrier to more rapid genetic gain in beef cattle is the lack of quality phenotypes.

Repeating his earlier statement, “We need lots of phenotypes,” he continued, “I get concerned about the quality of our (beef) data. It may be difficult to get breed associations to allow the broad collection, analysis, and publication of truly unbiased data. And, we need to tie into large sets of commercial data to allow us to predict the most important economically relevant traits, especially efficiency and carcass data. And, health data is rapidly becoming very important in the dairy evaluation. We need that, too.” Allan complemented the ASA on the recent Cow Herd DNA RoundUp and the Carcass Expansion Project as important steps by a breed association.

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!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

ANGUS NEWS Angus Convention is Headed West!

From outstanding educational seminars to nationally known entertainment, the 2019 Angus Convention in Reno, Nev., is an event you won’t want to miss.

More than 2,000 cattlemen and women attended the 2018 Angus Convention in Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate the 135th Annual Convention of Delegates and the 40th anniversary of the Certified Angus Beef® brand. As plans take shape for the 2019 Angus Convention in Reno, Nevada, there’s even more in store for producers and their partners.

Registration and hotel blocks open July 1, 2019.

About the Convention - The 2019 Angus Convention provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with the Angus family and beef industry to celebrate the Angus breed’s significant milestones.

Join thousands of other ranchers for entertainment, Certified Angus Beef® meals, grand prize giveaways, awards programs, and the business meetings of the world’s largest single breed beef organization, the American Angus Association.

Why Should I Attend • Connect with globally recognized Angus breeders and trade show exhibitors.

• Learn from knowledgeable industry leading speakers through hands on breakout sessions and keynote addresses.

• Hear from and interact with American Angus Association and Certified Angus Beef brand leadership.

• When all sectors of the industry work toward a common quality goal, opportunity is born and value is realized.

New Foot Structure EPDs: Claw Set and Foot Angle. The foot scores range from 1-9 with 5 being an ideal score for both claw set and foot angle. Foot scores can be collected on animals as early as

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

one year of age; however, producers are encouraged to continuously collect foot scores on older females. The foot scoring guide can be found at www.angus.org/ performance/footscore/footscoreposter.pdf.

Since the inception of the foot scoring system, nearly 20,000 scores have been collected for both claw set and foot angle. Initial research has shown both of these traits have a heritability estimate of 0.25, which is similar to weaning weight, meaning genetic selection for improvement of these traits can take place. Foot score EPDs have been in a research environment for the past 16 months. This process allowed for continued data collection and several months of validation on the stability and accuracy of the genetic predictions.

Producers should remember EPDs reflect only the current data included in the database. For instance, currently not enough phenotypes (records) have been reported in the 1-4 categories for either foot angle or claw set to be valuable for the genetic evaluation. Only 5-9 scores for both foot angle and claw set are used in this EPD evaluation. However, it’s important producers continue to use the whole 1-9 scale when scoring feet to make sure animals are characterized correctly. In the future if enough data in these 1-4 categories are reported, it may merit inclusion into the future evaluations.

Foot scores, defined - Claw set EPD (Claw) is expressed in units of clawset score, with a lower EPD being more favorable, indicating a sire will produce progeny with more ideal claw set. The ideal target for claw set being toes are symmetrical, evenly and appropriately spaced.

Foot angle EPD (Angle) is expressed in units of foot angle score, with a lower EPD being more favorable, indicating a sire will produce progeny with more ideal foot

5

6

5

7

6

8

7

angle. The ideal targeting animals with a 45-degree angle at the pastern joint with appropriate length and heel depth.

Currently, breed average for both of these traits is 0.5. This means an animal with EPDs less than 0.5 can be considered a “breed improver” for that trait. When using these two new EPDs, these tools should be used to compare bulls to each other. For example, Bull A has a +0.5 claw set EPD and Bull B has a 0.0 claw set EPD. Bull B’s progeny, on average, would be predicted to score half a score better on the 5-9 scale for claw set compared to Bull A’s progeny.

In addition to being released, these two foot score EPDs will also be included in the new maternal weaned calf value ($M) index that predicts profitability from conception to weaning.

AngusSource® Bolsters Program with Genetic Verification. AS-Angus Sired Genetics is back on the roster for AngusSource. Many cattlemen can say their calves are “Angus-sired,” but when buyers want added assurance, the AngusSource® program now offers an option to document that fact.

The American Angus Association recently added genetic verification into their USDA process verified program (PVP).

“We want our commercial producers

to have the tools they need to be eligible for any marketing track they might want to take,” says Ginnette Gottswiller, director of commercial programs for the Association.

“When we saw demand at the packing level for verified Angus usage, it was a logical addition.”

As Angus influenced cattle are evaluated for USDA branded beef programs, the Association’s Live Animal Specification determines initial eligibility.

Cattle qualify in one of two ways, by: • phenotype — predominantly solid black • genotype — traceable to one parent, or two grandparents, registered with the American Angus Association The new Angus Sired Genetics component enables cattle to qualify as Angus influence under the genotype requirement, regardless of hide color.

“This program is designed to document and add value to calves in a marketplace demanding additional transparency,” Gottswiller says.

All cattle enrolled in AngusSource are automatically group age and source verified. Other verifiable enrollment options include: • Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC)

Continued on the following page

9

8

9

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 27

American Angus Association News, continued from the previous page • Never Ever3, or a “never ever” program which certifies the animals have never received hormone growth promotants, antibiotics or been fed animal byproducts

• Cattle care and handling, a documentation and audit program • Calf management, which certifies preventative animal health programs “Adding the Angus Sired Genetics

option gives progressive cattlemen one more tool to be successful and grow their profits,” she says. “That’s our continual goal.”

For more information about AngusSource

enrollment, visit www.angussource.com.

Angus Foundation to Host 19th Annual Golf Tournament. Sponsorships and registration are now available for July 16 event. From the National Junior Angus Board’s blazers to the color of the shavings in the show ring, it only makes sense Angus members would feel at home on the green of the golf course. The Angus Foundation is set to host the 19th annual golf tournament on July 16, at Quail Chase Golf Club, in Louisville, Ken., in conjunction with the 2019 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). This event helps fund educational opportunities, research Backed by the world’s largest initiatives, and Angus and most reliable genetic evaluation program. youth.

“Every year, we are Registered Angus genetics deliver impressed by the support better calving ease, more growth, and superior marbling. and turnout we have for our Angus Foundation annual golf tournament,” Contact one of these North Carolina Angus breeders today for your next genetic selection: said Rod Schoenbine, Angus Foundation PANTHER CREEK FARMS 4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS FOUR S FARMS VANDEMARK ANGUS John C. Smith, Jr. Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Kim & Connie and Jason & Robin Starnes Keaton & Janie Vandemark director of development.

Pink Hill Siler City Luther Lyerly, Manager Spring Hope “The Angus Foundation 252-526-1929 919-742-5500 Salisbury 252-885-0210 Golf Tournament is a email: JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com email: info@tarheelangus.com 704-637-1805; 704-640-5875 email: keaton@vandemarkfarms.com email: kim-4sfarms@carolina.rr.com fun opportunity to enjoy SHADE TREE FARM BACK CREEK WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC being with friends while John Cassavaugh Joe & Robin Hampton GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS Michael A. Moss Lenoir Mt. Ulla Howard & Donna Gentry Will Moss - Manager supporting the Angus 828-728-9007 704-880-2488 (Joe’s Cell) King Ramseur Foundation during the email: jhcstf@att.net 704-880-3572 (Robin’s Cell) 336-413-6698 336-549-0070 NJAS.” email: robinbackcreek@att.net whgentry@windstream.net email: michaelmoss@rtmc.net SILVER SPRINGS ANGUS Sponsorship options Preston & Erin Beth Pinkston BB ORGANIC FARM NC, LLC H&H FARMS WINSLOW GENETICS are available to state Norwood R. & E. Miller Buddy & Jennifer Hamrick - Owners Ben & Kathleen Winslow 704-985-3931 Wake Forest Bly Hamrick - Manager Halifax and regional Angus email: silverspringsangus@yahoo.com 919-570-2816 Boiling Springs 252-578-5487 associations, individuals, email: bborganicfarmnc@gmail.com 704-472-1912 email: winslowgen@gmail.com businesses, and farms SMITH ANGUS email: jennham@bellsouth.net Randall Smith BILTMORE ESTATE WAGON WHEEL RANCH and ranches. There are Snow Camp Ted Katsigianis - Manager HARWARD SISTERS Glenn & Norma Reid different promotional 336-516-4558 Asheville Brooke, Catherine, LeAnn, Marcie & Mattie Rutherfordton email: smithangusfarm@yahoo.com 828-225-6156 Richfield 828-247-0300 opportunities at eight email: tkatsigianis@biltmore.com 704-322-9770; 704-463-5828 email: nottexting10@yahoo.com sponsorship levels.

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM www.biltmore.com email: harwardsisters@gmail.com Sponsors will be Marty & Lynne Rooker www.harwardsisters.com WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Norlina BLUE Q RANCH Russell Wood recognized in the 252-213-1553 Kerry Collins HILL ANGUS FARM Willow Spring tournament program; email: mrooker@mrookerlaw.com Mitchell Scheer - Manager Dr. Gary M. Hill 919-275-4397 Troy Hendersonville email: rwood4400@gmail.com tournament luncheon; post SPRINGFIELD ANGUS 910-220-0663 229-848-3695 www.woodangus.com event news release; Angus Phil Goodson email: blueqranch@aol.com email: gmhill@uga.edu Journal®; and the Angus Louisburg www.blueqranch.com 919-880-9062 LANE ANGUS Foundation website, www.springfieldangus.com BRIDGES BEEF CATTLE Roger Lane newsletter, and annual Eddie, Cindy, John & Crystal Bridges Bundy Lane - Manager TRIPLE LLL ANGUS Shelby Gates report. Sponsorship spots Greg Little 704-692-2978 252-398-7711 include the following: Monroe email: bridgesbeefcattle@gmail.com email: ritalane@embarqmail.com THE BUSINESS BREED luncheon, beverage/player 704-219-1294 email: greg.little@ATImetals.com C-CROSS CATTLE COMPANY MESSICK ANGUS cart, tournament prizes Sharon Rogers Duane Strider Eddy & Kathleen Messick sponsor, club house, N.C. Angus Association UWHARRIE RIDGE FARMS Asheboro Madison Mark Wilburn 336-964-6277 336-937-1956 tournament prizes, tee Executive Secretary Asheboro email: ccrosscattle@yahoo.com email: messickangus@yahoo.com 336-599-8750 box, hole, and flag. The 336-953-0521 www.ccrosscattle.com Email: ncaa.sec@gmail.com sponsorship deadline is email: uwharrieridgefarms@gmail.com Website: www.ncangus.org June 10.

North Carolina Angus Association

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS

ANGUS

PAGE 28

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Registration for interested players is open until July 1. Adult registration is $100, and National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) member registration is $75 per player. By registering, players get 18 holes of golf, golf cart rental, continental breakfast, and Certified Angus Beef® brand lunch. Mulligans will be available at the course for $10 each, with a limit of one per

player. After the registration deadline, adult players will be $110 and junior members will be $85.

For more information about the golf tournament, contact Kris Sticken with the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100, or visit www.angusfoundation.org.

LEAD Conference: Angus, Live from Nashville. Live from Nashville,

2019 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship to be Hosted in California Tulare Sales Yard, Tulare, Calif., will host the 2019 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) on June 7-8. The event is free and open to the general public. The 56th annual WLAC will take place in conjunction with the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) Annual Convention.

The WLAC competition is composed of two parts: an interview and a live auction. The contest features 31 contestants who qualified from three WLAC Qualifying Events and the reigning International Auctioneer Champion.

During the live sale portion, contestants sell cattle to actual bidders in the seats.

The judges score each contestant based on their presentation, chant, execution of sale, and how likely they would hire the auctioneer.

“The auctioneer championship showcases the importance of the local livestock markets and the role the auctioneer plays in true price discovery,” said Kristen Parman, LMA Vice President of Membership Services.

Additionally, because the WLAC semi-finalists are competing for such an important, high profile role, they must establish their knowledge of the livestock marketing industry and demonstrate the ability to express that knowledge with clarity in an interview competition.

Contestants who qualified to compete are Chuck Bradley of Rockford, Ala.; Neil Bouray of Webber, Kan.; Colton Brantley of Modesto, Calif.; Darren Carter of Ninety Six, S.C.; Dakota Davis of Caldwell, Kan.; Eric Drees of Nampa, Idaho; Dean Edge of Rimbey, Alberta; Will Epperly of Dunlap, Iowa; Brandon Frey of Creston, Iowa; Philip Gilstrap of Pendleton, S.C.; Steve Goedert of Dillion, Mont.; Shane Hatch of Kirtland, N. Mex.; Jim Hertzog of Butler, Mo.; Brennin Jack of Prince Alberta, Sask; Garrett Jones of Los Banos, Calif.; Ryan Konyenbelt of Ft. Macleod, Alberta; Lynn Langvardt of Chapman, Kan.; Wade Leist of Boyne City, Mich.; Jacob Massey of Petersburg, Tenn.; Justin Mebane of Bakersfield, Calif.; Jeremy Miller of Fairland, Okla.; Daniel Mitchell of Cumberland, Ohio; Christopher Pinard of Swainsboro, Ga.; Jay Romine of Mt. Washington, Ken.; Jim Settle of Arroyo Grande, Calif.; Russele Sleep of Bedford, Iowa; Dustin Smith of Jay, Okla.; Curtis Wetovick of Fullerton, Neb.; Tim Yoder of Montezuma, Ga.; Vernon Yoder of Dundee, Ohio and Zack Zumstein of Marsing, Idaho.

The 2019 WLAC host and Tulare Sales Yard owner, David Macedo, said, “We are looking forward to hosting the event this year. It’s an exciting thing to be a part of. You’re going to see 31 of the most confident men in the world at what they do be a little nervous, and that’s kind of fun.”

Reigning World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, Jared Miller, will be in attendance, along with many other past World Livestock Auctioneer Champions.

Each will sell cattle during the Parade of Champions, a portion of the WLAC sale between the semi-finalist and finalist rounds.

If you are interested in viewing the WLAC, tune into the live online stream on www.LMAAuctions.com. The interviews will be on June 7 starting at 3:00 p.m.

(PST). The auctioneering competition will be at Tulare Sales Yard beginning at 8:00 a.m. (PST) and will also be streamed live on www.LMAAuctions.com. After the event, a one-hour special, including a recap of the competition, will air on June 27 on RFD-TV. About the Livestock Marketing Association. The Livestock Marketing Association, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is North America’s largest membership organization dedicated to supporting, representing, and communicating with and for the entire livestock marketing sector. LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.LMWeb.com.

National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members are set to gather from across the U.S. for the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference. The event is set to take place August 1-4 in Nashville, Tennessee, and is designed for NJAA members age 14 to 21. LEAD Conference is funded by the Angus Foundation and the Thomas and Catherine Chambers Estate Endowment Fund.

Junior Angus members will travel across the nation to experience local agriculture and will partake in leadership workshops put on by the National Junior Angus Board (NJAB). According to NJAB Leadership Director Brody Fitzgerald, LEAD gives participants a chance to leave the cattle at home, grow as a leader, and build relationships with peers.

“Junior members who have had the opportunity to attend LEAD remark it’s one of their favorite memories as a junior member,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a unique chance for juniors to explore the Angus industry while building their network in a fun atmosphere. As a breed, we are not only focused on developing the future of the industry, but also we want to expose juniors to all the endless opportunities out there.”

Angus juniors will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of agricultural professionals, the current Angus Ambassador Cale Hinrichsen, and motivational speaker Laymon Hicks.

Tour stops include: the RFD TV studio, the trusted Agriculture TV network; Ingram Angus, a prestigious Angus herd home to some of the top producing donors in the U.S.; and Deer Valley Farms in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In addition, junior members will participate in numerous breakout sessions and visit the historic Grand Ole Opry House.

“Junior Angus members will have the chance to explore what Tennessee has to offer,” Fitzgerald said. “I am excited to see the new friendships that will be built and for a fun filled conference in the Music City.”

Conference space is limited and the

early registration deadline is June 15. The early registration fee for NJAA members is $250. After June 15, registration will be $275 and accepted based on space availability. Sign up online at www.angus. org/njaa.

LEAD Scholarship Opportunities First or second time LEAD attendees may consider applying for the Gary M. Stoller Jump Start Your LEADership Award, which helps provide financial assistance with LEAD travel expenses. Interested applicants must submit a one page typed essay expressing why the LEAD conference is important, what they hope to gain by participating, and the extent of their financial needs. For more information, visit www.angusfoundation.org.

For more information, contact the events and education department at 816-383-5100.

About the NJAA. The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self development opportunities for more than 5,000 active members nationwide.

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 $2.9 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 nearly 25,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on the power of 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’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.

Regular copy deadline is JUNE 5 for the JULY issue Spotlight material is due

JUNE 1 for the JULY issue The Carolina Cattle Connection

e!

ls Or e q JUNE 2019

PAGE 29

On the Horizon

By JORDAN COX-O’NEILL N.C. State University

Surviving a Wet Winter with Respectable Stocker Steer Growth on Unconventional Land Hello again fellow cattlemen and cattlewomen! Our first year of the integrated crop/livestock system study finished in March, and I am excited to let my fellow cattle producers know how it went. We managed to graze 56 stocker steers on cereal rye or cereal rye/turnip mix double crop forages for 45 and 77 days.

This was despite many hurdles, including developing a grazing plan on land that had never been grazed and dealing with one of the wettest years ever recorded in Eastern North Carolina.

To briefly enlighten the readers who missed my November 2018 article, my Ph.D. research study pertains to developing and scientifically evaluating different integrated crop/livestock systems. We did this by utilizing crop land resources available over the winter months, when feed cost are at their greatest due to a lack of lush grazing pastures and an increase in harvested hay and grain supplements

PAGE 30

fed. In October, we planted either cereal rye (seeding rate of 110 lb/ac) or a cereal rye/turnip mixture (seeding rate of 80 and 2 lb/ac, respectively) after the corn grain

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

harvest. The late planting date due to the surprise visit of Hurricane Florence caused us to only achieve an average total mix (rye, turnip leaf, and turnip root) forage stand of 1,685 lb/ac and 1,399 lb/ac for the monoculture rye pastures at both locations by mid-December (a month later than intended). On average, the percentages of the total mix forage treatment were 64 percent rye, 27 percent turnip leaf, and 9 percent turnip root. The objective of this study was to evaluate the entire system and determine which double crop forage treatment will result in optimal calf performance, improved soil characteristics, and no change or an increase in subsequent corn grain yields.

In mid-December, 56 crossbred stocker steers averaging 605 lbs were weighed and turned out to their designated pastures to continuously graze either the monoculture cereal rye or cereal rye and turnip forages at a stocking rate of 1.5 ac/ steer. All steers had access to free choice

mineral and water in each pasture, but no other feed supplementation was provided.

Steers at the Griffin location were only able to graze 45 days until the rye forage mass was 1,028 lb/ac and the total mix (rye, turnip leaf, and turnip root) forage mass was 1,173 lb/ac. Whereas, steers at the Cavanaugh location were grazed for 77 days until the rye forage mass was 959 lb/ ac and the total mix (rye, turnip leaf, and turnip root) forage mass was 1,277 lb/ac.

Grazing days were relatively short and different between the two locations due to the continuous and substantial amount of rain received during the winter, and, unfortunately, the Griffin location was unable to drain adequately. Despite weather concerns and fewer grazing days than anticipated, the steer average daily gains were 1.89 lb/d over 45 days for steers at the Griffin farm and 2.61 lb/d over 77 days for steers at the Cavanaugh farm. There were no true statistical differences between the two forage treatments, but steers grazing the rye/turnip forage mixtures consistently trended to be greater by 0.14 lb/d than steers grazing the monoculture rye forage treatment.

We concluded that grazing double crop forages by stocker steers over the winter on crop acres is a viable option for Southeast U.S. producers and adequate gains of approximately 2.25 lb/d could be expected.

Although forage availability was greater for the forage rye/turnip mixture, it did not result in greater average daily gain or gain per hectare when stocking rate and grazing period remained constant. We are eager to further investigate the data and results of this integrated crop/livestock system by conducting lab analysis for forage nutritive value, soil fertility, and compaction this summer. This August, we will also be able to collect corn grain yields for pre- and post-grazing comparison. Another complete replication of the study will be conducted this winter, and we intend to host an onsite field day for producers to come see for themselves, in case they are interested in either developing a new stocker calf enterprise or providing a cheaper feed source to cows during the winter months.

Beef Extension Post: Winter feed cost are some of the greatest expenses a cattle producer has from year to year.

Ultimately due to a lack of lush grazing pastures and an increase in harvested hay and grain supplements fed. A two year ongoing research project is investigating the potential of implementing an integrated crop/livestock system to utilize crop land and forage resources available to graze over the winter and potentially increase stocker calf performance, while having a neutral or positive impact on soil characteristics and subsequent cash crop, grain yields.

HERD HEALTH

By PATTY SCHARKO Extension & Field Veterinarian, Clemson University

When to Use MLV (Modified Live Vaccine) in Your Herd Vaccination is a tool that is best utilized with other management tools such as proper nutrition, clean environment, biosecurity, and stress management.

