The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 37, Issue No. 11 (NOVEMBER 2023)

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arolina attle onnection

NOVEMBER 2023 • Vol. 37, Issue No. 11

Spotlight on

BRANGUS

ONNECTION 2023 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts .............................................................. page 12 A Message from the CEO — Taking Stock of Our Direction, by Colin Woodall ........ page 52 Amazing Grazing — Selecting Cattle for Changing Conditions,

by Johnny Rogers .............................................................................................................. page 10 American Angus Association News ................................................................................. page 22 American Brahman Breeders Association Executive Update, by Dr. Joe Paschal ... page 50 American Gelbvieh Association News ............................................................................ page 29 American Hereford Association News ............................................................................ page 31 Animal Agriculture Alliance News .................................................................................. page 68 Ashley’s Beef Corner — Summer Beef Campaign Wrap Up, by Ashley Herring ........ page 8 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ......................................................... page 47 BioZyme News ..................................................................................................................... page 64 Carolina Cooking — One Pot Lasagna Pasta .................................................................. page 68 Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update — Beef Checkoff’s Producer Communications Efforts Necessary to Shape Current, Future Programs, by Steve Springer ..................... page 62 Certified Angus Beef News ............................................................................................... page 20 Director’s Report — Winding Down on a High Note, by Travis W. Mitchell ............... page 3 Dr. Ray Harvey Passes ......................................................................................................... page 51 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — There Are Some Places That Need to be Left Alone, by E.B. Harris .................................................................. page 13 Elanco News .......................................................................................................................... page 45 Federation of State Beef Councils Update ..................................................................... page 60 Ground Beef Thawing ......................................................................................................... page 69 Have You Herd — Your Beef from Birth to the Table, by Zoe Fisher ...................... page 14 Isaiah “Ike” Jackson Passes ................................................................................................. page 49 It’s Time to Look Past the Hide, by Sarah Kocher ......................................................... page 16 John Deere News ................................................................................................................. page 42 N.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation — 2024-2025 Scholarship Applications Open .......... page 40 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ............................................................... page 58 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report — Grassroots Outreach Makes All the Difference, by Todd Wilkinson ......... page 57 New NCCA Members for 2023 .......................................................................................... page 40 North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ..................................................... page 66 Pasture Managment Systems, Inc. Mile of Fence Program Update .......................... page 39 Purina News ......................................................................................................................... page 49 Onward to Orlando Update ................................................................................................ page 46 Renovo Seed News .............................................................................................................. page 29 Ridley Block News — Three Ways to Alleviate Stress This Fall With Crystalix,

by Jill Peine ........................................................................................................................ page 63 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanna Webb ...................................................................... page 43 South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ...................................................... page 63 Ten North Carolina and South Caroilna Breeders Who Registered the Most Angus ................................................................................ page 25 The Chaplain’s Corral — The Buzz Words, by Skeeter Spaulding .................................. page 15 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker .............................................................................. page 32 Understanding Beef Quality Grades ............................................................................... page 66 You Decide, by Dr. Mike Walden ......................................................................................... page 12

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

President SCOTT WEST 489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850 Vice Presidents RYAN CLARK 5250 NC 772 Hwy. • Madison, NC 27025

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 37, No. 11 NOVEMBER 2023 Sales & Publication Office

BRANDON BOWMAN 2346 Ann Street • Claremont, NC 28610

2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

JIM LEDFORD 260 Mulberry Lane • Otto, NC 28763

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

Immediate Past President BURON LANIER 2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425 NCBA Regional Vice President (Policy) FRED SMITH, JR.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

is printed on 30 lb recycled newsprint

by BN Printing in Benson, N.C.

NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON N.C. Beef Council Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - BRIAN WARREN Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

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

Manager, N.C. Manager, S.C.

STAFF

BRYAN BLINSON

TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director CASEY L. HINNANT Assistant Editor & Proofreader KIM BURDGE

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE N.C. Circulation

KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation

TRAVIS MITCHELL

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138 Phone: 803-609-2828 Email: twmitch@clemson.edu

Material in The Carolina Cattle Connection is not to be reproduced in total or in part without the written permission of the Editor. All Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org submissions become property of The Carolina Executive Committee Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to President - Timmy Benton return items such as photographs and artwork as 1st Vice President - Joe Oswald IV requested. nd 2 Vice President - Gene Crim Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Roscoe Kyle

John Lews, Chester • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale Roscoe Kyle, Inman • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg Lloyd Baxley, Georgetown • Joe Davis, Westminster Michael Hall, Abbeville • Richard Sox, Lexington Carol Hendrix, Westminister • Jamie Driggers, Hamer Timmy Benton, Walterboro • Michael Bailey, Lancaster Bonnie Cann, Abbeville • Ashley Mills, Blair Drake Yon, Ridge Spring • Gene Crim, St. Matthews Lee Haddon, Gaffney • Eric Seymour, Columbia

S.C. Beef Council

P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211 Phone: 803-917-1119 Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov Website: www.sccattle.org

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

A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Nonmember subscriptions are $30 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 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

BRANGUS About Brangus Cattle … page 4

Brangus in North Carolina and South Carolina … page 7 Brangus Value Project Summary,

by Kyle Caldwell … page 6

EC Brangus, by Evon Crooks … page 5 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

PAGE 1

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

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Director’s Report

By TRAVIS W. MITCHELL, Executive Director, SCCA

Winding Down on a High Note It is hard to believe that this will be the last report I write for the calendar year. This has been a great year for the beef cattle industry and the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association. We continue to see strong demand for U.S. beef, both domestically and abroad. Cattle prices remain very strong and are forecasted to remain that way well into 2024.

The S.C. Cattlemen’s Association wrapped up the 2023 Regional Membership meetings the last week of August. Over 250 producers from around the state attended these regional meetings.

Attendees listened to a great presentation from Dr. Mark Alley with Zoetis on the importance of vaccines and how they add value to a calf crop. Dr. Alley was

then joined by Dr. Che Trejo with Merck Animal Health and Randy Fordham with Boehringer Ingelheim for an outstanding panel discussion. These three industry experts did a great job answering producer’s questions and providing insight into the importance of good herd health.

The S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Foundation is selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a Priefert S0 4 Squeeze Chute. Tickets will be sold at local county cattlemen’s association meetings all the way up to the 2024 Annual Meeting being held on February 2 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena Cattle Complex in Clemson. The winning ticket will be drawn that evening at the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Regular copy deadline is NOVEMBER 5 for the DECEMBER issue Spotlight material is due NOVEMBER 1 for the DECEMBER issue Annual Meeting awards banquet. All proceeds generated from the raffle tickets will go directly to fund the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation youth scholarship program. Speaking of scholarships, the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship applications are currently available on our

The Carolina Cattle Connection

website. I encourage students to apply for an opportunity to be awarded one of these scholarships to go towards furthering their education.

As we move into the holiday season, we at the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

q NOVEMBER 2023

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e Special

Spotlight on

BRANGUS

Section f

About Brangus Cattle History The Brangus breed was developed to utilize the superior traits of Angus and Brahman cattle. Their genetics are stabilized at ⅜ Brahman and ⅝ Angus.

The combination results in a breed that unites the traits of two highly successful parent breeds. Through rigorous natural selection, the Brahman cattle developed disease resistance, overall hardiness, and outstanding maternal instincts. Angus cattle are known for their superior carcass qualities.

They are also extremely functional females that excel in both fertility and milking ability.

A review of the development of the Brangus breed takes us back beyond the founding of the American Brangus Breeders Association in 1949. However, registered Brangus cattle descend from the foundation animals recorded that year or registered Brahman and Angus cattle enrolled since then. Much of the early work in crossing Brahman and Angus cattle was done at the USDA Experiment Station in Jeanerette, Louisiana.

According to the USDA 1935 Yearbook in Agriculture, the research with these crosses started about 1932.

During the same period, Clear Creek Ranch of Welch, Okla., and Grenada, Miss.; Raymond Pope of Vinita, Okla.; the Essar Ranch of San Antonio, Tex.; and a few individual breeders in other parts of the United States and Canada were also carrying on private experimental breeding

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programs. They were looking for a desirable beef type animal that would retain Brahman cattle’s natural ability to thrive under adverse conditions in combination with the excellent qualities for which Angus cattle are known.

The early breeders from 16 states and Canada met in Vinita, Okla., on July 2, 1949, and organized the American Brangus Breeders Association, later renamed the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

The headquarters eventually moved to San Antonio, Tex., where it has permanently been located since January of 1973. There are now members in nearly every state, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Central America, Argentina, and South Rhodesia in Africa.

Characteristics Brangus cattle are black or red and polled, with a sleek coat and pigmented skin. Their ears are medium to large, and the skin is loose with neck folds. The rump is slightly rounded, and the bulls have a moderate hump.

Brangus have a good temperament which was originally selected for when the breed was created.

Mature Brangus bulls generally weigh between 1,800-2,000 pounds, while mature females generally weigh around 1,100-1,200 pounds.

Bulls mature by two years of age and are ready to go into service by 18 months.

Heifers are ready to breed by 14 months

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

of age and deliver their first calf at 24 months of age. The bulls can remain in service through age 12, while the cows can produce calves beyond the age of 14.

This breed is considered to be very versatile, being high performers on pasture and in the feed yard. They have also proven resistant to heat and high humidity. Under conditions of cool and cold climate, they seem to produce enough hair for adequate protection.

The cows are good mothers, and the calves are usually of medium size at birth.

Statistics • Resistant to heat and high humidity • Hardy in cold climates • Good mothers • Resistance to ticks and bloat • A good forager • Rapid weight gain • Average to slightly late maturing • A carcass without excessive fat Comparative Research in Louisiana has indicated that Brangus cows increase their weights during the summer months while Angus cows lose weight, indicating they are more adaptable to coastal climates.

Carcass tests conducted by Texas A&M University confirmed the ability of Brangus to produce exceptionally high quality carcasses. There were 330 steers by 17 Brangus sires, and 32 Angus steers by two high marbling accuracy Angus carcass sired used in this test. The 19 sires were randomly bred to predominantly Brangus females. The cattle were managed alike, fed at Tri-State Feeders

and harvested at Iowa Beef processors in Amarillo, Texas. The Warner-Bratzler Shear Force Test was conducted on ribeye samples from each of the steers. Of the Brangus samples, 97 percent scored “tender” or better, while 94 percent of the Angus samples tested tender. Brangus were 14-17 percent more favorable than the Angus average. According to the 1990 National Beef Tenderness Survey, the average for shear force rating was 7.4 pounds.

Distribution Brangus can be found all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and South Rhodesia in Africa.

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

e Special

Spotlight on

BRANGUS

Section f

EC Brangus

By EVON CROOKS EC Brangus is owned by Evon and Carol Crooks. We have been producing registered Brangus cattle since 1998. We are located in Mocksville, North Carolina.

Prior to 1989, we raised commercial cattle. Once we purchased the first two pairs in 1998, EC Brangus has been on a mission to produce the best in terms of EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), ease of calving, high weaning weights, and yearling weights. The most important traits are performance, calmness, fertility, and feed conversion efficiency.

EC Brangus is a cow/calf operation that markets open and bred heifers and breeding age bulls. On average, we have about 20 Brangus females.

We A.I. (artificial inseminate) all our females to some of the best herd sires across the United States. This allows us to continuously improve our herd and market some of the best animals in the Southeast. On weaning, we evaluate heifers and bulls for breeding soundness and do not hesitate to cull those that would not make good mama cows or herd bulls. EC Brangus offers only the best females and bulls to customers.

Evon is a former president of the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association

sired calves can add 100 or more pounds to weaning weights. So, if you have a commercial operation with 50 heads, 100 lbs. extra weaning weight at $2 per pound will be $200 per head additional income, times 50 heads is $10,000 to your bottom line. So, paying $5,000 for a Brangus will add $5,000 more in annual net income on the first year of purchase.

During the summer, when our grandchildren are out of school, you will find them out on the farm with Grandpa, feeding, checking fences, and evaluating animals. We are passionate about Brangus cattle and would welcome anyone to call, email, or stop by to discuss our Brangus cattle operation. and has served on its board of directors for several years. EC Brangus has consigned animals to the annual Southeast sale in September. However, more recently, most of our animals are sold at the annual Cut Above Sale in Cullman, Ala., on the last Saturday in April. This year, EC Brangus

in Cullman, Ala., in mid-October. You may contact Evon at 336-817-6890 for private treaty purchases. We have sold several bulls to commercial cattle farmers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The data shows that Brangus

“DESIGNED FOR CATTLEMEN BY CATTLEMEN” had the highest selling herd sire at the Cut Above Sale in Cullman, which is a testament to our breeding program. You can also find EC Brangus cattle at the annual Wayne Addison Performance Sale

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

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Spotlight on

BRANGUS

Section f

Brangus Value Project Summary

By KYLE CALDWELL IBBA Few can dispute the added value a well built Brangus female brings to the herd by combining hardiness, longevity, adaptability, and early puberty in an attractive solid black or red package.

Whether we want to admit it or not, Brangus and other Bos indicus influenced feeder calves tend to get knocked at sale time in what has become known as the “Eared Discount.” Each stakeholder further along in the beef industry production chain will give their reasons as to why this discount exists, and if you talk to enough of them, some commonalities will emerge. Those in the feeding sector will claim that Bos indicus cattle do not feed or grow as well as British or Continental crosses. Years ago, there was a stigma in the packing industry that eared cattle did not have enough muscle conformation to be profitable once they were hung upside down. Just in case you have not been paying attention, modern Brangus have made enormous strides in the last 10-20 years, and those who see Brangus every day can attest. As a breed, we have drastically increased the terminal performance of Brangus feeder cattle without sacrificing the outstanding cow power Brangus have always been known for. Our breeders believed in the progress they’ve made so much, in fact, that they decided to put their money where their mouths were. Enter the Brangus Value Project.

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The Brangus Value Project (BVP) is an initiative designed to benchmark the performance of Brangus and Ultrablack feeder steers in the feedlot and on the rail and answer a few questions.

1. Can Brangus feeder calves grow and convert feed at a high level?

2. Will they grade at the packer?

3. Do they meet consumer ’s expectations for tenderness?

We also wanted to make this data usable by every Brangus breeder in the form of EPDs, which necessitates careful experimental design. At present, we have completed two rounds of the Brangus Value project, successfully testing 190 steers sired from 11 high use Brangus and Ultrablack bulls. We bred these sires to two commercial cowherds in Texas and Oklahoma, bought every steer at weaning, and shipped them to a southwest Kansas Feedyard. After a brief adjustment period, each steer was placed on a GrowSafe system to measure feed efficiency. When the steers reached their finishing point, they were sold on a grid and shipped to Cargill - Dodge City, Kan., for processing. Grade data and a single strip loin steak were collected from each carcass, and the steaks were shipped down to Texas Tech University for tenderness testing.

Our first question can be answered using the results of the feed phase. The Brangus and Ultrablack steers outgained

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

the southwest Kansas average (about 25,000 head placed in the feedlot at the same time our Brangus steers were) by nearly ¾ of a pound more per day, all while eating ½ lb less feed per pound of weight gain. Stretch that out over the course of the entire feeding period with $300 per ton dry matter feed cost, and the Brangus and Ultrablack sired steers ate 350 pounds less feed and saved $52/head!

Just imagine if all 25,000 head of cattle in that southwest Kansas feedlot performed like our Brangus…now we are talking about real money. So, can Brangus feeder steers grow and convert feed at a high level? YES. Our next question can be answered

by referencing the grade data collected at the Cargill beef plant. When sold on a carcass value grid factoring in quality and yield grade, the 190 steers averaged a $46/head premium over the prevailing live price. They graded 89 percent Choice or better, with nearly half meeting the mark for “premium choice”- the same marbling level required for Certified Angus Beef. Moreover, the average carcass weight was 940 pounds. When the USDA yield grade equation was designed well before I was born, it was never thought that beef carcasses would be as heavy as they are today. As a result, many carcasses have trouble meeting the “par” line for ribeye size relative to carcass

e Special

Spotlight on

BRANGUS

Section f

itself. Modern Brangus check all the boxes for feedlot performance, carcass value, and customer satisfaction. Nobody will debate the maternal value a Brangus female brings to the herd. Today, you no

weight. The 190 Brangus carcasses stayed even with the par line, thereby dispelling the myth that indicus influenced cattle lack the propensity for muscling or red meat yield. Returning to our second question, will Brangus steers grade at the packer? YES. As a meat scientist, the third and final question has always carried a lot of weight for me. Tenderness is the number one driver for consumer acceptance when eating beef, and if you ask me, it is the big hurdle that eared cattle have to overcome in order to make a consistent end product. Of the 190 steers tested, 86 percent of the steaks qualified as “very tender,” 11 percent were “tender,” and 3 percent were classified as “intermediate” according to standards utilized by USDA for tenderness claims. Does Brangus

beef meet consumer’s expectations for tenderness? YES. It is worth noting that the bulls selected to participate in the project thus far were not selected to “win” a carcass contest, so to speak. They were selected based on their genetic footprint within the breed so that when brand new, commercially relevant EPDs for traits like Marbling Score, Carcass Weight, and Tenderness were created, the data would be as impactful as possible. The 11 bulls in the project so far have sired over 5,000 active sons and daughters that will be directly benefited by this data, and we have no plans to stop this project anytime soon. Another 100 head of steers from six additional sires are set to enter the feedlot in the next 45 days.

In summary, the data speaks for

longer have to sacrifice terminal value for cow power or vice versa. I say it is time to shed the idea of an “Eared Discount” in favor of a “Brangus Premium.” Get the best of both worlds with Brangus.

Brangus in North Carolina and South Carolina Registered Brangus must be ⅜ Brahman and ⅝ Angus, solid black, solid red, and polled as to confirmation and breed characteristics. Both sire and dam must be recorded with the International Brangus Breeders Association to register an offspring.

Brangus is the sustainable beef breed with more than 60 years of designed crossbreeding just for you. Brangus cattle make ranching operations more profitable and sustainable with animals that are more adaptable, improved longevity, and excellent reproductive efficiencies.

Brangus cross replacement females are known for easy fleshing, early puberty, and lower input cost as she consistently calves at an early age.

Females usually have their first calf by their second birthday (two years old).

Females are the ideal maternal choice for commercial cattlemen in maximizing profit.

If you are seeking higher weaning weights and increased profitability, invest in a registered Brangus bull to cross with your animals. You may contact any of the following Brangus breeders nearest you to purchase a registered Brangus bull:

The Carolina Cattle Connection

North Carolina EC Brangus - Evon Crooks Mocksville, N.C. 336-817-6890 L&W Cattle Co. - Doug Williams Mocksville, N.C. 336-745-5252 Whitley Cattle Co. - Steve Whitley Smithfield, N.C. 919-632-5107 Windless Farm - Michael Cocchiaro Hillsborough, N.C. 512-745-4795 Pine Knot Cattle Co. - Jeremy Sessoms Bennett, N.C. 336-408-8174 South Carolina Harding Brangus - John Harding York, S.C. 803-242-3248 Dogwood Hill Farms - Richard Sox Lexington, S.C. 803-606-1439

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Ashley’s Beef Corner

T

Summer Beef Campaign Wrap Up

By ASHLEY W. HERRING Director of Consumer Information N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council In our quest to have maximum exposure to beef during the peak grilling season, we partnered with our fellow southeast states to showcase beef advertising. Our collective budget reached $84,000 with states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, Virginia, Iowa, and North Dakota. What a great effort we can make with everyone on the team together!

The objective of this campaign was to inspire consumers in the Southeastern U.S. states to choose beef for their outdoor grilling meals.

This campaign ran throughout the duration of the summer, from early June through the end of August, in order to capitalize on the peak summer grilling season. This also mirrored the National BIWFD Summer Grilling Brand Anthem Campaign flight.​ During this campaign,

ads across all platforms were shown across the Southeastern states 7,205,902 times!

This campaign effectively utilized the creative assets from the BIWFD Brand Anthem campaign across three digital advertising channels on The Trade Desk – connected TV (CTV), audio (online radio streaming), and native advertising. The average cost per complete view was .035¢ (the average is 40¢).

By activating through relevant and popular streaming services like CBS Sports, Warner Brothers, Fox Sports, Hulu, AMC Network, and A&E, the campaign was able to reach consumers efficiently and repeatedly. The audio campaign resulted in 862,665 audio listens.

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Linn, Kansas

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

The campaign primarily targeted and reached consumers in more populated urban areas within each state — Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Birmingham, Louisville, etc. ​

How do audio ads work? While listening to music on digital audio platforms (Pandora, iHeart, Spotify, etc.), the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ad will appear during a break promoting beef’s message​ . These ads are unskippable and have an option to learn more on the BIWFD website. Audio platforms may include popular consumer audio sites, such as iHeart, Spotify, and Pandora.

How does Connected TV work?

A user within our target audience is watching a TV show on a popular channel such as ESPN, HGTV, Discovery, or Food Network through their Smart TV. During the natural commercial breaks in the show, a user is shown a 15 second or 30 second Beef Checkoff-funded ad. These are non-skippable videos, and the user must watch the entire video to completion to continue their show.art/Connected TV.

The campaign primarily targeted and reached consumers in more populated urban areas within each state — Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Birmingham, Louisville, etc. ​ Our strategy of using the national assets, the advertising created by the Beef Checkoff, engaged consumers, as you can see. We had great traction, much greater than one state’s resources could have made alone. We are thankful to our midwest partners Iowa and North Dakota for their contributions to our population dense southeast states. All total, we certainly moved the needle on beef with the campaign.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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By JOHNNY R. ROGERS Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator

Selecting Cattle for Changing Conditions Many factors contribute to successful grazing systems, and the genetic makeup of your cattle will have a major impact.

Developing sustainable and profitable cow herds will be the result of judicious selection for economically relevant traits over many generations. Developing and retaining females that fit your system

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has tremendous importance. Operational goals and objectives must be determined early in the selection process. What traits do you need to improve? Genetic change with beef cattle takes time because of the slow generation turnover. Are you using crossbreeding in your operation? Straight breeding (one breed) can be successful,

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

but harnessing the power of heterosis and breed complementarity must be considered. Traditional crossbreeding systems can be complex and difficult to manage, especially for smaller operations.

Using hybrid/composite bulls can simplify crossbreeding while capturing enhanced performance. Cattle selection criteria should mirror your genetic goals because the traits you emphasize will determine your herd’s direction.

Now that the traits of interest/ importance have been established for your herd, we can look for tools to help us find cattle to meet our needs. All major beef cattle breed associations publish Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), which are calculated by performance data submitted by their breeders. If possible, seek seedstock providers that collect and turn in data because it increases the accuracy of their breed’s genetic evaluation. In the interest of time, we will not review every EPD, but I would suggest reviewing the

EPDs for the traits that are important to you. Furthermore, a more powerful selection tool to consider is bio-economic selection indices. They combined EPDs with actual economic values and are reported as dollar values (i.e., $B = Angus, API = Simmental, etc.). Each index has its own individual definition, and some research is needed to make sure you are using the proper one. For example, some breeds publish terminal indices (i.e., Charolais = TSI; Simmental = TI), and they should not be used for maternal or all purpose systems. They are designed to place selection pressure on growth and carcass traits and will be a valuable tool when used properly. Selection indices and EPDs are powerful and will move your herd in the direction of your choosing.

This does not mean genetic tools are more important than visual traits. It takes a balanced approach, and utilizing all the available tools will lead to more desirable outcomes.

Two examples of beef cattle selection indices available to assist in selection decisions.

The important traits to consider during visual inspection start with structural soundness. Breeding stock should have good foot structure and correct angles to the joints in their fore and hind quarters. Structural integrity is best evaluated when cattle are moving, and they should have a very easy fluid gate. Cattle that arch their back and take short, choppy strides should be avoided. Resources are available to illustrate proper and improper beef cattle structure. Body capacity is important when selecting cattle to perform on forages. Cattle with good body depth and spring to their rib cage can consume larger quantities of forage. Body depth is best viewed from the side by mentally determining the distance from the topline (back) of the animal to its underline. A good location for reference is behind the front legs and at the rear flank. Spring of rib is best seen from the front/rear view.

Notice how the ribs are positioned on the spine, and they should have a wide arch coming from the backbone. Cattle with excellent body volume should have a performance advantage on forages.

Quality seedstock should have adequate muscle volume since this is the product we are producing. An extremely expressive muscle pattern should be avoided in maternal and all purpose systems. Terminal systems where all offspring will be sold could handle more selection for muscle as long as it does not lead to dystocia. Growth traits are best evaluated with EPDs and performance data collected by breeders. However, visual traits can give you some indication of growth potential. Hip height, which is usually reported as a frame score, can be used to gauge growth, and the ideal size will depend on operational objectives.

Maternal breeding systems will typically select for more moderate frame scores to keep mature cow size in check. In addition, larger frame cattle could be more desirable when selecting terminal sires. It has been said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and when analyzing cattle, that statement is very true. Each of us will find things we like and dislike about different cattle, and no animal will be perfect for every situation.

It is important to stay focused on what your operation needs and to not become distracted. No one knows the needs of your herd and your goals better than you.

It is fine to ask others for their opinion, but the final decision needs to be yours.

Few management decisions will have a greater impact than the cattle you select, and these new herd additions will set the genetic direction for your program. Careful analysis will make sure that this direction is pointed toward your goals. Cattle adaption to your production environment and management is very important. Find reputable seedstock suppliers that manage cattle like you manage your herd. Dr. David Lalman, Oklahoma State Beef Specialist, offers this advice, “Purchase bulls out of cows that are managed like yours or worse, have never missed a calf and calve early.” Of course, this guidance applies to operations retaining replacement females. Dr. Lalman is emphasizing the importance of low maintenance females that have longevity in commercial cow herds. For producers in the Tall Fescue Belt, it is advisable to find bulls produced from cows grazing fescue. Ask to see your seedstock supplier’s cow herd in the late spring. Have they shed their winter hair coat? Research has shown that when cows have early hair shedding while

grazing tall fescue, they will wean heavier calves and have improved reproductive performance.

When evaluating potential replacements, seek balance across multiple traits and avoid extremes. Remember, sustainable cattle grazing systems have two factors that contribute to profitability: 1) revenue and 2) expenses. It is very easy to chase revenue traits (growth) while ignoring the expense traits (mature cow size and milk). Moderation and balance should be applied when selecting bulls to sire females. How you will market the calves produced by your bulls must be considered as part of the selection process. Profitable operations exist

producing all types of cattle (maternal, terminal, and all purpose). The key is finding what you can produce and market sustainably and profitably. The advantages of crossbreeding cannot be ignored in commercial cattle operations, and there are systems that can work for every size farm.

Lastly, remember every cattle operation is unique, and your program may look different than your neighbors. Develop your genetic, management, and marketing plan and analyze the results. Continue to refine your program and look for new opportunities to advance your operation.

The right cattle will bring tremendous value, and the wrong ones will be a missed opportunity. Good luck and good grazing!

A well designed terminal crossbreeding system. Crossbred cows (Angus x Herford) for maximum maternal heterosis and calves sired by a third breed (Charolais). Source: Rangan Charolais

Wilkes Livestock Exchange 106 Armory Road • PO Box 1394 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: 336-838-3442 • Fax: 336-838-3591 Weekly Sales - Wednesdays - 1:30 p.m.

Take-up Tuesday Evenings

Catching and Hauling Services Available

Shelmer Blackburn, Jr.

919-270-1522 • shelmerblackburn@hotmail.com

Seth Church

Maternal breeding systems focus on environmentally adapted females that deliver value through low production costs, high reproductive rates, and longevity.

336-927-5370 • sethchurch@charter.net The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

PAGE 11

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus N.C. State University You Decide: How Can Homeowners Cope With High Interest Rates? One of the busiest times of my career as a faculty member at N.C. State University was 40 years ago, in the early 1980s. Like now, mortgage interest rates were on the rise, making it more difficult for buyers to afford to purchase a home. To address the situation, the mortgage industry began offering different kinds of financing, such as the adjustable interest rate mortgage. I received numerous requests from all across the state for educational workshops to help people understand the pros and cons of alternative mortgages.

I had overflow crowds at most of the workshops. It was some of the most gratifying teaching I ever did.

The average interest rate on mortgages today is at a 20 year high. It is also almost three times higher than a mere three years ago. This means that for every $100,000 borrowed to buy a home, monthly payments are $270 more now than they were in 2020.

So, once again, people interested in purchasing a home want to know how to cope with the high interest rates. I’ll use this column as a substitute for an inperson workshop to give you information and analysis for navigating today’s mortgage maze.

A simple approach to high mortgage interest rates is to hope they eventually go down. Indeed, many economists expect rates to fall next year. One strategy is to buy a home today using an expensive mortgage but then refinance that mortgage once rates lower. The downside is you will have to pay “refinancing fees,”

which are usually between 2-6 percent of the loan amount. You would need to do the math and make sure the savings on your payments over time exceed the refinancing fees.

There are some mortgages that claim you won’t need to pay refinancing fees, but be careful. Often, such mortgages will charge a slightly higher interest rate, or they will roll the refinancing fees into the loan amount, meaning you pay those fees, but just over time instead of in one payment.

Adjustable interest rate mortgages – often referred to as “ARMs” – were introduced in the early 1980s, and they are now a common alternative. Using an ARM means the interest rate you pay can change over time, both up or down.

An advantage to the borrower is that the initial rate on an ARM is usually 1-2 percentage points lower compared to a traditional fixed rate mortgage. This could save you between $70 and $130 per $100,000 borrowed in monthly payments.

The big plus of an ARM is your payments decline if interest rates drop, and there is no need to pay refinancing fees as you would with a fixed-rate mortgage. But the major worry with an ARM is that your payments will rise if interest rates rise. Some borrowers don’t like this kind of risk, so they shy away from ARMs even if the ARM’s initial payment is lower.

Economists can help with the fixed vs. ARM decision by pointing out that interest rates tend to move in a predictable cycle. Interest rates usually peak at the end of a growth period in the economy

January

February

Darlington

1,205

Laurens

or at the beginning of a recession. Rates typically hit bottom when a recession is nearing its end or the economy is in the early stages of a growth period. Many economists think we are now near the final months of the current economic growth period and possibly at the beginning of a recession. If this viewpoint is accurate, mortgage rates should be at or close to their highest level. Based on this forecast, the best strategy would be to use an ARM now, then refinance to a fixed rate mortgage when interest rates hit their bottom level in a year or two. But – of course – nothing is guaranteed.

If you go the route of an ARM, you should diligently read the “fine print” of the agreement. You need to know how often the interest rate can change, the limitations on changes in the rate, and the total change allowed over the life of the mortgage. The index used by the mortgage company to trigger rate changes is also important. Make sure you understand each of these elements.

A common way to lower the mortgage rate is to pay “discount points.”

One discount point equals one percent of the loan amount and typically lowers the interest rate by ¼ percentage point.

Hence, you pay now to lower your mortgage payments later. You only want to consider paying discount points if you plan to remain in the home long enough that your accumulated savings in payments exceed the discount points. For most homebuyers, this means staying in the home for at least 10-15 years.

On any type of loan, interest rates are higher the longer you take to repay the money. One way to apply this logic to home buying is to use a mortgage with a shorter term. The common mortgage is 30 years. An alternative is a 15 year mortgage. Currently, 15 year mortgages have interest rates about one percentage point lower than 30 year mortgages. Of course, the downside is your monthly payments will still be higher because you’re paying off the loan faster.

The last method I’ll offer to cope with high interest rates is to bring on a

2023 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts March

April

May

June

July

August

September

1,103

2,424

1,360

1,973

1,547

921

1,789

1,138

1,755

1,219

1,619

1,506

1,593

1,616

911

1,484

1,328

Orangeburg

998

1,093

1,214

966

1,308

936

778

1,032

1,170

Saluda

2,785

2,511

2,739

2,670

3,311

3,585

2,122

3,854

3,713

Williamston

2,646

2,220

2,975

2,321

2,413

3,000

1,848

2,938

2,654

PAGE 12

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

partner to help with the payments. With a “shared appreciation mortgage,” the lender is your partner. The lender lowers the mortgage interest rate by as much as two percentage points. In exchange, at some future date, the homeowner must pay the lender a specified percentage of the home’s increase in value since the purchase. With a “shared equity mortgage,” the homeowner contracts with a co-buyer to share in all the expenses of the home – including financing – for a certain time period. Then, at an agreed date, the homeowner must buy out the partner by paying a share of the total value of the home.

Obviously, there is a substantial risk with both of these shared financing arrangements, which might explain why their usage has dropped in recent decades.

Buying a home is the dream of many households. But when mortgage interest rates rise, achieving homeownership becomes harder. However, there are options, although each has its own pluses and minuses. Potential buyers will have to decide which option works best for them.

You Decide: Is the Outlook Bright for Manufacturing? Almost precisely a year ago, I wrote a column about manufacturing. I reviewed the facts about manufacturing in North Carolina and throughout the country.

While at both geographic levels, manufacturing was once one of the dominant industries in terms of both production and employment; in the 21st century, the opposite has been the case.

Manufacturing has been in a state of decline.

To review: The nation has lost close to a quarter of the manufacturing jobs it had in 1990. The drop has been larger in North Carolina — almost half of the state’s factory jobs are gone today. In the late 1990s, manufacturing at the national level accounted for 16 percent of total economic output; today, it is 11 percent. Again, the reduction was bigger in North Carolina, where manufacturing contributed 27 percent to the economy in the late 1990s but today contributes 15 percent.

October

November

December

Three factors brought about this shrinking of domestic manufacturing.

First has been a desire to make countries economically interdependent to lessen the threat of war. Second were improvements in communications and transportation that made trading easier. Third was the desire to lower consumer prices by moving production to lower cost regions and countries. These shifts hurt North Carolina relatively more because the state had long focused on producing key consumer products like textiles, apparel, and furniture.

The pandemic changed some of these views about international trade. A big concern was the supply chain problems that harmed the economy even after the pandemic subsided. Both businesses and consumers realized that being dependent on other countries for products came with a big potential downside.

China has grown to be the largest manufacturing country in the world.

Some call China the “world’s factory.”

But the U.S. and other countries now have serious geopolitical differences with China. This has caused many to reevaluate trade with China.

Last year’s column ended by observing that many in our country — as well as in North Carolina — were beginning to consider serious efforts to move manufacturing back to our country.

The question for today’s column is, how have those efforts progressed in the last year?

As with most questions in economics, the answer depends on which statistics are used. Manufacturing production in both the nation and North Carolina rebounded strongly from the pandemic recession that pushed output well below pre-COVID-19 levels. However, since 2022, production has dropped as recession fears have risen.

Production levels are now lower than in 2019.

Manufacturing employment has increased since the end of the pandemic and is now at 14 year highs in both the U.S. and North Carolina. However, there have been some recent retreats in factory jobs, particularly in North Carolina.

Of course, a key reason for the decline in domestic manufacturing in the last four decades has been the increase in imports of manufactured products from foreign countries, particularly China.

But there appears to have been a reversal in recent years. On trend, imports from China are down. This is a big reason why the U.S. trade deficit in products is 13% lower thus far in 2023 (through July) compared to the same period in 2022.

Why has there been improvement in our foreign trade deficit for manufactured products? The answer is a combination of

“foreign sticks” and “domestic carrots.”

Here’s what I mean. One traditional way of reducing imports and helping domestic producers is to make foreign imports more expensive. This can easily be accomplished by levying a tax on imports, which is termed a tariff. The tariffs are like “foreign sticks.” The Trump administration imposed significant tariffs on Chinese imports, and the Biden administration has largely kept them. Hence, over the last several years, Chinese made products have lost some of their cost advantage.

Another way of competing against imports is to subsidize domestic competitors. For example, if foreign made computer chips are cheaper than U.S. made computer chips, then the government can reduce the cost of U.S. made chips by providing a financial subsidy to the manufacturers.

In 2022, Congress approved, and the president signed several legislative bills totaling over $2 trillion that will financially assist U.S. computer chip manufacturers, auto manufacturers, and other factories. These can be viewed as “domestic carrots.”

While these carrots and sticks can work, they have many critics. The major argument against tariffs is that they prevent U.S. consumers from having access to lower cost, foreign made products, hence reducing consumers’ standard of living. Also, in response to the claim that tariffs create domestic manufacturing jobs, critics say buying cheaper foreign made products will free up money for U.S. consumers to spend on other domestic products, thus also creating jobs.

Detractors of subsidies to domestic manufacturers ask an important question: What happens when the subsidies stop?

And if the subsidies never stop, will the higher taxes to support them leave U.S. consumers no better off?

There is a third way to re-shore manufacturing to our country. This is to make U.S. and North Carolina factory workers out produce and out compete their foreign competitors.

In economics lingo, this means improving manufacturing productivity.

Unfortunately, U.S. manufacturing productivity has recently been lagging behind that of foreign countries.

While the goal of reviving domestic manufacturing persists, the future continues to be uncertain. Still, major changes in the economy can happen within a lifetime. When I was born over 70 years ago, my parents had no TV and had just purchased their first rotary phone! Will manufacturing make a big comeback? I think it can, but you decide.

E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture

By E.B. HARRIS

There Are Some Places That Need to be Left Alone American agriculture farming is changing. Equipment is getting bigger and more efficient, and with all that farming technology, our practices have to change. We have come from the mule to the one row tractor, to the two row tractor, and now up to the 8 and 16 row combines – most of which use GPS. All the support equipment has changed as well for farming the land.

We lease some land to grow silage, beans, oats, and different crops. Our equipment is like everyone else – it has changed some. In the fields where mules used to be able to walk under the limbs, this equipment can’t quite make it where those mules did. It takes some pruning back and trimming up on these fields.

One of the farms I am talking about is the Myrtle Lawn Farm, located in the community of Rabbit Bottom here in Warren County. A lot of you know where I am talking about because Williams Equipment, a Vermeer dealer, is located across from one of the fields.

Shane is on the excavator, reaching those tall limbs and knocking them down.

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I am enjoying running the mulch head, getting the low hanging fruit, briars, small saplings, and the like, and Barry is on the bulldozer pushing them back. One spot in the field I really wanted to clean up, but I got the word we could trim it some but just make sure we did not clean it up. I found out there were some graves in this one-tenth of an acre sitting out in the field that we had been working around.

Great grandpa was a doctor. His son had a cotton gin across the road and lost his arm in the cotton gin, and they had to amputate his arm. The arm was buried in this spot in the field. They wanted to leave this as a marker for the grave and the others there. Word is that one day, the remaining part of his arm got to bothering him, and they had to go out to the spot and dig the arm up and straighten it up.

We all respect cemeteries, even if it’s only part of a person. I understand when he passed away, he was buried in the family cemetery down the road, and his arm just stayed here close to the house. When out there working, if I see a hand waving at me, I will know what it is.

q NOVEMBER 2023

PAGE 13

By ZOE FISHER N.C. State University -- ANS 402 Beef Management

Your Beef from Birth to the Table Cattle in the United States can change ownership several times throughout their lifetime before making it to the packing facility and on to the consumer’s plate. Cattle typically start on a cow/calf operation, move to a stocker operation, which could be anywhere in the U.S., then move to feedlots typically located in the beef belt, and then their final destination of the packer facility before being on the consumer’s plate. Even with all the possible changes in ownership, identification is not required from birth through being end product in the grocery store. The only time identification on cattle is required is when moving between states.

The rule is titled “Traceability for Moving Livestock Interstate” (USDA 1). This rule sets the standards for official identification or documentation of interstate livestock.

The cattle need to be considered officially identified and have an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (USDA 1). A system for tracing cattle would be useful in

PAGE 14

the U.S. for protecting human and animal health, ease of keeping up with the cattle’s information throughout their lifetime, and keeping up to date on traceability for future beef exports (USDA 1).

Traceability of the animal throughout its life and the meat consumed is important for many reasons. This includes the ability to provide a quick response to human health problems that could arise from meat, for example, zoonotic diseases in meat, disease traceability in the animal, and to verify the production process matches what is on the label at the grocery store, in restaurants, or at the farmer’s market. One of the main concerns for traceability in the U.S. and from consumers outside of the U.S. is the health of the animal throughout its lifetime (Greene). Consumers are now concerned with how the animal product was prepared before reaching the table.

They also want to know how the animal was cared for and where it came from

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

Figure 1. Cost of RFID from the University of California from 2005

(Greene). While there is no national standard for traceability of individual cattle from the time it enters the world to the time it is packaged, this is an evolving topic with updated technologies that allow for advancements in tracing cattle in the industry.

Creating a system for traceability in the beef industry has been difficult due to the design of the industry and the change in ownership that occurs throughout cattle’s lifetime because it is not a vertically integrated system.

One growing option for tracing cattle is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Electronic Identification Device (EID).

Using EID can help producers keep track of basic information, such as the animal’s birthday, sex, weight, vaccine history, and pregnancy status. Information gained from the EID technology would be in the hands of the producer to keep track of and pass along as ownership changes. While this can seem difficult, there is not a set system that allows the transfer of the EID information gained

throughout the cattle’s life from each point of sale. This basic information is an important aspect of traceability for both producers and consumers throughout the animal’s lifetime and creates confidence in consumers to know their product’s history. One concern with making improvements in traceability within the beef cattle industry is the cost of implementing RFID tags. Figure 1 shows the cost associated with implementing RFID tags into the herd. The figure shows that as the head of cattle increases, the cheaper the system can be. To improve traceability of the cow, the initial investment would need to be made by cow/calf operations, but ultimately would help the industry to know the history of cattle from the beginning, leading to increased consumer confidence. It is evident that the initial investment in using EID from cow/calf operations would be helpful because only “45 percent of feedlots manage cattle with an individual animal identification record” (Dennis). It is seen in Figure 1 that the cost of EID is relatively low and should not be a drawback for use, but Figure 2 shows the ease of use for gaining information from EID. The collection of information, as seen in Figure 2, would pay immensely in herd health management and offset the potential pushback of cost from producers.

While creating a traceability system in the U.S. that starts from the beginning of the cow’s life has been difficult, it might be necessary in the future for health preventative measures and keeping up with the rest of the world. From a global perspective, while the U.S. exports a considerable amount of beef that is not required to be traced from birth, they

do have to meet the requirements set by the QSA program. Countries in Asia that the U.S. exports beef to have very strict rules on their beef traceability within their respective countries. While the U.S. only has to meet the requirements set by Quality System Assessment currently, in the future, the countries with strict traceability rules could force the U.S to adopt stricter identification processes. It is important to keep this in mind as producers because in 2021 “the value of U.S beef and beef product exports increased 38 percent over 2020, to a record value of 10.6 billion dollars” (USDA 2). With beef and beef products gaining popularity, it is important to keep not only the U.S. consumer in mind but also consumers around the world to gain larger profits from exports in the industry.

Ultimately, traceability from the birth of the cow to the final product is important for several reasons. Traceability increases consumer confidence that their meat product was well cared for in each of its environments, tracing and stopping disease outbreaks, and protecting both human and animal health throughout the animal’s lifetime. Traceability of the animal is an evolving process within the beef industry. It should continue to improve to better support the industry but, most importantly, improve the health of the cattle.

References Dennis, Elliot. “Are Livestock Producers Willing to Pay for Traceability Programs?” UNL Beef (2021) www.beef. unl.edu.

Evans, John. “Animal Identification - Ucanr.edu.” Livestock Identification (2005) www.ucanr.edu.

G re e n e , J o e l . “ C o n g re s s . ”

Figure 2. Use of RFID with the wand to collect the necessary information. (LIC, Reader)

Congressional Research Service (2010) www.crsreports.congress.gov.

LIC, Reader. “Eid Readers.” LIC (2023) www.lic.co.nz.