Vaccination programs are designed to protect the herd against disease caused by infectious organisms, such as viruses or bacteria. Vaccines contain killed or live organisms that do not cause disease but stimulate the animal’s immune system to mount a response to the disease. The immune system will then “remember” how to mount a response against the organism if it is later infected with that organism. A vaccine cannot prevent infection but will allow the animal to respond more quickly or will lessen the severity of disease. If a vaccine is used correctly, it will increase the animal’s disease resistance.

Most vaccines contain either modified live or killed organisms or a combination of the two. Modified live vaccines (MLV), both for viruses and bacteria, replicate (multiply) in the animal after injection.

The organisms have been modified so that they do not cause the disease but stimulate the immune system. In general, MLV stimulate a longer lasting immunity than killed vaccines. MLV may cause abortion if given to pregnant, unprotected cattle.

Advantages with MLV vaccines: • Strong, long lasting immune response with fewer doses • Adjuvants (immune stimulators) are not as necessary • Virus vaccines may quickly stimulate non-specific, antiviral protection • Less chance of allergic reactions • The virus or bacteria may behave more like the disease causing form of the organism When: 1. Start with healthy heifers with at least 2 doses before breeding. First dose at or after 6 months of age. The second dose should be administered at least 30 days prior to breeding (bull placed with group or utilize artificial insemination.)

2. Usually recommend annual revaccination in the cows.

3. Pregnant cows and heifers may be vaccinated provided they were vaccinated according to label directions. Important to read and follow the vaccine label directions.

4. Nursing calves may be vaccinated provided their dams were vaccinated according to label directions. Important to read and follow the directions on the vaccine label.

5. Calves vaccinated before 6 months of age should be revaccinated at 6 months of age.

6. Discuss with your herd veterinarian about an appropriate vaccination program for your farm and situation.

Precautions: • Do not use in pregnant cows unless they were vaccinated, according to label directions within the past 12 months.

Abortions can result from using MLV in pregnant, unprotected cows.

• Do not use in calves nursing pregnant cows unless their dams were vaccinated within the past 12 months.

Important points from 2019 NCBA BQA Manual: • Label syringes and the cooler box prior to processing to prevent accidental mixing of vaccine when refilling syringes.

Accidental mixing will result in under dosing and may render one or both of the vaccines ineffective. Mixing MLV product with a non-water based Killed vaccine destroys the MLV vaccine immediately.

• When using vaccines that must be mixed prior to use, such as modified live virus (MLV) products, mix only as much as can be used in one hour or less. MLV products MUST be used when mixed and CANNOT be stored for later use.

• Never vigorously shake to mix or expose them to sunlight or temperatures outside the range listed on the vaccine label.

• Use a sterile transfer needle when reconstituting MLV and chemically altered (CA) vaccines. Transfer needles can be sterilized and reused. Transfer needles ensure against product contamination during mixing. If a transfer needle is not available, use a sterile syringe to draw out the diluent for placement in the vial containing the desiccated vaccine cake.

- When using a transfer needle, always place the transfer needle in the stopper of the diluent bottle first. Then invert the needle and diluent as the other end of the transfer needle is placed in the stopper of the vial containing the desiccated

vaccine cake. After proper mixing, the vaccine can be drawn from the vial into the dosing syringe.

• Both MLV and CA products must be reconstituted with a sterile diluent prior to being administered. Ranchers must exercise more caution when handling and administering MLV or CA products. Many common handling techniques can render MLV products inactive and even greatly reduce the effectiveness of Killed (K) vaccines.

• Vaccines should be stored in a dependable refrigeration unit that maintains a temperature as directed by the product

label (typically 35-45°F).

• Proper storage: A vaccine will be less than 100 percent effective if it has ever been stored improperly. Improper storage includes freezing and/or exposure to heat or sunlight. Freezing of any vaccine not only causes loss of efficacy but also causes vaccines to become more stressful.

• Multiple dose syringes: Lubricate the first vaccine draw with non-petroleum based products. Petroleum based lubricants may inactivate MLV or CA product.

• Do NOT use disinfectants on needles used for fluid injectables which includes all vaccines.

Greenville County Livestock Association News

By ROY COPELAN The Greenville County Livestock Association held their Spring meeting on May 13 at Jerry Bruce’s Pond and Shelter outside of Greer.

Approximately 60 people enjoyed the late sunny afternoon cookout and meeting. GCLA President Ken Southerlin welcomed everyone and thanked Jerry for the use of his nice facility. Association member Jimmy Epting gave the evening blessing.

Everyone enjoyed a meal of charcoal grilled beef burgers with trimmings prepared by the Association’s cooking team.

After the meal, Roy Copelan spoke of the activities of the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the S.C. Beef Council.

The evening program was presented by representatives of the Greenville Soil and Water Conservation District.

Conservation programs and land management were reviewed as well as pasture management practices.

A live demonstration was shown to Association members regarding foliage coverage vs non-foliage coverage during rain sessions.

Various NRCS programs were reviewed and updated to Association members.

A number of door prizes were given away before President Southerlin adjourned the meeting. The next Association meeting is scheduled for September 16.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 31

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics N.C. State University You Decide: What’s the Best ‘ISM’ for the Economy? As a nation, we’re now engaged in a new version of a debate I’ve heard many times in my 68 years of life, and which actually goes back several hundred years. It’s the debate over how we should organize the economy. And – to get to the point – specifically, it’s the debate between capitalism and socialism.

The question about the best structure of an economy frequently arises during times of economic stress. Many during the Great Depression of the 1930s (actually before my time!) wanted a new economic foundation. Cries for fundamental change in the economy reemerged during the 1970s when rapid inflation was making us poorer.

Fast forward to today. While the economy has been expanding for a decade, two factors are creating apprehensive about the future. One is the overhang from the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Not all households have fully recovered from that economic downturn, and even among those who have, many worry it could happen again.

The second worry is about the rapidly changing job market. The ratcheting up of educational requirements, the disappearance of numerous middle income jobs, and the emergence of technology as a potential replacement for a variety of occupations are worries.

So what exactly are capitalism and socialism? The hallmark feature of capitalism is private control. Resources – like labor, machinery, technology, and land - are privately owned, and owners control decisions about the use of those resources. The prices paid to use resources are also privately determined through the interaction of supply (quantity available) of the resources and the demand (willingness to pay) for the resources.

A socialist economy takes the opposite approach. In pure socialism, all resources are publicly owned, with the government being the representative of the government.

The government determines what and how much is produced, sets all prices for outputs and inputs - including wages for workers and develops plans for the long run growth of the economy.

Both capitalism and socialism have fans and detractors. Supporters of capitalism say its focus on private ownership and decision making is

PAGE 32

consistent with individual freedom and liberty. They say the setting of prices in the marketplace through negotiation between buyers and sellers is fair. The process is also quick to eliminate shortages or surpluses with fast movements in prices. Furthermore, competing sellers are constantly motivated to innovate and use resources more efficiently so they can lower their price and – at least temporarily – take business and profits away from competitors.

The pursuit of profits by capitalists is the major sore point for capitalism’s critics. Detractors of capitalism worry the system puts profits above all else, including the welfare of workers and care of the environment. Those questioning capitalism say the system’s intense competition results in winners and losers and ultimately greater income inequality.

A concern for worker welfare, a clean environment, and greater income equality are goals the promoters of socialism say can be better achieved by this system.

Without the worry for maximizing individual profits, socialist supporters believe the government can take a broader view and consider all aspects of what makes for a successful economy for all.

In particular, advocates say socialism can better consider the impact advances in technology will have on workers’ lives, and therefore can manage the introduction of labor saving technology so as to minimize disruptions and displacements.

Of course, like capitalists, socialist supporters attract a long list of complaints.

At the top is the charge government bureaucrats can’t expect to have the knowledge and information necessary to set millions of prices in the economy.

Furthermore, because governments are accountable to voters, critics say socialist micro-managers will have an incentive to set prices too low, which can result in chronic shortages and bare shelves.

And although powerful interests attempt to influence governments in capitalist systems, those questioning socialism say the same will happen in socialism – and perhaps even more so because socialist governments have more influence over the economy.

There is an alternative to pure capitalist and pure socialist economic systems. It is a “mixed system,” which

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

many say our country has had for decades.

The notion is to keep capitalism but try to use the government to ease the system’s rough edges. So there will still be the private incentives to businesses and workers that encourages innovation, self improvement, and delivering products and services to consumers at the lowest cost.

Prices and wages will still be set in the marketplace, and there will still be people succeeding and those not.

But those not succeeding won’t be forgotten and tossed aside. Instead, the government will have a broad “safety net” that catches people when they fall.

However, the challenge is to have programs and plans in place that make the “safety net” actually a “success net,” where people can bounce back and ultimately be successful on their own.

So, you decide – capitalism, socialism, or the mixed system – which is the best way to structure our economy? This is one of the most fundamental choices we collectively make, and one that will likely be revisited frequently in the future.

You Decide: Has a Key Economic Rule Been Broken? In many aspects of life there are rules we follow. These rules are usually based on experience, and they give us a general idea of what to expect.

The rules don’t always work, but they do give us some guidelines.

For example, one of my father’s rules was about education. As a high school dropout and someone who worked outside in both the heat and the cold all his life, he was adamant that his children did well in school. So, two of his rules were, first, come home from school and do your homework before anything else – including even dinner. Second, get to bed by 9:00 p.m. and arise at 5:00 a.m. so his children could have breakfast with him before he left for work.

I followed my Dad’s rules and thank his memory almost every day for them.

When I went to college, I found most fields of study, like economics, had their own rules. However, these rules were different. They weren’t about personal behavior, but instead they were about how aspects of the discipline functioned.

Importantly, the rules allowed users to make significant forecasts about how the economy operated.

I took my first economics course fifty years ago. One of the rules I learned in that course concerned the relationship between unemployment and inflation. The rule stated there was an inverse relationship between the unemployment rate and the inflation rate. This means that as the unemployment rate goes down, the inflation rate rises, and vice versa.

The rule is based on the idea that lower unemployment generates faster

rising wages for workers. Since labor is a key ingredient in making most products, if labor is more expensive, so too will be the cost of things we buy.

Of course, most of us would like to have a low-low situation, that is, both low unemployment and low inflation. So the rule is significant because it suggests an economy can’t have both – indeed, the economy has to pick one and endure the other.

The rule about unemployment and inflation has dominated the economics profession for decades. It has also been a key factor for economic policymakers, particularly at the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). This is because the Fed is mandated to watch both unemployment and inflation and use its influence to prevent either one from getting out of control.

The unemployment/inflation rule can go a long way in explaining the recent actions of the Fed. During the years of the Great Recession (2007-2009) and immediately afterward, unemployment was high and inflation was virtually nonexistent. Indeed, in 2009, average prices actually fell. This situation allowed the Fed to focus on stimulating the economy and thereby lowering unemployment. The Fed did this by keeping interest rates low (in fact, at 0 percent) and pumping credit into banks.

Then by 2015, with the national unemployment cut in half to five percent and forecasted to go lower, the Fed began to raise interest rates in an effort to slow economic growth and contain inflation. By early this year, the Fed had raised its key interest rate from 0-2.4 percent.

But then a funny thing happened.

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

Economists and others began to notice the low unemployment and low inflation – at P.S. In a recent column I said the North a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished inflation rate was not accelerating. Instead, the same time. The bad result is the end of Carolina state portion of the gas tax was Professor and Extension Economist it was staying in a range of 2-2.5 percent the rule has largely occurred because there 18.05¢ per gallon. It is actually 36.2¢ per in the Department of Agricultural and (note – this measure includes average price are now substitutes for U.S. workers, in the gallon. My mistake. I also said the rate Resource Economics at North Carolina changes for all consumer products and form of automation and foreign trade. has risen faster than general inflation since State University who teaches and writes on services).

You decide if this trade of the “good” 2010. This is still accurate. personal finance, economic outlook, and One explanation is the Fed’s policy for the “bad” has been worthwhile!

About the author - Mike Walden is public policy. was working. Higher interest rates were slowing the economy and preventing the inflation rate from rising. There’s just one thing wrong with this reasoning however. The pace of economic growth actually accelerated between 2015 and 2019.

This turn of events has led some economists to question the traditional unemployment/inflation rule. If the rule is broken, the big question is, why?

There are two possible answers – automation and global trade.

Automation in the workplace using machinery and technology is rapidly replacing workers in many industries. Look at manufacturing. Although there has been a slight rebound since the Great Recession, manufacturing employment is down 35 percent from its peak in the 1970s, even while manufacturing output is up 42 percent since just 1997.

Automation means fewer workers are needed to make more output, thereby shrinking the impact higher wages would have on general inflation.

The same is the case for global trade. Buying more products from foreign countries allows U.S. consumers to access bigger pools of labor, most of whom are paid lower wages than their U.S. counterparts. So a tight U.S. labor market can be avoided by companies using workers in other parts of the world.

If the unemployment/ inflation rule no longer holds, there are both good John Queen: 828-421-3466 • Evans Hooks: 770-316-9611 and bad results. The good Canton, NC • 828-646-0270 • SELEXvideo@gmail.com • www.selex-video.com result is that we can finally have the best of both –

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

January 8 • February 5 • March 5 • April 2 • May 7 • June 4 • July 9 August 6 • September 3 • October 1 • November 5 • December 3 SOUTHEAST LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 33

Herd Management

By BRIAN L. BEER & LEE VANVLAKE Clemson University Extension Service

Preconditioning - Adding Value to Calves Preconditioning programs are an excellent tool to add value to southeastern calves. Preconditioning is defined as weaning, along with short term feeding and herd health procedures that prepare calves for entry into the feedlot environment. The program must improve the calf’s immune system to cope with disease challenges they will face at the feedlot, and prepare the calf to eat from a feed bunk and drink from a water trough or fountain.

Management and Herd Health.

Production loss and death loss of calves at weaning time is second only to the losses at calving. Most of this can be contributed to respiratory disease. Digestive problems such as coccidiosis and acidosis are also common diseases that can cause severe problems for weaned calves. Vaccines are very important and can help prevent some of the death loss associated with weaning.

PAGE 34

Cattle producers should have their cattle and calves on a good vaccination plan. By doing this, vaccinations can help prevent some of the death loss associated with weaning. Vaccination alone is not the cure all and should be viewed as a tool to aid in reducing disease and preventing death. It is a good idea to vaccinate a calf while it is still nursing, before weaning. Less stress allows the animal to respond better to the immunization. A booster is recommended at weaning or shortly thereafter.

Besides calving, the most stressful period in the life of a calf is weaning.

Do not castrate/dehorn at weaning. This will only compound a stressful period (weaning) with more stress. By minimizing the number of procedures used at weaning (castration/dehorning), disease occurrence can be minimized. Research shows that high stress levels suppress the immune

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

system and make the influence of disease much greater. The key to reducing stress during the weaning process is utilizing key management practices before weaning that will keep calves calm and eating.

Whether your weaning consists of total separation of cows and calves or low stress techniques such as fenceline weaning, make sure you address nutrition and health measures. During fenceline weaning, cows and calves are placed on opposite sides of a strong fence (woven wire or multiple strand hi-tensile wire). Cows are moved and calves remain in the initial pasture.

By doing this, cows and calves have nose contact but spend the majority of time grazing away from the fence in their respective pastures. Fenceline weaning is a gradual process where the cows and calves frequent the fence less often over time. This reduces the amount of bawling and stress on calves. Fenceline weaning usually takes around 7-10 days to complete. Studies have shown that fenceline weaned calves gain more weight initially due to reducing stress.

Nutrition and Feeding Management.

Feeding cost is 70-80 percent of the preconditioning program budget, so proper nutrition and feeding is extremely important. While feed costs are moving lower, they are still historically high. What to feed, how much to feed, and how much

will it cost are frequent questions, even from seasoned preconditioning operations.

There are two common methods of feeding calves during a preconditioning program. The most common is to limit feed a set amount of ration once or twice daily to cattle. This takes some time and labor to complete, but allows you to control feed intake. A second is to allow calves to eat a free choice ration from a self feeder.

This method is preferred by operations that do not have the time or labor to feed calves daily. Free choice rations must be formulated with a higher fiber content to limit intake and reduce the risk of bloating.

Often the rate of gain is higher on free choice rations than with limit feeding. One disadvantage of free choice rations is the rate of feed consumption will be much higher. By the end of the preconditioning period, a 700 pound calf can consume as much as 16-18 pounds of feed per head per day. The self-feeder must be checked frequently assuring it is adjusted properly in order to prevent feed waste.

The cost of preconditioning is something that we must document in order to determine if the venture was worth the effort. There are several preconditioning budgets and cost calculators available online from various land grant universities.

Many of these allow you to put in your

cost and price information, days of preconditioning, and your expected rate of gain. This allows you to get a custom budget and revenue estimate for your situation and management. Oklahoma State University has a very simple preconditioning budget calculator available at no cost (www.beefextension.com/pages/ calculators).

Using the Oklahoma State Preconditioning Calculator, it shows that cost of preconditioning 550 pound calves for 45 days is $96 per head (using $200/ ton feed at 12 lbs/head/day). This is a total cost calculation. Most farmers calculate preconditioning expenses as cost of feed and cost of vaccine, deworming, and other medications. According to this tool, those expenses total $72 per head ($58 feed/hay, $14 medication/vet expense).

Other expenses in this calculator include interest on operating capital, labor and equipment cost, death loss, and additional marketing expenses (special tags, fees, etc.). The additional $24 per head shows the difference between “cowboy math� and total cost.

What does spending $96 a head get us in return? This tool used an average daily gain of 2 pounds, which is a good rate of gain to target. This is where the bulk of profitability from preconditioning lies;

selling a calf that is 90-100 pounds heavier than a calf sold straight off the cow. An additional factor in profitability is the price advantage of marketing preconditioned calves in truck load lots or at value added, preconditioned calf sales. The calculation in this budget has the price advantage at $5/cwt. You will need to do some research to determine the proper price advantage for your situation. In South Carolina, we readily see truck load lots of off-farm preconditioned calves sell for $8-12/cwt more than calves of the same weight sold at near-by weekly auction markets. If your traditional marketing avenue is a graded feeder calf sale, your price advantage may be lower.

Using current market prices, the calculator showed the beginning value of calves as $646.25. The value following preconditioning is $767.52. Selling a 90 pound heavier calf at a price of $5/cwt more than traditional marketing results in $121 additional revenue. So, additional revenue minus expenses shows that preconditioning resulted in $25 per head profit. Remember, this scenario used a modest $5/cwt price advantage. If the price advantage is $8/cwt, profit increases to $44 per head.

As shown in these calculations, preconditioning calves does show profitability. Feed cost is a major factor

in profitability, as well as satisfactory weight gain and price advantage over traditional marketing avenues. These factors should be considered when evaluating if preconditioning is a viable, profitable option for you.

Preconditioning increases calf value by adding weight to the calf and by gaining

price advantages of marketing in truck load lots or participating value added sales.

Weight gain is essential to the profitability of preconditioning programs. Implementing a preconditioning program is an investment in time, money, and facilities. Many producers see an increase in calf value sufficient to cover the investment.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 35

PAGE 36

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

BRAHMAN NEWS

ABBA Herd Book Opening. The ABBA Executive Committee approved to open all Herd Books to allow members to transfer animals from one herd book into another at a fee of $5 per animal. The ABBA Herd Books will open, effective until November 1. Members requesting an animal be transferred from an existing herd book into another should submit the original registration certificate to the ABBA office along with a request and a $5 fee per animal. If you have any questions, please contact the ABBA office at abba@ brahman.org or 713-349-0854.

ABBA Aged Cow Moratorium.

The ABBA is offering a reduced price registration fee for cows over 24 months of age until September 1. The registration fee will be reduced from the standard $100 to $50.

ABBA Updated Performance Pedigree. The performance pedigrees found in the LGS system were originally built to mirror the performance pedigrees in the ABRI system. These performance pedigrees have now been updated to include all of the current ABBA EPDs. This update included adding Calving Ease, Calving Ease Maternal, Docility, and Frame Score to the EPDs found on the

Performance Foodservice Trade Show News

By ROY COPELAN The S.C. Beef Council (SCBC) participated in the first Performance Foodservice Trade Show held in Myrtle Beach on April 30 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Performance Foodservice is a food distributor covering 25 counties in South Carolina and many counties in North Carolina.

Over 750 food service operators and 275 exhibiting firms attended the trade show.

The S.C. Beef Council exhibited and gave away beef materials, promotional items, and beef recipes. A main feature in the booth was the virtual reality equipment (headset, head phones, 360º Beef App over iPhone, and chair).

The 2½ minute video explained life on a beef farm in the USA. Over 50 impressions were presented to the attendees that day.

Everyone enjoyed the viewings.

Performance Foodservice had requested these materials be made available at their trade show.

The SCBC also teamed with Chef Chris Peters with a live demo featuring “Building Better Burgers.” Chef Peters presented four different burgers, including with a fried egg, with mushrooms, with four different cheeses, and with peanut butter. These beef burger recipes and samples were a huge hit!

Overall, the trade show was successful and opened new doors for the SCBC.

performance pedigree.

How to print the performance pedigree in your browser: • If you are using Firefox or Internet Explorer, select the “Shrink to Fit” option when you print • If you are using Chrome, you will need to set the scale to between 70-75 with 0 margins. This can be seen in the screenshot below:

Check You Current ABBA Show Points Online. Did you know that you can check your current ABBA Show Points online?