USDA, USDA 1. “Animal Disease Traceability.” USDA APHIS | Animal Disease Traceability (2022) www.aphis. usda.gov.

USDA, USDA 2. “Beef & Beef Products 2021 Export Highlights.” USDA

Foreign Agricultural Service (2021) www. fas.usåda.gov.

Have You Herd Article written as a portion of ANS 402 Beef Management course requirement at N.C. State University Department of Animal Science under the instruction of Dr. Carrie Pickworth. The opinions of Zoe Fisher are not necessarily those of N.C. State University or Dr. Carrie Pickworth.

The

Chaplain’s Corral

By SKEETER SPAULDING Chaplain, Cowboys for Christ

The Buzz Words The buzzwords in the cattle industry are sustainability and traceability. As I read, listen, and learn about each of these topics, my understanding is growing. I just can’t help but think how each of these topics reminds me of something in the Bible. We will start with sustainability and how this relates to Jesus.

My thought goes to the Gospel of John 1:1-3 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made.” (NKJV) This is the Apostle John speaking about Jesus. While living with and learning from Jesus for three years as a disciple, John came to fully realize Jesus was God in the flesh, and he put it down in writing for us. Jesus made no misunderstanding in His ministry that He is God when He stated in John 8:58 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John knew that Jesus was the author of creation before He came to live among us. Since He is the author of creation, that means He can hold it all together because He spoke it into existence.

Again, in Hebrews 1:3 - “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

(NIV) Jesus Christ is the sustainer of all things. It gives me comfort that Jesus is my personal sustainer in a crazy world. It means I can rest with peace of mind that He has everything covered that concerns my personal life. That is what I call sustainability!

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Traceability is also very important when it comes to the Bible, especially concerning Jesus. We find in Matthew 1:1 the book of genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Verses 2-17 describe the detailed list in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Starting from Abraham all the way to Jesus. The genealogy of Jesus is broken down very clearly. Why is this important?

It’s important because Jesus was about to upset the whole apple cart when He came on the scene. Matthew makes it very clear under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that Jesus Christ has the legal right to claim the titles of the Son of David and the Son of Abraham. This was Matthew’s goal in recording the complete genealogy that had these two distinct purposes: to demonstrate the royal lineage of Jesus (Son of David) and His link with the founder of the Jewish race (Son of Abraham). (Reference from the New Spirit Life Bible) To be able to claim these titles of Jesus as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham required legal proof beyond a shadow of a doubt. Matthew was a tax collector before Jesus called him to follow Him. Tax collectors keep excellent records, so how fitting it would be for Matthew to be so detailed in his traceability of the lineage of Jesus.

The Apostle John, in Revelation, wrote down what Jesus declared of Himself. Revelation 22:16b - “I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star.” From the beginning of the New Testament in Matthew chapter one to the last chapter of Revelation, Jesus’s traceability is openly on display.

That is what I call traceability!

q NOVEMBER 2023

PAGE 15

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PAGE 16

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

It’s Time to Look Past the Hide

By SARAH KOCHER Angus Beef Bulletin Cattle marketing generates much debate and division within the industry.

The American Angus Association recently released a white paper, “Value Determination in the Feeder Cattle Market,” examining marketing trends.

The paper shows that quality, black hided cattle will continue to bring premiums, says Larry Corah, animal science professor emeritus at Kansas State University. “The demand is so strong for quality that there’s still the economic merit for producers to focus on it,” he says. “You also have the challenge, as the paper points out so well, of the packer being that interface between the food service, retail, and consuming public and the beef industry. They don’t like to pass back premiums.”

Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations, and Sarah Kocher, communications specialist, wrote the paper, which shares the evolution of the cattle marketing system. Over time, it has become more rational in the way prices are distributed based on value, but premiums are not distributed adequately, they write.

“There remains opportunity to improve the market’s ability to reward cow/calf producers for their selection decisions when creating more of these high quality cattle in the herd,” they continue. “Tools for cattlemen to differentiate cattle more accurately based on value and genetic merit will allow them to buy with more confidence, reduce risk, improve management and increase profits. Ultimately, this will also reward cow/calf producers more accurately for the value they have helped to create.”

Seeing is believing - Corah compares these market signals and premiums to the early days of Certified Angus Beef (CAB).

“It took nearly 20 years to impact the value of fed cattle, and it took even longer for those premiums to get passed back to the cow/calf producer,” he says.

“They really are the genetic engineers of the calves that go through the whole system. Yes, many cow/calf producers put tremendous value in developing and focusing on maternal function.”

Tim Schiefelbein, a cattle industry veteran, and former packer-buyer, helped develop the grid system in the 1990s and says the economic signals began to build at that time.

“All you had to do is do it the good old American way and put [economic] incentives out there,” he says. “Look what beef consumption has done. Look

what quality has done. Look at CAB acceptance rates. Putting the grid into the marketing system was huge.”

Although the grid revolutionized the industry by incentivizing quality and performance, its adoption was not a painless, nor particularly calculated, process. Cattlemen needed to see how it worked and how it paid before changing their herd strategies.

“The first step was the seedstock guy just making them black, because the only thing we knew was black ones seemed to do better on this grid than non-black ones,” Schiefelbein says.

Almost 30 years later, the premium for black hided cattle reveals an interesting story about the adoption of Angus genetics and premiums seen in the marketplace.

While not perfect, black hides do tell a story of higher value cattle — cattle that grade well and earn premiums on the other end.

But that’s not the whole picture.

There’s a need to continue to improve the system, and Marshall and Kocher say the market is poised to do that.

A need to go further - Corah looks at how the market has responded since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think when that hit, most all economists and most of us in the industry expected that maybe the demand for quality or premium products might dwindle as consumers got conservative with money,” Corah says. “Actually, during that period of time, going back to March of 2020 to where we’re at today, it’s been just the opposite.”

Ten years ago, when the cattle industry was producing 3-4 percent Prime, premiums were $10 to as high as $15 per hundredweight (cwt.).

“Today we’re at 8-10 percent Prime, and yet the premiums in many of these grids have increased,” Corah says.

“Somebody told me the average was like $22-$24 last year, and we had windows in there where it hit $30 and $32 per hundredweight of carcass. That’s an incredible value, and I don’t think any of us see that changing or going back.”

The industry finds itself within a perfect storm, where consumers are making increasing demands on the product they are buying and are increasingly willing to vote with their dollars based on those preferences.

Tools for targeting - “The American Angus Association has tools that can help the producer create those kinds of products and economically benefit from it,” Corah says.

He draws ties between the white paper discussion and a presentation on future grading changes by Bucky Gwartney, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), at the 2023 Feeding Quality Forum.

“Bucky pointed out that they’re going to break the Prime down and start teaching graders to be able to differentiate the three different levels of Prime, just like we did to the three different levels of Choice,” Corah says. “I think what that’s going to lead to is you’re going to see packers, and you’re probably going to see brands, evolve where they’re going to have Prime Plus, which will be the upper ⅔ of the Prime grade.”

The challenge for producers from the cow/calf rancher to the feeder when chasing Prime and Certified Angus Beef (CAB) acceptance is ensuring they capture value on investments they made.

With so many black hided cattle in the market, data based expected progeny differences (EPDs) and marketing tools are a more consistent and reliable measuring stick than hide color alone.

Smaller yards, those with 20,000 head or fewer, may be more consistent about using these tools, says Shawn

Walter, CattleFax data operations manager.

“Those (smaller yards) tend to be more interested in being part of the different value based programs and also focusing on genetics when buying feeder cattle, and we’ll spend that time and effort,” Walter says. “Also, we are willing to measure that result and go back and look at it, as opposed to a huge volume operation.”

However, in the past decade, larger feeders have started shifting their emphasis, he notes.

“Maybe because they were never able to measure, they have ended up falling back into the mindset of buying volume, buying cheaper cattle and making them work,” Walter explains.

He attributes a smaller overall U.S. cow herd in recent years as another factor for larger feedyards moving away from buying cattle with objectively higher genetic merit.

“As more cattle become available again, you can be pickier about the cattle that you buy,” Walter says. “Then, maybe that’s where you’ll see more widespread

interest in that.”

At the same time, he sees the potential of programs like AngusLink to help these breeders compete now.

Still a balance - Considering the feedyard closeout data he collects, Walter reminds producers to be just as diligent with the management and selection of hardy cattle that still feed well as they select for quality.

Schiefelbein echoes this, encouraging balanced trait selection while pursuing carcass traits like marbling.

“Carcass traits are important, but feed efficiency is still as important, if not more,” Schiefelbein says.

In his family’s operation, they often buy back cattle to feed, and he finds the feedlot performance score on a Genetic Merit Scorecard to be of the most value.

They often pay more for cattle up front and make their profit in the feedlot. Again, allocation of premiums for high quality grading cattle is not a perfect system.

Corah reminds cattlemen of the heritability of marbling and that they do have a variety of options so they can find what works best for them.

“Marbling is one of the unique traits that is very independent of any other trait,” he says. “In other words, you can select for growth and marbling. You can select for maternal traits and marbling. To me, the practical messaging for the beef industry is, quality is the phenomenon that we’re in right now. It has economic value.

As a cow/calf producer, you need to focus on that, and Angus genetics are the best genetics in the industry to get at that.”

More to the story - Corah recommends producers comb through the paper. You can find it at www.angus.org/ pub/WhitePaperMarshall2023.pdf.

“There’s just a ton of really, really good data in there,” he says. “It goes all the way from genetic trends to marketing trends to talk about the impact of the CAB program on economic value of Angus cattle and black hided cattle and that type of thing. It’s creating awareness of the value of genetics and the potential of the Genetic Merit Scorecard as a way of enhancing value.”

This story was originally published in the October 2023 edition of the Angus Beef Bulletin.

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Thank you to everyone who came out to our inaugural sale!

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Certified Angus Beef News High Quality Beef and Experiences Promised with Summer Internship.

Last summer’s interns described their experiences with Certified Angus Beef as engaging, fun, empowering, valuable, and challenging. The leading beef brand is now accepting applications for four 2024 summer internship experiences in communications and marketing.

Located at the brand’s home office in Wooster, Ohio, the team seeks to empower and prepare the next generation of successful marketers and communicators through the 2024 summer internship program.

Whether students prefer writing, photography, graphic design, social media, or public relations, interns’ projects support their future career goals and learning desires. Open internships include communications/public relations, producer communications, and multimedia. New this year, the team will add a marketing intern

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to support brand partners over the summer.

These four internship positions can be tailored to each student’s interest.

“I have a background in food photography and graphic design, but I wanted to learn more about communications coming into my internship,” says Will Todd, the 2023 communications intern. “Not only was I able to fine tune those skills, but I also learned more about copywriting and creating advertisements throughout the summer.”

The 10-12 week experience is packed with opportunities starting on day one. The minute students walk through the doors, they are welcomed into a collaborative team environment, allowing them to make the most out of their experience.

“The third day of my internship, I already hit the road to help record a live media segment with the chefs,” says Savannah Peterson, public relations intern.

“This trip was a great way to get acclimated

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

to my summer expectations, and it got me excited about my public relations role.”

Whether interns spend the day in the office or traveling to ranches or retailers, recording on-location or in restaurants, students can expect every day of their internship to bring value to their learning experience and career readiness.

In exchange for their hands-on learning experiences, interns bring value to the brand and are essential to the success of all the brand’s endeavors. Claudia Adcock joined the team for a second summer as the studio production intern.

“On day one, I helped the team record and edit a live fire video for a social media promotion,” she says. “I got to see and be a part of every step of the process — from planning to publishing.”

Being involved in the start to finish process of video production helped Adcock fully understand the power of her project. The multimedia team guided Adcock through the process, helping her create the story, brainstorm creative elements, and produce a high quality video for the brand’s social channels.

That’s another promise of the internship — individual feedback.

“I worked directly with the producer communications team where I had weekly

meetings with my supervisor to review my projects,” says Maddy Rohr, 2023 producer communications intern. “She helped me fine tune my writing skills to make me a better storyteller, and she pushed me outside of my comfort zone to make me a more confident graphic designer.”

All interns can expect the same results – a fun and beef filled summer in Ohio that opens doors of opportunity for skill development, portfolio building, and career preparation in the food and agriculture space.

If you’re a self starter and desire to learn and contribute to a team goal, learn more and apply for the Certified Angus Beef 2024 summer internships at www.

CertifiedAngusBeef.com/recruiting.

Applications close November 12.

Quality Wins, Again. Consumers still expect beef to taste great, but now

it should be convenient, too. Even with more marbling than ever in today’s beef, the market still demands more of the best, said Sara Scott, vice president of foodservice for Certified Angus Beef.

She spoke at the recent Feeding Quality Forum in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“We don’t win at the meat case because of price,” she said. “We win because of taste.”

Without ever owning beef that carries the brand’s logo, CAB sales marketing teams support its licensed partners that do. Through training, one-on-one discussions, and focused empowerment, those partners gain confidence to talk about the brand to their customers.

“When you are selling beef, it can be extremely intimidating,” Scott said. “There are a lot of cuts, and it’s typically one of the most expensive items they’re selling.”

The pressure is on, especially right now, as market dynamics shift and beef supplies tighten. Sharing supply dynamics ensures the thousands of sales reps selling CAB are confident even as prices go up.

“We get to go out and get those people fired up and excited about selling Certified Angus Beef and selling it at a premium to other products,” Scott said.

Creating an Easy Button - Navigating price sensitivity means highlighting the added value CAB brings to the table. Cattle and beef markets may careen up and down, but consumers bring stability by choosing premium beef again as they venture back to restaurants post-COVID. That’s reassuring, but labor and supply challenges still join worries over keeping menus stocked and creating growth for prepared and packaged beef.

Those further processed items include meatballs, flavored patties, marinated cuts, pot roast, or other pre-cooked items with ingredients added, Scott explained.

“Restaurants have really gravitated to these items because of labor. We like to say that prepared and packaged items always show up for work. They’re never

late and they’re never cranky,” she said.

“The same is true at the meat case. A busy mom can grab these pre-cooked items and prepare dinner for her family.”

These convenience items rarely come from traditional, highly sought after cuts but rather from the round or thin meats.

That adds more value to the entire beef carcass.

“It makes it that much more beneficial to a producer to raise cattle that qualify for the Certified Angus Beef brand because it’s not just the ribeyes that are in high demand, we need the entire carcass,” she said.

Convenient Shifts - Easy and time saving are one thing, but expectations are also for beef to taste great.

Take a look at your convenience store and gas station at lunch. It’s probably bustling, Scott said. Instead of keeping people at the pumps, these stores are pulling them inside with better and more food options.

“If you’re a restaurant or a retail store in that same town, you have to offer something of greater quality and better value than that gas station,” she added.

Instead of just topping off the tank and grabbing a bag of candy and chips, they’re offering a pizza you can take home for dinner. It’s an effort to capture more consumer dollars and challenging restaurants to step up their game and offer something of higher quality and value, Scott said.

Prime Opportunities - CAB’s role is to find opportunities for premium beef but also to meet consumers where they are. They continue to vote with their pocketbooks for high quality beef.

As conversations around Prime grow, so do questions about availability.

“Is it available? Can I get my hands on it?” Scott said those are the leading questions. “So there is absolutely the demand to continue to produce more and more Prime.”

Lacking a steady supply of CAB Prime sometimes brings a need for

regular communication with packer partners and tuned-in buying strategies.

Without a doubt, CAB partners express demand and eagerness to buy.

“We would love for there to be more Prime beef on the market,” Scott said.

“But that’s in the hands of everyone in this room.”

Certified Angus Beef hosted the 18th Annual Feeding Quality Forum on August 22-23 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The event was sponsored by AngusLink, Feedlot Magazine, Select Sires, Performance Livestock Analytics, Diamond V, and Drovers. To learn more or view coverage, visit www.feedingqualityforum.com.

Certified Angus Beef Celebrates th 45 Year with Strong Sales. More than 1.2 billion pounds sold, the third highest sales year for the brand. It has been 45 years since Certified Angus Beef’s first customer purchased a strip steak at Renzetti’s IGA grocery store. Since then, consumer demand for high quality beef has grown, ultimately driving demand for premium Angus genetics.

“The Certified Angus Beef brand was founded on a mission to improve the consumer’s beef eating experience and drive demand for Angus cattle,” says John Stika, president of CAB. Marking the third highest sales year on record, the global beef brand sold 1.227 billion pounds across 52 countries during the 2023 fiscal year. While down 7 million pounds, or 0.6 percent, from total sales in 2022, this year marks the brand’s eighth year over a billion pounds sold. Additionally, March 2023 was the third highest sales month in the brand’s history at 112.3 million pounds.

“It’s because of the community around this brand, their daily hard work, and intentionality in leveraging the value of the Certified Angus Beef brand that we’re celebrating yet another year of over one billion pounds sold,” Stika says.

CAB Supply Increased Despite Lower Fed Cattle Numbers - “Angus producers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for maintaining their focus on marbling and continuing to improve the quality of their cattle,” Stika says.

While the total fed cattle supply declined by 3 percent, this year, 5.82 million carcasses were certified for the brand, increasing CAB supply by 0.5 percent. This resulted in a 36 percent acceptance rate after 16.16 million cattle were identified as eligible for the brand.

Family farmers and ranchers’ commitment to supplying high quality cattle continues to be rewarded through grid premiums. As reported in March 2022, premiums paid by packers to producers for brand qualifying cattle totaled $182 million annually or $3.5 million per week.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Meeting Consumer Demand Consumers continue to demand high quality beef offerings at the meat case and while dining out, both domestically and internationally.

With 414.8 million pounds sold, foodservice sales are up 2.4 percent from 2022 and reached their second best year to date.

While diners enjoyed Certified Angus Beef at their favorite dining establishments, from Michelin star restaurants to acclaimed barbecue joints and beyond, they also purchased the trusted beef brand in the meat case. Retail stores recorded 521 million pounds sold in 2023, marking the fifth year of over 500 million pounds sold across retailers, though down 4.9 percent in total sales from last year.

Sales in the United States dipped slightly from last year, but international sales soared to 188 million pounds, an increase of 5.5 percent. The highest growth was recorded in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Mexico.

Looking across the marketplace, the steady increase in demand for labor and time saving solutions led value added products — items such as fully cooked briskets, hamburger patties, marinated roasts, franks, flavored meatballs, etc. — to a new annual record. Up 9.8 percent from 2022, 44.7 million pounds were sold across retail and foodservice, both in U.S. and international markets.

Certified Angus Beef Prime sales marked a new milestone with 41 million pounds sold, up 17.7 percent from last year. Given the current marketing conditions, these record sales are further indication that consumers are not backing down from quality.

As Certified Angus Beef further embraced consumer choice, Certified Angus Beef Natural saw 4.4 million pounds sold, down 6.4 percent from 2022.

“We are all connected through our shared commitment to quality, and to fulfill the growing demand that’s out there for the brand,” Stika says. “In the process, we’ll continue to engage the entire beef community in creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone involved in this brand.”

Who is Certified Angus Beef? At Certified Angus Beef, we know people want to put great meals on the table. Our employees work across the beef supply chain to ensure chefs and home cooks find and prepare the best Angus beef. Led by our culinary, beef, and marketing experts, our team provides consultation, marketing materials, training, market insights, and tools that help businesses like grocery stores and restaurants thrive. Our team is also dedicated to sharing the story of family farmers and ranchers who supply the brand.

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ANGUS NEWS AngusLink passes 150,000 head enrolled for 2023. AngusLink enrollments triple in 2023, as compared with 2022 figures. AngusLink, the administrator for value added programs of the American Angus Association, surpassed 150,000 head of enrolled cattle for 2023 on September 15. This means from 2022 to 2023, participation in AngusLink has increased by more than 300 percent, reflecting a turning point for its value added programs.

This milestone comes after the establishment of a collaboration agreement with IMI Global. Since January, IMI Global has worked alongside Association staff to help provide verification services to cattlemen for AngusVerified and the Genetic Merit Scorecard. IMI Global administers the program, giving producers à la carte access to IMI’s suite of programs along with AngusLink programs, which can be added individually as well.

AngusVerified documents cattle are from registered Angus bulls, and the Genetic Merit Scorecard draws on the industry’s largest database to quantitatively evaluate calf genetics and project their performance potential from weaning to the packing plant.

“Reaching 150,000 cattle enrollments in the AngusLink programs is really

exciting for cattlemen participating now and for those wanting to enroll in the future,” said Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations for the Association. “The collaboration with IMI has given us an entirely bigger market and enabled us to align with the No. 1 provider of program verification services for cattle, meaning commercial cattlemen can access more program options with their enrollment.”

Most noticeably, video sales have witnessed a sharp increase in cattle enrolled in AngusLink programs.

“At the video sales on those big days, we see as many as one in four of the lots for sale being AngusVerified or having a Genetic Merit Scorecard,” Marshall said. “That critical mass has helped with feeders paying much more attention to the AngusLink offerings.”

Board members of the Association said they are pleased to see the program’s growth and premiums being earned by cattlemen based on their investments in registered Angus genetics.

“Some of those cattle sell for $1415/cwt more on average on top of record high prices,” said Jim Brinkley, Association board member from Missouri, at the August board meeting.

“It’s been phenomenal. Hearing feedback from the feeders to the producers,

everybody’s getting on board with this.”

Wo r l d A n g u s E v a l u a t i o n improves United States, Australian, and Canadian EPDs. Three country evaluation releases updates for growth, carcass, and maternal measures. As both the world and the cattle industry become more and more data driven, cattle breeders want user friendly tools they can trust. One such tool, the World Angus Evaluation (WAE), was released on October 13. It aims to help eliminate hurdles for cattlemen participating in international commerce with Angus genetics.

Participating groups – the American Angus Association, the Canadian Angus Association, and Angus Australia – have analyzed the breed’s genetics globally to create an international tool for genetic comparisons. The evaluation also uses data from the three groups to improve accuracies for 11 expected progeny differences (EPDs).

Because the WAE is an expansion of a foot score evaluation released in 2020 by the same entities, the claw set EPD (CLAW) and foot angle EPD (ANGLE) are already available in the three country evaluation. Angus Genetics, Inc. (AGI) leads the WAE research efforts for the three groups.

“Putting all the data together leverages each association’s database really well,” said Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI of the United States.

“We want to make sure that when Angus producers, no matter what country they’re in, go to sell a bull or go to purchase genetics, they have access to comparable EPDs.” The 11 additional traits included

Y’all have stumbled on the best place to advertise expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies. Check the Classifieds in this issue! in the 2023 WAE release are calving ease direct (CED), calving ease maternal (CEM), birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), maternal milk (MILK), scrotal circumference (SC), marbling (MARB), carcass weight (CW), ribeye area (RIB), and fat thickness (FAT).

“The United States, Canada, and Australia have engaged in the trade of beef cattle genetics for many years,” said Myles Immerkar, CEO of the Canadian Angus Association. “However, it has not been easy for breeders to translate how an animal from one country scores under another country’s evaluation system.”

The common currency created through the WAE will support trade activity and simplify comparing animals’ EPD values.

“There’s a huge efficiency created by us being on the same evaluation,” he said. “If we can do a better job in our evaluations that describe those animals, especially for countries that are doing a lot of trade, I think producers are going to be in much better shape.”

Immerkar cites birth weight records as an example, where more data points create better tools for members.

He estimates the Canadian Angus Association has around 1.2 million birth weight records alone, but together, the WAE considers 9 million records in its calculations.

“We’re very much focused on technology and particularly enhanced genetic improvement technologies for our members,” said Christian Duff, Angus Australia’s general manager of genetic

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Angus News continued from page 22 improvement. “Our global initiative is a great step forward for the global Angus community and something we’re really grateful being part of.”

Aside from increasing ease of trade and evaluation accuracies, sharing data with one another helps all three groups because data on some traits is difficult and expensive to collect. Specifically looking at traits related to carcass

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merit, combining forces allows genetic evaluation for carcass traits to become more robust while avoiding additional costs for data collection.

High quality research on tough questions often requires collaboration at an international level. A geneticist with AGI, Andre Garcia, said outside of the WAE, the teamwork between international entities has been exciting

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because they have valuable discussions about their overlapping work during monthly meetings.

“It’s really fun to be able to work with partners that you trust, you enjoy working with, and that all have similar objectives when it comes to the success of Angus cattle around the world,” Retallick-Riley said.

Duff said that while his members are

looking forward to the release, he knows there will also be questions about it. In response, member outreach and education will be ongoing.

One piece of good news for Angus breeders in the three countries is the WAE will not change members’ data collection or reporting procedures. Other common questions have been about data security and how the sets were combined. The associations assure their members that their data submissions are being treated with the same care for the WAE as they would be for any other tool or research project.

“Multiple test evaluations and validation procedures were performed to ensure that phenotypes are compatible across databases, and that environmental differences such as age and contemporary groups are properly modelled,” Duff said.

To learn more about the WAE, visit www.Angus.org in the US, www. cdnAngus.ca in Canada, or www.

AngusAustralia.com.au/news in Australia.

Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship and host ranch applications open. The Talon internship program provides college-aged students the unique opportunity to spend their summer on an Angus operation, gaining valuable, hands-on experience.

Interns gain extensive ranching knowledge while enhancing their skills as advocates for the beef industry. Student intern applications for the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program are due December 1.

“We are thankful for the vision of Cam Cooper in preparing the next generation of leaders for Angus and the cattle industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director.

The late Camron “Cam” Cooper of the Talon Ranch in Twin Bridges, Mont., developed the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund in 2009 to be a oneof-a-kind educational experience for students.

“It’s exciting to watch our interns grow and flourish each year through the hands-on experiences and mentorship provided by their host ranches,” Boester said.

College sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students under the age of 25 and majoring in an agricultural related field of study are eligible to apply.

“Taking a big step like moving 22 hours away from home is intimidating for sure,” said Garrett Ulmer, Talon intern at Eleven Milliron Ranch in Sumner, Nebraska. “But as long as you

work hard and have fun, it won’t be something you regret doing. By taking this step, I’ve gained so much experience — not to mention the memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ulmer studies animal and veterinary science at Clemson University. He developed a passion for the beef industry growing up on a commercial beef operation and showing heifers in 4-H and is a member of the S.C. Junior Angus Association. Ulmer plans to pursue a master’s degree in animal reproduction or heifer development and one day hopes to have his own herd of Angus cattle. During his summer in Nebraska, Ulmer took part in cow synchronization and breeding, grazing management, and crop and forage production on the ranch.

“By participating in the Talon Internship, I enhanced my networking skills along with technical skills that I couldn’t have learned in a classroom,” Ulmer said.

Compensation for Talon interns

is provided by the Angus Foundation through the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund.

Angus breeders and students interested in participating in the program can learn more and apply at bit.ly/ AngusFoundationTalonProgram, or contact Boester at JBoester@Angus.org.

Make your mark in “Building an Angus Legacy!” Angus Foundation offers a granite paver at the American Angus Association headquarters. It’s not too late to leave a lasting mark on the American Angus Association. By donating to “Building an Angus Legacy,” cattlemen, alumni of the junior program, and others can have a paver in front of the Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., personally engraved.

An unrestricted, tax deductible donation of $300 to the Angus Foundation secures a paver.

All the proceeds from the “Building an Angus Legacy!” campaign support the Angus Foundation and its mission

Ten North Carolina and South Carolina Breeders Who Registered the Most Angus Every year, the American Angus Association recognizes the ten producers from each state who registered the most Angus cattle. During fiscal year 2023, which ended September 30, North Carolina producers recorded a total of 1,011 Angus, while South Carolina recorded a total of 2,129 Angus, according to Mark McCully, Association chief executive officer.

Angus breeders across the nation in 2023 registered 300,761 head of Angus cattle. “Our Association members lead the industry in adopting new technology and breeding the most problem free cattle for their customers,” McCully said.

“Cattlemen across the country continue to find registered Angus seedstock are the most profitable option for their herd.”

North Carolina • Springfield Angus - Louisburg • The Biltmore Company - Asheville • Upper Piedmont Research Station - Reidsville • E. Bruce Shankle II - Polkton • J. Roger Lane - Gates • Fulcher Farms - Godwin • Gragg Farms - Boone • Uwharrie Ridge Farms - Asheboro • Broadway Cattle Farm - Monroe • Windy Hill Farms - Ramseur South Carolina • Yon Family Farms - Ridge Spring • Black Crest Farms - Sumter • Edisto Pine Farm - Leesville • Monadnock Ranch - Newberry • Tokeena Angus Farms - Seneca • Kenneth Currie - Bishopville • Paul Boyd Angus Farm - Clover • Tica Farms - Ridge Spring • Walter Shealy III - Newberry • Madeline Milford - Abbeville

to advance Angus education, youth, and research programs.

In 2013, the front walkway of the Association was remodeled, and each of the new 6x12 inch granite pavers became available for recognition. Previous donors have listed their names or their farm’s name. Others have made a donation in memory of a loved one or the name of their group or state association.

Orders will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. To submit an order and payment, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100. The Foundation is accepting orders online at www.angusfoundation.org or via mail to: Angus Foundation 3201 Frederick Ave. Saint Joseph, MO 64506 Foundation staff are also available to assist you in completing your order form.

“The Angus Foundation would like to thank the members of the Angus family who have already donated to “Building an Angus Legacy” and looks forward to furthering participation until every paver

on the Association walkway is engraved,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director.

About the Angus Foundation.

Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $3.9 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research in the past decade. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving nearly 22,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. The Association provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

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

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News Renovo Seed positioned to shake up the seed industry with practical and profitable seed solutions. The proprietary forage, cover crop, and conservation seed mixes hit the market.

Renovo Seed recently debuted an elite lineup of more than 80 proven, prebuilt seed mixes that simplify forage, cover crop, and conservation seed choices.

Access to a robust caliber of seed mixes and an established supply chain have paved the way for Renovo Seed to launch its commercial seed brand, a first for the forage, cover crop, and conservation space.

“We’re problem solvers. Our priority is making these seed mixes easy to use for every farmer, rancher or landowner.

You don’t have to be an agronomy expert

or conservation fanatic to understand our products,” says Justin Fruechte, ag product expert for Renovo Seed. “We take the guesswork out of your seed choices.”

Customers can purchase seed on Renovo Seed’s website and have it shipped right to their door. The site also serves as a powerful resource, featuring seed selector tools to simplify the decision making process, as well as agronomic details, video tutorials, firsthand farmer and rancher experiences, and how-to guides that enhance understanding and confidence in the products.

“Our North American footprint and streamlined distribution means we can get seed into your hands fast,” says Shannon Kubik, brand president of Renovo Seed.

“Because our products are often used for

double cropping or to complement other crops, turnaround time is critical. Timely delivery is another way we’re able to simplify and improve the seed buying experience for our customers.”

Renovo Seed may be new, but its team is made up of experts who have been land use linchpins for decades, linking practical land use solutions with long term farm profitability. Backed by Millborn, a vertically integrated seed supply chain powerhouse with over 35 years in the seed industry, Renovo Seed has the distribution channels and experience to back up its products.

“Our people are rooted in the land,” says Kubik. “They farm. They have livestock. They’re invested in their farms’ longevity. Their experiences have helped us build products that offer real value and solutions guided by three principles: renew, revive, repeat.”

“We believe that not only can the land be renewed, but also the entire seed

buying and crop planning experience. We create easy-to-use, effective seed mixes that make it simple for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to renew their crop plan and revive their land,” Kubik adds.

Whether you’re looking for high quality alfalfa or grass for feed for your livestock, diverse cover crop solutions, hay and pasture mixes, conservation seed, or are an outdoor enthusiast looking for premier food plot options, Renovo Seed has proven seed mixes to simplify decisions and help you exceed goals.

About Renovo Seed. Renovo Seed enters the seed industry as a visionary in positive land use solutions. Backed by Millborn’s powerful supply chain, Renovo Seed works to improve the resiliency of the land for generations to come with a robust seed lineup and an unmatched team of experts who design practical, tailored solutions for farmers, ranchers, and landowners. For more information, visit www.RenovoSeed.com.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

GELBVIEH NEWS Attend the 2023 Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup to Deliver the Value and Make the Grade. The Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup will once again take place at the 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention held November 29-December 1 in Omaha, Nebraska. This year’s event will focus on the importance of end product quality to ensure Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle continue to deliver the value and make the grade.

This year’s symposium will be held on November 30 at 3:00 p.m. following the industry tour at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capital District.

Dr. Scott Howard will kick off the event with his presentation focused on carcass quality and value added opportunities. Howard currently serves as the director of operations for Meyer Natural Foods, focused on the production of steaks, grinds, and the growth of branded beef programs.

Michaela Clowser will present the results of the 2022 Beef Quality Audit and the role sustainability and Beef Quality Assurance certifications play in the United States beef industry. Clowser is the director of producer education

at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), where she leads the development and implementation of NCBA’s educational programs.

Dr. Matt Spangler will provide attendees with guidance on how to make genetic progress to improve end product quality. Spangler is a professor of animal genetics and an extension beef genetics specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serves on the Beef Improvement Federation board of directors.

The program will conclude with a panel of all three speakers to allow event attendees to ask questions and gain further insight into how the information presented can help their herd deliver the value and make the grade to move the beef industry forward.

The event is free and open to all beef producers to attend. More information can be found on www.Gelbvieh.org.

About the American Gelbvieh Association. AGA is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance oriented total herd reporting system.

PAGE 29

Happy Thanksgiving from your HEREFORD FRIENDS!

To advertise here, contact Myron McCoy ncherefordassociation@gmail.com

4B FARMS, LLC

Shelby, NC Bryson Westbrook Ed Soto (Manager) 980-230-4868 - Bryson 704-974-1407 - Ed brysonw@thewestbrookco.com

BLINSON POLLED HEREFORDS

Lenoir, NC Keith & Peggy Blinson - 828-310-4526 Bryan & Beth Blinson - 919-422-9108

DOUBLE J FARM

Traphill, NC • Earlysville, VA John Wheeler 910-489-0024 doublejfarmllc@yahoo.com www.doublejfarmllc.com

E. CARROLL JOYNER BEEF UNIT Raleigh, NC Matt Morrison 716-720-0227

FIVE J’S BEEF & CATTLE COMPANY Clayton, NC Jody & Angela Standley Kim Prestwood (Manager) 828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

HEREFORD HILLS

Greensboro, NC Bill Kirkman III 336-382-9635 ST Genetics Representative

LOOKABILL FAMILY LIVESTOCK

Lexington, NC Reggie, Patty, Tyler & Noah Lookabill 336-240-2142 rlookabill6015@gmail.com

McCOY CATTLE FARM Cove City, NC Myron & Charlie McCoy 252-229-4602 mccoycattlefarms@gmail.com

Register for the 72nd N.C. Cattlem Conference February 23-24, 2024 Hickory, NC

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C

QUAIL RIDGE FARM

NORTH PINO LAND & CATTLE COMPANY

TAYLOR’S MILL FARM

Vale, NC Wayne, Crystal, Regan & Jordan Mitchem 704-472-4369 mitchemsfarm@bellsouth.net

Mocksville, NC Kevin Robinson 336-940-2547 kevrob1@aol.com

Rutherfordton, NC Mark Brewer 828-329-2074 markbrewer65@gmail.com Zebulon, NC J. Brent Creech 919-801-7561 tmfherefords@icloud.com

TERRACE FARM

LOVE FARMS

Lexington, NC Jim, Linda & Chad Davis 336-247-1554 jgdavis101@yahoo.com

P and J FARMS

TRIPLETT POLLED HEREFORDS

Blowing Rock, NC Jim Love 828-266-1458 cell • 828-295-4236 Monroe, NC Andy Smith 704-400-3436 pandjfarmsherefords@gmail.com

PRESTWOOD BEEF CATTLE Lenoir, NC Kim & Lori Prestwood 828-320-7317 - Kim 828-432-7434 - Lori brownloriclyde@yahoo

Statesville, NC James Triplett 704-902-2250 triplettmarble@bellsouth.net

W&A HEREFORD FARM

Providence, NC George, Tammy, William, & Andy Ward 434-251-3637 gwwardjr@comcast.net

WILL-VIA POLLED HEREFORDS Check out the

North Carolina Hereford Advantage at

www.nchereford.com

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

Myron McCoy

N.C. Hereford Association Secretary/Treasurer

252-637-4995 ncherefordassociation@gmail.com www.nchereford.com

Mooresville NC Lavette Teeter 704-662-5262

News Building Hereford’s Successful Future. “Being a young producer in the breed, this is a really important time to get a broad perspective on what the industry is doing as a whole and all of the different dynamics within the Hereford breed,” says Jacob Rausch of Rausch Herefords in Hoven, South Dakota. “That way, when I’m back home at my operation, I’m taking all of those things into consideration. I’m not getting tunnel vision or pigeonholing myself. It’s going to create an opportunity for more success.”

Rausch was one of six young Hereford breeders selected to attend the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) first Seedstock Academy, an intensive week long opportunity in September to learn more about current beef industry dynamics, to network and share ideas with other seedstock and commercial producers.

“As a young breeder, it’s exciting to see what we can do to further improve this breed. It’s been really nice to branch off and see the different environments people operate in, but all come together and talk about the value of Hereford cattle throughout the United States,” says Shayne Wiese of Wiese and Sons

Have you forgotten something?

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

in Manning, Iowa. “The connections alone and the camaraderie have been outstanding. Also, getting a crash course into a lot of these Association programs is very, very helpful to me.”

“It is a really great learning experience, not just for what we can do better every day, but how we can think through things and make things better for the long term,” says Emilee Holt of NJW Polled Herefords in Decker, Montana.

“The Seedstock Academy multiplied a normal learning experience by ten.

The people you were surrounded with multiplied that times another five.”

Designed with Intention - “The Hereford Seedstock Academy is the logical extension of the breed’s intentional leadership development, which is a key part of AHA’s strategic plan,” explains Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president. “Members of the Seedstock Academy have already established themselves as high achieving individuals with years of committed Hereford seedstock production experience despite their young age.”

Shane Bedwell, AHA chief operating officer and director of breed improvement, emphasizes the week’s curriculum was designed to provide participants with tools and information to benefit their operations, their customers, and the Hereford breed.

In-depth discussion areas and tours included the breed’s National Reference Sire Program (NSRP) at Olsen Ranches in Harrisburg, Neb., the breed’s mainstay NRSP herd; visits with leading commercial cow/calf producers, stocker operators, and cattle feeders; insight into the pioneering AHA collaborative sustainability research project with AgNext and Colorado State University; Hen House Local Markets, a premier Certified Hereford Beef retailer; leveraging individual breeder brands with the AHA brand.

“I come from the commercial side of the business, and I happen to raise registered cattle. For these young Hereford breeders to grasp what’s going on every day in the commercial part of our business is huge,” says Bill Goehring, AHA president. “These young leaders had the opportunity to delve into key facets of each commercial sector during the week and what that means to their operation, their commercial bull customers, and the

breed.” Goehring and his family raise Hereford seedstock, run commercial cows, and operate a sale barn near Libertyville, Iowa.

“This group was amazing,” Bedwell says. “Their ideas, their openness, their willingness to share their thoughts. It was apparent that this breed is on a powerful trajectory with the talent that we have in this class.”

Detailed Insights - “I’m really excited about the work we’re doing as a breed and breed association to capitalize on the breed’s advantages in crossbreeding, and the research we are doing to keep ahead of the curve when it comes to consumer concerns about sustainability,” explains Tyler Schultz of Sandhill Farms in Haviland, Kansas.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of different young stockman groups, but to have one with people in the same business as me is rare.”

“My favorite part about the experience was getting to network with the others, learn about what they are doing in their programs, and how they are overcoming the challenges that we all face,” says Keayla Harr of J & L Cattle Services in Jeromesville, Ohio. “Getting to see Olsen Ranches and the National

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Reference Sire Program in action, what we’re documenting, and how that entire program works has been incredibly beneficial in understanding how the data improves the breed’s genetic evaluation and how we’re proving some of these young bulls.”

“My biggest takeaway is the impact we can make on the beef cattle industry when we make good, responsible genetic decisions,” says Breck Debnam of Innisfail Farms in Madison, Georgia. “It’s definitely been an eye opening experience for me. Being able to interact with leaders in our industry, folks who are extremely talented at what they do, and then bring those ideas back to the ranch is a priceless opportunity.”

About the American Hereford Association. AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The notfor-profit organization, along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI), and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth, and research.

q NOVEMBER 2023

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THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association NCSA Annual Meeting. The N.C. Simmental Association held its annual meeting on September 1 at the Shuffler Sale Facility in Union Grove. It was the largest crowd at an annual meeting since Covid. President Charlie Thomas called the meeting to order, and Gene Price said grace before everyone enjoyed a barbecue beef dinner.

The producers of the top indexing Simmental and SimAngus bulls at the N.C. BCIP Bull Tests were recognized.

This past year, Preston and Erin Beth Pinkston of Norwood raised the top indexing Simmental and SimAngus bulls at Butner. Eugene Shuffler of Union Grove had the top indexing Simmental

bull at Waynesville, and Doug Keziah of Monroe had the top indexing SimAngus at Waynesville.

The Fall Harvest Sale manager, Doug Parke, discussed the Fall Harvest Sale. First time consignors were Doug

Ty Marshall, Abigail, Grayson, and Laithan Blankenship worked hard at the sale lunch.

N.C. Simmental Association

Junior advisor Amy Thomas presents junior awards to the Blankenship children.

Keziah of Monroe and Shelby Candler of Weaverville. There has been great interest in the cattle in the sale, and they are an exceptionally quality group from top to bottom. Since Doug Parke is chairman of the ASA Board, he also discussed the American Simmental Association. He praised the juniors and said that this past summer was the largest Junior National they have ever had.

Amy Thomas is the junior advisor, and she talked about junior activities.

This year, a few kids went to both the eastern regional and the national classics.

She also will present some awards to

1341 US Hwy 21 • Hamptonville, NC 27020 336-468-1679 • www.ncsimmental.com • NCSA@yadtel.net Like us on Facebook!

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

juniors who applied for the special awards given by the N.C. Junior Simmental Association. These awards are cash prizes, and this year, the Blankenship kids won. Abigail and Grayson both tied for the Top Junior Award and won $200 each. Laithan Blankenship got the Junior Ranch Hand Award and won $150. The Blankenships are from Castalia, North Carolina.

Then, Anna English was able to present the Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship to Shelby Candler of Weaverville. This is a $500 Scholarship presented to a junior studying agriculture.

Anna English presents the Jim Graham Scholarship check to Shelby Candler’s parents, Jodi and John Candler.

American Simmental Association 1 Genetics Way • Bozeman, MT 59718 406-587-4531 • www.simmental.org

President Charlie Thomas talks about N.C. Simmental business.

Anna English herself was awarded this scholarship not too many years ago, so this has come full circle! Shelby is the daughter of John and Jodi Candler and is enrolled at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma. She is studying animal science and will be on the livestock judging team there. Shelby actually got her start showing cattle by working with Anna and exhibiting some of the Lonesome Valley heifers.

Outgoing directors Kathie Price and Charlie Thomas were presented with a plaque for their service.

The N.C. Simmental Association is already making huge plans to celebrate the 50th Fall Harvest Sale in 2024. We encourage any Simmental or SimAngus producers to start planning now to consign cattle to our sale. We are expecting something big and for good things to happen in the Simmental business. Look at our website and The Carolina Cattle Connection for more about our plans.

Sale Manager Doug Parke talks about the sale.

Outgoing directors were honored with a plaque, and they were Charlie Thomas, Kathie Price, and Erin Beth Pinkston. New directors were voted in, and they are Donald Bangma of Thurmond, Marguerite Fields of Climax, and Chad Joines of Blacksburg, Virginia.