Check your show points now by following these simple steps: 1. Login to the LGS system at www. livestockgenetics.net/abba/output/login. php 2. Click on the reports tab 3. Click on Show Reports 4. Select Show Points 18-19 to view your animals current point standings for this show season.

All of the shows to date have been entered.

ABBA Approved Shows are required to send the results of each show within 30 days of the conclusion of the show and the ABBA office inputs all show points as soon as they are received.

Junior Program Recycles All American Ribbons. After each year’s All American, leftover ribbons and awards are hauled back to the ABBA office and packed up in the storage closet, but this spring, the ABBA staff decided to take a different approach. On April 26, ABBA Executive Vice President Ashley Hughes met with Sue Copeland, founder of

Ribbon Recycling, to donate the excess ribbons and buckles. In a surprising twist of fate, at this meeting it was discovered Mrs. Copeland’s first job after her college graduation was the Director of Communications for the American Brahman Breeders Association. What a small world!

During her travels, Sue noticed the large number of ribbons left in the dirt at horse shows she attended. This inspired her to create Ribbon Recycling, an organization which collects new and used show ribbons and distributes them to therapeutic riding facilities and other therapy programs that are often unable to afford awards of their own. Since its creation, Ribbon Recycling has grown and now receives ribbons from all types of shows across the country. However, more ribbons are always needed to keep up with the growing demand.

“Leftover awards, especially ribbons, are almost inevitable at a show like our Junior Nationals since you can’t guarantee that every class will be full, but you have to plan for the possibility they will be,” said Shelby Schiefelbein, Director of Youth and Communications, American Brahman Breeders Association. “I’m thankful that an organization like this exists so these awards can benefit someone instead of just collecting dust in our storage closet.”

For more information on Ribbon Recycling, visit www.ribbonrecycling. com. For more information on the American Junior Brahman Association, visit www.brahman.org.

About the American Brahman Breeders Association. The American Brahman Breeders Association is the world registry for Brahman cattle, the #1 beef breed for efficiency, hybrid vigor, and environmental adaptability. ABBA provides an array of member services, educational opportunities, and a wide array of programs to assist the profitability of its members. For more information about the American Brahman breed or the many opportunities offered by the ABBA, visit www.brahman.org.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 37

International Brangus Breeders Association News Hair Shedding, Here’s How You Can Help… IBBA is collaborating with the University of Missouri to develop additional tools for our Brangus breeders.

Dr. Jared Decker’s lab received a grant to study genetic-environment adaptations.

Part of this project is to understand early summer hair shedding as an adaptive trait and an indicator of tolerance to heat stress and fescue toxicosis. In order for Brangus to become an integral part of this study which will assist in the development of genetic prediction tools for this trait, we need your help.

Study requirements to be considered a ranch collaborator in this research endeavor: • Animals to be considered in the study must be at least yearling age (born in spring of 2018 or earlier).

• Animals to be considered in the study must be ‘mature females’ or herd sires

(animals to be sold at market would not be eligible).

• Once you obtain a list of animals that meet these criteria, there must be a minimum of ten animals submitted for your ranch (a greater number provides more power and accuracy to the study).

• (This doesn’t necessarily mean your whole herd, but everyone on that particular ranch in that particular pasture, similar to contemporary grouping.)

• Provide me with a list of all animals in the herd that will be evaluated in the study.

• Of that list, I will provide you with either blood cards or TSUs to collect DNA on these animals (if 30K, 50K, or 150K data is not already available).

• You collect the DNA and send the DNA to the IBBA office for me, Macee Prause, to send to the University with all animals’ pedigree and performance information.

HAIR SHEDDING SCORES A TOOL TO SELECT HEAT TOLERANT CATTLE

MU

animal

genomics

MAKE YOUR COWHERD WORK FOR YOU One tool beef producers in heat stressed environments and producers grazing toxic endophyte infected (hot) fescue can use to easily evaluate their “employees” is early summer hair shedding scoring. Early Summer hair shedding is an adaptive trait and an indicator of tolerance to heat stress and fescue toxicosis: late shedders have depressed growth and depressed reproductive success.

HAIR SHEDDING AND COW PRODUCTIVITY Preliminary hair shedding genomic EPDs show a clear relationship with cow performance. After normalizing for calving season, calf birth date calf sex, and farm effect, we find ~14 pounds average increase in calf weaning weight with every point decrease in hair shedding EPD (i.e. dams with better hair shedding scores tend to wean heavier calves than those with worse hair shedding scores.)

EASE OF SCORING Addressing heat stress and fescue toxicosis from the animal side is not costly nor time consuming. Cattle can be scored in the pasture of chute side.

EBEEF.ORG BLOG.STEAKINGENOMIC.ORG

DR. JARED DECKER @POP_GEN_JED

FUNDING PROVIDED BY USDA NIFA 2016-68004-24827. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRENT SMITH (MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY). KATE HOUGHLIN, GIBBS FARMS, TOM BROS CATTLE CO. AND MU THOMPSON RESEARCH CENTER

PAGE 38

By ROY COPELAN The Lexington County Cattlemen’s Association held a meeting on May 21 at the Senior Center in Gilbert. Approximately 30 people attended.

LCCA President Joel Keisler welcomed everyone. The attendees enjoyed a delicious top round roast beef meal catered by Sweet Magnolia’s of Pelion.

Estimates of hair shedding heritability range from 0.38-0.40.

This means that genetic progress can be made by culling cattle with undesirable hair shedding scores.

As part of a broader effort to identify beef cattle well suited to their environment, producers enrolled in the Mizzou Hair Shedding Project collected over 12,000 hair shedding scores in 2016 and 2017, with 2018 and 2019 scores forthcoming. Most of these cattle have been DNA tested. These data are being used to create a hair shedding score EPD for the evaluation of adaptation to heat and fescue toxicosis

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

testing, your animals will receive GE-EPDs and parentage verification (if this is not already collected). 2018 animals submitted in July had results available that December.

Please consider helping better the Brangus breed by becoming a project member and assisting with EPD development. FYI: Did you know that hair shedding and weaning weight are corelated? Did you know that hair shedding is a heritable trait? If you have any questions regarding this study or would like to officially become a ranch in the program, please let myself, Macee Prause, know. We are happy to assist you with this partnership. *ONLY 500 SLOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!* About the International Brangus Breeders Association. The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, strives to provide the commercial cattle industry, domestically and internationally, with the best genetics possible. Founded in 1949 as the American Brangus Breeders, the organization has since evolved into the IBBA. The IBBA’s purpose is to enable its members to produce quality beef for the commercial cattle industry and its consumers. For more information about IBBA, visit www.gobrangus.com.

Lexington County Cattlemen’s Association News

HAIR SHEDDING IS HERITABLE

MIZZOU HAIR SHEDDING PROJECT

HARLY DURBIN @HARLYJANED

• All animals on your list for this study must have a hair shedding score collected in 2019 and 2020. (It is expected that you are retaining the females.) Next year, a reminder will be sent out with the list collected in 2019 and only hair shedding scores need to be re-evaluated in 2020.

• Year 2020 +: Submit hair shedding scores on same group of animals.

• Hair shedding scores are to be collected between April and June (when your herd is at its highest variability).

Why should you choose to collaborate with this project? Firstly, the mission of IBBA is to empower members to advance the quality, reliability, and value of Brangus and Brangus influenced cattle; to provide innovative programs and services which enhance the economic well being of members and commercial customers. By becoming an integral part of this research endeavor, you are building the power of the Brangus breed’s future. Secondly, the IBBA and University of Missouri are covering the costs for DNA collection and testing.

You as the breeder only need to collect the DNA and shedding scores of replacement females. Last, but definitely not least, the DNA collected will be submitted for analysis to the University for testing in July (everyone’s is sent in together). From this

After the meal, Dr. Boyd Parr of Clemson University gave a presentation to the group. He discussed an overview of his shop (Livestock Poultry Health), as well as the Veterinary Diagnostic Center.

He also talked about animal health issues in South Carolina and across the United States, including African Swine Fever, Tuberculous, Brucellosis, Influenza, and Virulent Newcastle Disease. The remainder of time was spent on Animal

Disease Traceability.

This information helps animal health officials know where diseased and at risk animals are, where they have been, and when. Dr. Parr related the steps USDA needs to take in order to strengthen its traceability system. The electronic tags use radio frequency, which speeds information captured and shared.

Next, Clemson Agent Travis Mitchell discussed soil sampling on hay fields and fly control for cattle.

Roy Copelan spoke on SCCA activities, including membership, the annual meeting, and youth scholarships. He also gave an update on SCBC activities, such as Summer Grilling promotions and the statewide vote for the state checkoff program.

LCCA Treasurer Brandi Lindler gave a financial report. President Joel appointed a Youth Scholarship Selection Committee.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 39

South Carolina Cattlemen’s Foundation 2019 S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship Winners Catherine Faulkner My name is Catherine Faulkner, I am from Clover, S.C., and I am honored to be chosen as a recipient of the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship. I am very thankful for all that the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation does to provide scholarship opportunities to assist South Carolina youth in pursuing their career goals. Currently, I am a senior at Clover High School and will use this scholarship towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

While I am not pursuing a career in the agriculture industry, I will never forsake my love for agriculture and, in particular, the cattle industry. I have been fortunate enough to be raised on my family’s fourth generation beef cattle farm and have treasured every second of growing up with cattle. I am so thankful for all that my mom and dad have done for me and taught me.

Through allowing me to raise countless numbers of bottle calves, show 4-H project heifers and horses, I have learned how to be dedicated, nurturing, caring, and persistent, which will follow me to the bedside to provide my patients with the best possible care.

Throughout my high school career, I have been extremely active in extracurricular activities. I am currently serving as President of the Clover FFA Chapter where I use my passion for agriculture to get other members involved, and Vice President of Service for National Honor Society where I coordinate service projects and community outreach. In

Catherine Faulkner

PAGE 40

addition to my officer roles, I am also a member of HOSA, a club for future health professionals, and French National Honor Society, which works to inform others of the French culture. While being heavily involved in school activities, I have also been a Principal’s Scholar for having all A’s throughout my four years at Clover High School.

After graduation from college, I plan to pursue my nursing career in the specialty area of trauma and emergency care. My time spent volunteering in the Emergency Room at Piedmont Medical Center and my EMT class ride time with Chester Emergency Medical Services has showed me my love for emergency medicine. After developing the required experience, I hope to become a flight nurse and work on a life flight helicopter. I am beyond excited to start my career path towards this dream.

I cannot thank the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Directors enough for selecting me to be a recipient of such a prestigious scholarship. I greatly appreciate their support of my nursing education so that I can fulfill my lifelong career dream.

Zachary Hall I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship for the 2019 academic year. I want to thank the scholarship committee and the board of directors for giving me such an opportunity.

Ever since I can remember, I have been working on the farm. Because of this I know what a true day of hard work is; many days I have worked before the sun came up and long after it has gone down.

By doing this I have learned the true meaning of hard work, how to be a leader if need be, and learned how to be a respectful young man to others, as I have worked alongside and with many people over my lifetime so far.

I have always been a hard working person whether I am at school or working on the farm. I have always kept my grades up and make sure my homework gets done even though I am always busy at the farm.

I have been a member of the FFA all four years of my high school career. I have held two officer positions, Chaplin and Vice President. I have also participated

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

in many activities in FFA, such as tractor driving and pulling the float with my truck during the Christmas parade and during the Poultry Festival. I have also been a member of the Junior Beta Club at the middle school and The National Beta Club at the high school. I have always done all my service hours and never been put on probation because of my grades. I have also participated in activities with the beta club such as going to the State Convention and representing my school, BatesburgLeesville High School.

Zachary Hall

I graduated high school in the top 20 percent of my class, and I am pursuing a degree in diversified agriculture at Piedmont Tech. In doing this, I will be the first person in my family to go to college and get a degree rather than building chicken houses. So, this is a big step for me and my family. After I graduate from Piedmont Tech, I will either try to find me a job and go straight to work or I may further my education by going to another college.

So, hopefully in ten years I will have a two or four year degree, have a house and small family, and love doing my job in agriculture.

Also, I know I will be stopping by my parent’s house and still helping them with the farm, because if not for them, I would not be where I am today or then.

I am very grateful to have been picked to receive this scholarship, for I am trying to pay for all my college by myself. I plan to impact agriculture by getting my education and working as hard as I can at the job I get. Agriculture is one of the biggest industries in South Carolina and is needing young individuals to step up and take the jobs that need to be filled as others retire, or the new jobs that are becoming available since all the technology is steadily upgrading and coming out with new things in agriculture. I do not know how far I will go or how big of an impact I can make, but I always have and always will try my best. Agriculture is one of the

best career opportunities and I will make sure I tell others and spread the word to others, to make sure the next generation is also interested in agriculture, because this world will always need agriculture to provide food and jobs for the people.

Allison Harman My name is Allison Harman, and I am currently a junior at Clemson University majoring in animal and veterinary science with a minor in business administration. I grew up on a small beef cattle operation in Leesville, South Carolina. By the time I was nine, I had competed in the state Junior 4-H Livestock Judging Contest and was beginning to show breeding heifers. I developed my herd and business through the guidance of my 4-H leaders, FFA advisors, Clemson extension agents, and local farmers. Over the years, I worked to build my own herd of elite Angus females featuring genetics from some of the most well-known female lines in the country. I have earned my A.I. certification and rely heavily on artificial insemination in my breeding scheme. In the past year, I have expanded the use of assisted reproductive technologies by including embryo transfer on two of my elite Angus females.

While at Clemson, I have continued to increase my knowledge and leadership within the agriculture industry. I have been involved in the Clemson Block & Bridle Club, where I will serve as the club vice president for the 2019-2020 school year.

With Block & Bridle, I have had the opportunity to attend NCBA Convention and National Block & Bridle Convention, work local cattle sales, spend spring break interning on a Brangus operation, and network with our alumni base. I have become an advocate for agriculture on the state level by serving as a Farm Bureau Youth Ambassador, officer in the Clemson Collegiate Farm Bureau, and as a South Carolina FFA State Officer. I have been able to do all of this while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. In order to keep pushing my

Allison Harman

academic success, I have involved myself in undergraduate research with bovine growth and development as a means to improve overall production efficiency, and have served as a teaching assistant for the Livestock Exhibition and Introduction to Animal Science courses. This summer, I will be working as a supply chain intern for ABS Global in the bull barns in Deforest, Wisconsin.

After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in reproduction with a focus on beef cattle. I am fascinated by the ways assisted reproductive technologies can be used to improve the cattle industry.

I hope that my future career will revolve around improving reproductive technology while making these improvements easier for cattlemen by reducing financial and labor investments. At the same time, I want to continue building and expanding my personal herd to create more demand for my females.

I want to sincerely thank the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Directors for selecting me as a recipient of the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship for the 2019-2020 school year.

I am so honored and grateful for the support to help me achieve my education goals.

Sarah Shore I am deeply honored to have been selected as a recipient of the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship for the 2019-2020 school year. I truly appreciate the opportunity given to me by the scholarship committee and the SCCF Board of Directors. I am currently a freshman at Clemson University obtaining a degree in animal and veterinary science with a concentration in animal agribusiness.

Determining a major was a decision that came very easily to me, as early on, I always knew I would pursue a career in agriculture.

I was very blessed to have been born and raised on a farm. In the fifth grade, my mom and dad gave me five Holstein steers to care for and raise. I finished

Sarah Shore

them out and sold them at the stockyard.

I reinvested the money in three bred cows, and the rest is history. I now have my own cow/calf operation, which consists of 85 cows and calves. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to work and learn from my father and mother at Shore Livestock, as well as the Yon family at Yon Family Farms. From both of these experiences, I gained a tremendous amount of cattle knowledge which I will be able to use in my professional career upon graduation.

While at Clemson, I have been involved in various agriculture experiences in order to grow my knowledge and leadership within the industry. During my first semester, I worked extremely hard to maintain my grades and was named to the Dean’s List. In addition to striving to maintain my grades, I have worked hard to be involved in the College of Agriculture at Clemson University. I have become involved in the Agriculture Affairs Committee of Undergraduate Student Government, where we serve to raise awareness about agriculture across the university. I am also a member of the Clemson University Block and Bridle and serve as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Chair for the 2019-2020 school year. I am a member of the Clemson Collegiate FFA as well as the Clemson University Agribusiness Association. I have also taken time out of my class schedule in order to volunteer with Clemson Extension and the local 4-H program at Townville Elementary School to conduct science experiments with fourth grade students. It is very important for me to stay active in various committees in order to continue to promote the agriculture industry.

After I graduate, I have plans to pursue a career as a Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales Representative and also to continue to grow my cow/calf herd. I have always had a strong interest in the medical side of agriculture, specifically in the beef cattle industry. I feel that this career will allow me to work with farmers and veterinarians in order to keep the animals healthy as we strive to work together to feed the world.

Again, I would like to thank the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Directors for selecting me to be the recipient of this wonderful scholarship. I appreciate your support and for helping me to obtain my education so that I may continue to help make an impact on South Carolina agriculture.

Lydia Swygert To start, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to S.C. Cattlemen’s Association for making this Scholarship opportunity possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor and I am deeply appreciative of your support.

My name is Lydia Swygert, I am a senior at Batesburg-Leesville High School.

I currently serve as Student Body President and FFA President for my school’s FFA chapter. I am a member of my church youth group and S.C. Lutheran Church Youth (SCLCY). I am the second oldest out of four children.

After graduating high school, my future plans include attending USC Beaufort as a nursing major with the ambitions to become a travel nurse. My hope is to work with agencies that allow me to help others around the world. I believe in taking the chances given to you, because you never know where the path may lead.

I know that when I believe in myself and show confidence in what I am doing, then others around me will support my efforts and help me transform my passion into purpose.

By awarding me the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, giving me the ability to focus more on the most

Lydia Swygert

important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help make a difference in the lives of others by helping them as a nurse, just as you have helped me pursue my education as a supporter. Thank you.

Pictured from left to right - the Clemson Tiger, Lydia Swygert, Zachary Hall, Sarah Shore, Catherine Faulkner, Allison Harman, Pat Williams, and Thomas Legare.

Quality Equipment at Competitive Prices

Call about NEW PORTABLE SYSTEMS! INFORMATION OR BROCHURES:

Peter Hostetler 540-810-4605 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 41

Planning Can Help Pasture Owners Manage the Mud

By TOM HALLMAN Clemson University Extension Service In the spring, livestock owners’ fancy lightly turns to thoughts of pasture management.

With all the rain in Upstate South Carolina this spring, though, it’s more like mud management.

“Mud management is a problem,” said Cassie LeMaster, a Clemson University Extension Service livestock agent. “The kind of trouble we’re seeing in our pastures this spring reminds us of the importance of putting solutions in place beforehand.”

You can’t stop the rain. But there are some tried and true ways of managing its effects on the pasture your livestock depend on.

Nearly 100 horse and cattle owners came to an evening workshop in Spartanburg for a recent workshop where Cassie and her husband and fellow Extension agent, Chris, shared some of those solutions. Mud was on everybody’s mind.

“If your critters are walking belly deep in mud, they are not gaining weight, no matter how good the feed,” said Steve Higgins, director of environmental compliance at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and a guest speaker at the workshop.

“Livestock owners deal with lots of issues: herd health, genetics, reproduction, handling facilities. But those account for only about 30 percent of the cost of raising livestock,” he said.

“The rest comes from environmental factors.

The environment is important.”

Feed alone accounts for about half the cost of producing livestock, so anything that interferes with growing grass can present a serious financial problem to animal owners.

“Soil nutrients have probably migrated because of all this rain,” Cassie LeMaster said. “You will want to take special care this year to assess your soil fertility.”

In the long run, the experts agree that building a containment system for feeding cattle and horses is the best option. Assuming a cow eats three round bales a season — roughly two percent of her body weight daily — building a sheltered containment system for hay saves roughly $100 per animal.

The LeMasters and Higgins displayed a variety of types of feed containment systems tested by Extension agricultural engineers and animal scientists and ranging from the inexpensive to the elaborate.

But of all the options to repair and

protect a pasture, “the most expensive option is to do nothing,” Higgins said. “Your cattle are going to lose weight if you don’t address the problem. Whether you build a pad in feeding areas or not, you’re still paying for it. Mud needs to be addressed.”

Threats to your soil and grass can come from a variety of sources. Compression from truck and tractor tires and ruts from cattle or horse traffic through the pasture can leave permanent damage to pasture.

Heavy rainfall can make that damage worse.

“If you’re raising livestock on pastures, your most important product is grass,” Higgins said. “The quality and quantity of grasses dictate how many critters you can sustain on your farm. And if grass is your most important product, soil is your most important resource.”

Among the simplest and least expensive options is to re-examine the efficiency of your farm’s design. Higgins calls it “material handling,” or just “moving stuff.”

“If you’re hauling hay or feed, how many times do you move it before it gets to the cow?” he asks livestock owners. “Two tons of hay becomes six tons if you have to

move it three times.”

Extension specialists recommend taking a fresh look at where you, your animals, and your equipment go on the farm. The pressure per square inch of a cow’s hoof on the grass can be greater than that of a bulldozer, so minimizing traffic saves a lot of wear and tear.

“A poor layout is a source of constant loss,” he said. “A good layout costs little or no more to produce than a poor one.”

Planning more efficiency into the farm will protect against some of the cost of restoration and repair. And simple solutions to weather events, such as penning up livestock after a soaking rain to allow the soil to percolate, can pay big dividends.

“It doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. You can achieve a lot with just the step point method, which has been around since the 1950s,” said Chris LeMaster.

“Essentially walking and observing what touches your boot is a basic technique for pasture inventory and damage assessment.”

County Extension agents have research based information available locally and more resources are online at www.clemson. edu/extension/livestock/.

Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle G

Quality & Performance G

Justin Ridenhour Salisbury, NC

justride1572@bellsouth.net • 704-239-4032

Visit us online at www.ncgelbvieh.com.

PAGE 42

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 43

Parasite Control Could be More Important than Ever This Spring.

Thanks to a cool, wet winter, parasites may pose a serious problem in beef herds across the country. “We’re already starting to see a heavier than normal worm load in pastures across Texas,” said John Davidson, DVM, senior associate director of beef professional veterinary services, Boehringer Ingelheim. “Combine that with the fact that it’s been a hard winter for cattle, with many fighting muddy and wet conditions since fall. Deworming cattle this spring will be important in reducing production losses and improving overall animal health.”

“Conditions in our area are particularly severe this year, after a fall explosion in armyworm populations caused severe damage to not only crops but also pastures,” added Michael Allen, cattleman and DVM with Houston County Veterinary Hospital in Crockett, Texas.

“As a result, there is almost no standing forage left anywhere this winter, and it will take a while for pastures to regrow.

In these conditions, cows are forced to eat closer to the ground, making them more likely to ingest worms.”

Stealing from the herd - “It’s hard to recognize symptoms of internal parasites, especially in adult animals,” Dr. Davidson said. “They steal from you under the table, since so many of the early signs are subclinical.

“The most common visual signs are fairly subtle: cattle that just don’t look healthy, may be slightly thinner, and have a rough hair coat,” he continued. “At that point, production losses are probably already significant.”

Dr. Davidson said internal parasites can negatively impact cattle health and production in several important ways: • Reduced feed intake. Heavy worm loads cause cattle to eat less, which slows weight gain and cuts feed efficiency.1 • Weakened immunity. Internal parasites can have a major impact on an animal’s immune system, due in part to poorer nutrition. This can lower the animal’s ability to fight off infections and reduce the effectiveness of vaccinations.2,3 In addition, some parasites actually hinder the animal’s defense mechanisms. For example, the Ostertagia ostertagi (brown stomach worm) secretes substances that suppress the animal’s immune system, which can interfere with its ability to respond to vaccines.4 • Reduced reproductive efficiency.

PAGE 44

NEWS

Serious worm loads can lower conception rates in cows and weaken semen production in bulls because their higher hormone levels can actually depress immunity to parasites.2,3 • Less milk produced for calves.2,3 Deworming cows prior to calving ensures that they’ll be able to maximize feed intake for milk production.

“All of these can add up to major losses in a herd,” summed up Dr. Davidson.

“Research shows that, compared to all other herd health practices, including the use of implants and antibiotics, treating for parasites delivers the largest economic return.”2 Right time and product - The key to effective parasite control is to break their life cycle. “In the southern United States, worm species typically go dormant in the cattle’s stomachs over summer, so the best time to control them is while they’re still active in May or June,” Dr. Davidson pointed out. “In the northern part of the country, worms such as the brown stomach worm can overwinter in cattle, so early fall is the most effective time to deworm the herd.”

Dr. Allen said many of his clients will use a pour on product this spring, due to the convenience and added fly control ahead of summer. “Other ranchers prefer an injectable product, and some use a combination; one product for cows and another for calves.

Choosing the best product depends on the individual operation and how they do things.”

“It’s also important to make sure you choose a deworming product that is effective at both larval and adult worm stages,” noted Dr. Davidson. “That way, you’ll know you’re getting broader protection.”

Drs. Allen and Davidson encourage producers to work with their veterinarians to create a deworming program best suited to their operation’s specific needs.

References 1 Beckett J. Efficacy of pour on dewormers differing in active ingredient and carrier on weight gain and fecal egg count in stocker beef cattle. College of Agriculture, Cal Poly State University.

2 Lawrence J.D., Ibarburu M.A. Economic analysis of pharmaceutical technologies in modern beef production, in Proceedings.

NCCC-134 Conference on Applied Commodity Price Analysis, Forecasting and Market Risk Management. 2007.

3 Hawkins J.A. Economic benefits of parasite control in cattle. Vet Parasitol 1993;46(1–4):159–173.

4 Sonstegard T.S., Gasbarre L.C. Genomic tools to improve parasite resistance.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Vet Parasitol 2001;101(3–4):387–403.

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.boehringer-ingelheim. com/animal-health/overview.

Clemson Spring Dairy Show Results The 2019 Clemson Spring Dairy Show, held April 12-14 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Clemson, S.C., was a success! There were 95 exhibitors that exhibited 267 animals from 9 states in attendance. There were 86 Jerseys, 34 Guernseys, 102 Holsteins, 33 Brown Swiss, and 12 Ayrshires in attendance.

In addition to the conformation shows, the South Carolina 4-H and FFA Dairy Evaluation contests were held with over 65 youth participating. The junior 4-H division winning team for dairy judging was York County 4-H; the senior 4-H division team was Saluda 4-H; and the winning team for FFA was the Clover FFA Chapter. In addition, the Clover FFA Chapter had the winner of the dairy handler contest.

All the money for this show is raised by fundraisers and donations from local businesses and individuals.

This show would not be possible without the help of local and state businesses that believe in supporting youth in agriculture.

Two scholarships were given. One was for the senior showmanship winner in memory of Mark Keith by Ryan and Whitney Keith. This scholarship, in the amount of $500, was awarded to Tabb French. The second scholarship was given by Coca Cola and the T. Ed Garrison arena. The winner of the $750 scholarship was Catherine Faulkner.

2019 Grand Champion Exhibitors • Jersey - Pleasant Valley Tan Cookie, shown by Michael McSwain of North Carolina • Guernsey - GR-Woodale LOL Captain Nora, shown by Nicholas Hammer of Florida • Holstein - Pleasant-View Shot Ohanna, shown by Salem Sifford of Virginia • Brown Swiss - Niermans Bravo Praden, shown by Whitney Keith of Georgia • Ayrshire - JSB Acres Trista, show by Nicholas Hammer 2019 Supreme Champion Winners • Cow - Pleasant Valley Tan Cookie (Jersey), shown by Michael McSwain • Heifer - Walnut Ridge Jackpot Starlet (Guernsey), shown by Hobbs Lutz • Heifer Project - Lil-Miss-Acres 589 (Holstein), shown by Madelyn Bolin

N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight

By TERESA L. HERMAN Piedmont Research Station - NCDA&CS

N.C. Cattle Working Contest Looks to Expand Nationally North Carolina is fortunate to have a strong FFA presence in the school system.

Teaching new and emerging farmers improved agronomic practices should be top priority. If we are to feed the expected 9.2 billion people globally by the year 2050, our young folks need to appreciate the importance of agriculture.

A remarkable new contest, born from the creativity of a handful of extension agents and research station staff, has given young folks the opportunity to showcase their skills in BQA and cattle handling. The “Cattle Working contest” started approximately five years ago with a handful of FFA chapters, a few heifers, and a dream. The original participants were terrified of giving shots, were timid

and unsure of proper cattle handling procedures, and had very little knowledge of Beef Quality Assurance. On April 16, I had the honor to judge 12 of the most talented, well practiced cattle handling teams in the state (maybe the nation).

These teams travelled from the northwest region of North Carolina to compete at Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs. Each three person team was required to successfully administer vaccines and dewormers to four head of Angus heifers. The students were closely monitored for accuracy of injection placement, dosage of vaccine, proper documentation of lot numbers and serial codes of product labels, in addition to low stress cattle handling and safety.

Regular copy deadline is JULY 5 for the JUNE issue Spotlight material is due

JULY 1 for the JUNE issue The most notable observation from the 2019 State Cattle Working Contest was the winning team from Bandy’s High School. I witnessed this team competing as freshmen four years ago. They were awkward, nervous, and green around cattle. This year they worked four head of cattle in less than eight minutes with zero mistakes. Not only were they flawless in their execution of administering vaccines, but they excelled in feed, forage, and tool identification.

Plans are underway to expand this

contest to the national level. Our hopes are to continue to educate young folks on proper BQA techniques and low stress cattle handling. The ultimate goal, however, is to continue to foster the love and appreciation for the beef industry and to grow the advocacy for agriculture.

If you are interested in hosting a regional cattle working contest in your area, please contact me, Teresa Herman, at 704-278-2624 or Aaron Ray Tompkins at 336-372-5597.

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 45

Performance Livestock Analytics Revolutionizing Livestock Management using Machine Learning. Newly patented predictive growth modeling uses machine learning to help farmers better manage livestock operations. As global income and education levels increase, the demand for protein based food grows. This demand for animal products puts a strain on traditional, mixed farming practices, and conventional decision making, adding risk to the ability to meet future animal protein production requirements. Livestock producers must continue to adapt and use resources to improve efficiency and profitability.

Performance Livestock Analytics (PLA) is helping producers better predict animal growth and capture maximum value using machine learning. The company’s newest patent, Adaptive Livestock Growth Modeling Using Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Growth and Recommend Livestock Management Operations and Activities, provides predictive technology with machine learning to PLA’s flagship product, Performance Beef™, to better forecast cattle growth, animal health, and financials. The new intellectual property uses artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology, to automatically access and learn from generated data without additional programming.

“With machine learning capabilities, our enhanced predictive growth models provide

NEWS

a smarter, more adaptive decision making tool, enabling faster marketing decisions,” says Justin Sexten, vice president of strategy, Performance Livestock Analytics.

Performance Beef is the leading business operating platform in the livestock industry, providing data driven solutions for the entire livestock production ecosystem.

The cloud based, subscription platform helps producers automatically capture feed and veterinary information, and now helps better predict future operational and financial outcomes. The real time information is essential to maximizing efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.

“Our real time data and analytics help producers, nutritionists, and consultants analyze and optimize necessary nutrition, health, and financial information,” says Sexten. “We’ll continue to innovate and help provide increased transparency and traceability in the industry.”

About Performance Livestock Analytics Inc. Performance Livestock Analytics provides the leading business operating platform to livestock producers, brokers, risk managers, nutritionists, animal health, and animal nutrition companies. The subscription platform helps users better manage all financial, operational, and performance data for their livestock operations in one place. For more information, visit www.

PerformanceLivestockAnalytics.com.

Supporting the S.C. Beef Checkoff Program…

By LAURA LESTER Commodity Programs Coordinator, SCDA The S.C. Beef Council’s (SCBC) farmer led checkoff organization works diligently to increase the demand for beef here in the Palmetto State and beyond.

Through promotion, education, and research the checkoff provides opportunities for cattle producers by investing in programs that support the growth and development of the beef cattle industry.

Through the checkoff, the SCBC has recently co-sponsored the S.C. Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting, the S.C. Family Physicians Annual Meeting, and the S.C. Public Health Association Conference. Being present at meetings like these allows the beef story to be told to a captive audience of healthcare professionals who may otherwise be

PAGE 46

difficult to reach. Having a space on the agenda or booth on the tradeshow floor allows for the nutritional benefits of beef to be touted, reminding this fundamental audience that beef is an excellent source of protein and other vital nutrients. These nutritionists, doctors, and other industry professionals then have the potential to influence hundreds, perhaps thousands, of consumers.

Checkoff support is more important now than ever. I support our South Carolina farmer led checkoff programs because I have seen firsthand the resources and benefits that these organizations provide to our producers. Through your continued support of the beef checkoff, I’m confident that beef will remain “what’s for dinner.”

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President

By ROSCOE KYLE Hello to all. I hope all is well with everyone at this time of the year.

To catch up on the past few months of 2019, I have had the opportunity to visit several local county cattlemen’s meetings and have enjoyed good fellowship along with the good food. I was able to attend the NCBA Annual Trade Show and Convention in February held in New Orleans. There were over eight acres of vendors and exhibits, along with over 9,000 attendees. The numerous educational programs and committee meetings were very informative and well attended. The food was delicious and the night life was entertaining.

The S.C. Cattlemen’s Association held their annual convention in March at the T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena in Clemson. There were over 40 vendors and exhibitors, and approximately 160 attendees. Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill were the main guest speakers along with NCBA President Jennifer Houston and NCBA Vice President Colin Woodall.

Senator Harvey Peeler was honored at the scholarship awards dinner for his years of support and years of service to the SCCA. The cattlemen handed out five scholarships totaling $7,000 for the coming school year. This money came from the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation through the silent auction and raffle held at the convention.

By the time this goes to print, the majority of the spring cattle sales will be over, and hopefully all the spring calves are on the ground and doing well. Hopefully all who needed to upgrade and replace animals were able to find what they needed. From the sales I saw this was an excellent year to replace animals.

I was able to attend the Georgia Cattlemen’s Conference this past April at the state fairgrounds in Perry.

For those of you who are not aware, the agriculture division of Dow and DuPont have merged into CORTEVA. This is just for your information.

As a reminder of the importance of doing a soil sample to those who have not, do it to save you the extra expense on fertilizer that you don’t need. Also try and stay ahead of the weeds. If you require assistance, call your local extension forage agent. That is what they are there for.

We all sometimes need to be reminded about farm safety...me included. That’s enough said on that subject.

The SCCA annual meeting committee has already begun planning for next year’s event, which will be held March 19-20. The committee meeting was held at the Newberry Extension Office, and afterwards, the members stopped by the Wilson Equipment store to express gratitude for the contribution of the fertilizer spreader to the silent auction. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Bud Miller from Agri-Supply of Florence for the donation of the grill that was raffled off.

On a somber note, this past April the cattle industry lost a valuable member and supporter. James “Jim” B. Wannamaker passed away after a long illness. All our thoughts and prayers go out to Mickey, his wife of over 50 years, and to his three brothers, sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will surely be missed.

Don’t forget to support your local cattlemen’s groups, 4-H clubs, and Young Farmers association because these people are the future leaders of the cattle industry in our state.

Remember the words of the late Dr. Billy Graham. “When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

May you all have a safe summer.

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 JUNE 2019

PAGE 47

Extended performance of 200 day implant delivers opportunity for grazing cattle. Operating as an extension of their customers’ ranches and taking a “pure investor” approach to the cattle business makes the decision to implant cattle on grass a no brainer for Maurice Janda, the feedyard manager at Graham Land & Cattle Company.

“Implants are a tremendous tool that can directly improve profitability through increased average daily gain, resulting in higher yield conversion,” said Janda, who oversees day-to-day management of the 4,000 acre operation in Gonzales, Tex., that includes 15,000 head of backgrounding cattle and 30,000 head of feedlot cattle.

When Janda learned about Synovex One Grass, he thought it would fit well with the 300-400 pound cattle on the operation, which are then turned out on grass for 200 days.

“We were missing out on 60-90 days by not using implants with long duration,” Janda said. “The other benefit is employee

PAGE 48

time management — it frees up time to take better care of the other cattle and lightens workload. It also allows us to avoid having to pen cattle, minimizing the stress and labor of roundups.”

An Oklahoma grazing study demonstrated that cattle implanted with Synovex One Grass generated approximately $24 net income per head versus conventional duration implants, when considering added weight gain and implant costs.*,1 The extended performance of this product delivers up to 200 days of improved gain in pasture steers and heifers, allowing cattlemen to take advantage of longer grazing periods.

As the only true 200 day trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant for steers and heifers, this solution offers uninterrupted performance.

“Synovex One Grass is available for use with both steers and heifers, adding operational flexibility and the opportunity to extend grazing periods, achieving more days of gain from their pasture,” explained

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Dr. Douglas Hilbig, Beef Technical Services veterinarian with Zoetis.

Re-implanting cattle can be time consuming and costly. But with Synovex One Grass, cattlemen only need to use one applicator and one implant for all their cattle — providing labor savings and unmatched operational efficiency.

Find more information and resources on implanting cattle, including helpful how to videos, at www.NoStressSynovex.com.

Do not use Synovex products in veal calves. Refer to label for complete directions for use, precautions, and warnings. * Cattle prices are the average paid for 425 pound steers when the study started, $221.75/cwt, and value at completion of the study was the average sale price received for 850 pound steers, $142.50/cwt.

1 Data on file, Study Report No. 16CARGFA01, Zoetis Inc. Unseen damage from parasites can steal from your bottom line. Keep some simple tips in mind so performance levels stay strong. Despite great progress in controlling parasites, too many operations fail to consider active ingredients for specific parasite challenges — or even deworming at all. Failure to deworm calves in the spring can limit the calf’s ability to reach its full genetic potential.

Advancements have made parasite infestations primarily a subclinical issue, so producers assume there is no problem because they don’t see obvious clinical symptoms or death losses, said Dr. Mark Alley, DVM, senior technical service veterinarian, Zoetis. Because the infestations are subclinical, it’s hard to visualize the calves may be ten pounds lighter, but, as Dr. Alley said, “In the sale check, that makes a difference.”

“Not deworming nursing calves is probably the biggest obstacle that we have to overcome,” he said. “Most just don’t think it’s an issue.

“Part of the reason for these management decisions comes down to the success of macrocyclic lactones in stopping the loss of cattle due to brown stomach worm (Ostertagia) infestations,” Dr. Alley said. For a time, the industry wide urgency of that problem took the focus away from working to control internal parasites like Cooperia, Nematodirus, and Haemonchus. And, as time went on, veterinarians discovered benzimidazole dewormers treated those parasites much more effectively than macrocyclic lactones did.

The first step is understanding the limits of current management practices. It is important for cattle producers to work with a veterinarian to do diagnostics and determine what is working in their parasite control program.

As Dr. Alley explains, there are some challenges at the cow/calf level understanding which parasite is present.

It is believed older cows develop some resistance to Cooperia. Cooperia, Nematodirus, and Haemonchus typically are a greater parasite challenge in younger animals. “But the only real way to determine which parasites are present is to get cultures or PCR [polymerase chain reaction] of the eggs from fecal samples,” Dr. Alley said.

An example Dr. Alley shares is the assumption that winter weather kills a lot of parasites, specifically the larvae and eggs in the environment. “In reality, cold weather doesn’t have a very big impact at all on them,” Dr. Alley said.

As soon as warm weather returns enough to grow grass, the parasite resumes its life cycle on the pastures.

“As a result, we get really short grass that’s just greening up, and with the right size, right age calf, they’re going to start nibbling on grass,” Dr. Alley said.

“And when they do graze, they may be consuming some parasites with their first forage consumption.”

Dr. Alley recommends cow/calf producers work closely with their veterinarian to develop an effective parasite control program for cows and calves that addresses the parasite challenges in their geographic area.

For more information, visit www.

GetLessParasites.com for solutions from Zoetis.

Expand your approach to reduce the risks of BVD. Biosecurity and testing are essential components alongside immunization. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) continues to be a vexing problem for cow/calf producers. BVDV is spread in multiple ways and the risk control effort needs to have a multi-pronged approach.

According to Dr. Paul Walz, professor of pathology at Auburn University, there are three steps to controlling BVDV infections: • Biosecurity • Immunization • Testing Vaccinating is the act of giving the animal a vaccine, explained Dr. Walz, while immunization is when the animal has an immune response to the vaccine. He said ideally producers will give two doses of modified live virus reproductive vaccine in replacement heifers before they are bred for the first time, with the last dose given approximately 30 days prior to breeding.

Annual revaccination with a modified live virus vaccine, like Bovi-Shield Gold FP 5 VL5, gives effective protection against BVDV infections. If a modified live virus program in the mature cow herd doesn’t work for the operation, a killed BVDV

reproductive vaccine, like CattleMaster Gold FP 5, at pregnancy check time can also provide protection for the herd against BVDV infection.

Once producers have established a strong vaccination protocol for the cow herd, it is time to look beyond immunization to apply additional tools and management to reduce BVDV risks.

A cow persistently infected (PI) with BVDV will always have a calf that is persistently infected with BVDV. Dr. Walz points out the PI calf is a central figure in how BVDV maintains itself within a herd and how BVDV travels from herd to herd.

But the risk for spreading BVDV extends throughout an operation, to equipment, visitors to the farm, and fence line contact among animals.

With so many avenues of BVDV transmission, the work to control the risk begins with biosecurity.

“We cannot rely on immunization to 100 percent prevent PI infections, nor can we look at our diagnostic test to pick up every single PI animal, so biosecurity is a really good way to reduce risk,” Dr. Walz said.

The main path for BVDV introduction to a herd is through new cattle. The “Trojan dam” — a highly immune cow that is a PI carrier in its reproductive tract and uterus — makes detection difficult, explained Dr. Walz. The cow would pass any test for BVDV, but it is, nonetheless, an infected animal. Producers who purchase pregnant animals, or are bringing them back from a heifer raiser, must contain them for biosecurity purposes to reduce BVDV spread.

“If at all possible, test for PI status of the newborn calves on the new cows rather than allowing those cows to calve within the general population of cows,” Dr. Walz said.

Dr. Walz shared some other essential components of effective biosecurity measures: • Avoid bringing in new animals unless they’ve been tested.