New officers were also elected, and they are Dr. Jeff Broadaway as President, Dr. Eugene Shuffler as Vice President, and Anna English as Treasurer. The meeting adjourned to the fun auction, and the drawing was held for the chainsaw donated by Pinkston’s Lawn Mower of

All seats were taken at the Fall Harvest Sale.

The next top selling lot was a bred heifer consigned by Smith Reasor of Rural Retreat, Virginia. This heifer, sired by Chimney Top Treasurer E34 and safe to GAR Ashland, sold for $5,000 to Glenn Wheeler of Virginia.

Tanner Vestal kept everyone fed with delicious ribeye steak sandwiches for the N.C. Junior Simmental Association.

Wadesboro. The winner of the chainsaw was Donald Jordan of Maysville, and the ticket was sold by member Robert Jolly of Maysville, North Carolina. The auction raised $340 for the juniors and $1,350 for the adults. The most notable were the German chocolate cake baked by Teresa Swisher that sold for $425 to Ray Brewer of Lexington and the “Shuffler Bed & Breakfast lodging for next year” donated

by Carol Shuffler that sold for $250 to Will Crump of Georgia.

Drop G1534. Cedar Ridge also purchased another Shuffler Farms consignment for $4,500. This bred heifer was safe to TJ Gold and is a daughter of Gibbs 7382E Broad Range. There were 87 lots in the sale, and they averaged $3,016, selling to buyers in over ten states. Volume buyers of the sale were Cedar Ridge Simmentals of Gray Court, S.C., Pond View Farm of Whitehall, Md., and Eddie Rash of West Jefferson, North Carolina.

Tommy Carper and Doug Parke right before the auction began.

These good bred heifers just kept topping the sale, with the next lot going for $4,750 to Cedar Ridge Simmentals of Gray Court, South Carolina. This lot was consigned by Chad Joines of Blacksburg, Va., and was a daughter of TJ Frosty 318E and bred to Mr SR Mic

Ringman Neil Bowman asks for a bid.

West End Precast 276-228-5024 Wytheville, Virginia

These juniors were too cute to resist, and they raised a good bit of money for the junior association.

Fall Harvest Sale. This year, the 49th Fall Harvest Sale was filled with people eager to buy quality Simmental cattle.

You could almost feel the excitement in the air. DP Sales Management from Paris, Ken., had filled the sale with quality throughout, and the auctioneer, Tommy Carper, was ready to begin the sale.

The top selling lot was a cow/calf pair consigned by Shuffler Farms Simmentals of Union Grove. This JBS Big Casino daughter and her heifer calf, sired by AFS EG80 Enhance, sold for $5,400 to Hal Lowder of Ronda, North Carolina.

8 ft Concrete Feed Bunks

U or J Bunks - $200 • Calf Bunks - $150

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

q NOVEMBER 2023

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

Pasture Management Systems, Inc.

MILE OF FENCE PROGRAM New Members by County in 2023 (as of 10-19-23) Alamance 3 Alexander 4 Alleghany 2 Anson 4 Ashe 6 Avery 0 Beaufort 2 Bertie 1 Bladen 1 Brunswick 2 Buncombe 87 Burke 2 Cabarrus 3 Caldwell 1 Camden 23 Carteret 0 Caswell 1 Catawba 9 Chatham 8 Cherokee 2 Chowan 0 Clay 0 Cleveland 23 Columbus 1 Craven 1

Cumberland 2 Currituck 0 Dare 0 Davidson 7 Davie 5 Duplin 11 Durham 2 Edgecombe 3 Forsyth 4 Franklin 15 Gaston 4 Gates 0 Graham 0 Granville 6 Greene 3 Guilford 9 Halifax 12 Harnett 3 Haywood 77 Henderson 61 Hertford 0 Hoke 1 Hyde 0 Iredell 7 Jackson 2

Johnston 10 Jones 0 Lee 2 Lenoir 2 Lincoln 7 McDowell 4 Macon 44 Martin 1 Madison 4 Mecklenburg 1 Mitchell 0 Montgomery 2 Moore 4 Nash 5 New Hanover 0 Northampton 1 Onslow 3 Orange 3 Pamlico 0 Pasquotank 0 Pender 1 Perquimans 64 Person 5 Pitt 6 Polk 5

Grand Total

Randolph 82 Richmond 3 Robeson 2 Rockingham 32 Rowan 5 Rutherford 4 Sampson 4 Scotland 0 Stanly 0 Stokes 44 Surry 8 Swain 1 Transylvania 24 Tyrrell 0 Union 10 Vance 3 Wake 13 Warren 5 Washington 0 Watauga 7 Wayne 5 Wilkes 5 Wilson 57 Yadkin 1 Yancey 0

909

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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New NCCA Members for 2023 In 2007, the NCCA Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members, defined as someone who has never been a member or has rejoined after a break in membership, in The Carolina Cattle Connection. Below are NCCA’s new members for the last month: Out of State Lilly Leadingham – Maryland Alexander Tanya Fox – FoxF4 Edgar Wilson Friday – Friday Farm Ashe County Wilson Eric Bare – Bare Farm Larry Kitchens – Kit Angus Morgan Reed – Reed Farms Bladen County Kayla Norris – Norris Farms, Inc. Cleveland County John Bell – Bell Farms Ansley Bumgardner Morgan Rizzo

Davidson County Cecil Muncy

Hoke County Jerry Hann – Hann Farm

Davie County Bill Johnson – Boxwood Farm Aubrey Myers

Johnston County Andy Anderson Lilly Monks

Durham County Laurell Malone – Angus Creek Farm

Lenoir County Christopher Smith – Chris Smith Farms

Franklin County Meghan Pearce – Diamond S Ranch

Macon County Ben Ledford – 4L Farm Jesse Seagle – Seagle Livestock LLC

Granville County Declan Halos – Halos Ranch Angela Reeves-Hicks – Legacy Oaks Farm

Madison County Crystal Holder

Guilford County Jayson Rippy – Paramount 183 Russell Winfree – Winfree Farms

Montgomery County Katie Callicutt – Callicutt Cattle Company Abigail Hamilton – 5H Livestock

Harnett County Isaac Stewart

Moore County Corey Deibel – C J Livestock

Henderson County Stella Gash – Rocky Willow Farm Christian Miller – Triple Creek Livestock & Hay

Orange County Thomas Warren, Jr. Pitt County Philip Joyner – Joyner Farms Polk County Ashlyn Ramsey

Randolph County Bob Dietzen William Moss – Windy Hill Farms Chris Redding – Redding Farm Richmond County Duke Goodwin – G5 Poultry Farms Rockingham County Mickey & Linda Johnson – L&M Farm Barry Knight – Knightdale Farms Rowan County John Lee – Brown Beef Farm Rutherford County Morgan Ashley Spears Surry County Bryan Cave – Bryan & Angie Cave Farms Transylvania County Kylie Bradley – Cascade Cattle Company Wake County George Broadwell – Southern Wake Cattle Company Duncan McSorley Emily Robinson Watauga County Tim Belk – Shipley Farms Lilly Farley – BFR Meats Greg Miller – 3M Livestock

NEWS

2024-2025 Scholarship Applications The N.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation is now receiving applications for undergraduate scholarships and graduate student travel funding for the 2024-2025 academic year. This is the ninth year the foundation will award scholarships to students who are North Carolina residents.

However, they are still eligible if they are attending college in another state.

The applications for both scholarships and graduate student travel are available on the main webpage of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Completed applications must be submitted online from www.nccattle.com. However, printable versions are available to assist

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

you in gathering information for your applications. If applicants are unable to submit completed applications online, they must contact Casey Hinnant at mail@ nccattle.com for other accommodations.

All applications are due by 12:00 midnight EST on January 10, 2024.

Applications will be reviewed and recommended for NCCF board approval at its meeting in mid-February. Awards will be announced after that meeting.

Questions regarding the application process can be addressed to Dr. Roger Crickenberger at 919-464-5636 or acricks4@mac.com or Casey Hinnant at 919-552-9111 or mail@nccattle.com.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

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NEWS John Deere, Kreisel To Build Batteries and Chargers in Kernersville, North Carolina. Deere & Company announced recently that it has selected a location in Kernersville, N.C., for the construction of a 115,000 square foot manufacturing facility. The factory will expand production capacity of Kreisel Electric (“Kreisel”) products.

Kreisel, which John Deere acquired majority ownership of in 2022, produces innovative battery technology for e-mobility and stationary systems, as well as comprehensive Level 3 charging solutions. The planned production facility can support a production capacity of up to 2 GWh. John Deere plans to break ground on the new facility in fall 2023, and production is estimated to begin in 2025.

“Our customers are facing challenges that require their businesses to be more dynamic than ever before — we are

engineering the technological innovations they’ll rely on to do so,” said Jennifer Preston, Global Director of John Deere Electric Powertrain and CEO of Kreisel.

“Together with Kreisel, John Deere is expanding its electrification portfolio to include more scalable solutions to meet a wider range of our customers’ application needs. This investment is a great step forward as we work toward our goal of demonstrating viable low and near zero carbon power solutions by 2026.”

John Deere has been providing customers with safe and reliable power solutions for more than a century. With the new battery manufacturing facility, the company will develop and manufacture Kreisel battery and CHIMERO charger technology, building on the company’s commitment to safety and quality.

This new facility will support a production capacity increase to serve the

off highway market in North America.

John Deere is also upfitting a facility to enable battery production at its factory in Saran, France — the primary manufacturing location for John Deere engines in Europe. The Kernersville based facility will have a non-fossil fuel consuming design and is prioritizing sustainable energy features in major systems like the facility’s HVAC, energy recovery system, state of the art lighting, and irrigation control.

The new facility will be equipped to produce Kreisel battery pack designs and CHIMERO chargers as the company reinforces its commitment to helping John Deere and original equipment manufacturers navigate the rapidly changing electrification landscape.

“As the demand for electric solutions continues to increase, this strategic investment in growing our production capacity will help strengthen our position as an international battery technology leader. Within the evolving off highway equipment market, we are prioritizing the development of a robust charging ecosystem and battery portfolio that can support and sustain the long term adoption of electrification across a wide variety of

applications,” said Pierre Guyot, Senior Vice President of John Deere Power Systems and Chairman of Kreisel.

Why Kernersville? John Deere has a rich history in the community of Kernersville that began with the creation of its Kernersville campus in 1988.

The town provides access to a diverse pool of technical talent from local trade and academic institutions and is well connected to infrastructure, including highways, seaports, and airports.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company during its site evaluation and decision making process. The next phases of the development of the facility and construction timelines are subject to additional regulatory approval.

“The addition of this John Deere battery facility aligns with our county’s efforts to be a leader in advanced manufacturing throughout the Southeast,” said Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. — an organization promoting business growth and sustainability in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. “We are proud to support employers in this sector as the field develops with new technologies and

WAYNESVILLE

BUTNER

Saturday • December 2, 2023 11:00 a.m.

Friday • December 15, 2023 12:00 noon

WNC Regional Livestock Center Canton, N.C.

Granville County Livestock Arena Oxford, N.C.

SELLING 31 BULLS

SELLING 53 BULLS

18 Angus 5 Hereford 1 Gelbvieh/Balancer 7 Simmental/SimAngus

Kyle Miller - 828-456-3943 PAGE 42

For information contact

JOHNNY ROGERS NCSU Cooperative Extension 919-515-4005

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

43 Angus 5 Hereford 3 Simmental/SimAngus 2 Red Angus

Greg Shaeffer - 919-471-6872

innovations. In turn, we appreciate the commitment of our existing employers that continue to invest here and grow the workforce. We are excited to welcome Kreisel Electric as they establish their North American headquarters and thank them for choosing Forsyth County.”

John Deere Reman is transforming old components to like new condition, saving customers time and money while boosting performance and sustainability. John Deere customers are in the cab before most of the world is out of bed. That’s what happens when you’ve got fields to plant, earth to move, and infrastructure to build.

All they ask for in return is a machine that works as hard as they do.

But even the most rugged equipment can wear down after years of work. A few decades ago, when vital components went bad, they’d be sold for parts or sent to the junkyard.

Today, we see immense value in giving old products new life. And at John Deere Reman in Springfield, Missouri, restored parts and components deliver like new performance at affordable prices with reduced environmental impact.

“The sheer number of castings such as housings, blocks, cylinder heads, and crankshafts that we save and reclaim every day is incredible,” said Navaid Ahmed, manager of quality & engineering at John Deere Reman. “Reman is definitely a unique part of our company, and seeing broken parts transform into components that are as good as new makes my work very interesting.”

A remanufactured component doesn’t mean rebuilt or repaired. At John Deere, advanced reclaim techniques such as milling, lapping, laser cladding, and thermal spray bring components to original equipment manufacture (OEM) specifications or better.

“Remanufacturing, unlike traditional manufacturing methods, adds a whole new layer of processing, one that unlocks value for our customers and dealers,” explained Brooklynn Soto, core procurement and planning specialist, John Deere Reman. “It also provides a much cleaner alternative for the environment.

I’m proud to help take something old, worn, and non-working and turn it into a well oiled, torque generating, high performing machine.”

In addition, remanufacturing enables Deere to deliver better outcomes while using fewer resources.

“Reman is unique in that it’s a win across the board,” said Troy Shannon, senior engineer, Sustainability Solutions, John Deere Reman. “It offers a very high quality service part for customers at a price point that’s less than new.

And remanufactured products are more environmentally friendly to produce than new parts.”

A fulfilling career - For Ahmed, a career in remanufacturing is rewarding because he directly helps customers achieve success.

“My work gives me an opportunity to ensure our customers and dealers get the ruggedly reliable Deere products they demand,” he said. “Reman is a great place for engineers and new recruits to learn about design and manufacturing.

You learn about the product lifecycle, see how component designs have progressed throughout the years, and you’re constantly surprised when you see beat up engines and transmissions disassembled and built as good as new.”

Charlott Schwartz-Doyle, quality engineer, believes remanufacturing is all about helping customers run more efficiently, productively, and profitably.

“I’m so impressed by the commitment of our highly skilled workforce to bring products of the highest quality to customers,” she said.

“Remember, remanufactured products are required to meet all the expectations of a brand new product. That’s why maintaining performance standards in the remanufacturing processes is key to the success of our business.”

And to the success of those who depend on Deere to improve lives and livelihoods.

“Deere is delivering both economic and sustainable value to customers,” Schwartz-Doyle said. “For example, end of life products and components are reintroduced to the economy through remanufacturing of like new products, which creates jobs and saves customers money. Plus, there’s the added benefit of reducing the impact manufacturing has on the planet.

“I’m very proud to work for a company committed to helping customers leap forward by remanufacturing better than new products so they can get the job done right.”

About Deere & Company. Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward.

Our technology enabled products, including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe, are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

S.C. Charolais News

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

I am really tired while writing this article this month. I just got back from the Southern Connection Sale. If you missed the sale, you really missed a good time.

I had invited Clint Rusk, the Executive Vice President of the AICA, and he arrived on Friday afternoon. He told me they had fussed about all his travel, and I told him to tell the board I was the one that invited him and there would be no problem. They all know me and really don’t want me to call them. I have a reputation in Kansas City, and they don’t want me calling them. Needless to say, he told them, and they approved his travel. I guess I have people all over the country who don’t want to make me mad. Quite a reputation, don’t you think?

We had a great time, and he got to experience the Southern folks. We had a question and answer session at the motel after the Friday meal. He answered

questions from the folks and told us what was going on with Charolais at the feed lots and in the Association. We had a very informative meeting that lasted about an hour and a half. If you missed the sale, you missed a lot!

Charolais bulls are in high demand, and I am out right now. All of mine are sold, so let me know what you have, and I can probably get them sold. I get calls every week.

On the personal side, Judy Clements from the AICA has been very sick. Please add her to your prayer list. I talked to her yesterday, and she sounds pretty good.

I will not go into any other personal information, but take my word for it, she needs prayers.

I will close for now as I am about to drop, but keep in touch with other cattlemen and help each other out. No matter the breed, we are all in this together.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

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NEWS

Adopting a wellness mindset to improve BRD management. Current animal health practices focus on managing sickness, but what would happen if we shifted our focus to managing wellness?

While it seems simple, we can often struggle to define and manage animal health along a scale of success outcomes versus the absence of failure outcomes.

To better understand this concept, let’s look at how we can manage wellness in terms of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD).

BRD most often occurs in the immediate post weaning or post arrival period when animals transition into a new production segment. 1 This transition is accompanied by stressors like weaning, transport, handling, management procedures, vaccination, new environment, adaptation to new

feedstuffs, social stress from confinement, and disruption of social structure.

If animals are expressing stress behaviors during transitions, it can often be mistaken for early sickness behaviors of BRD. In addition to this, when threatened, prey species can mask symptoms of illness.2,3 Say you enter a pen to check on calves. Because those calves are already stressed, they will see you as a predator and do their best to look fit and strong, which can lead us to wrongly assume no pain or illness is present.

In many cattle feeder systems, most calves might exhibit a confusing behavioral “stressed-but-not-sick” diagnostic dilemma at some point after arrival, making accurate and timely diagnosis difficult.

Misdiagnosis of illness leads to inaccurate health management records,

reduced true treatment success rates –– often concealed by excessive treatment of nonmorbid animals – additional stress from unnecessary treatments, wasted labor resources needed to provide husbandry, and non-judicious antimicrobial use.

A wellness mindset - Often, we are so focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating disease (failure) that we miss the management utility in understanding and managing for better expression of wellness behaviors (success). The question we ought to ask ourselves is: Can we manage to get more non-morbid cattle to exhibit stronger wellness behaviors?

Positive wellness behaviors include activities like self grooming, positive social interactions, inquisitiveness, play, and positive cognitive bias in response to new experiences. Although every animal will exhibit these behaviors differently, as their comfort level and sense of security increases, so do their signs of wellness behaviors.

In a cattle system that focuses on managing wellness, cattle experience decreased stress levels, leading to reduced susceptibility to BRD.4

Tools to proactively manage wellness - A cattle system managing wellness focuses on positive human interactions and good animal husbandry that provides comfort and security for the animals. It involves looking at the complete system to manage cattle closer to wellness by listening to what their behavior is telling you.

It starts with establishing positive relationships with cattle on arrival.

Ensure calves have the necessary support for a smooth transition by having clean pens, comfortable stocking density, and fresh water and palatable feed available.

For a wellness management system to be effective, it is important to have employees who are receptive and reinforce positive experiences with the cattle. Well-trained handlers who are familiar with low stress cattle handling techniques can provide cattle with positive experiences.5 This emphasizes the importance of providing employees with training designed to improve humananimal interactions.

Vaccination and antibiotics are also an effective tool. If we know we are receiving high risk calves, metaphylaxis treatments on-arrival help decrease

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 910-315-3821 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

Cole Maness, President - scmaness3@gmail.com

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

COUNTRY BOY FARMS David Miller 316 Key Road • Edgefield, SC 706-840-3709

the negative effects of BRD, such as morbidity and retreatment.6 It can also help reduce the need to remove animals from their new environment for treatment immediately, post arrival, which can have negative impacts on establishing comfort and security. Providing on-arrival modified live virus vaccinations that are proven to have no post vaccinal stress can also help to provide protection against BRD. The foundation of the mindset shift is that wellness is not simply the dichotomous absence of sickness but a broader continuum that exists when disease is not present. So, ask yourself, what can I do to get more non-morbid cattle to exhibit stronger wellness

behaviors?

To learn more, talk to your Elanco representative today or visit www.

ElancoBRD.com.

References 1 Wilson B.K., Richards C.J., Step D.L., et al. Beef species symposium: best management practices for newly weaned calves for improved health and wellbeing. J Anim Sci 2017:95(5):2170–82.

2 Tizard I. Sickness behavior, its mechanisms, and significance. Anim Health Res Rev 2008:9(1):87–99.

3 Hart B.L., Hart L.A.. Sickness behavior in animals: Implications in health and wellness. In: Choe J. et al., editors. Encyclopedia of animal behavior.

2nd edition. Amsterdam: Academic Press

2019. p. 171–5.

4 Miles D.G. Overview of the North American beef cattle industry and the incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Anim Health Res Rev. 2009:10(2):101-3.

5 Ceballos M., Sant’Anna A., Bolvin X., et al. Impact of good practices of handling training on beef cattle welfare and stockpeople attitudes and behaviors.

Livestock Sci 2018:216:24–31.

6 Abell K., Theurer M., Larson R., et al. A mixed treatment comparison metaanalysis of metaphylaxis treatments for bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle.

J Anim Sci 2017:95(2):626-35.

About Elanco. Elanco Animal Health is a global leader in animal health

dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we’re driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our approach to sustainability, Elanco Healthy Purpose – all to advance the health of animals, people, the planet, and our enterprise. Learn more at www. elanco.com.

BE A WINNER!

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

PAGE 45

!

S E AT

D P U Public Invited to Vote for Winner of NCBA’s National Anthem Contest.

Four finalists have been selected in the 11th annual National Anthem Singing Contest, sponsored by Norbrook. NCBA is inviting the public to vote for the winner beginning November 1.

Introducing the four finalists: • Landri Jones of Weatherford, Okla., is a fifth generation cattle producer and FFA member whose family manages a cow/calf operation.

• Shirley Matlock of Greenfield, Ind., is a veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoys working alongside her children and grandchildren on the family’s cow/calf operation, including

PAGE 46

singing to the herd when on gate duty.

• Brittany Price of Center, N.D., is a fifth generation farmer and rancher who works for N.D. State University Extension raises Simmental cattle and helps her husband run a feedlot.

• Anna Sponheim of Winifred, Mont., helps on her family’s cattle and wheat farm and serves the industry as Program Manager at the Montana Beef Council.

Videos of the finalists will be available for viewing and voting at convention.ncba.org beginning November 1. The public can vote for their favorite singer once per day per person through November 15, and the winner will be announced on November 17.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

The winner will perform the “StarSpangled Banner” at the Opening General Session of CattleCon24 and will receive round trip airfare to Orlando, Fla., a hotel room for three nights, free convention registration, plus a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.