• Isolate sick animals from healthy ones.

• Move dead animals away from the barn.

• Pay special attention to young animals.

• Practice general hygiene — soap, water, and general disinfection.

• Monitor visitors and be aware of how they can transmit BVDV from farm to farm.

The importance of taking the time to test - “We have excellent tests available for BVDV,” Dr. Walz said. “We have better tests for BVDV than we have for a lot of our other diseases, including infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.”

Dr. Walz said testing the newborn calf is essentially testing the dam, and knowing those results can set in motion biosecurity measures and other steps. There are numerous ways to test, and working with a diagnostic laboratory can help produce the most useful results.

“Your diagnostic lab is a tremendous resource for testing, but also a tremendous resource for information on how to test and when to test,” Dr. Walz said.

For more information on biosecurity and taking steps to reduce the risk of BVDV, work with your local veterinarian, or visit www.FetalCalfProtection.com to learn about vaccine options from Zoetis to help protect the cow and unborn calf.

When gain lags, unlock its potential by monitoring feed intake. Simple observations and strategies can help turn around results — and profit. When average daily gain (ADG) fails to meet expectations, it’s crucial for feedlot managers and nutritionists to gather clues from feed intake. This will inform strategies that improve performance and ultimately help make decisions that offer the potential for an improved bottom line.

Feed intake represents an important management tool because it can be monitored daily, while weight gain cannot, said Richard Zinn, Ph.D., University of California-Davis Department of Animal Science. If an operation has determined what daily intake should be for a set of cattle, it can better manage the pen.

Unfortunately, the amount of activity and responsibilities at a typical feedlot make this difficult.

“Most feedlots don’t do a very good job of interpreting changes in feed intake on a day-to-day basis and relating that to what’s happening in terms of animal performance,” Zinn said.

So, making it a point of emphasis offers potential. As Zinn puts it, the relationship between intake and growth performance is very strong, and the difference between expected daily intake and actual intake can be revealing.

“If the observed intake is greater than the expected intake for any degree of performance, then we know that the efficiency of energy utilization is poor,” Zinn said.

Simple steps to improve intake To start, feedlot managers can give cattle something as simple as space — an average of 10-12 square meters per animal, Zinn said. When animal density is greater than that, there is an intake problem. Also, allow for adequate drinking space to support increased feed intake.

When it comes to a feeding schedule, Zinn recommends feeding an animal throughout the entire day in a period of seven hours. Consistency in the feeding

schedule from day to day is also critical for proper intake.

Zinn noted that, in his experience, feedlots sometimes sacrifice intake and ADG for reasons such as reducing metabolics or digestives, which he considers a big mistake. Nutritionists need to work with feedlot managers to incorporate feed additives and growth implants to improve feed intake and efficient weight gain. For example, Bovatec and Cattlyst are ionophores that can improve feed intake and weight gain when compared with competitive ionophores.1-3 “We emphasize that the important thing in a feedlot is to maximize average daily gain and that by doing that they maximize net return,” Zinn said.

The importance of always focusing on intake - Average daily gain is a highly predictable function of intake, Zinn said. If it’s a priority, performance can improve.

“There is nothing that science has discovered in animal nutrition that is more predictable than the relationship between energy intake and animal performance,” Zinn said.

A two percent difference in energy intake in conventional feedlot cattle is about a $9 difference per head in net return, he said.

“We can’t trifle with it. It’s something that we haven’t paid attention to as much as we should,” Zinn said.

For more information on feed intake strategies, work with your nutritionist and visit www.CattleFeedAdditives.com to learn about feed additive options that may improve feed intake and weight gain.

Do not use BOVATEC in calves to be processed for veal. Do not allow horses or other equines access to feeds containing lasalocid, as ingestion may be

fatal. Feeding undiluted or mixing errors resulting in excessive concentrations of lasalocid could be fatal to cattle and sheep.

Do not allow horses or other equines access to feeds containing CATTLYST. Do not use in animals intended for breeding.

1 Galyean M.L., Hubbert M.E..

Rationale for use and selection of ionophores in ruminant production. Paper presented at: Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference; 1989; University of Arizona, Tucson.

2 Data on file. Zoetis Trial MC015-06AULA13 (Oklahoma study), Zoetis Services LLC. 3 Cernicchiaro N., Corbin M., Quinn M., Prouty F., Branine M., Renter D. G. Meta analysis of the effects of laidlomycin propionate, fed alone or in combination with chlortetracycline, compared with monensin sodium, fed alone or in combination with tylosin, on growth performance, health and carcass outcomes in finishing steers in North America. J Anim Sci. 2016;94(4):1662-1676.

About Zoetis. Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests, and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers, and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries.

In 2018, the company generated annual revenue of $5.8 billion with approximately 10,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetisus.com.

“They say that’s the first to go...”

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 49

New NCCA Members for 2019

At the 2007 NCCA Annual Conference in Hickory, the members of the Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection. 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: Anson County Robert F. Briley – Briley Farms Bladen County Jimmy Mize – 3M Cattle Brunswick County Emily Wiloch Buncombe County Mike King – King Farm LLC Cisselle Sanchez Dustin Turpin – Fiji Hollow Farms Cabarrus County Caleb Keasler – Rocking K Farms

Catawba County Harrison Bowman – WW Cattle Company

Iredell County Mike Bowers – Bowers Farm

Person County Clay Shipley – The Family Farmstead, Inc.

Duplin County Milton Henderson, Jr. – Milton Henderson Jr. Farms

Lee County Grant Layton – Layton Farms

Rockingham County Southern States John Cummings, Jr. – John Cummings Farms

Greene County Jay Dixon – Dixon Family Farms Guilford County Rachel Byrd Don Kirkman Halifax County Ernest Rosser Haywood County Shannon Smith – Smith Farm Henderson County Jason Davis – North River Farms Kelsey Hillman Sunny Stewart Hertford County Dillon Taylor

McDowell County Taylor Settlemyre Montgomery County Franklin Byrd – Town Creek Ranch

Rutherford County Nick Duvall – W&W Farms Levi Ramsey – 5R Farms

Nash County Thomas Hunter Moore – Moore Farms

Wake County Josephine G. Evans – Windy Hill Farms Daric M. Williams

Perquimans County Claude Kirkland – Roundtree’s Place

Wilkes County Terry & Jackie Wright – Wright Farms

S.C. Charolais News

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

If you missed the April Carolina Sensations Sale, you missed a good time, good cattle, and good food. We were honored to present AICA Commercial Cattlemen of the year award to Teague Farms of Siler City, North Carolina. We also auctioned the beautiful quilt made with shirts from over the years from the S.C. Junior Charolais Association. We enjoyed meeting new members and seeing the old members. We had folks attending from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia.

I talked to Judy Clements at the AICA a few days before her retirement. We are really going to miss her, but she is looking forward to retirement and traveling. She deserves it, and hopefully our paths will cross as she travels to the beach.

I have tried to keep in touch with Michelle Johnson through social media and she is doing really well with chemotherapy.

She continues to have a smile on her face and is progressing well. Keep her in your prayers that she can beat that horrible cancer.

There is nothing to report on other

Quilt that was auctioned for S.C. Junior Charolais Association.

members that I know of, except weaning calves and A.I.’ing cows. We are having another bull year here at Webb Charolais.

The only calves I have on the ground are bulls. I guess if I want any heifers I will have to buy them.

Keep in touch with your neighbors as it is hay baling season. Accidents and heat always cause problems when baling hay, so check on each other.

Teague Farms receiving AICA award for Commercial Cattlemen of the year.

PAGE 50

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 51

Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of the North Carolina Bull Testing Stations PURPOSE The primary purpose of this program is to serve as an educational aid for the genetic improvement and promotion of beef cattle. The purpose of the test is to standardize environmental conditions and feed for evaluating post weaning performance and to provide useful records for the consignor to use in evaluating and planning his breeding program.

The purpose of the sale is to provide a source of and market for performance tested bulls and to promote the use of genetic evaluation technologies.

TESTS AND SALES Two tests and sales are sponsored by N.C. BCIP. The Butner BCIP Bull Test is operated by the N.C. State University Agricultural Research Service and is located at the Butner Beef Cattle Field Laboratory. Qualifying bulls will be sold at the Granville County Livestock Arena in Oxford. Station manager is Greg Shaeffer, 8800 Cassam Road, Bahama, NC 27503, 919-471-6872.

The Waynesville BCIP Bull Test is located at the Mountain Research Station located in Waynesville and is operated by N.C. Department of Agriculture. The sale is held at the WNC Regional Livestock Center in Canton. Station manager is Kyle Miller, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828-456-3943.

ELIGIBILITY OF CONSIGNORS Consignors must be a member of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and have entire purebred herd enrolled in either the N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program, their respective breed association’s performance testing program or a comparable program.

There is no restriction on numbers that may be consigned by a breeder as long as space is available. If more animals are consigned that facilities will accommodate, the number accepted from any one breeder will be restricted.

If there are more consignors than can be accommodated even by restricting numbers to one bull each, consignors who have entered bulls within the past two years will be given preference with the remaining positions being filled by new consignor’s with in-state preference. Maximum numbers of bulls to be accepted: 99 at Butner and 60 at Waynesville.

tested. Breed percentage will be listed on reports. Both the sire and dam of F1 bulls must be registered with their respective breed associations.

Age - Calves must have been born within the following dates: • Butner - August 15, 2018 through November 15, 2018 • Waynesville - August 1, 2018 through November 15, 2018

On Farm Weaning Performance - Adjusted birth weight and ratio are required. Birth weight EPD will be reported. To be eligible for testing, bulls must be weighed between 160-250 days of age and have a minimum weight per day (WDA) of 2.5 lbs.

Bulls must have nursed their own dam.* Any that have been on a nurse cow will not be accepted. However, embryo transfer (ET) calves are eligible, if identified as such. Breed of foster dam should be listed on nomination form.

A copy of either the performance pedigree or the weaning report showing EPDs along with adjusted 205-day weights must be sent with the nomination form.

Health - To be entered, bulls must be virgin bulls. They must be accompanied upon delivery by either an official health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian or an approved state or federal veterinarian showing negative tests for TB (Tuberculosis) and Bangs (Brucellosis) within 45-days (in-state) prior to delivery or papers showing they are from a certified Brucellosis free herd

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY

Breed - Percentage blood bulls that are recorded (or will become eligible during the test for recording) with a recognized breed association may be

PAGE 52

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

and an accredited TB herd. All out-of-state bulls must have papers showing negative test for TB and Bangs within 30 days prior to delivery. This rule will be strictly enforced.

Bulls must be vaccinated and weaned for a period of 30 days before delivery. They must be vaccinated against IBR, PI-3, BVD, BRSV, Pasteurella haemolytica*, Haemophilus sommas, 5-strain Leptospirosis, and 7-strain Clostridial* diseases. The first doses of these vaccines must be given after the calf is four months of age. The second* doses of vaccines may be administered at the time of weaning. (*If the first dose of Pasteurella haemolytica or 7-strain Clostridial vaccines is of the formulation which requires only one dose to stimulate resistance, a second dose may not be required.) READ THE LABEL! Bulls must be vaccinated with a modified live vaccine. FOLLOW THE LABEL! Bulls must be dewormed and treated for grubs and lice. A signed vaccination and health record, on forms provided, must be delivered with the bulls.

It is required that horned bulls be dehorned and completely healed prior to delivery.

A committee headed by the program supervisor will evaluate bulls upon delivery. Any bulls with bad eyes, ringworm, warts, colds, or otherwise unhealthy will be rejected. In addition, bulls with fresh tattoos or bulls not correctly tattooed will be rejected.

Bulls will be required to be tested

for PI BVD before arrival at the bull test station. A certificate showing a negative finding must accompany the bull(s) when they arrive at the bull test station.

Bulls must have 840 HDX ear tag in left ear upon arrival to bull test station.

Any bull that is a potential carrier for a recognized genetic defect must be tested before it arrives at the test station if commercial test is available. If it becomes available during the test they must be tested before it can be sold.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE

Health - Negative tests for TB and Bangs when test ends.

Reproductive Soundness - All bulls must pass a breeding soundness exam including measurement of scrotal circumference. All bulls will sell under their respective breed association guarantees.

Passing the breeding soundness exam in no way infringes upon the guarantee made by the seller that the bull will be a breeder.

Consignor agrees to any minor corrective surgery required.

Bulls eligible to sell will be screened by a committee. Any bulls considered unsuitable for sale will be rejected. The screening committee’s decision is final.

If completed weaning data, pedigree information, and EPDs (if available) for a bull were not reported by the 56-day weigh date in the office, the bull will not be cataloged or included in the sale.

NOTE: SIGNED REGISTRATION PAPERS MUST BE IN THE OFFICE

BY DATE LISTED ON THE TEST SCHEDULE OR BULL(S) WILL NOT BE CATALOGED OR INCLUDED IN THE SALE!

Performance Requirements - Bulls must have a minimum adjusted 365-day weight (adjusted for age of dam) ratio of 93 within breed group. Bulls must have a minimum ratio of 85 for average daily gain on feed test within breed group.

If there are fewer than 5 bulls in a breed group, ratios will be computed with the average of all bulls of similar genetic size.

Composite bulls will be grouped by breed according to breed registry.

Frame Size - Minimum adjusted 365-day hip height of 49 inches (5 frame score) according to BIF standards.

Of the animals eligible for sale, each breeder will have the option of retaining one bull of his own consignment. If he desires additional animals from his consignment, they may be purchased at the sale.

Consignor may retain a semen breeding interest in any bull but full possession must be sold.

The sale will be a public auction managed by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Consignors will be given the option of using floor prices. There is a standard floor of $1,750.

Sale order within breed will be based on an index, which gives ¼ weighting to average daily gain ratio, ½ weighting to adjusted yearling weight ratio and ¼ BW,WW, YW, Milk, and Docility ratio according to breed average. The top half of Angus bulls will sell followed by other breeds in breed order determined alphabetically in 1994 and rotated thereafter. Then the remaining Angus bulls will sell.

Sale order within breed will be based on an index, which gives ⅓ weighting to average daily gain ratio and ⅔ weighting to adjusted yearling weight ratio. The top half of the Angus bulls will sell, followed by other breeds in breed order determined alphabetically in 1994 and rotated thereafter. Then, the remaining Angus bulls will sell.

Bulls failing to meet the above requirements will not be sold. If arrangements are not made to remove these bulls by the date listed in the letter

with the final reports, the bulls will be sent to slaughter. If bulls are taken to local auction markets, they will be emasculated beforehand, and buyers at the market will be notified of this fact.

Consignors who will not have any bulls in the sale must pay a deposit to cover costs incurred before they many pick thier bull(s) up.

COSTS

To be paid when bulls are nominated: $15 per bull nomination fee. The fee is non-refundable on bulls that are accepted for the test. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO N.C. BCIP. To be PAID when bulls are DELIVERED: FOR BUTNER and WAYNESVILLE - $240 per bull to cover management deposit of $75, $15 insurance, and partial feed cost payment of $150.

CHECK(S) MUST ACCOMPANY BULL(S) IF PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE.

Actual management fee will be $1.10 per day. Actual cost of feed is pro-rated by rate of gain. The remainder of the feed cost is due at completion of the test.

Veterinary costs will be pro-rated on a per head basis for treatment required at the station, except for specific treatment of

2019 Test Schedules for Bull Test Stations

bulls on an individual basis.

In case a bull is removed during the test, the owner is responsible for all costs until time of removal.

Consignors of bulls not eligible to sell are responsible for all costs except sale costs.

Sale costs - actual sale costs are prorated on a per head basis. In addition, the sale manager receives two percent (2%) of gross sales (or $20 for bulls that fail to reach the floor price set by the consignor).

No producer shall sale a bull at the sale for less than the published floor price at the auction site. Bulls not qualifying for the sale must go to the consignor’s farm or to slaughter.

Anyone not abiding by these rules is subject to disqualification for future test station sales.

Also, the sale manager has been authorized to collect the following fees assessed by breed associations for bulls of the respective breeds: • N.C. Angus Association - 1½% of gross

• N.C. Simmental Association - 1% of gross • N.C. Charolais Association - $25 per bull F1 or composite bulls will have the fee taken out according to the breed association they are registered to.

Consignors will be provided an itemized statement of costs and returns and will be paid (or billed) as soon as possible after the sale.

The stations do not assume responsibility for loss of animals, personal injury, or property damage. Each bull is the property of the consignor until sold or otherwise removed from the test station.

Bulls will be subject to evaluation for age and blood typing for parentage at any time. If a discrepancy in age or parentage appears to exist, the test supervisor reserves the right to take appropriate action.

Removal of bulls - All bulls must remain for the entire test period unless removal for health or other reasons are authorized by the test supervisor.

Management will notify the consignor immediately in case of severe sickness. A diagnostic statement from the veterinarian will accompany same when warranted.

Wild (unmanageable) bulls will be removed from the station(s).

Transfer of Registration Consignors are responsible for completing, signing, and sending to the sale manager an application for transfer of registration for each bull they sell. The sale manager will withhold payment for a bull until such application is received.

The Executive Committee of the N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program will resolve any questions, problems, or changes not covered by the rules and regulations.

RATIONS Bulls at Butner and Waynesville are fed a corn silage based ration. Protein and energy supplements will be added to obtain a mixture containing 12% crude protein and 70% TDN. The bulls will be fed once daily.

CONSENT AGREEMENT Consigning a bull to these tests signifies that the consignor has read the rules and agrees to abide by them.

CONTACT INFORMATION

**In case of inclement weather, you may call 919-515-4027 after noon on the day before the sale to get a recorded message about the tentative status of the sale. Call the same number after 7:00 a.m. on the sale day to get a message on the definite status of the sale.

North Carolina Beef Cattle Improvement Program Gary Gregory NCSU Box 7621 Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 Email - gary_gregory@ncsu.edu Phone - 919-515-4027 Fax - 919-515-6884

Waynesville BCIP Bull Test N.C. Department of Agriculture Mountain Research Station Kyle Miller, Station Manager 265 Test Farm Road Waynesville, NC 28786 Email - Mountain.ResSt@ncagr.gov Phone - 828-456-3943

Butner BCIP Bull Test Butner Beef Cattle Field Laboratory Greg Shaeffer 8800 Cassam Road Bahama, NC 27803 Email - greg_shaeffer@ncsu.edu Phone - 919-471-6872

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Bryan Blinson 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Email - bryan@nccattle.com Phone - 919/552-9111 Fax - 919/552-9216

Website - www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/bcip/Ahbcip.html

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 53

BUTNER__________

WAYNESVILLE___________ NC BCIP BULL TEST NOMINATION FORM

FOR OFFICE USE LOT NO._________ PEN NO._________

FARM NAME __________________________________________________________________________ OWNER _________________________________________PHONE_______________________________ MANAGER_______________________________________PHONE_______________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________________ CITY___________________________STATE__________ZIP________________COUNTY______________ E-Mail________________________________________________________________________________ Premise ID____________________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION ON THIS BULL CALF: NAME OF BULL_____________________________ REGISTRATION NO.___________________________ TATTOO NO._______________________________ BREED PERCENTAGE__________________________ BIRTH DATE_____________ACT. BIRTH WT.____________ADJ. BIRTH WT._________________________ EMBRYO TRANSFER? (CIRCLE ONE) YES OR NO IF ET BREED OF FOSTER DAM__________________ ACTUAL WEAN. WT___________________________ ACTUAL WEAN. DATE________________________ ADJ. 205 WEAN. WEIGHT_____________________ CREEP FED? (CIRCLE ONE) YES OR NO ADJ. WT RATIO_____________________________ (CIRCLE ONE) POLLED HORNED SCURRED EPD’S ACC.

BIRTH WT.__________ WEAN WT.__________ YEARLING WT.__________ MILK____________ BIRTH WT.__________ WEAN WT.__________ YEARLING WT.__________ MILK____________

INFORMATION ON THE CALF’S DAM: BIRTH DATE OF DAM _______________________ NO. OF CALVES WEANED_______________________ AVE. WEIGHT RATIO OF WEIGHT OF DAM WHEN THIS CALVES WEANED__________________________ CALF WAS WEANED___________________________ PEDIGREE OF THIS BULL CALF: (OR ATTACH A COPY OF PERFORMANCE PEDIGREE)

SIRE:_________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________

DAM:________________________________ REG. NO._____________________________

SIRE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ DAM:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ SIRE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________

DAM:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the best of my knowledge the above information is accurate. I agree to verify that all information listed in the sale catalog is complete and accurate. If I do not notify the sale management in writing before sale time of changes to be announced regarding information listed for my bull(s), then I assume full responsibility for the information as listed.

Signed:__________________________________________________________

PAGE 54

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

FOR OFFICE USE NORTH CAROLINA BCIP BULL TEST HEALTH FORM

LOT NO. ________ PEN NO. ________

CONSIGNOR: ________________________________________________________________ BREED: _____________________________________TATTOO: ________________________ HEATH PROGRAM CONSIGNOR-Fill in completely & deliver with bulls. Very Important!! The health of your bull is at stake.

FARM Within 45 days of delivery

Tuberculosis Brucellosis (Negative test results must accompany bulls or list herd certification & accreditation numbers & dates of last test.)

CERTIFICATION/ ACCREDITATION NO.

DATE OF LAST TEST

_________________ _________________

_____________ _____________

PRODUCT Most of these require Two injections-the Second injection Should be given 30 days before Delivery.

IBR-PI3 BVD BRSV 5-way Lepto 7-way Clostridial Haemophilus somnus Pasteurella Haemolytica De-worm Grubicide

________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

DATE _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

LIVESTOCK OWNER’S CERTIFICATE The undersigned certifies that, to the best of his/her/its knowledge, as of the date of shipment or delivery, none of the livestock shipped to or delivered to ___________________________________ (Name of Bull Test) will be, on such date, adulterated within the Meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and cosmetic Act (i.e. none of the cattle or other ruminants will have been fed any feed containing protein derived from mammalian tissues, e.g. meat and bone meal, as that term is defined in 21 CFR 589 2000 and none of the livestock will have an illegal level of drug residues). This certificate shall remain in full force and effect until revoked in writing by the undersigned seller and such revocation is delivered to __________________________ (Name of Bull Test) Date: _____________________ Witness: _______________________

Consignor: ___________________________ Name (Please Print)

By: ___________________________ Signature/Title

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 55

Prepare Your Herd for Grazing Season Stressors. After a stressful winter across the country, cattle producers are surely looking forward to the sunshine and turning their cattle out to green pastures.

Just as Mother Nature can cause havoc in the winter months, she can also add unnecessary stress to your herd in the spring and summer. However, with proper management, you can take a proactive approach to reducing and eliminating these summer stressors.

Heat - Perhaps the most obvious of summer challenges is heat. Although sunshine and warmer temps will be welcome after the bitter cold of winter, extreme high temperatures can negatively impact several production phases. Higher temperatures increase body temperature and therefore lower conception and breed back rates on spring calving cows. Fall calves that are being weaned might be lower performing than normal due to increased body temperatures that typically lower intake and lead to reduced gains. And any cattle out grazing will more than likely

NEWS

be headed to shade or ponds, therefore decreasing the time they spend grazing and decreasing their dry matter intake.

Decreased Nutrient Levels - Although most of the country has had ample moisture and with a good warm up and sunshine, pastures should be lush and full, the nutrient values of those pastures slowly diminish over time. At turnout, lush and immature forages are abundant and highly concentrated in key nutrients needed to sustain a cow that is providing for a rapidly growing calf while meeting her own needs to maintain and reproduce.

However, forage quality changes on a daily basis. As a forage matures, nutrient quality decreases. Therefore, later in the grazing season forages may not be sufficiently meeting nutrient requirements for both herself and her growing calf. When forage quality and availability begin to decrease, nutrient intake drops, therefore lowering the average daily gain for your calves. Also, conception rates can be compromised if nutrient levels are not adequate.

Flies and Parasites - Flies and other

York County Cattlemen’s Association Awards $15,000 in Scholarships The York County Cattlemen’s Association is proud that they were able to award ten scholarships this year. Each scholarship was in the amount of $1,500 for a total of $15,000 awarded to deserving students.

Scholarship applications were open to students at all York County high schools, and YCCA had a large increase in competitive applications. Money for the scholarship fund is collected through raffle ticket sales and donations.

YCCA would not be able to award such a large amount without the support of generous members and donors. YCCA would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all the cattlemen for their donations and work that allow the organization to award these scholarships.

Congratulations to the following 2019 scholarship recipients: Jessie Comer, Catherine Faulkner, Samuel Ferguson (not pictured), Megan Harding (not pictured), Jessica Leigh Killian, Dallas Nivens, Katherine Silver, Hart Teska, Trenton White, and Adam Whitesides.

PAGE 56

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

external parasites are pests that add stress to cattle during the summer. Horn flies, horse flies, and ticks are the biggest culprits around cattle. Horn fly females can lay up to 500 eggs, and their eggs typically hatch within 10-14 days, making the amount of the files that can move into a pasture a huge stress on the animals that are trying to get them off their backs and faces. Flies typically “feed” or suck blood 20-30 times per day, causing significant weight loss.

Flies and ticks also spread Anaplasmosis, which can increase mortality rates and lower production outputs.

Grass Tetany - Finally, grass tetany is a challenge when first turning out pairs to lush pastures. Most producers think of tetany as a magnesium deficiency, because many use magnesium to prevent occurrence, but really it is excessive intake of potassium. Potassium and magnesium compete for the same absorption pathway.

Think of it like a funnel where three potassium marbles are trying to get through the funnel at the same time as one magnesium marble. Since the percentage of potassium marbles is greater, that nutrient is more likely to go down the funnel and get absorbed before the magnesium does.

Tetany typically occurs in older animals rather than younger animals because of an inability to mobilize the magnesium from the bones. Mature cows will show signs long before a young calf.

Prevention of Stressors - Since the warmer temperatures, sunshine and lush green pastures are much anticipated, it is inevitable that the heat, flies, and other stressors associated with spring and summer will be present. However, with some proactive steps, you can help keep the stress on your herd reduced.

The most important step you can take to ensure your cattle are comfortable during the heat is to provide them with plenty of clean, fresh water. Water is the most vital nutrient to survival and during the summer, it becomes even more critical. Be sure to have a free flowing constant source of water or be available to check water levels regularly to make sure cattle have fresh water and the tanks are at a level where even young calves can reach their necks in to drink.

You’ll also want to provide adequate shade for your cattle. This might be a tree grove, a wooden wind break that “doubles” as shade, an open sided or open-fronted building that also has adequate air flow or another man made structure. Whatever the shade source, make sure it is big enough for the amount of cattle in the pen, and that there is adequate air flow in or around it, especially if it is a building.

In the summer months, you will want to reduce the amount of handling you do with your cattle. If you must do any work, be sure to work them in the early morning

or in the evening, avoiding the hottest times of the day. And, have all your necessary supplies ready, gates set, and practice proper handling techniques to reduce the amount of time you have to work the animals and the amount of stress you put on them.

For fly control there are a variety of external methods that producers might try like insecticide sprays, back rubbing devices, dust bags, and insecticide based ear tags. Parasites can be controlled through deworming at least once a year. Work with your local veterinarian to determine the best protocol for pests in your specific area.

Perhaps the best step you can take to help combat these stressors on your herd is to feed a high quality mineral program from VitaFerm with the Amaferm advantage.

Amaferm is a precision based prebiotic that has been research proven to help maintain core body temperature in extreme heat, while increasing intake, digestion, and absorption. Therefore, the cattle on a VitaFerm mineral with Amaferm will get the most good from the nutrients they do consume even when the nutrient content begins to diminish.

VitaFerm HEAT specifically targets heat stress by aiding in improving internal thermoregulation through improved circulation and intake modification. In other words, better circulation helps cattle to more efficiently cool themselves and consuming smaller meals more frequently throughout the day not only increases DMI, but also alleviates some of the heat generated by the rumen during digestion.

HEAT includes capsaicin, research proven to lower body temperature, which can improve conception rates by maintaining pregnancy, and garlic, a natural insect repellent – both important to summertime stress.

“We really see a difference in fly control with our cows. When it is really hot out, we see fewer cows pond up, and they are out grazing more frequently. Perhaps the biggest impact is the difference we see here where we graze on fescue. We have lost fewer pregnancies from fescue toxicity since we started feeding the HEAT mineral,” said Charlie Boyd II, Angus and Hereford breeder from Mays Lick, Kentucky.

Boyd also feeds a high magnesium mineral, VitaFerm Concept•Aid Mag 5/S. He said he is susceptible to grass tetany, yet has had no problems with it since he’s started on a higher mag mineral.

The sunshine and lush green grass will be very welcome to cattle producers after the winter of 2019, but with heat comes more stress. Eliminate some of that stress with VitaFerm products with the Amaferm advantage and positively impact your operation.

Making the Transition to Your

Summertime Mineral. For many spring calving cow herds across the country, breeding season is just beginning. This means you will want to give your cows every advantage you can to get them bred and keep them bred, especially through the heat of the summer. Progressive cattle producers across the country have learned to rely on the VitaFerm Concept•Aid mineral line for added nutrition and increased conception rates. However, with the threat that heat stress poses to maintaining pregnancy, many of those same producers are turning to the VitaFerm HEAT line to help mitigate the symptoms of heat stress.

“Heat stress can be more detrimental to reproduction than not having that extra little bit of fortification. However, the cattle won’t sacrifice mineral performance because HEAT is still a highly fortified, high quality premium product with the plant extracts that can counteract the heat stress or grazing fescue with high endophyte presence, where Concept•Aid can’t,” said Lindsey Grimes-Hall, BioZyme Inc. Nutrition and Field Sales Support.

Heat stress will start making an impact on your herd when temperatures are continuously 70ºF through both the day and evening. And though that might seem like a pleasant temperature for most humans, for cattle, especially those with black hides and

hair that quickly absorb the sunlight, 70ºF is just hot enough to start adding stress to their bodies.

“The benefits of HEAT mineral are similar to Concept•Aid, but in a different way. When the animals are not heat stressed, they can allocate more nutrients to putting on pounds, more energy toward milk production, and stay healthier because they aren’t spending energy to cool themselves,” Grimes-Hall said. “Producers should see better utilization of their pastures and a boost in overall performance.”

Grimes-Hall said for most of the country, producers will likely start making the transition to VitaFerm HEAT in early to mid-May and keep their cows on it through September or October, depending on the year. Producers in the South will likely already have their cows on HEAT, due to the warmer climates. There is no set transition period, however, cows could take a day or two to acclimate to HEAT due to the smell/flavor from the plant extracts. Once familiarized, they will be back to getting the nutrients they need and the extracts they need to help maintain a lowered body temperature.

Another advantage to feeding VitaFerm HEAT, is your calves will likely consume some of the mineral, receiving some of the benefits.

“It can help calves, and the older they

get, the more they will imitate their mom.

When they see her sticking her head in the mineral feeder, they are going to want to do the same thing. HEAT won’t have the exact same effect since they won’t be eating the same quantity as a cow would,” GrimesHall said.

Sweet summertime. It’s not far away, and cow/calf producers who know the importance of getting and keeping cows bred will want to make sure their herd gets the best mineral program possible to help mitigate heat stress. That mineral is VitaFerm HEAT with plant extracts and the Amaferm advantage, research proven to help animals maintain normal body temperature.

Summer Gains are Possible.

Summertime. For cattle producers the season means turning cows out to green grass, having cows bred, and backgrounding weaned calves. However, expecting young calves to gain in extreme conditions can sometimes be a challenge.

That’s why providing them with the best nutrition possible is imperative during this most stressful time.

“During that period from weaning until they are turned out on pasture is the most stressful time in your calves’ lives. That’s where you can have the biggest impact on future performance, other than birth, during that really short window. If they are not in a

good nutritional status going into weaning, they may not bounce back,” said Lindsey Grimes-Hall.

In addition to the stress of weaning and moving to a new environment, calves have several other factors that add to their stress. This in turn could cause them to go off feed and not gain and perform to their upmost potential. The travel, commingling with new calves, flies, and the summer heat are just a few of those stressors.

Keeping calves healthy and growing starts with providing them with the best possible plane of nutrition, like the three step VitaFerm Gain Smart Program. The program, designed to help reduce stress and keep calves eating and gaining is centered around Amaferm.

The first two steps of the Gain Smart program are designed for the first 1421 days after the calves are weaned or when stocker calves are first received.

Step 1 is the Vita Charge Cattle Drench, administered on Day One. Step 2 includes putting out Vita Charge Stress Tubs for the first 14-21 days post weaning or when calves are received to their backgrounding location. Both Vita Charge products support digestive health and promote feed and water intake during times of stress and recovery. The Vita Charge products

Continued on the next page

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 57

BioZyme News continued from the previous page contain Amaferm to help combat stress and support the animal’s own immune system.

The Stress Tubs contain MOS to trap and expel pathogens, limiting their ability to do harm. A new product, the Vita Charge Stress Tub HEAT, launched May 1, also contains MOS and Amaferm. Additionally, it contains plant extracts for maintaining body temperature and garlic, a natural insect repellant.

“BioZyme has again developed an even more dynamic product. The cutting edge nutritional components of this product make it truly one-of-a-kind and the benefits to livestock are even greater than before.

The high quality fortification, MOS and the natural plant extracts have now equipped animals to literally be able to handle any stressor they encounter. We indeed have made the best, better,” Grimes-Hall said.

Step 3 includes one of four mineral options for the calves: Gain Smart Stocker, Gain Smart Wheat, Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600, and Gain Smart Stocker HEAT. All minerals are designed to balance basic nutrient needs for maximum efficiency.

Gain Smart Stocker is designed for those who are feeding a medium to high forage diet and works well for both cool and warm season grasses. It is the most versatile of the three and can be fed in multiple places under multiple conditions.

The newest option, just introduced in the Spring of 2018, Gain Smart Stocker HEAT contains plant extracts to help maintain circulation to support animal performance and gain in both heat and fescue situations. The plant extracts are research proven to support an animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature. This mineral is ideal in the hot summer months or any time fescue is grazed. It Includes garlic, a natural insect repellent. It is ideally suited for backgrounding and yearling cattle on grass and will help calves beat the stress of summer heat.

“When you are in the beef business, you’re in the business of producing one of the highest quality protein sources in the world, but you’re also in the business of harvesting forage – especially in the stocker and backgrounder phase we want to put on as many pounds possible in the most cost effective way possible,” GrimesHall said. “The Gain Smart products are meant to compliment the forages you are using, and the HEAT is the extra product in there to help counter the negative impacts of summer stressors, while getting the most nutrients out of those forages.”

Growing calves in the summer isn’t always easy. Stressed calves don’t bounce back like they might in the cooler temperatures, but with a product like

PAGE 58

VitaFerm Gain Smart HEAT, you should see calves that consume forages, gain and grow while maintaining a lowered body temperature during the summer heat.

Prepare for a Successful Embryo Transfer Program. Propagating superior genetics with the use of advanced reproductive technologies requires an investment in time, labor, and finances. The outcome will often result in outstanding offspring that will share genotype and phenotypic make up of the parents. If you are going to go to the time and expense of breeding cattle using a technology like Embryo Transfer or In Vitro Fertilization, be sure to plan ahead, and take the proper steps to make sure that your investment is not wasted due to poor planning.

Samantha Graves has worked at Trans Ova in Chillicothe, Mo., for 17 years.

She started in the lab and is currently in customer service. She offers timely and practical advice for any producer considering Advanced Reproductive Technology or ART work this summer.

“Proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be a top priority of any cattle operation, but especially anyone who utilizes advanced reproductive technologies. If you don’t start out with a good balance to begin with, anything else you do after that point isn’t going to matter,” Graves said. “Vitamins and minerals have a huge influence on reproductive performance in general.”

Many vitamins and minerals are deficient in the soil and forages, especially in the geographic area where many of the customers Graves works with run their cows. She said three of the most important nutrients to reproductive success are deficient in nature – selenium, zinc, and phosphorus – and that is why she recommends supplementing those. Other nutrients that are vital to reproductivity include Vitamins E and A and manganese.

Graves said that a lack of selenium is detrimental because it causes issues like anemia, infertility, retained placentas, and cystic ovaries. For bulls, a selenium deficiency can impair sperm motility.

“Zinc plays a dual role as it is an activator of enzymes, so an adequate amount needs to be present to balance hormone levels. Also, a zinc deficiency can lower pregnancy rates and decrease viable embryos per flush or aspiration. Nutrition is a complex puzzle. It is hard to figure out what you need in your program, but it is worth the time and investment. If you’re not sure, use a highly fortified free choice mineral,” Graves said.

Although Graves recommends feeding a high quality mineral program year round, she understands not everyone does that.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

However, she highly recommends those who are about to flush a donor or implant eggs, start their cows on a good mineral program at least 30 days in advance, but preferably 60 days prior to their ART service.

Since nutrition is so important to the reproductive health of donor and recipient cows, the VitaFerm Concept•Aid line is the ideal mineral package to offer to cows prebreeding all the way through calving for optimum reproductive health. Concept•Aid is specifically designed for reproductive success when fed 60 days pre-calving through 60 days post breeding. It contains 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. Like all VitaFerm products, its key ingredient is Amaferm, a precision prebiotic research proven to increase the energy available to the animal resulting in more milk production as well as to the ability to initiate and maintain pregnancy and fertility all while impacting intake, digestibility, and absorption.

Another important consideration in addition to making sure both your donor and recipient cows are on a high plane of nutrition, is that they are in good condition.

A donor cow should be gradually gaining and at a body condition score of 4-6. The recips can stand to be slightly thinner than the donors, but still at a BCS of 4-5.

Graves also reminds producers to eliminate as many stressors as they can prior to a flush or implant.

“The first thing to shut down when any kind of stress is caused to a cow - either a donor or a recip - is her reproductive system because she doesn’t need her reproductive system to survive. That is the first thing affected in any situation,” Graves said. “It is vital that they have the least amount of stress around collection or implanting time.”

Stressors that can impact a cow’s reproductive performance include getting sick and receiving treatments, and summer heat if it is excessive. Graves said she usually advises against any antibiotic treatments for a month prior to E.T. work, but for something like foot rot, she would allow treatment because in some cases, the stress from ailments is worse than the stress from the treatments.

Graves said heat stress can be a factor if the temperatures are excessive for long periods of time, usually ten or more consecutive days. To combat heat stress, be

33rd S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up

By BRIAN BOLT, Ph.D., Clemson University Extension We hope you will make plans to join us for the 33rd S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up held August 2-4 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, South Carolina. This event is open to junior exhibitors and will be a weekend filled with fun, fellowship, and all things cattle. This year we will have competitions including sales talk, knowledge tests, showmanship, and breed shows. We are also looking forward to awarding over $5,000 in scholarships to youth at this year’s show.

We plan to have registration open around June 1 and remain open until July 13 at a cost of $20 per head and a late registration period from July 14-27 at a cost of $40 per head. We are also soliciting financial, in-kind donations for prizes and silent auction items. If you or your company has interest in supporting this event, please reach out and let us help you achieve your goals with your donation.

Some changes to this year’s event will be the addition of an AOB show and our commercial heifers will show by weight class. For updates and more information, please visit our website at www.clemson.edu/extension/jrbeef or email me at bolt@ clemson.edu.

sure to provide shade, ventilation and cold, running water.

Good nutrition. Proper body condition.

Low stress. Those are three factors to making sure you have a successful E.T. program. You’re investing in advancing your genetics. Be sure you start with an investment in good nutrition to ensure success while propagating the next generation.

To learn more about VitaFerm HEAT and the Amaferm advantage or to locate a dealer near you, visit www.vitaferm.com.

How to Beat the Heat EVERY. DAY. It’s that wonderful, but challenging time of year for weather patterns. Bundle up in a hoody to do morning chores before school, and by after school, you’re likely to be out there feeding, exercising, and rinsing in shorts and a T-shirt. If you think dressing for the temperature shifts are a challenge, try being a show animal that doesn’t have the ability to add or take off layers.

Lucky for those show livestock, Sure Champ Extreme with Climate Control exists to help regulate their body temperatures, keeping them comfortable and on feed and water, regardless of the temperature outside.

“Research shows that at 70 degrees, animals will show signs of heat stress.

However, just like humans, when the weather has been cool and overcast and then it changes to sunny and 65, you might see them out there panting because of the big shift in temperature,” said Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development & Field Support for BioZyme Inc. “It doesn’t have to be 105ºF for heat stress to occur with those animals. It just has to be starting to warm up.”

Sure Champ Extreme is a daily feed supplement designed for cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats that not only helps regulate their temperature, but also impacts their intake, digestibility, and nutrient absorption. As its name indicates, it helps the animals maintain a more constant temperature level, rather than acting as a cooling agent, due to a mixture of all natural plant extracts.

Amaferm included in all Sure Champ products, also helps cool the animals internally.

Rodgers recommends that livestock exhibitors and feeders start using it now as the temperatures are increasing so their animals can start getting acclimated to the Sure Champ Extreme. The plant extract within it will also help the livestock start regulating their body temperatures.

“We’ll have 45 consecutive days over 100ºF, and cattle generally back off feed that time of year. Anything we can do to promote the cattle being more comfortable, cooler, and on feed, we’re all about. The Sure Champ Extreme helps keep them comfortable and keep them on feed during those 100ºF plus days; they aren’t panting,

and they are still eating well. The Sure Champ Extreme seemed to make a big difference,” said Jon Gevelinger, Bulverde, Texas.

In addition to the plant extracts and Amaferm, Sure Champ Extreme has other key ingredients to keep livestock comfortable, healthy, and performing during the heat of summer. The supplement also contains MOS to trap and expel pathogens, limiting their ability to do harm, biotin and zinc to support healthy skin, hair, and hooves, and garlic, considered a natural insect repellent.

“With a product like Sure Champ Extreme, your animals are going to experience more comfort and less stress in the heat of the summer. Therefore, they should stay on feed and water, and be higher performing for you as you work toward your end point,” Rodgers said.

Before you know it, you’ll be ditching those hoodies and trying to find ways to beat the heat all day long. Help your show livestock perform to their potential with a daily supplement like Sure Champ Extreme with Climate Control. Feeding the Amaferm advantage EVERY. DAY. will help you beat the heat while you #preptowin.

Five Tips to Achieve Healthy Hair in the Summer. It is NO secret. It is A LOT more fun to work on achieving a healthy hair coat in the winter and early spring.