New Cattlemen’s College Schedule Includes Sessions Every Day During CattleCon24. Register today for 31 st annual Cattlemen’s College. The 31 st annual Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis, will be held in conjunction with CattleCon24, held January 31-February 2 in Orlando, Florida. This premier educational experience draws more than 1,000 attendees every year and includes networking, idea sharing, and informative sessions.

“We have a packed schedule featuring industry experts discussing a variety of trending topics,” said Michaela Clowser, director of producer education with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“We are excited to offer educational sessions all three days of convention.”

Cattlemen’s College begins on January 31, with keynote speaker Dr. Clay Mathis, Animal Science department head at Texas A&M University. Dr. Mathis will discuss how recent industry challenges have created opportunities that can add resiliency to ranching systems.

The 2024 Cattlemen’s College schedule is designed to help cattle producers improve and grow cattle herds.

Sessions will be held in classrooms as well as on the NCBA Trade Show floor and will feature industry leaders tackling innovative topics, including nutrition, reproduction, genetics, sustainability, biosecurity, and herd health.

Attendees can look forward to hearing from Kimberly Vonnahme, Zoetis; Brian

Dorcey, DVM, Farmer’s Business Network; Angela Gonella, Ph.D., University of Florida; Don Close, Terrain; Cassidy Johnston, Not Your Average Rancher; Dan Leahy, Foundation for Ranch Management; Cadra Krueger, Ph.D., Alltech; Ross Bronson, Redd Summitt; George Perry, Ph.D., Texas A&M University; Chance Armstrong, DVM, Auburn University; Jeff Heldt, Ph.D., Selko; Jacob Gilley, American Farmland Trust; Justin Rhinehart, Ph.D., University of Tennessee; Matt Crouse, USMARC; Dusty Abney, Ph.D., Cargill Nutrition; and Raluca Mateescu, Ph.D., University of Florida.

Each year, the Cattlemen’s College agenda is developed based on feedback from producers, and their comments drive the program. One past attendee reflected, “The biggest take away I found from attending Cattlemen’s College is that there is always a newer or better way of doing things. Falling under that idea of, ‘we’ve always done it this way’ is dangerous. Never be afraid of trying things a different way.”

With so much information presented, it is nearly impossible to experience all Cattlemen’s College has to offer in person.

To make it easier to access content, all sessions will be recorded and available for registered attendees to watch at any time in the future. To register, select the Education Package, which offers the best value and combines admission to the convention and Cattlemen’s College. For more information, visit www.convention.ncba.org.

Cattle producers attending Cattlemen’s College are eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant. The first 75 grant applicants will receive reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www. ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.

CHUCK

SHANK

CHUCK

BRISKET

RIB

PLATE

RIB

LOIN

SIRLOIN

ROUND SHANK

FLANK

LOIN

SIRLOIN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

ROUND

INGEDIENT CUTS

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

BRISKET LEAN

LEAN

PLATE & FLANK LEAN

LEAN

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

BRAISE/ POT ROAST

LEAN

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

ROAST

STIR-FRY

INDIRECT GRILLING

SKILLET TO OVEN

* MARINATE BEFORE COOKING FOR BEST RESULTS

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

PAGE 47

• Join one of the largest mineral buying groups in the Southeast • Trial opportunities available • Delivery available in most areas of North Carolina • Make your own buying group in your area

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

NEWS Capitalize on strong calf markets with quality weaning nutrition.

Implementing a weaning program that emphasizes quality nutrition helps give calves a healthy start and can bring more return on investment. The beef industry is beaming with optimism across the country as cattle markets continue climbing, creating a prime opportunity to capture value. USDA projects cattle prices to rise into 2024 as fed cattle supplies remain tight.1 During strong markets, calves are sometimes taken straight off the cows and “weaned on the truck” to be marketed as soon as possible. But you’re likely leaving money on the table by not giving those calves a healthy start with weaning fueled by quality nutrition.

“Now’s a good time to utilize a thorough weaning program because you can add a lot of value to your calves,” says Ron Scott, Ph.D., director of beef technical innovation with Purina Animal Nutrition.

Buyers are willing to pay a premium for calves that have been preconditioned.

Data from Superior Livestock Auction sales in 2022 show a $8.64/cwt to $18.67/ cwt premium for calves that were weaned for at least 45 days.2 A vital way to ensure success during weaning is to provide high quality nutrition.

Reduced stress - Weaning can be a stressful time for calves. During this time, calves need a balanced nutrition program to help their immune system keep up.

“If calves don’t get some feed into them, their body will get behind on fighting stress, and health challenges can occur,” Scott says.

To help address the challenges of supporting a healthy immune system while reducing stress at weaning, Purina Animal Nutrition researched, developed, and launched a proprietary additive known as RX3 Immune Support Technology in 2019. RX3 Immune Support Technology is a unique, nonmedicated feed additive found exclusively in Purina starter feeds.3 The feed additive contains a powerful combination of very specific prebiotics, probiotics, and plant extracts that help address common, costly calf health challenges head-on.

Optimized performance - Feeding high quality nutrition during weaning can also optimize calf performance.

“It goes above and beyond just providing a balanced diet for protein, energy, and roughage,” Scott says. “There are also vitamins and minerals necessary

to deal with stress to help keep calves performing. And with RX3 Immune Support Technology, you’re getting even more.”

The addition of RX3 Immune Support Technology in starter feeds through multiple third party research studies resulted in calves that:4,5 • Gained more weight on an average daily gain basis • Had less variation in average daily gain compared to control calves • Had improved feed-to-gain ratio, resulting in better utilization of feedstuffs “Calves ate more feed and gained more weight than you would expect, so we have this improvement in feed conversion.

That’s really important,” Scott says.

“A combination of more time at the bunk equals less stress and greater feed intake. Because of that combination, the calves have gained weight more efficiently,” Scott adds.

Immunity with the 3 Rs - Priming calves’ immune systems is key to ensuring they have optimized health during and after weaning.

RX3 Immune Support Technology gets its name from its groundbreaking ability to help calves’ immune system: • Recognize sooner • Respond more appropriately • Return to optimal health more quickly “When the immune system is primed, the body can understand when a health challenge is occurring,” Scott says. “You want calves to be able to respond quickly so they can fight off disease.”

The combination of healthy calves with sound nutrition and management allows calves to express their full genetic potential.

Capitalize on the strong cattle market by giving your calves the best start possible.

References 1 USDA Economic Research Service.

August 17, 2023. Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook: August 2023.

2 Raper K. and Peel D. 2023. Strong Premiums for Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Cattle in 2022. Cow/Calf Corner. March 6, 2023.

3 RX3 Immune Support Technology is not a medication, so no Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is required. Medicated Purina starter complete and supplement feeds are still available and require a VFD. 4 Idowu M., Taiwo G., Cervantes A., Bowdridge S. and Ogunade I. 2022. Effects of a multicomponent microbial feed additive containing prebiotics and probiotics on health, immune status, metabolism, and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-d

receiving period. West Virginia University.

American Society of Animal Science.

5 Summary of Purina studies CG131, CG153, CG165, CG171, and PMI studies at University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University.

About Purina Animal Nutrition.

Purina is a national organization serving producers, animal owners, and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers, and other large

retailers throughout the United States.

Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients, and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets.

Purina Animal Nutrition is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., and a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc. For more information, visit www.purinamills.com.

Isaiah “Ike” Jackson Passes April 1, 1945 - September 23, 2023 Isaiah “Ike” Fearing Jackson, a native of Elizabeth City, entered God’s heavenly kingdom on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Ike was born on April 1 (Easter Sunday and April Fool’s Day) in 1945 to William Thomas Jackson, Jr. and Margaret Fearing Jackson. His happy childhood was spent on Main Street playing and enjoying time with close neighborhood friends. Since his family roots were tied to farming, one would assume him to become a part of the Wolfpack at NCSU. But his dad (a UNC graduate) often times jested that Ike could attend any college, but he would pay his way to UNC. Therefore, after graduating from Elizabeth City High School in 1963, Ike enrolled at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he finally became a “real/true” Tarheel! Deciding to join the brotherhood of Sigma Phi Epsilon enabled Ike to form close friendships with many others from various locations. Upon earning a B.S. in business in 1967, Ike enlisted and served for twelve years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Because of his love of the rich soil of his family’s Century Farm in Weeksville, N.C., Ike spent his life tending, planting, and harvesting crops and caring for his registered Black Angus herd. Due to health issues, he was forced into retirement in 2016.

Ike not only served his country but his community as well. His service included President of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, directorships on the boards of First Union Bank, College of the Albemarle, Albemarle Hospital, Pasquotank County Farm Bureau, and was a former member and chairman of the Elizabeth City - Pasquotank Board of Education. As a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, he dedicated much of his time to serving in various capacities at the church.

Ike leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Kathrine Pool Jackson. He is also survived by his beloved daughters, Allysn J. Light (Robert) of Oxford, N.C., and

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Margo J. Tulloss (John) of Greenville, North Carolina. No one was more important to Ike than his granddaughter, Parker Tulloss of Wilmington, N.C., and grandson, Jackson Tulloss of Greenville, North Carolina. Ike is also survived by his older brother, William Thomas Jackson, III (Jonnie) of Damascus, M.D., a niece, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank all of their many friends for their prayers and support during Ike’s illness and the tender care he received from the Albemarle Home Care & Hospice, as well as the kind nurses at Brookdale Senior Living.

The family requests no flowers, but if desired, donations can be made to: Michael J. Fox Foundation P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, National Headquarters Attn: Financial Operations 733 Third Avenue, Ste. 510 New York, NY 10017 First United Methodist Church 201 S. Road Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909

q NOVEMBER 2023

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ABBA

Executive Update

By DR. JOE C. PASCHAL

American Brahman Breeders Association

Dear ABBA Members, ABBA has received a lot of great publicity with the” Brahman Bucks” program begun by the Marketing Committee to promote F1 Brahman females. Terry Novak, Brand Jones, Clayton Bridges, A.J., and I have been at four of them. Brahman Bucks has attracted the attention of the sale managers, auctioneers, the consignors at the F1 sales, and even the livestock press is picking up on the story.

We set up a table with F1 Brahman

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promotional material and then went to look at the cattle from a commercial standpoint. It is preferred that there is a group of three or more (open heifers, bred heifers or cows, pairs or three-inones) in the lot. First place receives $300, second place $200, and third place $100.

Although it seems like a small amount of added money, the winners are quite happy to receive it. The sale managers and auctioneers are enthusiastic about the program and make sure the buyers know when the winners come in the ring. In addition, we see a lot of folks we know

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

and meet a lot of new ones! The goal is to increase the visibility of ABBA and the F1 Program and to promote the value of the F1 female, and it’s working!

At one of these sales, there was a buyer from South Dakota who was buying F1 Brahman (and even some purebred Brahman) females, apparently a truckload (about 40 head) or more. When asked why he was buying them, he said that he was tired of his cattle standing for hours in the water during the summer trying to stay cool and then having their hooves get so soft that they get infected with foot rot! We can now add that to the list of attributes of Brahman genetics.

Brahman cattle already have dark or black toes on their hooves (like their skin), and dark hooves are tougher than white or red. Foot rot occurs when the hoof wall is weakened because the bacteria that causes it enters through lesions in the space between the toes. A.J. Knowles put together a nice fact sheet on this that we will put on the ABBA website.

Plans are moving ahead for the 2023 National Show and Sale on November 7-11 in Bryan at the Brazos Exposition Center. We plan on a welcome dinner and having the ABBA Board and Committee

meetings as well. I hope you will plan to come and attend the meetings; I could use your input. If you cannot attend, just call me or email me with your thoughts.

All of the lots in the National Show, as well as the entire proceeds of the sale, will be donated to help fund the 100th Anniversary and Gala in 2024 in Houston.

Also, the sale manager, auctioneer, and The Brahman Journal advertising expenses are all being donated! Thank you to Chris Shivers, Leo Casas III, and Victoria Lambert for their generous offer!

Also, ABBA is moving forward with plans for the 100th Anniversary and Gala in Houston in February 2024 and the 2024 World Brahman Congress, which will be held in early November 2024 in Bryan, Tex., at the Brazos Exposition Center. More details on those events will be on the ABBA website and The Brahman Journal.

The ABBA Bull Development Program has wrapped up, and the online sale was held October 22-23. Todd Schindler, the Breed Improvement Committee, and A.J. Knowles worked very hard to put together a nice offering of performance bulls that will fit both the purebred and the commercial market!

In mid-October, A.J. and I were

invited to a meeting at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station in Beeville, Texas. Dr. Milton (Milt) Thomas is the Senior Animal Scientist there. Milt is interested in research on the long term sustainability of the Brahman and Brahman influenced breeds. He arranged to have 60 head of bred females (58 calved) shipped from the USDA Agricultural Research Service Meat Animal Research Center in Nebraska this past Spring. Some of you who are as old as I am will remember that is where the Germplasm (a fancy word for genetics) Research and Evaluation (GPE) Program is conducted. Since 1970, the GPE Program has evaluated 37 breeds, including Brahman twice (1970-72 and 1975-76).

In 2006, the GPE Program sampled 1,085 bulls from 18 breeds (including 40 Brahman bulls) to create a set of purebreds (not Brahman), F1, and ¾ blood (backcross) steers and heifers.

Over 15,000 calves have been produced,

including 407 Brahman crosses. These crosses (including the ones at Beeville) are being used to evaluate calving, growth, maternal, carcass, feed efficiency, reproduction, longevity, disease resistance, and adaptation.

Breeds change over time due to selection; this can be tracked and is called a “genetic trend.” The GPE Program tracks these for all the breeds, including Brahman. The genetic trends for Brahman show positive improvement in all the performance traits, maybe not as much as we like, but then small changes over time lead up to large ones. In the near future, the GPE Program will need new sires to sample (they select bulls to reflect the breed’s current performance). If they ask for genetics from your bull, please consider filling their request.

In the later part of the month, Idi, A.J., and I went to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cen-Tex Field Day at Moreno Ranch near Riesel. I was an invited speaker for a talk on structural

Dr. Ray Harvey Passes December 16, 1939 – September 29, 2023 Dr. Raymond Walter Harvey passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 29.

Dr. Harvey was born on December 16, 1939, in Lewisburg, W.V., to Edna Eufa and Howard Taft Harvey. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and continued his academic pursuit at N.C State University, where he received his Ph.D. in animal science in 1963. As professor of animal science at N.C. State, he devoted his life to educating students in the fine art of animal husbandry. Along the way, he broadened the knowledge of many purebred Angus breeders in his low key and unpretentious way. He served as faculty advisor to many graduate students and coached the N.C. State Livestock Judging Team for many years.

Dr. Harvey was a member of the Academy of Outstanding Teachers at NCSU and served on the Board of Directors of the N.C. Angus Association.

He held the position of ex officio Director of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association until his retirement in 1996. In recognition of his many achievements, he was inducted into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ray found joy in spending time with his

soundness and, later on, a panel on the future of the Brahman and Brahman influenced breeds (it’s bright!). Catherine and Luke Neumayr were also there and gave an excellent presentation on “Ranch Marketing Strategies.”

The Field Day is an annual event that includes ten counties in central Texas, and it was Pasquale Swaner’s turn to host. I was honored to be on the panel with Steamer Swaner, Catherine and Luke, and Kelvin Moreno. I know I was in Extension for nearly 40 years, but these field days are inexpensive, and the County Extension Agents in your state are more than willing to have you as a host and have you talk about your ranch and cattle. All you have to do is ask.

We are continuing to attend the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser’s Association’s Ranch Gatherings across

Texas; in previous months, I was in George West and Beaumont, and this month, we were in Houston. The “Gatherings” are a way for TSCRA to tell their story, and they have offered ABBA an opportunity to have a table and mix and meet with the folks that come. I think the Houston Gathering was one of the best. There were a number of folks who had purchased Brahman bulls or females and wanted to visit. They were happy we were there. It rained, too, so that was a good thing!

I understand (and someone has said this to me before) that this email reads like a travelogue, and maybe not everybody reads it. I get it, but if we don’t promote American Brahman cattle, who will? As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please direct them to me. Thanks!

2023 Spotlight Issues Schedule Most of the breed associations in North and South Carolina have stepped forward and renewed their contracts for Spotlight sections in The Carolina Cattle Connection for 2023. 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.

2023 Reserved Spotlight Issues

family, playing golf, and sharing meals with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlotte Ann Harvey; two sons, Bradley Ray Harvey and wife Mary Beth of Raleigh, David Howard Harvey of Raleigh, and daughter Amy Harvey Calisto and husband Tom of Apex; three grandchildren, Carson Harvey, Brooklyn Calisto and Alexandra Calisto; and two sisters, Catherine Richmond and Loma Riffle of Greensboro and predeceased by his sister Dreama Cochran of Lewisburg, West Virginia.

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

CHAROLAIS FORAGES ANGUS PIEDMONTESE BRAHMAN HEREFORD GELBVIEH SIMMENTAL SANTA GERTRUDIS WAGYU BRANGUS RED ANGUS

For more information about your breed’s Spotlight Issue, contact:

The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 919-552-9111 • mail@nccattle.com The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

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A Message from the CEO

By COLIN WOODALL

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Taking Stock of Our Direction We like to fight, and for 125 years, fighting has been one of this association’s badges of honor. We take on the virtuous fights against fake proteins, animal extremists, regulatory attacks, and the daily barrage of misinformation about cattle production. Taking a stand and putting up a fight is why our association has been successful and enjoys the reputation it does. However, we rarely take the time to lay our fights aside and take stock of what we have accomplished and where we have taken our association

and this industry. Our fights have resulted in some amazing wins that we need to take credit for and appreciate.

As we continue to celebrate the th 125 anniversary of NCBA, I believe this milestone is the best start to appreciating our accomplishments. I am not sure that longevity was on the minds of the livestock producers who attended the first convention in 1898, but the foundation they set was firm and one we have built upon.

Think about all the industry issues that have divided us across the years: regional

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issues, marketing issues, trade, and more.

Any one of these could have dissolved our association, but the internal fights led to actions and policies that made us better.

The simple fact that we are here and still putting up wins for cattle producers is something we need to be proud of.

On the policy front, our tenacity and fortitude are serving us well. This year’s Supreme Court decision on the definition of Waters of the United States included arguments made by NCBA on what should or should not be considered a WOTUS. After close to two decades of fighting against this brazen show of EPA overreach, the Supreme Court decision proves that fighting for the right thing is worth every year and dollar we spend to protect your property rights. This is just one of many victories we have had in the environmental arena. When President Biden signed an executive order on climate change on his first day in office, we knew we were going to be plagued with bad rules based on the wrong information about our impact on the environment. For close to three years, we have kept the administration at bay by showcasing we are part of the solution, not the problem when it comes to greenhouse gases and environmental stewardship.

Regarding greenhouse gas regulations, NCBA can still win even when the political environment is unfriendly. The President’s 30x30 initiative also concerned us, especially when it came to our right to graze public lands. Even with an effort to rebrand 30x30 as “America the Beautiful,” NCBA played a role in marginalizing that initiative and burying it deep.

We can deliver these wins because of what we stand for and how we operate.

Members of Congress and executive branch departments and agencies know that when

NCBA knocks on the door, we are working on issues you have identified as critical to your ultimate success. That is why we were successful in getting Congress to include the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank in the 2018 bill, and why they are supportive of maintaining it in the new Farm Bill we are working on. Our influence and success do not stop at the border. As a result of NCBA’s officers engaging with the Canadian Cattle Association during their conference last year, the Canadians established their own FMD vaccine bank.

This year, the NCBA officers pushed the Mexican Cattlemen’s Association, CNOG, to do the same. Our international engagement has also focused on the European Union and the United Kingdom as we continue our work to open new markets and eliminate barriers to exporting our beef.

NCBA’s efforts have also been successful in ensuring our consumers remain beef fanatics. Our engagement to expose plant based or fake meat products has thwarted the efforts of brands like Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat from relegating us to the discount bin. Our work fighting lab grown protein provided a win by ensuring that these products are inspected by USDA, just like we are.

There is nothing like beef the way nature intended, and our consumers see it that way, too.

There will always be things that challenge us, but through it all, there is a lot of good news and optimism in our industry, much of which is due to the victories NCBA has achieved working on your behalf at home and abroad. We are committed to staying the course, fighting the fight, and winning the tough battles to keep America’s cattle and beef industry strong.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

NCBA

President’s Report

By TODD WILKINSON

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Grassroots Outreach Makes All the Difference When I update cattle producers in different parts of the country on what NCBA is doing in Washington, D.C., I am frequently asked, “How can I help?”

The answer is by speaking up and joining our grassroots outreach efforts. Unlike so many other advocacy organizations in Washington, NCBA speaks for individual cattle producers, not companies or other interests. That is something I’m certainly proud of, and I hope you are also proud to be part of this association that puts producers first.

At the first meeting of the National Stock Growers Convention in January 1898 — an event that would eventually lead to the formation of NCBA — a Pueblo rancher named G.F. Patrick told the crowd how individual cattle producers might be ignored by policymakers and special interests, but when producers unite their voice it’s powerful: “Singly, he is but one man with a few thousand dollars; combined, he is a multitude with a million at his back, and with the business aggression, experience, and ability of an army standing to support him.”

That same point holds true 125 years later. Today, we face a new array of challenges, but the grassroots outreach of our members makes all the difference on Capitol Hill. This year, thousands of cattle producers have made their voices heard on a range of policy issues by joining NCBA’s grassroots campaigns. While NCBA works every day to represent you on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies, hearing directly from a producer can make the difference and move a policymaker to our side.

Since the start of 2023, cattle producers have sent 14,236 messages to their representatives in Congress representing 49 of 50 states. This spring, 1,950 cattle producers wrote to urge the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution to overturn President Biden’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and the resolution passed in a bipartisan vote. When the Bureau of Land Management proposed new rules that would upend grazing on

members of FFA, 4-H, Block and Bridle, and Collegiate Cattlemen’s chapters from colleges and universities across the U.S. were in every room excited to learn about production practices and policy alike. NCBA is also supporting students who are founding and leading Collegiate Cattlemen’s Associations by providing industry speakers and sharing information on internship and scholarship opportunities.

These students are tomorrow’s cattle

industry leaders, and I am so glad they are connected with our association.

Our industry has no shortage of challenges, but together, we will rise to address every issue. Like G.F. Patrick said at our first meeting in 1898, our power comes from our grassroots members uniting together in this association. Thank you for being a proud member of NCBA. Together, we will protect the future of the cattle industry for the next generation.

public lands, 813 cattle producers from across the U.S. wrote letters and showed the agency that farmers and ranchers — in the West and beyond — were united against the rule. As animal rights activists have attacked the Beef Checkoff, 2,556 cattle producers spoke up to show policymakers that real farmers and ranchers support the Checkoff. When Representative Victoria Spartz, an Indiana Congresswoman, introduced an amendment that attacked the Beef Checkoff, producers bombarded Capitol Hill with 1,028 letters opposing the measure. These letters make a powerful difference because they show policymakers that their constituents — real producers — care about the issues being debated on Capitol Hill.

Even more impactful than writing to Congress is meeting with members of Congress and their staff in person. NCBA members traveled to D.C. this spring for the Legislative Conference, which gives producers a chance to talk directly with their representatives and share their perspectives as constituents. This year, we talked about our support for the Beef Checkoff and pushed back on false claims being made by animal rights activists.

Even more exciting is the opportunity to prepare younger producers to take on greater roles as spokespeople for the cattle industry. For the first time since 2019, we were able to hold the Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC). This trip brings more than 70 cattle producers from all across the country together for the chance to visit other operations, tour processors, and retailers and see what D.C. advocacy is like firsthand. At the end of the trip, YCC attendees go to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress and once again share their grassroots perspective as individual producers and constituents.

NCBA has been a political force to be reckoned with for the past 125 years, but remaining a strong voice for cattle producers for the next 125 requires investing in the next generation. Walking around the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans,

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NCBA News

NCBA Backed Legislation to Boost Oversight of Foreign Ag Purchases Advances. Recently, the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services advanced a bill supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) that strengthens oversight of foreign agricultural purchases. The legislation, the Agricultural Security Risk Review Act introduced by Representative Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), would add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an interagency committee that reviews the national security impact of foreign investments in the United States.

“Cattle producers have been extremely watchful of foreign purchases of farmland, agricultural technology, and other important inputs. Adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS would

PAGE 58

provide a critical voice for American farmers and ranchers and ensure that the federal government does not overlook agriculture’s role in national security,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “NCBA thanks Rep. Lucas for leading this effort and we appreciate the House Financial Services Committee’s bipartisan support for this bill.”

CFIUS is an interagency committee chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury with members from the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Energy, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Office of Science and Technology Policy. The committee reviews financial and real estate transactions by foreign entities investing in the United States to ensure

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

these investments do not endanger national security. The committee can recommend that the President of the United States suspend or block investments that may create security concerns.

The legislation passed in committee and now goes to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Over 100 Ag and Forestry Groups Voice Opposition to Spartz Anti-Checkoff Amendment. Groups Represent Millions of Farmers, Ranchers, and Foresters Who Support Checkoff Programs. In a letter sent recently to former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) alongside 129 leading state and national livestock, crop, and forestry organizations has voiced its opposition to Representative Victoria Spartz’s (R-Ind.) anti-checkoff amendment to legislation that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Spartz amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act attacks commodity checkoff programs, which are industry

led organizations that exist to promote agricultural products and support America’s hardworking farmers and ranchers.

“As a cattle producer, I am proud to pay into the Beef Checkoff because I know my $1 is doing more for our entire industry than I could do on my own,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “I urge Congress to stand with real farmers and ranchers over activists and reject Representative Spartz’s attack on checkoff programs.

Our future depends on the investments we make now, and the Beef Checkoff is the strongest tool we have to keep beef on consumers’ plates, strengthening the cattle industry today and for the next generation.”

Checkoff programs are administered

by USDA and overseen by farmers and ranchers to promote different agricultural commodities. While the structure of each checkoff is unique to the individual commodity, checkoff boards all pool assessments from producers and use that funding to conduct research, raise consumer awareness, and build higher demand for agricultural products. By promoting these products, checkoffs ensure that future generations of farmers

and ranchers can build a strong livelihood in agriculture.

The national organizations that signed on to the letter include the Almond Alliance, American Beekeeping Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Honey Producers Association, American Mushroom Institute, American Sheep Industry Association, American Soybean Association, American Wood Council, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Corn Refiners Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Christmas Tree Association, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pecan Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Watermelon Association, North American Blueberry Council, North American Meat Institute, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Soy Aquaculture Alliance, Soy Transportation Coalition, United Egg Producers, and U.S. Peanut Federation. Additionally, 100 state organizations, including NCBA affiliates, joined the letter.

Together, these groups represent millions of hardworking farmers, ranchers, and foresters across the entire United States.

NCBA Secures Passage of Key Animal Health Priority. The Animal Drug User Fee Act Helps New Animal Health Products Come to Market. Recently, NCBA hailed the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA), a top priority for NCBA that is now law following President Joe Biden’s approval of a continuing resolution to fund the government. Included in the continuing resolution, this “clean” reauthorization of ADUFA keeps the legislation in effect for another five years.

“Keeping our livestock healthy is on every cattle producer’s mind,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “NCBA made the ADUFA reauthorization a top priority at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, and I am proud to see our team’s hard work pay off with this latest reauthorization being signed into law.

This is just one of many examples of how NCBA works hard to protect our interests in Washington, D.C.” ADUFA allows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to collect fees from animal health companies, which fund the agency’s review and approval process for new animal drugs.

ADUFA ensures that the FDA has an efficient system for authorizing new cattle medicines and diagnostic tools that keep livestock healthy and protect our safe, wholesome food supply. NCBA

ALL Regular Copy for the

DECEMBER ISSUE

by NOVEMBER 5!

fought hard to ensure that this latest ADUFA reauthorization contained no post market amendments that would harm the effectiveness of the FDA’s review process, disrupt producers’ access to cattle medicines, or simply keep the legislation from passing Congress before the September 30th deadline.

“Incredible veterinary drug innovations are happening every day, and ADUFA ensures that the FDA has the resources it needs to review these new technologies for safety and efficacy and to bring them to market for cattle producers,” said NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons. “We are pleased that Congress passed the ADUFA reauthorization and President Biden signed it into law.”

NCBA Redbooks Now Available.

Track Cattle Records with Handy Booklet.

The 2024 edition of the Redbook is now available to help cattle producers effectively and efficiently record their daily production efforts, which can enhance profitability and reduce

stress levels. The pocket sized booklet, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, helps cattle producers simplify their recordkeeping.

In addition to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) practices and proper injection technique information, the 2024 Redbook includes a section on building a biosecurity plan and has more than 100 pages to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, cattle inventory, body condition, cattle treatment, A.I. breeding records and more. It also contains a calendar and notes section.

About the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

IRM Red Books Are Here We would like to thank Performance Livestock & Feed Company and Carolina Stockyards for again sponsoring this book.

The 2024 version is now available to help cattle producers effectively & efficiently record daily production efforts, which can help enhance profitablity and reduce stress levels. In addition to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) best practices and proper injection technique information, it has more than 100 pages to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, cattle inventory, body condition, cattle treatment, A.I. breeding records, and more. It also contains a calendar and notes section.

Simply return the order form below, along with $7.00 for each book to: N.C. Cattlemen’s Association 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 You can now order them through our website at www.nccattle.com/resources/merchandise/red-book-order-form.

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

ALL Spotlight Material for the DECEMBER ISSUE

By NOVEMBER 1!

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Federation of State Beef Councils Update Unified Vision Drives Beef Checkoff Success. Since 1963, the Federation of State Beef Councils has been committed to building beef demand by inspiring, unifying, and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. By working together with one unified vision and plan, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and state beef councils continue to set a positive course for beef’s future.

Here are a few examples of recent program successes: Nutrition Research - Research continues to serve as the foundation for all Beef Checkoff funded initiatives.

Nutrition research provides proof that beef has a role in a healthy, sustainable diet. Current projects focus on human clinical trials investigating healthy diets across the lifespan, where beef is the primary source of dietary protein, and

focus on the impact of cardiometabolic health, strength, and performance, and the benefits of beef in the diets of children and adolescents.

National Beef Quality Audit - The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA), conducted approximately every five years since 1991, is foundational research that provides an understanding of what quality means to the various industry sectors and the value of those quality attributes.

This research helps the industry make modifications necessary to increase the value of its products. The findings from the 2022 NBQA serve to improve quality, minimize economic loss, and aid in advancements in producer education for the U.S. beef industry.

Results from the 2022 NBQA indicate that the beef cattle industry is producing a high quality product that consumers want more efficiently, and the industry’s primary focus across the supply chain remains food safety. In addition,

there was an increase in the frequency of Prime and Choice quality grades, with 7.5 percent of carcasses grading Prime, the highest since audits began. Market sectors also reported that their companies strive to increase their sustainability and work with the entire beef supply chain to do so.

Beef Quality Assurance - Cow/ calf producers, stockers, and feedyards implement Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) practices on their operations to produce the highest quality cattle and provide consumers with the best possible eating experience. BQA principles don’t end at the farm gate, and cattle haulers can also become BQA Transportation (BQAT) certified through recently updated modules. Since BQAT began in 2017, more than 32,000 certifications have been completed.

E-Commerce - With consumers making more shopping decisions online, e-commerce efforts are essential to driving beef sales. National e-commerce campaigns during the holidays and summer grilling months helped put beef front and center for consumers shopping online. These e-commerce campaigns delivered impressive results, generating more than $22 million in incremental beef sales and reaching nearly 16 million

households.

Advocacy - Ten Trailblazers from eight states were selected for the second cohort of beef community spokespeople, beginning the year long program, which includes in-person and virtual training opportunities to prepare the next generation of advocates who will help protect the reputation of the beef industry.

The unified vision of the Federation of State Beef Councils continues to drive Beef Checkoff success. For more information, visit www.ncba.org/ federation.

About the Federation of State Beef Councils. Created in 1963, the Federation of State Beef Councils represents the 43 Qualified State Beef Councils and is committed to its vision, which is to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying, and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership.

State beef councils voluntarily invest in the Federation to enhance the national Checkoff and leverage producer dollars through a coordinated partnership.

Housed at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, the Federation is a grassroots organization run by producers across the country.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

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.

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Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update

Be a winner!

Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state cattlemen’s association!

By STEVE SPRINGER, Cattlemen’s Beef Board

Beef Checkoff’s Producer Communications Efforts Necessary to Shape Current, Future Programs I’m a third generation cattle producer in Southern Wisconsin, and I’m also a representative of a national livestock video auction company. As a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), I’m in a unique position to see firsthand how much care and consideration goes into allocating Checkoff funds each year.

I hear the questions that my fellow producers have about the Beef Checkoff and how their dollars are being spent.

I get it – you wouldn’t put money in a stock or mutual fund without expecting regular updates on your investment’s performance. That’s why the Beef Checkoff sets aside a very small percentage of its funds each year for the Producer Communications program. This program’s goal is to inform producers with operations of all shapes and sizes about how Checkoff dollars are driving beef demand. Here are just a few ways that Producer Communications works to improve transparency between the Checkoff and its investors: Newsletters - In 2018, the CBB

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launched The Drive, a newsletter available in print or via email designed to share Checkoff news, program successes, and upcoming initiatives. Over the past five years, subscriber growth has been significant, with nearly 132,000 producers receiving the quarterly print newsletter and 21,000 receiving the monthly e-newsletter. “The Drive in Five,” a quick video recap of content from The Drive newsletter, launched in late 2021, providing producers with a quick way to get their Checkoff news and information in an easily consumable format. Plans for an audio series or podcast are in the works for 2024, helping us reach even more producers via another medium.

Media Relations - Sharing Beef Checkoff and CBB news with national, regional, and local publications and websites is another way that the Producer Communications program reaches producers from various backgrounds nationwide. We do this via press releases, broadcast and print interviews, and opinion-editorials from CBB members.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

Each year, we set a new goal to increase our media “hits.” As of June 2023, we’d already surpassed our goal and continue to seek ways to ensure even more producers see these stories.

Website - Launched in 2019, www.

DrivingDemandForBeef.com is a great place for producers to get Checkoff program updates, CBB financials, frequently asked questions, videos, and more. This platform has grown significantly in traffic and content in the past four years. We’ll be refreshing our website for an even better user experience very soon.

Social Media - Love it or hate it, social media is one way some people – especially younger producers – choose

to get their news and information.

Social media allows us to connect with producers where their conversations are taking place in real time. Currently, the Beef Checkoff is active on Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn, with plans to add Instagram and additional social networks if the demand exists. We have nearly 69,000 followers across those four platforms, and that number continues to grow each year.

Producer Communications isn’t just a one way street. The program also helps the CBB get valuable feedback about producer concerns, interests, and educational needs. We conduct various surveys throughout the year to gauge producer sentiment and learn more about their operations and the challenges they’re currently facing. This data helps us determine how to shape future Checkoff programs and allocate funds, as well as determine content for our newsletters and social media channels. Over the past year, we’ve also had discussions with various ag groups and state beef councils to seek program input and build relationships.

The Producer Communications program is far more comprehensive than many producers may realize. It’s not the Checkoff simply pushing information to producers, but a two way conversation that helps us learn what producers would like to see the Checkoff do in the future. If you’re unclear about what’s happening with your Checkoff dollars, subscribe to The Drive, participate in our surveys, visit our website at www.

DrivingDemandForBeef.com, or contact your local state beef council, your nearest CBB member, or the CBB office in Denver.

We look forward to the feedback and conversation.

NEWS

By JILL PEINE, Ridley Block Operations

Three Ways to Alleviate Stress This Fall with Crystalyx School is back in session, and for many families with young children, it may feel like chaos: making sure the kids know where to get picked up or dropped off, getting all their school supplies, and packing their lunches. Add in the new germs kids may encounter with one another, and sickness may be around the corner. The same feeling may be true for cattle producers during weaning, when the commingling of new pen mates, along with the stress, may challenge the immune systems of calves.

During the stressful events of weaning, shipping, grouping, or breeding, here are three reasons why — and how — Crystalyx Brigade and Crystalyx Blueprint Battalion are popular choices that producers who use them won’t go without year after year: 1. They’re both palatable and nutrient dense. Keeping calves healthy and eating is a key component to weaning success. While all Crystalyx barrels are highly palatable and nutrient dense, what sorts stress blocks off from the rest is their fortification level of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Although intakes are relatively low for most weaned calves at around a quarter of a pound, the added nutrients are essential to help the calves overcome the nutritional

stresses they may be encountering as they adjust to their new environment. Add the benefits of Bioplex organic trace minerals (OTMs), including superior absorption and utilization compared to other trace mineral forms, and calves will be getting what they need. With Blueprint Battalion, not only does it contain 100% Bioplex OTM, but it has added Bio-Mos 2 and chromium, which have been shown to be important in maintaining the health of stressed calves.

2. Licking them increases saliva production. While this may not be top of mind for most, the production of saliva from the calf’s licking action also plays a key role in making stress blocks successful during stressful times.

Not only does it help line the throat of a bawling calf that may be going hoarse, but it also increases the activity of enzymes that break down fats and starches, nourish rumen microorganisms, and serve as buffers and agents to help prevent bloat. All of these help with digestion, which encourages further consumption of the diet.

3. Placement options easily encourage intake. When it comes to the management of the barrels, placement is key as calves are introduced to their new pens. They will typically walk the

perimeter, learning this new environment (and hopefully not trying to find their escape plan). When you place barrels around the perimeter, calves will run into the supplement, and their own curiosity will have them smelling and licking it.

Barrels can also be placed just behind the feed bunk, as the palatability of the product will help entice the calves to eat.

This will help recently weaned calves get the nutrients they need and get them on feed faster.

With the strong calf market we are seeing this year, you want to get the most out of your calves, keeping them healthy and getting them on feed. Preconditioned calves generally bring better prices at the sale barn compared to calves just off the cow.

Which stress formula should you use, Brigade or Blueprint Battalion?

For higher stressed calves coming from multiple sources, or in sick pens, or if you are already on the Blueprint program, we would recommend Blueprint Battalion.

Brigade is a good choice for lower stressed calves that are farm or ranch weaned and come from single source pens.

Studies have indicated that morbidity and mortality are reduced when calves are on a stress block like Brigade or Blueprint Battalion for the first 28 days of weaning.

If you wean 100 calves and you save just one calf with Brigade, you will more than double your investment. The 28 days on Brigade will be around $5 per head. The return on investment is there.

Avoid any unnecessary stress this fall. Stop by your local dealer and ask for Crystalyx Brigade or Blueprint Battalion at weaning.

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of SEPTEMBER 2023 Cattle Receipts: 11,553

•

Previous Month: 10,010

Feeder supply - 28% steers • 42% heifers • 30% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt.

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,506

Boner 1,207

Lean 971

$107.79 $106.11 $101.42

$130.76

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,650

Price

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 421 $256.23 $1,078.73 450-500 476 $251.67 $1,197.95 500-550 518 $243.97 $1,263.76 550-600 575 $244.54 $1,406.11 600-650 624 $240.80 $1,502.59 650-700 674 $233.99 $1,577.09

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 420 $238.59 $1,002.08 450-500 470 $237.09 $1,114.32 500-550 525 $228.89 $1,201.67 550-600 558 $224.96 $1,255.28 600-650 611 $215.47 $1,316.52 650-700 668 $200.00 $1,336.00

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $222.88 $947.24 450-500 478 $220.41 $1,053.56 500-550 522 $216.54 $1,130.34 550-600 569 $214.73 $1,221.81 600-650 619 $208.19 $1,288.70 650-700 670 $206.80 $1,385.56

Source: S.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Columbia, S.C. - 803-737-4491

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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NEWS Vita Charge Clench Gel Provides Livestock Digestion Support. Stress.

Livestock can experience stress at the most inopportune times. The only problem is they can’t tell us what is wrong. However, they usually show us what is wrong.

Signs of stress in livestock can vary from shortness of breath and panting to going off feed and water. One visible sign that leads to further areas of concern is diarrhea or scours.

Typically, this is indicative of digestive upset, which is a common side effect of stress. Long bouts of diarrhea can lead to dehydration and decreased performance in your livestock. Digestion support can make all the difference.

BioZyme Inc. has developed a quick response product to help livestock during these stressful situations. Vita Charge Clench Gel is designed to support normal digestive function during occasional diarrhea/scours. It can be used for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Vita Charge Clench Gel Provides Results - Vita Charge Clench Gel provides livestock digestion support with ingredients that help increase digestibility to promote a normal, healthy stool. Its key ingredients include: • AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility.

• MOS (mannan oligosaccharide) to help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system.

• Electrolytes to support rehydration.

Clench also utilizes cinnamon to further support immunity and bentonite for extra absorptive capacity.

“Vita Charge Clench is a unique product with fast results,” said Kevin Glaubius, Nebraska Area Sales Manager.

“I suggest keeping it in the show box for those days when your animals do experience digestive upset and need to look their best.”

Like all Vita Charge and Sure Champ products, Clench can be used during competition with no withdrawal period.

Not Just for Showing - In addition to being used in a show setting, Clench is ideal for the stressors in a production setting. Some stressors that Clench can help relieve digestive upset from: • weather changes • feed changes • parturition and antibiotic use.

“This is a great product to have on hand in commercial livestock settings when young animals are prone to scours and dehydration. With a two year shelf life, I always encourage producers to keep it on hand during calving, lambing, and kidding,” Glaubius said.

Easy to Use - Vita Charge Clench Gel comes in a 30 mL tube. It is recommended to administer it on the back of the tongue twice daily as long as loose stools persist.

Cattle should be fed 30 mL, while sheep, goats, and pigs each receive 15 mL

per feeding.

The gel has a cinnamon flavor, making it palatable.

What our Customers Say - “Our show bull had a bad case of scours the night before our district show. I gave him the Vita Charge Clench Gel before we went to tie outs for the night. The next morning, he was back to having a firm stool and kept eating and drinking. I saw the Clench work in less than 12 hours, and I’m a believer in it for my cattle,” said Tiffany Williamson from Arkansas.

StanLee Grobosky, who feeds pigs for his daughter in Illinois, shares his results about the Vita Charge products, too.

“This spring, we seemed to have more pigs with diarrhea than normal.

It could have been the weather or just comingling several new pigs in the barn at once. What I do know is one or two doses of the Clench gel cleared them up.

That combined with Vita Charge Liquid Boost, and they never went off feed,” he said.

Stock up Now! Manage Temperature Stress in any Season with Vita Charge Climate Control. The seasons are changing, and summer’s heat is going away. But that doesn’t mean that heat stress or temperature stress isn’t an issue with show livestock. Manage your show animal’s temperature and keep them feeling and looking their best no matter the season. One simple way to manage heat stress is with Vita Charge Climate Control Gel. This gel for all livestock is designed to support digestive health and recovery when temperatures are above 70ºF. Heat Stress in the Fall? It might seem odd to talk about heat stress as

“As president of the Duplin County Cattlemen’s Association and a fellow cattleman, I encourage you to take five minutes of your time to speak with Donna Byrum. She introduced me to a program that I knew nothing about, and within six months she was on my doorstep with a check. The PRF program has been a blessing amid the changing climate and different extremes that all our farming operations have experienced.” ~ Joey Carter

DONNA BYRUM

First Choice Insurance 252-792-1189 • fcipllc@gmail.com

For all your crop insurance needs!