Outside temperatures are cooler, cattle are shaggy, and they are naturally growing plenty of hair on their own. But growing hair for the summer is a different story.

You go out to the barn and your cattle are itchy and rubbing because of dry skin, it’s hot outside, and hair is DEAD. Growing hair in the summer takes much more effort and dedication, but it isn’t impossible to achieve if you establish a routine and keep things systematic.

1. Shed it or Shear it - In the same way you pack away your winter coats when spring and summer come – you need to get rid of your calf’s winter coat of hair before you can focus on new growth. The average hair growth cycle for show cattle is 90 days, thus you should aim to have all the old, dead hair removed 90 days prior to your targeted goal. For example, if your state or county fair is in August, you should plan to have the hair removed by mid-May. There are two basic ways to shuck the dead hair.

The fastest way, and arguably the most common method is to shear your calf.

This can be done with a plucking blade or a beveled comb or blade. Start at the top line of your animal and clip in a downward stroke all the way to the belly line. At this point you should leave and blend about one to two inches of hair above the belly line, hindquarter, and forearm. Additionally, you can leave the tail head hair and blend it the

same way you blend the hair below the belly line. There is a good chance that in some parts of the country, you have already shorn your calf. Depending on your spring show season, some calves will get shorn in the first part of March. However, by the end of April, all cattle should be shorn off if you are expecting to grow healthy summer hair. Once your animal is shorn, you might want to consider using a pour on product like prolate to kill any lice or external pests that cause dry skin or itching.

The second method for dead hair removal is to use a shedding tool like a shedding comb or brush. This method is going to take a lot more muscle, dedication and time, but it is effective to ensure the that any new, healthy hair growing is not lost. You will want to make sure to start this process early and use the shedding comb often to get all the dead hair removed in time.

2. It’s a go for H2O - When the old hair is gone, it’s time to promote a new, healthy hair coat and that starts with getting them on the wash rack. Rinsing your animal at least once, if not twice a day, and using conditioner will help to start and promote new hair growth. You should try to limit the amount of times you wash with soap to about once or twice a week.

The more you use soap, the more it dries out the skin and hide, which can encourage

your cattle to itch and rub.

If it is warm outside, make the most of your time spent rinsing. Start the cold water on their feet and legs, then belly, and work your way up the calf. Make sure you spend the time to really cool them off and get cool water all over their body; this will help to lower their overall body temperature.

3. Work, Work, Work the Hair - After rinsing, there is really no need to blow your calf out with such little hair, so you should focus on getting them dry by brushing. Get your animal tied up in the barn under fans and brush the hair straight forward with either a rice root brush or a plastic wash brush. If you want to grow hair, you have to brush A LOT in order to stimulate the hair follicles to grow. Once you have made several passes brushing forward, and your calf starts to grow a little more hair, you can start working the hair more at a 45º angle.

When your calf is dried from brushing or from standing under the fans, you should apply some sheen or light oil to keep the hair hydrated and fresh.

Keeping hair and skin hydrated this time of year is so important. With so much rinsing and brushing, you are stripping the hair and skin of its natural oils each time, and thus it is vital that you condition the

Continued on the next page

NOW AN OFFICIAL DEALER FOR:

A Cowman’s Best Friend at Calving Time!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 59

BioZyme News continued from the previous page skin and apply some type of product after each rinsing and brushing session to ensure that some of the natural oils are restored to the animal, and its hide is healthy. Keep in mind, whatever oil or product you use should be very light. You want to steer clear of heavy oils, as these will only heat your animal up more and also matte the hair, attracting dirt to cling to it. Keep it light, keep it clean, and keep it hydrated!

4. Create a Cold Spell in the Midst of Summer - Hair growth is all related to the mind and body working together. If the animal thinks it is preparing for winter, they will most likely grow a thicker hair coat at a faster rate. However, without some barn management, it’s not going to feel much like winter during the longer, brighter days of spring and summer. If you have a cooler, make sure to get your calves rinsed and tied in early in the morning and turned out later when the sun goes down. If you don’t have a cooler, the same rules apply. Try to find a place in your barn where you can turn the lights off or reduce the amount of daylight.

Tie your calf in under fans early, work their hair and perhaps rinse again and turn out later in the evening when temperatures decrease. When it comes to hair growth in the summer, it’s about mind over matter.

5. Pay Attention to What’s in the Pan - The last step to consistent and healthy hair growth is to make sure you are following a good nutrition program, and your calf is receiving the nutrients vital to hair growth.

Make sure your animal is getting a quality vitamin or mineral supplement like Sure Champ. Sure Champ Cattle, Sure Champ Spark, and Sure Champ Extreme with Climate Control all contain biotin and zinc to help support healthy hair and hoof growth. Additionally, many exhibitors also add melatonin to their feed, which specifically targets hair growth.

If you want healthy hair in the heat of summer, you have to be prepared to work hard. But with all things, you get out what you put in. Make a plan and work your plan EVERY. DAY. to make healthy hair a reality.

Considerations for Summer Hauling.

It takes months in the barn with endless hours of labor and preparation to get your show livestock projects “dialed in” for summer shows. You’ve grown and worked hair, kept them fresh in their condition, and have them show broke like a dream. Now, you just have to haul them to the show in the heat of the summer and hope they handle the trip and get to the show looking their best. That can be challenging when you are going a few hours across the state to a preview show or state fair, but imagine traveling across at least half a dozen states, several time zones, and from an arid climate to the land of humidity to get to

PAGE 60

your junior national – the culmination of your efforts.

Making plans with a reliable weather app, allowing plenty of time, following some basic animal husbandry practices, and keeping animals on a schedule are four of the most important considerations to keeping your livestock healthy and handling travel in summer heat, according to Jeanene Dal Porto, co-owner of Dal Porto Livestock at Oakley, Calif., who has traveled the U.S. with son, Dawson, to numerous National Junior Angus Shows.

“It’s all pretty simple. If you’re hot, they’re hot. If you’re miserable, they’re miserable. You have spent all this time and work at home in the barn, doing whatever is needed to prepare for this show, and you need to continue with that on the road.

Don’t quit just because you pulled out of the driveway,” Dal Porto said. “You can give yourself a break when you pull back into the driveway when you get home, but you’ve spent all that time, blood, sweat, tears, love, everything you did, and it doesn’t quit because you’re on the trailer heading to the show. That’s when it gets real. That’s when the real work starts.”

Keeping Cool - The most important task of hauling your animal to its summer show destination is to ensure it stays healthy and safe. That means keeping it cool and hydrated. Dal Porto said she checks the weather along her family’s planned route, and if temperatures seem too excessive, they make plans to travel at night once the sun has set and the temperatures have dropped. She also makes sure no adverse weather like tornadoes or severe thunderstorms are in their immediate path, and always has an alternate route, and plenty of layover options just in case.

In addition to traveling during the cooler parts of the evening, take advantage of your trailer’s cooling system. Be sure any ventilation you have is open, working, and not blocked. It is best to have front and rear vents open to maximize air flow.

If your trailer is equipped with an air conditioner, use it. May is an ideal time of year to get the A/C serviced so it will be ready to roll during the hot days of travel.

While proper ventilation is of upmost importance, so is keeping you animals hydrated. Be sure to have water buckets easily accessible. If you are hauling water from home, make sure to have that water readily available so you can easily water your animals when you do stop.

“A lot of truck stops have water, and most show broke cattle will see that bucket and drink. They know if they see that bucket, they better drink because it might be a while before their next stop. We always give time; that’s the crucial thing.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

I don’t usually like to do more than a ten hour day on the trailer, including stopping for a water break if need be. If it’s not too hot, they can go ten hours without water.

Remember this is what works for the Dal Portos,” she said Back to the Basics - No matter what species you are hauling during the summer, it is always good to keep some basic animal husbandry in mind. Don’t overcrowd your trailer. If you are hauling a smaller animal like a pig, goat, or lamb that is accustomed to its own pen, pen the animal that way on the trailer to avoid any fighting that might cause injury while traveling.

Another consideration is bedding. You want to keep your livestock as comfortable as possible on their trip, without slipping and falling. Be sure to provide them with good, slip proof bedding for the haul. Shavings or wood chips are a good option as well as a rubber mat. Remember, shavings will help absorb any animal waste and help keep your animals clean.

Before you leave, make sure you have checked your truck and trailer for any maintenance issues. Are the tires properly inflated? Lights connected and working?

Trailer doors all closed and secured?

These might seem like simple reminders, but when in a hurry to leave, it is often the simple things that are overlooked.

Layovers on the Long Haul - Dal Porto likes to plan around the length of time it takes to travel to the show, allow for plenty of time for stops and only keep the cattle on the trailer for about ten hours a day. She credits their show cattle herdsman, Hadley Pitts, for helping plan their route and making sure they have adequate layovers along their course. Pitts is a big part of getting the cattle ready, and he also checks in with them as they travel to their show destination to make sure the people and the cattle are safe. Dal Porto likes to get to a show about four to five days early to let them acclimate to the weather, especially the humidity, which they are not used to in Northern California.

One of the things she appreciates about traveling through the Midwest is the accessibility and set up of many fairgrounds they have laid over at during their travels. She said most will allow them to pull in, unload, rinse, and feed and have the facilities to do so. She has also had extended layovers at fellow breeders like Hoffman’s in Nebraska and Prairie View Farm in Illinois, which also have the facilities to share.

“When we get to a layover stop, we get them off, let them drink, eat, rinse, get them under fans, and let them relax. They need to be kept comfortable, and they need their routine,” Dal Porto said.

In addition to following weather patterns, planning a route, and laying over along the way, Dal Porto said common sense and basic animal husbandry should be followed when hauling animals during summer heat. Allow plenty of room in the trailer. Leave all the side vents and roof vents open for ventilation and make sure nothing is blocking the flow of good circulation. Stop often and check on the animals. Carry Sure Champ Climate Control Paste with you to help them stay cool and continue eating and drinking.

Dal Porto said they use the Sure Champ Climate Control on the way to and at the shows to help their cattle stay comfortable.

“As long as you care for your animals properly, that is the big thing. We don’t take them off feed when we travel. With show cattle, we still feed them the same on the same schedule, usually within an hour of when we do at home. We always make sure to have plenty of hay in the trailer and make sure to have buckets accessible to give them water,” she said.

Although Indianapolis is the furthest east the Dal Porto family has traveled to date, Jeanene is already planning the more than 2,300 mile trip for Dawson’s final NJAS this July in Louisville, Kentucky.

“There’s nothing better than windshield time with your kid. That is part of junior nationals and that is part of making memories with your kid,” she said.

The hours in the barn and the hours on the road are all worth the memories made when you get to your summer show destination. Remember to keep you and your animals safe and healthy during the summer heat and while you travel. And prep to win EVERY. DAY. with products from Sure Champ.

To find a dealer near you, visit www. surechamp.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®, DuraFerm®, and Peets Feed. 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.

NEWS

Veterinary Medical School Application Service Now Open. The Veterinary Medical College Application Service window for prospective veterinarians seeking admission to the Class of 2024 at AAVMC member institutions is open until September 17 at 11:59 p.m.

More than 25 years old, the sophisticated centralized application service is refined every year to make it more effective for both applicants and admissions officers. Changes have been made this cycle to improve user experiences for both applicants and admissions officers, according to Director of Admissions and Recruitment Affairs Tony Wynne.

From an applicant standpoint, changes include improved program searches, increased character counts on essay prompts, and the implementation of a “professional transcript entry” (PTE) feature that enables applicants to pay to have coursework entry completed.

New benefits for member institutions include a sophisticated new VMCAS

Analytics program. The feature enables admissions personnel to view a graphical representation of VMCAS data in real time.

For example, analysts can compare cohorts against national applicant data, they can compare current data against former cycle data, and examine graphical heat maps of where applicants are coming from on an international basis.

This cycle opens amidst a period of continued growth in the numbers of applicaants to veterinary colleges and schools. Last year, a seven percent increase in individuals applying to veterinary school and an overall ten percent increase in the total number of applications were noted.

Detailed Data on AAVMC’s Cost Comparison Tool (CCT) Supports Financial Planning, Decision Making.

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges has introduced the newest version of its Cost Comparison Tool, a web based interactive program that provides visitors with detailed information about tuition costs, scholarship resources, and

financing a veterinary medical education.

The database includes information on all 30 accredited U.S. schools and 12 Canadian and international colleges.

“Higher education is an expensive p r o p o s i t i o n i n t o d a y ’s w o r l d , a n d educational debt has become a major national problem,” said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “We’re committed to providing our applicants and students with the data they need to make informed and intelligent decisions about financing their professional education. Our CCT program is a powerful tool for helping them do that.”

The visualization presents the total cost of attendance (tuition, living expenses, and loan interest accumulation) for 2019 graduates. It includes data about whether students can establish residency for the purpose of paying discounted tuition and the average scholarship awards made to DVM students at each college.

This year’s version includes several updates and enhancements, according to AAVMC Senior Director for Institutional Research and Diversity Dr. Lisa Greenhill.

The visualization was expanded to include the total costs of earning a DVM degree for 2019 graduates and median debt levels for 2018 graduates were included.

Efforts to increase visibility were also made by enlarging individual school “pop

out” information on the map page, each of which provides a synopsis of data presented throughout the visualization.

A separate tab with data on 2018-2019 first year tuition costs is also new for this year. This tab allows users to get a single year view of tuition and project estimated total costs for new students.

Three tabs include sliders that allow users to filter the data by tuition costs, total costs, and percentage of students receiving scholarship aid from the colleges.

In addition to tuition and related information, the map includes the average amount of institutional scholarship aid awarded to first year professional students, the percentage of students to whom it was awarded, the cost of living for each of the participating colleges, and estimated loan interest accrued on a fully financed education.

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 49 accredited veterinary medical colleges in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean Basin, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 61

PAGE 62

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

NCBA News

NCBA Welcomes Legislation Aimed to Help Livestock Haulers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association recently welcomed the introduction of legislation in the U.S. Senate aimed at reforming federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules in a way that ensures animal welfare, highway safety, and the well being of livestock haulers. S. 1255, the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act, was introduced

by Senator Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) with a bipartisan group of original cosponsors, including Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.Dak.), Jim Risch (R-Ida.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Ida.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), John Hoeven (R-N.Dak.), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and James Lankford (R-Okla.).

“The current Hours of Service rules for livestock haulers present major challenges for our industry and can often jeopardize the health and well being of livestock,” said Colin Woodall, NCBA’s senior vice president of government affairs.

“Hauling livestock is inherently different than hauling typical consumer goods, like paper towels or bottles of water. Live cattle cannot simply be left unattended in a trailer – especially in very hot or cold weather – for extended periods of time.

This bill recognizes the unique needs of livestock haulers, and we are grateful for the continued support of Senator Sasse and the other co-sponsors.”

NCBA helped secure a delay from the implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers until September 30. However, the need for a long-term fix and increased flexibility for livestock haulers remains. In addition to working with allies on Capitol Hill, NCBA submitted a petition to the Department of Transportation (DOT) requesting changes to the HOS rules for livestock haulers.

Background - The summary of S. 1255, the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act, is as follows: • Provides that HOS and ELD requirements are inapplicable until after a driver travels more than 300 air miles from their source. Drive time for HOS purposes does not start until after 300 air mile threshold.

• Exempts loading and unloading

times from the HOS calculation of driving time.

• Extends the HOS on duty time maximum hour requirement from 11 hours to a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 18 hours of on duty time.

• Grants flexibility for drivers to rest at any point during their trip without counting against HOS time.

• Allows drivers to complete their trip – regardless of HOS requirements – if they come within 150 air miles of their delivery point.

• Ensures that, after the driver completes their delivery and the truck is unloaded, the driver will take a break for a period that is 5 hours less than the maximum on duty time (10 hours if a 15 hour drive time).

NCBA Statement on the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act. Recently, Jennifer Houston, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Cattle producers are glad to see another bipartisan effort designed to provide much needed relief for livestock haulers. This legislation demonstrates that U.S. Representatives Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Greg Pence (R-Ind.) are serious about addressing the implementation of electronic logging devices and the overly restrictive hours of service rules that livestock haulers face today. We thank them and all the original co-sponsors for their support. NCBA will continue to work with members of Congress, industry groups, and the Department of Transportation on long term solutions to our current transportation concerns.”

NCBA Applauds Greater U.S. Beef Access to Japan. “Great News,” Will Hopefully Lead to Elimination of More Non-Tariff, Non-Science Based Trade Barriers In Near Future. Jennifer Houston recently issued the following statement regarding the announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that Japan will allow products from U.S. cattle, regardless of age, to be imported into that country for the first time since 2003: “This is great news for American cattle producers, and Secretary Sonny Perdue and the Trump Administration deserve a lot of credit for helping knock

down this non-tariff trade barrier in Japan.

This underscores the safety of the U.S. beef herd, and it will hopefully send a signal to other Asian nations that nonscience based trade barriers like this one should be eliminated in their countries as well.

“Tariff rates grab all the headlines, but non-tariff barriers are often just as important, if not more so, when it comes to determining market access. Hopefully, this will help spotlight this important point and lead to more trade victories in the near future.”

NCBA Says Removal of Steel, Aluminum Tariffs “Opens the Door” For USMCA. Colin Woodall recently released the following statement in response to a deal that will lead Canada and Mexico to drop retaliatory tariffs against U.S. producers: “NCBA is grateful to President Trump for working with Canada and Mexico to resolve the steel and aluminum tariff situation. Removing this trade barrier opens the door for Congress to ratify the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). NCBA strongly supports the USMCA, and now is the time for Congress to work with President Trump to ratify the USMCA as soon as possible. We cannot afford to delay action on this monumental agreement.”

Kansas Cattlewoman to Senate Climate Change Hearing: “Beef Cattle Industry Has Great Story to Tell” On Climate. Direct Emissions From Beef Cattle Only Two Percent of Total U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Lyons-Blythe Testifies. Testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Kansas cattle producer Debbie LyonsBlythe delivered a clear message at a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on climate change this morning.

“The U.S. cattle industry is proud of its history as stewards of our nation’s natural resources,” Lyons-Blythe testified at the Committee’s hearing on Climate Change and the Agricultural Sector. “The industry takes very seriously its obligation to protect the environment while providing the nation with a safe and affordable beef supply. Cattle producers are America’s original conservationists, and we work hard every day to ensure that we can pass our operations on to the next generation.”

Lyons-Blythe, who helps run Blythe Family Farms in the Flint Hills of Kansas, also pushed back against claims that beef cattle production in the United States is responsible for a disproportionate or even significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions.

“The beef cattle industry has a great story to tell in the climate conversation and the facts support that,” Lyons-Blythe

testified. “According to the Environmental Protection Agency, direct emissions from beef cattle represent two percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country. A recent study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that emissions from cattle ‘were not a significant contributor to long term global warming.”

Lyons-Blythe also highlighted her work as a board member with the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, which recently released its landmark U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework and encourages operations all along the beef value chain to measure key environmental metrics like water resources, air and greenhouse gas emissions, and land resources.

“The Roundtable is an example of ranchers leading the way on conservation,” Lyons-Blythe said. “Cattle ranchers took the initiative to identify their unique footprint in beef sustainability, demonstrating their positive contributions to landscapes, wildlife populations, rural communities, our nation’s economy, and a global food supply. But we also reflected on opportunities where we can improve.

It demonstrates our commitment to doing right by the land, responsibly raising animals, caring for the people who raise beef, and making money to support our families and the next generation of beef producers.”

About the National Cattlemen’s Beef Administration. 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.

N.C. Weekly Auctions Report

Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 (Week ending MAY 10, 2019) Kind Avg. Wt. $/lb Steers 300-400 $138.00 - 177.50

400-500 $130.00 - 172.50

500-600 $130.00 - 160.00

600-700 $119.00 - 146.00

700-800 $-------- - ------- 800-900 $-------- - -------Heifers 300-400 $120.00 - 149.00

400-500 $116.00 - 145.00

500-600 $112.00 - 139.00

600-700 $ 98.00 - 118.00

700-800 $-------- - ------- 800-900 $-------- - -------Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $54.00 - 64.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $46.00 - 64.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $56.00 - 80.00

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services - USDA Market News, Raleigh, N.C. • 919-707-3156

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 63

NEWS

sustainability in a session titled, “From Birth to Burger: Industry Led Beef Supply Chain Animal Welfare and Sustainability Efforts.” Kristen Parman, vice president of membership services at Livestock Marketing Association, kicked off the Speakers discuss sustainability, different types that are used in livestock session by introducing the Beef Quality antibiotic use and animal welfare at 2019 production. A key theme from the panel Assurance (BQA) program and the U.S. Summit. Record attendance at 18th annual discussion was trust in labels with most of Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders them feeling wary of label enforcement and as two examples of collective efforts to Summit. The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s the meanings behind different labels. provide consumers with high quality beef.

2019 Stakeholders Summit kicked off on To continue the discussion of food “The conversation around sustainability May 8 with record attendance, bringing 335 labels, G. Donald Ritter, DVM, director has been happening for a very long time,” food and agriculture stakeholders to Kansas of technical marketing at Mountaire said Debbie Lyons-Blythe, rancher at City, Missouri. The event, themed “A Seat Farms Inc., discussed the new One Health Blythe Family Farm. “Take care of the At The Table,” started with a consumer Certified program. Ritter called the land, take care of the animals, take care focus group led by Anne-Marie Roerink of program “a triple win,” explaining that of the people, and make money,” is how 210 Analytics.