Visit us online at cattleandhay.com

we transition into fall. However, show livestock can experience temperature stress as they move from climate to climate. They can experience a great temperature shift while traveling from a cool climate to a warmer climate for shows. And, with the heat, humidity, and poor circulation in many livestock facilities, there can be a big temperature shift for animals.

“Think about bringing a haired up heifer, or any beef animal, in from the tie outs early in the morning from a fall or winter major,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., Senior Manager of Beef Technical Sales for BioZyme Inc. “A lot of these nice facilities don’t have great circulation. When you tie in a string of these cattle, their own body heat combined with our body heat and blowers going can cause unnecessary heat stress on livestock even at a fall or winter show.”

Defining Heat and Temperature Stress - Although heat stress isn’t as common in the fall or winter, it can happen. When you look at temperature stress, it’s important to keep heat in mind.

Heat stress occurs anytime the temperature exceeds 70ºF. Heat stress causes increased respiration rate, suppressed appetite, fatigue, and dehydration — all also indicators of a lowered immune response.

With the expectations we put on show livestock to perform at the highest level and look exceptional while doing so, heat and temperature stress can become a challenge.

“Additionally, a lot of the barns have the wash racks built into the stalling areas, and that creates humidity. Humidity is just as big of a factor inducing heat stress. Therefore, your animals can get stressed even when it is cooler than 70ºF,” Cassady reiterates.

Four Tips to Manage Animal Temperatures - You have worked endlessly to get your show livestock looking their best. When they stall or pen in a nice livestock facility that is warmer than 70ºF, stress can occur. Don’t let the temperature and humidity at a show cause your animals to underperform.

You can manage animal temperatures with these four basic tips.

1. Keep Air Moving - Keep fans on your animals as much as is permitted by the facility. Air movement is a great way to keep livestock cooled off. This is especially true when they have long hair coats or are wearing blankets like sheep and goats typically do.

Also, make sure your trailers offer

Continued on page 66 PAGE 64

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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PAGE 65

BioZyme News continued from page 64 ventilation. This is true when hauling haired up cattle. You might think it is cold outside, but those cattle put off a lot of heat. They require air circulation to help manage their temperature while in a small, enclosed area.

2. Keep them Hydrated - Make sure you provide your livestock with fresh, clean water throughout the day. If they are traveling, they are likely to not want to drink. If the facility has heavily chlorinated water, try adding Vita Charge Liquid Boost to the water.

Liquid Boost contains flavoring that will help mask the taste of the water while promoting intake of both water and feed.

Its ingredients also provide immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune system.

3. Rinse Your Animals - When animals get too hot, take time to rinse them off. This provides an immediate way

to give them some relief from the heat.

4. Manage Animal Temperatures from the Inside Out - You can also help manage your animals’ potential for temperature stress from the inside out with Vita Charge Climate Control Gel. Climate Control is a gel for all livestock designed to support digestive health and recovery when temperatures are above 70ºF. Climate Control Gel is one of three gels in the Vita Charge line that supports multiple species before, during, and after stressful situations.

Climate Control is an innovative product from BioZyme, Inc. that: • Contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils, to support animals when heat is a challenge.

• Contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility.

• Promotes appetite and water intake.

“Climate Control Gel is one the best little tools you can keep in your show box, year round. These barns get hot and humid causing animals to get unnecessarily warmer than they need to be, even when humans might not think it is that hot.”

“Giving your livestock a couple of doses of the gel a day or two before you travel and then while at the show can be a great insurance policy that they won’t overheat. They should stay on feed and water, and your animal will feel its best,” Cassady said.

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 AO-Biotics ®, VitaFerm®, Gain Smart®, Vita Charge®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, DuraFerm®, and Backyard Boost®. With headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com.

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of SEPTEMBER 2023 Cattle Receipts: 18,269

•

Previous Month: 15,764

Feeder supply - 26% steers • 43% heifers • 31% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt.

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,440

Boner 1,259

Lean 1,028

$97.45 $99.25 $87.22

$118.03

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,525

Price

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $240.69 $1,022.93 450-500 470 $243.61 $1,144.97 500-550 527 $229.29 $1,208.36 550-600 571 $243.23 $1,388.84 600-650 627 $237.34 $1,488.12 650-700 672 $231.89 $1,558.30

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 423 $225.89 $955.51 450-500 471 $217.83 $1,025.98 500-550 521 $207.65 $1,081.86 550-600 572 $202.62 $1,158.99 600-650 621 $191.50 $1,189.22 650-700 672 $184.68 $1,241.05

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $209.65 $888.92 450-500 473 $210.25 $994.48 500-550 522 $202.92 $1,059.24 550-600 570 $207.01 $1,179.96 600-650 622 $204.56 $1,272.36 650-700 670 $202.39 $1,356.01

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

PAGE 66

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

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PAGE 67

NEWS

Ready, Set, Solve: Speaking proposals sought for 2024 Stakeholders Summit. The 2024 Summit theme announced; 2023 Summit recordings publicly available. Recently, the Animal Agriculture Alliance announced the theme of its 2024 Stakeholders Summit: “Ready, Set, Solve! Advancing Animal Agriculture.” The 2024 Summit is set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Speaking proposals for the event are being accepted through November 22. Interested speakers can submit their proposals at https://bit.ly/AAA24RFP. Registration for the event will open in January.

Dozens of speakers. Hundreds of perspectives. Countless ideas. And that’s just at the starting line of the 2024 Summit. It’s going to take a team to drive our future forward. It’s going to take you, running alongside fellow stakeholders from across the food chain who know that putting in the work is the only way to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions. Are you ready?

Then take your spot at the 2024 Summit.

The Alliance is currently seeking proposals for keynote presentations and panel discussions that fit the 2024 theme. Presentations should provide unique and thought provoking ideas and focus on actionable tools attendees can immediately use and implement. For more information, visit the proposal guidelines and form. For questions about the speaker proposal process, contact Abby Kornegay at akornegay@animalagalliance.org.

“The annual Stakeholders Summit is known for its dynamic speaker-filled

PAGE 68

schedule, and the 2024 Summit will be no different,” said Hannah ThompsonWeeman, president and CEO, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “The Alliance team is excited to tap into the 2024 Olympics theme with an emphasis on propelling animal agriculture toward the ever evolving finish line as we all work to reach our collective goals. We look forward to curating an agenda that embodies this focus.”

Registration for the Summit will open in early 2024 and a tentative schedule will be shared at that time. For general questions about the Summit, please email summit@animalagalliance. org or call 703-562-5160.

The Summit is a one-of-a-kind conference attended by a diverse group of decision makers, including representatives from farms, ranches, allied industries, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, legislatures, universities, government agencies, and media. The 2023 Summit, themed “Partners in Progress: Building a Sustainable Future for Animal Ag” and held in Arlington, Va., attracted nearly 320 attendees. Select session recordings from the 2023 event are now available for public viewing, including: • Technology in Agriculture: Building on Sustainability Progress • Telling Your Story: Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting • Partners Around the Plate: Shifting the Conversation About Food • Engaging with Consumers: From A

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

to “Gen Z” • Growing Trust and Protecting Futures: Building Your Public Trust Communications Strategy Get involved - Show your support for the Alliance’s outreach efforts by becoming an official Summit sponsor today! For more information on 2024 sponsorship opportunities, contact Hannah Thompson-Weeman at hthompson@animalagalliance.org.

About the Animal Ag Alliance. The

Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. 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.

Carolina Cooking One Pot Lasagna Pasta Total Time - 50 minutes 1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1 medium zucchini, chopped (about 1½ cups) 1 jar (24-26 ounces) garden style pasta sauce 2 cups water ½ teaspoon pepper 6 ounces uncooked mini bow tie (farfalle) pasta (about 2-1/8 cups) ⅔ cup reduced fat ricotta cheese 1 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese Thinly sliced or chopped fresh basil Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat ovenproof 5-6 quart Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until hot.

Add ground beef and zucchini; cook 8-10 minutes, breaking beef into small crumbles and stirring occasionally.

Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef.

Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Stir in pasta sauce, water, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat. Stir in pasta. Spoon heaping teaspoons of ricotta cheese over top of sauce. Slightly swirl ricotta into the sauce, not mixing in completely.

Cover and bake in 375°F oven for 10 minutes. Uncover. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil before serving.

Skillet stovetop method - Prepare the recipe as directed above using a 12 inch nonstick skillet and add uncooked pasta

with pasta sauce, water, and pepper in step 2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat; cover and cook on the stovetop for 8-11 minutes (13-15 minutes for regular bow tie pasta) or until pasta is tender, stirring once. Remove from heat.

Swirl ricotta into the sauce as directed in step 2. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until mozzarella cheese is melted.

Cook’s Tip: Six ounces of uncooked regular bow tie (farfalle) pasta (about 2⅓ cups) may be substituted. Increase uncovered baking time to 10-13 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

One Pot Lasagna Pasta

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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...

LASSIFIED PUREBRED CATTLE BREEDERS BACK CREEK ANGUS

Joe and Robin Hampton

ANIMAL HEALTH

www.huntsbrangus.com Calhoun, GA 770-548-7950

345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

704-880-2488

BLACK GROVE 20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000 Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174 walter@blackgrove.com • dixon@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

Jim Traynham Wingate, N.C. 704-233-5366 Cell - 704-292-4217

Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.

519 Morgan Mill Rd., Monroe, NC 28112 704-289-5083 • 704-289-1696 • 800-222-8638

AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS • FARM & RANCH

803-789-7000

The Josey Agency, Inc. Douglas Josey Multi-Line Agent

Cell: 803-385-8161 Email: djosey@truvista.net

AUCTIONEERING

Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

Walter D. Shealy III and Family

C. A. H. Carolinas Animal Health, LLC

“Cattle with Something Extra”

INSURANCE

QUALITY GELBVIEH, ANGUS, & BALANCER CATTLE

Ernest B. Harris President

®

DUANE & WENDY STRIDER, OWNERS

THE HERD THAT CONSISTENTLY PRODUCES CATTLE WITH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS, AND EYE APPEAL.

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Phone: 252-257-2140 Mobile: 252-430-9595

Duane Cell: 336-964-6277 • Wendy Cell: 336-964-5127 Home: 336-381-3640 • Fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com • ccrosscattle.com

2610 Kee Moore Drive Chester, SC 29706

Inc. / Auctioneers

3200 NC Hwy. 58 • Warrenton, NC 27589 NCAL #1468 • NC#C#4264 • VAL #146 • SCAL #3895 Email: ebharris@ebharris.com www.ebharris.com

REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998 “Quality Cattle For Quality People”

Cattle Available Private Treaty John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936 Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.

HE

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS 104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062 • Performance Tested • Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated • Registered Angus Bulls

CATTLE FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY AT ALL TIMES!

328 Fowken Farm Rd. • Jonesville, SC More than 70 years of breeding grass type cattle!

Carcass Data • Fescue Suited • Southern Bred EPDs Breeding Soundness Exam on Two-Year-Old Bulls

Norris Fowler - 864-219-0182 Greg - 864-426-7337 • Rogers - 864-426-3281 www.fowkenfarm.com

KEEP POSTED FOR UPDATES ON THE Tarheel Angus/4K Farm Production Sale

RICHARD KIRKMAN, DVM

20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350 919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net

Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com

Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791

THE YON FAMILY 318 Aiken Road • Ridge Spring, SC 29129 www.yonfamilyfarm.com

FOR SALE

BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females

Joe and Ann Logan 214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-538-3004

Jonathan Massey

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PAGE 70

Brenda and Terry are going out for the evening. The last thing they do is put their cat out.

The taxi arrives, and as the couple walk out of the house, the cat scoots back in.

Terry returns inside to chase it out.

Brenda, not wanting it known that the housewould be empty, explains to the taxi driver, ‘My husband is just going upstairs to say goodbye to my mother.’

Several minutes later, an exhausted Terry arrives and climbs back into the taxi saying, ‘Sorry I took so long, the stupid idiot was hiding under the bed and I had to poke her with a coat hanger several times before I could get her to come out!’

*

Angus • SimAngus • Ultrablacks

WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS

IDE

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

*

*

The building is all completed and awaiting hand over, before that can happen the owner wants some poor and incomplete work finished as is normal at these times.

A meeting is arranged between the owner, the main contractor and a subcontractor, site agent, planning supervisor, and site safety manager. A tour is planned of the building to look at relevant defects starting on ground floor. The owner points out badly fitting window frames, the site agent makes some notes, and the subcontractor goes to the window and shouts, ‘Green side up!’

They move to the first floor and the

owner points out badly fitted and missing lights, the site agent makes some notes, and the sub-contractor goes to the window and shouts, ‘Green side up!’

On the second floor, more problems are highlighted, such as the radiator leaking, exposed cables, waste, and broken window frame Again, the site agent makes some notes, and the sub-contractor goes to the window and shouts, ‘Green side up!’

This is too much. The safety manager has to ask. So he says, ‘Every time you are told a defect tell, you write it down, but then the subbie yells out the window, ‘Green side up.’ What on earth does that mean?’

The sub-contractor shakes his head ruefully and says, ‘I have four fellas laying turf around the building.’

*

*

*

Doctor Dermot Reid from Fareham in Hampshire, England, was famous in South Hants for always catching large fish and for winning fishing trophies.

One day while he was on one of his frequent fishing trips in the Test Valley he got a call that a woman at Cropper’s Farm was giving birth. He hurried to her aid and delivered a healthy baby boy.

The farmer had nothing to weigh the baby with so Doctor Reid used his fishing scales. The baby weighed 22 lbs, 10 oz.

NDEX OF 12th Annual Southeast Bull Expo & Sale ................................................. 24 15th Annual EBS Select Bull & Female Sale ............................................. 19 21st Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale .................................................. 43 4K Farms/Tarheel Angus ....................................................................... 70 48th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ....................... 36 7th Annual Boys from the South Bull Sale ............................................... 28 8th Annual Pounds & Profit Bull & Female Sale ....................................... 26 All American Panel ................................................................................ 37 American Angus Association ................................................................. 18 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency ............................... 70 Apple Brandy Prime Cuts ....................................................................... 25 Back Creek Angus .................................................................................. 70 Biltmore Livestock .............................................................................. 17 BioZyme ................................................................................................ 65 Black Crest Angus 26th Annual Production Sale — SAVE THE DATE ........ 22 Black Grove Angus ................................................................................. 70 Brubaker Family Angus ......................................................................... 70 Brushy Mountain Genetics Angus & Horned Hereford Bull & Female Sale .................................... 20 C-Cross Cattle Company ........................................................................ 70 Carolinas Animal Health ....................................................................... 70 Châtel Farms 2023 Fall Bull Sale ............................................................ 27 Childers Concrete Company, Inc. ............................................................. 3 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. ........................................................... 62 Cuffy Creek Farm — CATTLE FOR SALE ................................................... 29 Double J Farms ...................................................................................... 70 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. ................................................................. 70 First Choice Insurance Partners — Donna Byrum .................................. 64 Flatlands Insurance Group — Ruth Fulford ........................................... 58 Fowken Farms ....................................................................................... 70 Fred Smith Company Ranch .................................................................. 70 Fred Smith Company Ranch 7th Annual Extra Effort Fall Sale — THANK YOU .................................................................................... 35 Howard Brothers Farms ........................................................................ 70 Hunt’s H+ Brangus ................................................................................ 70

For Your Advertising Needs, Contact: The Carolina Cattle Connection • 919-552-9111 The Livestock Advertising Network • 859-278-0899

DVERTISERS IRM Red Books — FOR SALE .................................................................. 59 JBB Simmentals — Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ........... 34 Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale ....................................... 41 L.E. Smith Cattle Equipment ................................................................... 8 Langdon Red Angus & Simmental — CATTLE FOR SALE ........................ 45 Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales — Stockyard Schedules ................................. 50 N.C. Angus Association Directory …...................................................... 16 N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale Double Header ........................ 42 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application ........................ 40 N.C. Forage & Grasslands Council Winter Conference .......................... 10 N.C. Hereford Association Directory ..................................................... 30 N.C. Meat Suite ..................................................................................... 57 N.C. Simmental Association .................................................................. 32 National Beef Checkoff/North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment ...... 9 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2023 Farm Bill Priorities ......... 56 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2023 Policy Priorities .............. 53 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CattleCon — Onward to Orlando ........................................................................ 47 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Membership Application ......... 55 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Recruitment ............................ 54 Pasture Management & N.C. Cattlemen’s Association “Mile of Fence” Membership Program .............................................. 38 Pearson Livestock Equipment ................................................................ 5 Premier Select Sires — 2023 Fall Beef Semen Specials .......................... 23 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory ................................ 44 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment ...................... 67 Shelton Angus & Dogwood Farm Fall Bull Sale ...................................... 14 SimAngus Solution ............................................................................... 70 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form ............. 61 Southern Partners in Performance Sale ................................................ 31 Springfield Angus ................................................................................. 70 The Barn Loft — Purina ......................................................................... 48 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2023 Spotlight Schedule ...................... 51 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates & Sizes ...................... 2 Virginia Herd Health Management Services ......................................... 52 West End Precast — Feed Bunks ............................................................ 33 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs ........................................... 60 Whitehall Beefmasters ......................................................................... 70 Wilders Wagyu ...................................................................................... 70 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ................................................................... 11 Yon Family Farms .................................................................................. 70 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q NOVEMBER 2023

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VENTS ANGUS Nov. 3-6 — American Angus Association Annual Convention, Orlando, Fla. Nov. 4 — Barnett Angus Ranches 4th Annual Bull Sale, Washington, Ga. Nov. 4 — Châtel Farms 2023 Fall Bull Sale, Reidsville, Ga. Nov. 4 — Locust Level Farms Bull & Female Sale,Vernon Hill, Va. Nov. 4 — Sequatchie Valley Angus Mature Cow Herd Dispersal Sale, Cookeville, Tenn.

Nov. 4 — 15th Annual SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Nov. 4 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Annual Bull Sale, Chickamauga, Ga. Nov. 10 — Lane Angus Bull & Female Sale, Rocky Mount, N.C. Nov. 11 — 22nd Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 18 — Gibbs Farms 18th Annual Bull & Replacement Sale, Ranburne, Ala. Nov. 18 — McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus Annual Registered Bull Sale, Mocksville, N.C. Nov. 18 — Shelton Angus & Dogwood Farm Fall Bull Sale, Gretna, Va.

Nov. 18 — Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, Asheboro, N.C. Nov. 18 — Strickland Cattle 12th Annual Angus & SimAngus Bull & Female Sale, Glennville, Ga. Nov. 25 — 7th Annual Boys from the South Bull Sale, Lebanon, Tenn.

Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 2 — 8th Pounds & Profit Bull & Female Sale, Asheboro, N.C. Dec. 2 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 2 — 48th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 9 — Brushy Mountain Genetics Bull & Female Sale, Taylorsville, N.C. Dec. 15 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2024 Jan. 6 — 15th Annual EBS Select Bull & Female Sale, Monroe, N.C. Feb. 8 — 31st Edition UGA Focus on Genomic Enhanced EPDs Sale, Athens, Ga. Feb. 10 — Black Crest Farm 26th Annual Production Sale, Sumter, S.C. Feb. 17 — Yon Family Farms Spring Bull & Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Feb. 24 — Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C Apr. 13 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va. Sep. 28 — Biltmore Livestock Sale, Asheville, NC Black Hereford Dec. 9 — 21st Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale, Shelby, N.C. Charolais Nov. 12-13 — American International Charolais Association Annual Meeting, Louisville, Ken. Dec. 2 — 8th Pounds & Profit Bull & Female Sale, Asheboro, N.C. Dec. 9 — 21st Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale, Shelby, N.C.

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

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GELBVIEH Nov. 4 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Annual Bull Sale, Chickamauga, Ga. Nov. 25 — 7th Annual Boys from the South Bull Sale, Lebanon, Tenn.

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 — 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention, Omaha, Neb. Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 2 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 2 — 48th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q NOVEMBER 2023

2024 Feb. 24 — Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C Apr. 13 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va. HEREFORD Nov. 18 — Southern Partners in Performance Sale, Union Grove, N.C. Dec. 9 — Brushy Mountain Genetics Bull & Female Sale, Taylorsville, N.C. Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 2 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 9 — Brushy Mountain Genetics Bull & Female Sale, Taylorsville, N.C. Dec. 15 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2024 Feb. 8 — 31st Edition UGA Focus on Genomic Enhanced EPDs Sale, Athens, Ga. Apr. 13 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va. Red Angus Dec. 15 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. santa gertrudis Nov. 11 — 22nd Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. SIMMENTAL Nov. 4 — 15th Annual SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Nov. 11 — 22nd Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 18 — Strickland Cattle 12th Annual Angus & SimAngus Bull & Female Sale, Glennville, Ga. Dec. 2 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 2 — 48th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 15 — N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. WAGYU Nov. 3 — Wilders Wagyu Wildfest ‘23 Pre-Sale Social, Turkey, N.C. Nov. 4 — Wilders Wagyu Stay Wild ‘23 Production Sale, Turkey, N.C. Nov. 11 — 22nd Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Commercial cattle Nov. 11 — 22nd Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 18 — Southern Partners in Performance Sale, Union Grove, N.C. Dec. 2 — 8th Pounds & Profit Bull & Female Sale, Asheboro, N.C. 2024 Jan. 6 — 15th Annual EBS Select Bull & Female Sale, Monroe, N.C. Feb. 8 — 31st Edition UGA Focus on

Genomic Enhanced EPDs Sale, Athens, Ga. Feb. 24 — Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C OTHER EVENTS Nov. 16 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. 2024 Feb. 22 — N.C. Forage & Grasslands Council Winter Conference, Hickory, N.C. Livestock market sales Nov. 1 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 1 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Nov. 6 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 7 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com Nov. 8 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 8 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Nov. 13 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 15 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 15 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Nov. 20 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 21 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com Nov. 22 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 22 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Nov. 27 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 29 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 29 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Dec. 4 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Dec. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com Dec. 6 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 6 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Dec. 11 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Dec. 13 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 13 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Dec. 18 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Dec. 19 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com Dec. 20 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 20 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

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