“One Health Certified recognizes that the Lyons-Blythe defined sustainability. “If you Six consumers were asked about their health of animals, people, and the planet are don’t make money, you’re not a sustainable meat purchasing habits, including how linked together and strives to create optimal business.” She appreciates engaging with much price, taste, appearance, animal outcomes for all three.”

USRSB because of the importance put welfare, antibiotics, and labeling claims Ritter said current meat labels are on getting grassroots input from producer matter. The consumers agreed taste, price,. confusing as he highlighted 18 different organizations and individual ranchers like and appearance are important when they antibiotic labels and several unintended herself, instead of the traditional top-down stand at the meat case, but had differing consequences of striking antibiotics from approach. opinions when it came to animal welfare the supply chain. The program was built Justin Nelson, vice president of cattle and antibiotic use. Some said animal by a coalition of chicken, turkey, and pork procurement at Tyson Foods, explained welfare is a main driver of their purchasing stakeholders along with NGO’s, university sustainability is about having a business decisions, while others agreed it was scientists, government advisers, and 36 model that allows companies and farms important, but wasn’t top-of-mind. Several leading retailers and restaurant chains who to operate for years and provide a panelists mentioned they rely on the shared the same vision of wanting a better product people love while simultaneously retailers to source humanely raised meat labeling program. The purpose of One protecting the environment. “Sustainability and poultry products.

Health Certified is to reduce consumer requires transparency,” said Nelson.

When asked if antibiotic use labels confusion and take care of the animals in a Each panelist was asked how to have an impact on purchasing decisions, responsible and sustainable way. It will also effectively communicate about beef some panelists mentioned how they realize be the first certification program to include sustainability. Parman said, “tearing down that what goes into the animal eventually environmental impact and will likely be the walls and letting people come in. Not impacts their health, so they prefer not to available this summer. being afraid to have a dialogue and tackle have antibiotics, but are eager to learn more Next, a panel of leaders in the the misinformation.” Lyons-Blythe added, about why antibiotics may be used and the beef industry took the stage to discuss “it’s all about respect” and was careful to avoid using the term “educate” as it should be more of a conversation with the public. Nelson ended the session by reiterating how transparency is key and “seeing is believing,” recommending attendees invite 106 Armory Road • PO Box 2146 • North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 retailers to their Tele: 336-838-3442 • Fax: 336-838-3591 operations.

Speakers discuss how to turn challenges into opportunities at 2019 Summit.

“A Seat At The Catching and Hauling Services Available Table,” armed attendees with new ways to engage with their customers and shelmerblackburn@hotmail.com sethchurch@charter.net protect animal agriculture from

Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sales - Wednesdays - 1:30 p.m.

Take-up Tuesday Evenings

Shelmer Blackburn, Jr. 919-270-1522

PAGE 64

Seth Church 336-927-5370

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

damaging blows of misinformation and animal rights activists. Tyne Morgan, host of U.S. Farm Report and Summit moderator, wrapped up the event saying, “We all have a seat at the table, we just need to pull up a chair.” Recordings from Summit sessions will be posted on the Alliance’s YouTube channel within the next few weeks.

To kick off the “Engage” portion of the program, a panel of experts shared personal experiences, tips, and lessons learned from influencer farm tours and other tactics to help attendees plan their own influencer engagement. “I would love to engage with consumers and go down the grocery aisle and tell everyone buying milk, ‘thank you,’ but we can’t do everything as farmers,” said Adriane Heins of Heins Family Farms.

“We’d like to link arms with people who are good storytellers.”

Hana Bieliauskas, digital practice lead at Inspire PR Group, helps link farmers with influencers. “The power of influencers is huge and will continue to grow.” She added that influencer engagement is a “third party validation to the information being shared.” Lauren Lane, owner and blogger of Lauren Lane Culinarian, is an online influencer who has worked with food and agriculture stakeholders to help share their message and be a third party validation. She shared how full transparency and authenticity is key when connecting with potential clients.

In the next session, titled “Bring the Food Chain to the Table,” a panel of leading retail, restaurant, and foodservice brands talked about how their companies make decisions that impact animal agriculture, such as animal welfare, antibiotic use, and sustainability. David Guilhaus, senior manager of food safety at Publix, said, “We don’t set deadlines to miss them,” but is unsure if everyone will be able to meet the upcoming cage free commitments with just ten percent of customers buying cage free eggs.

Judy Panayos, senior director of sustainability and supply management at Sodexo said, “Sometimes the answer is – we don’t have a solution today. The pressures we are getting from the market are too much and we make a commitment, then talk with our suppliers to figure things out.” Mark Smith, chief procurement officer at Centralized Supply Chain Services, said restaurants making sourcing commitments “creates angst, but opportunity as well” and is confident that producers will help companies meet their goals.

In a presentation titled “The Power of Positive Marketing,” Bill Gutrich, director of global food industry engagement at Elanco Animal Health, challenged attendees to market their products positively. “Great marketing talks about

the consumers connecting to that emotional ‘why,’” said Gutrich. “Good marketing talks about the buyer, not the product.”

To discuss if the grocery cart matches the online conversation around food, Leah McGrath, registered dietitian with BuildUP Dietitians, shared how “social media promotes loud, fearmongering voices,” but less than one percent of people are vegan. To better reach people online, Kim Kirchherr, registered dietitian and supermarket consultant, argued the word “consumer” loses the sense of individuality and challenged attendees to instead use “customer” as it is more inclusive while still describing a big group. “Agriculture

is not inherent knowledge anymore like it used to be. So, how do we make sure we are resonating?” asked Kirchherr.

“Relationships make facts make sense.”

To continue the conversation about some of those hot issues, Jane Andrews, a retail nutrition consultant; Christine McCracken, executive director of animal protein at Rabobank; and Andy Brudtkuhl, director of emerging technology at National Pork Board, got the “Protect” portion of the agenda started by talking about gene editing, alternative proteins, and blockchain technology.

Andrews, who consults for Wegmans and Food Marketing Institute, described gene editing as “an evolution, not a

Cattle Industry’s Beef Quality Assurance Program Develops, Distributes Extensive National Manual. Checkoff Funded Effort is a Resource for Responsible Cattle Management. An official manual for the Beef Quality Assurance program that is both detailed and extensive is now being distributed nationwide throughout the cattle industry. The manual and the BQA Program are both managed by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

The 124 page manual addresses topics such as food safety, animal well being, worker safety, and environmental stewardship. It provides specific information to help producers approach management decisions in a way that acknowledges a responsibility to the animals, consumers, the environment ,and the larger beef industry.

The manual includes the most current set of key practices, guidelines, and suggestions for providing thoughtful and responsible cattle management. A helpful resource for cattle producers and others in the industry, it is the foundation for training and certification programs offered nationally and by many states.

“In the Beef Quality Assurance Program, we have a slogan that the right way is the only way,” according to BQA Advisory Group Chair, Bob Smith, DVM. “At the same time, we recognize that no two cattle operations are the same. And no program or manual could ever compile all of the “do’s” and “don’ts” that would completely constitute the ‘right way’.”

Smith says this manual instead outlines a way of thinking for cattle producers – a guideline for approaching decisions with thoughtfulness and care. He says following the easy-to-understand manual will lead to both a stronger individual cattle operation

and a more vibrant, respected, and robust cattle industry.

The BQA Program is a cooperative effort between beef producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, extension staff, and other professionals from veterinary medical associations and allied industries. Its goal is to assure consumers that all cattle shipped from a beef production unit are healthy, wholesome, and safe; their management has met FDA, USDA, and EPA standards; they meet quality requirements throughout the production system; and are produced using animal well being, worker safety, and environmentally sound production practices.

It has six objectives focused on production standards, data retention, hands on training and education, technical assistance, and maintaining a foundation of continuous improvement and responsible cattle management.

BQA encourages producers to use all reliable sources and information and take actions that will accomplish the BQA program’s goals and objectives. In addition, the BQA recommends the use of common sense, appropriate management skills, and accepted scientific knowledge to deliver the highest levels of animal stewardship and the production of quality, healthy, and safe products.

To view the new BQA manual or become BQA certified, visit www.BQA.org.

About the Beef Quality Assurance Program. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association manages the BQA program as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. Funding for the BQA Awards is made possible by the generosity of Cargill, which has supported the program since its inception, and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, which sponsors the BQA educator award. For more information about BQA, visit www.BQA.org.

UPDATE

revolution.” While new technology can help make foods more nutritious and sustainable, Andrews said retailers must “have an intelligent dialogue about why farmers choose these products.”

McCracken explained how there is not much growth in packaged products at grocery stores, but alternative proteins are “hot and exciting.” She shared how companies developing plant based proteins are not developing meat products, but want to be meat. “You’ve got a bullseye on your back,” McCracken told the attendees.

“These are highly processed products that are not natural. Animal agriculture has the edge – use it.”

Blockchain technology can assist with provenance, traceability, trust, and efficiency. “They’re not anything fancy, they’re just encrypted data,” said Brudtkuhl. “In most cases, blockchain is not going to solve your problem, but there are specific cases where it can help.”

Next, Jim Rovers and Sophie Cranley of AFIMAC shared how farmers and ranchers can make sure they aren’t a “soft target” for animal rights activists. “They don’t like going after hard targets,” said Rovers. “Do a better job to make it harder for activists to get in.”

The duo suggested producers use fencing, lighting, and locks to make themselves harder targets. Cranley urged attendees to take animal rights activism seriously and report any losses to law enforcement.

Michelle Pardo, partner at Duane Morris LLP, echoed Cranley’s advice as she discussed how animal rights activists are increasingly targeting producers through litigation. “Animal activists do not like labels that give consumers comfort when buying animal products,” said Pardo. She also shared how activist groups “want a case where animals have the same rights as people.”

Andy Curliss, president of North Carolina Pork Council, closed the Summit program by discussing the coordinated strategy, funding, and litigation against hog farmers in his state. Although the lawsuits are currently targeting the pork industry, Curliss warned attendees that their industry might be next. “It puts a lot of people out of business and takes a lot of food off the table,” said Curliss.

A full report of Summit highlights will be posted on the Alliance website. Key takeaways from the “Connect” portion of the program are available at www.animalagalliance.org/ resourcelibrary/results.cfm?ID=1280.

The 2020 Summit is set for May 78 at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Stay tuned to www.summit.animalagalliance.org and #AAA2020 for event updates.

Thank you to our 2019 Summit sponsors: • Watt Global Media • Farm Journal • Meatingplace

• National Provisioner • American Feed Industry Association • National Pork Producers Council • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association • National Pork Board • Smithfield • United Soybean Board • Elanco • National Turkey Federation • Country Folks • Dairy MAX • Farm Credit • National Biodiesel Board • Summit Livestock Facilities • United Egg Producers • Cobb-Vantress, Inc. • Council for Biotechnology Information • Protect the Harvest • Agri Beef • American Farm Bureau Federation • American Veal Association • Empirical • Progressive Dairyman • Kemin • National Chicken Council • Live Oak Bank • North Carolina Farm Bureau •O+B|P • Phileo Lesaffre Animal Care • Vivayic • Eggland’s Best • Brakke Consulting, Inc. • Food Industry Environmental Network • Kansas Farm Bureau • Kansas Soybean.

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 65

PAGE 66

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

...

LASSIFIED PUREBRED CATTLE B REEDERS BACK CREEK ANGUS

Joe and Robin Hampton 345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

704-880-2488

Angus

Black Crest Farm

W.R. “Billy” McLeod

FOR SALE

BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females

WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS Joe and Ann Logan 214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-538-3004

williammcleod@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com

Email - bg@wshealy.com • www.blackgrove.com

F. Ha niff Farms * Registered Angus Cattle *

“Cattle with Something Extra”

QUALITY GELBVIEH, ANGUS, & BALANCER CATTLE Duane Cell: 336-964-6277 • Wendy Cell: 336-964-5127 Home: 336-381-3640 • Fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com • ccrosscattle.com THE HERD THAT CONSISTENTLY PRODUCES CATTLE WITH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS, AND EYE APPEAL.

REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998 “Quality Cattle For Quality People”

Cattle Available Private Treaty

For more information 803-645-3642

Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936 Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS

• Performance Tested • Ultrasound Evaluated • Registered Angus Bulls

Ask us about how our cattle perform and our “out of the box” formed genetic pool.

2013 Edisto Bull Test

#1, #2, #4, #7 Indexing Bulls • #1, #3, #4, #9 ADG Bulls

Keith & Pat Hawkins

2534 Howell’s Ferry Rd. • Hickory Grove, SC 29717 Email: khdenali@comporium. net • Cell: 803-230-1598

Tarheel Angus “Black Friday” Sale

November 29, 2019 • 2:00 p.m.

at the Alamance County Cattlemen’s Sale Facility

RICHARD KIRKMAN, DVM 20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350

919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net

THE YON FAMILY 318 Aiken Road • Ridge Spring, SC 29129 www.yonfamilyfarm.com

Angus • SimAngus • Ultrablacks

YOUR AD HERE!!!

519 Morgan Mill Rd., Monroe, NC 28112 704-289-5083 • 704-289-1696 • 800-222-8638

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

INSURANCE AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS • FARM & RANCH

SEXED SEMEN

803-789-7000

The Josey Agency, Inc. Douglas Josey

* Located in Greensboro, N.C. -- Serving North and South Carolina*

Ernest B. Harris President

Multi-Line Agent

Cell: 803-385-8161 Email: djosey@truvista.net

®

Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com

Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791

SENEPOL CATTLE FOR SALE Black & Red Available

Great for grass programs!

Heat Tolerant • Calving Ease Gentle Natured • Tender Carcass

H.J. WHITE FARMS

PO Box 215 • Bladenboro, NC 28320 910-648-6171 (day) • 910-863-3170 (night)

On Your Side®

James S. Wills

Telephone: 800-557-3390 Cell: 864-554-4658 Fax: 803-532-0615 willsj1@nationwide.com

555 West Church Street Batesburg, SC 29006

3200 NC Hwy. 58 • Warrenton, NC 27589 NCAL #1468 • NC#C#4264 • VAL #146 • SCAL #3895 Email: ebharris@ebharris.com www.ebharris.com

YOUR AD HERE!!!

OF

2019 Feeder Calf Sale Schedule ..................................... 51 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale .... 25 Alltech ........................................................................... 43 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency ....... 67 Back Creek Angus .......................................................... 67 Beef Month Proclamation ................................................ 2 BioZyme Incorporated — VitaCharge ............................ 57 Black Crest Farm ........................................................... 67 Black Grove Angus ......................................................... 67 C-Cross Cattle Company ................................................ 67 Carolinas Animal Health ............................................... 67 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. ................................... 30 Double J Farms .............................................................. 67 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. ......................................... 67 EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale ............................ 27 F. Haniff Farms .............................................................. 67 FPL Food, LLC .................................................................. 5 H.J. White Farms ........................................................... 67 Harward Sisters ............................................................ 48 Hawk’s Nest Ranch ........................................................ 67 Howard Brothers Farms ................................................ 67 Hunt’s H+ Brangus ........................................................ 67 Hutton & Sons Herefords .............................................. 67 John Deere .................................................................... 36 Kuhn North America ........................................................ 8 N.C. Angus Association Directory .................................. 28 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Health Form ..................................... 53 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Nomination Form ............................ 52 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application ...... 50 N.C. Gelbvieh Association .............................................. 42 N.C. Hereford Association Directory ............................... 9 N.C. Simmental Association Directory .......................... 22

®

Agribusiness Primary Agent/Owner Master Farm Certified

Inc. / Auctioneers

I NDEX

2610 Kee Moore Drive Chester, SC 29706

Nationwide

Phone: 252-257-2140 Mobile: 252-430-9595

DUANE & WENDY STRIDER, OWNERS

John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com

Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062

Carolinas Animal Health, LLC

AUCTIONEERING

426 Brier Patch Lane Warrenville, SC 29851

104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Jim Traynham Wingate, N.C. 704-233-5366 Cell - 704-292-4217

336-382-9635 • bkherefords@gmail.com

Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000 Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174

Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.

Authorized Representative

BLACK GROVE Walter D. Shealy III and Family

FORAGE PRODUCTS

C. A. H.

www.huntsbrangus.com Calhoun, GA 770-548-7950

1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150

803-481-2011

A NIMAL HEALTH

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT SMITH FARM

TRAILER SALES

trailers • truck bodies • tool boxes

Carl R. Smith 2205 Finch Farm Rd. Trinity, NC 27370 336.475.1279

Authorized Dealer

smithfarmtrailers@yahoo.com

A DVERTISERS National Beef Checkoff/ North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment ............. 17 P.H. White Company ...................................................... 13 Pearson Livestock Equipment ....................................... 41 Ragan & Massey — UF-Riata .......................................... 61 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory ........ 45 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing & Equipment ....... 59 Smith Farm Trailer Sales ............................................... 67 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form ....................................... 47 Southeast AgriSeeds ..................................................... 67 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule ...................................... 33 Southern States - CinnaGar® Mineral Blend .................. 62 Southern States — Intake Limiting Creep Feed Program .................... 34 Southern States — Ranger Limiter ................................ 35 Southern States — Sunglo Feeds ..................................... 7 Springfield Angus .......................................................... 67 ST Genetics — Bill Kirkman .......................................... 67 Tarheel Angus — ‘Black Friday’ Sale .............................. 67 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2019 Spotlight Schedule .....10 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates and Sizes ..................................... 39 The Carolina Cattle Connection Rate Card No. 9 ............ 66 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM ................................................... 12 West End Precast — Feed Bunks ...................................... 3 White Farms Angus Cattle Dispersal/ Central Carolina Bred Cow Sale ............................... 26 Whitehall Beefmasters .................................................. 67 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ............................................ 64 Yon Family Farms .......................................................... 67

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2019

PAGE 67

VENTS ANGUS Jun. 14 — Panther Creek Farms Summer Classic Angus Female Sale, Beulaville, N.C. Oct. 26 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C. Oct. 26 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 2 — NCAA 2019 Down East Sale, Beulaville, N.C. Nov. 16 — 11th Annual SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Nov. 16 — Southeast Bull & Expo Sale, Clinton, N.C. Dec. 6 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2020 Jan. 4 — EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Mar. 7 — Iredell Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. brahman Jun. 1 — Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association 39th Annual Sale, Clemson, S.C brangus Oct. 19 — L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms Best of the South Private Treaty Field Day Sale, Lyons, Ga.

CHAROLAIS Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. GELBVIEH Dec. 6 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. HEREFORD Dec. 6 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Red Angus Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. SIMMENTAL Jun. 19-22 — AJSA Eastern Regional Classic, Lewisburg, W.Va. Jul. 21-28 — AJSA National Classic, Louisville, Ken. Sep. 6 — N.C. Simmental Association Annual Meeting, Union Grove, N.C. Sep. 7 — N.C. Simmental Association Fall Harvest Sale, Union Grove, N.C. Oct. 26 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 26 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 16 — 11th Annual SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2020 Jan. 4 — EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Mar. 7 — Iredell Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. OTHER EVENTS Jun. 3 — Cattlemen Helping Cattlemen Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. Jun. 4 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Jun. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jun. 6 — Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jul. 9 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Jul. 10 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jul. 11 — Value Added BQA Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jul. 12 — Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Field Day, Chatham, Va. Aug. 1 — Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Aug. 6 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction

Aug. 7 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Sep. 3 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Sep. 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Sep. 5 — Value Added BQA Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Sep. 12 — Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Sept. 26-28 — 2019 Regenerative Agricultural Summit, Greeneville, Tenn.

Oct. 1 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Oct. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Nov. 5 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Nov. 6 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 3 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Dec. 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 6 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 7 — 44th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2020 Jan. 4 — EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Mar. 7 — Iredell Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

IGHTER

Be a winner!

Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state cattlemen’s association!

PAGE 68

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2019

Two Irishmen are traveling to Australia.

Before they leave home, one of their dads gives them both a bit of advice: “You watch them Aussie cab drivers. They’ll rob you blind. Don’t you go paying them what they ask. You haggle.”

At the Sydney airport, the Irishmen catch a cab to their hotel. When they reach their destination, the cabbie says, “That’ll be twenty dollars, lads.”

“Oh no you don’t! My dad warned me about you. You’ll only be getting fifteen dollars from me,” says one of the men.

“And you’ll only be getting fifteen from me too,” adds the other. * * * A woman answered the doorbell with a man standing on her porch.

The man said, “I’m terribly sorry. I just ran over your cat and I would like to replace it for you.”

The woman replied, “Well that’s alright with me, but how are you at catching mice?”

IDE

* * * A young boy is pulling his wagon up a hill when one of the back wheels falls off and rolls down the hill.

The young boy says, “I’ll be darned.”

A local pastor heard him and said, “You should not say that. Next time your wheel falls off say, ‘Praise the Lord.’”

So the next day the young boy is pulling his wagon up the hill and the wheel falls off and rolls down the hill. The young boy says, “Praise the Lord.” The wheel stops rolling, turns around, rolls back up the hill, and puts itself back on the wagon.

The young boy being very surprised by this exclaims, “I’ll be darned!” * * * A biologist, a chemist, and a statistician are out hunting.

The biologist shoots at a deer and misses five feet to the left.

The chemist takes a shot and misses five feet to the right.

The statistician yells, “We got ‘em!”