The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 39, Issue No. 6 (JUNE 2025)

Carolina Cattle C onnection

THE CAROLINA CATTLE CONNECTION

Volume 39, Number 6 • JUNE 2025

The official publication of the North Carolina & South Carolina Cattlemen's Associations.

Sales & Publication Office

2228 N. Main Street

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111

Email: mail@nccattle.com

Website: www.nccattle.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection is printed on 30 lb recycled newsprint by BN Printing in Benson, N.C.

STAFF

Manager, N.C. MILO LEWIS

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director CASEY HINNANT

N.C. Circulation KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation TRAVIS MITCHELL

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection is published monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association.

A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Non-member 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

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Leadership

President - BRANDON BOWMAN

1st Vice President - JIM LEDFORD

2nd Vice President - JOEY CARTER

3rd Vice President - KEITH MURPHY

Immediate Past President - RYAN CLARK

Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON

NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON

N.C. Beef Council Director - BROOKE HARWARD

Beef Board Director - BRIAN WARREN

Directors At Large

MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

Executive Director - MILO LEWIS

2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

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

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Leadership

President - GENE CRIM

1st Vice President - ASHLEY MILLS

2nd Vice President - HASKEL SEXTON

Immediate Past President - JOE OSWALD IV

Secretary - CAROL HENDRIX

Treasurer - ERIC SEYMOUR

Board of Directors

JOHN LEWIS, Chester • JOE OSWALD IV, Allendale

RYAN WHITEHEAD, Union • ALTON SMITH, Hampton

LLOYD BAXLEY, Georgetown • JOE DAVIS, Oconee

MICHAEL HALL, Abbeville • JOHN ROGERS, Darlington

CAROL HENDRIX, Oconee • FREDDIE LEE, Sumter

BONNIE CANN, Abbeville • ASHLEY MILLS, Fairfield

HASKEL SEXTON, Sparanburg • GENE CRIM, Orangeburg

AL McCLAIN, Anderson • ERIC SEYMOUR, Columbia

RANDALL MAFFETT, Saluda

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL

P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

Phone: 803-609-2828 • Email: twmitch@clemson.edu

Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org

S.C. Beef Council Executive Director - ERIN DOLL

P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211

Phone: 803-734-9806 • Email: edoll@scda.sc.gov

Website: www.sccattle.org

Inside Connection

SPOTLIGHT ON HEREFORD

57th Annual N.C. Hereford Association Banquet and Meeting, by Tammy Ward ........................................................................ Page 10

57th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale Dedication ........... Page 12

57th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale Results, by Wes Carpenter ........................................................................ Page 15

American Hereford Association News Page 23

Certified Hereford Beef News Page 20

Hereford Heritage ...................................................................... Page 6

My Year as N.C. Hereford Queen, by Amber Shutsky ......... Page 22

N.C. Hereford Association — Meet Our 2025-2026 Board of Directors ..................... Page 18

N.C. Hereford Sale Honorees Page 12

N.C. Junior Hereford Report — March 21-22, 2025, by Wyatt McCoy Page 14

N.C. Junior Hereford Association Year in Review, by Addison Revis ........................................................................... Page 8

N.C. Pollettes Report, by Julie Revis ....................................... Page 20

MONTHLY FEATURES

Amazing Grazing, by Dr. Matt Poore ...................................... Page 26

Ashley’s Beef Corner, by Ashley W. Herring .......................... Page 24

Cattle & Carbon, by Alan Franzluebbers ................................. Page 28

Director’s Report, by Milo Lewis ............................................... Page 5

E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture, by E.B. Harris ............... Page 31

Focus on Forages, by Miguel S. Castillo ................................... Page 32

Have You Herd, by Emma Sparks ............................................ Page 34

The Chaplain’s Corral, by Donald Louis Kenebrew ............... Page 39

You Decide!, Dr. Mike Walden .................................................. Page 36

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR STATE?

2025 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts ................. Page 77

Beef Industry Gathers for Insightful Field Day Page 55

Clemson Bull Test Program — Call for Nominations, by Lindsey Craig ......................................................................... Page 72

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, & Prices Page 54

New NCCA Members for 2025 ............................................... Page 78

Pasture Management Systems

“Mile of Fence” Update ........................................................ Page 80

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, & Prices .................................. Page 61

WHAT’S NEW AROUND THE INDUSTRY?

Alltech News Page 116

Animal Agriculture Alliance News ...................................... Page 115

Boehringer Ingelheim News .................................................. Page 94

Bovine Castration Tool Now Available in the U.S. Page 117

Merck Animal Health Update ................................................ Page 93

Neogen Livestock News Page 76

Premier Select Sires News ...................................................... Page 97

Ridley Block Operations News, by Jill Peine ...................... Page 107

Zoetis News Page 113

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR BREED

ABBA Executive Vice President Update, by Paul Maulsby ......................................................................... Page 58

American Angus Association Update .................................. Page 41

American Gelbvieh Association News Page 71

American Simmental Association News ............................ Page 52

American Wagyu Association Update Page 60

Certified Angus Beef News ..................................................... Page 44

Common Ground, by Mark McCulley ..................................... Page 49

North American Limousin Foundation Update Page 68

Red Angus Association of America Update ........................ Page 56

S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ............................ Page 54

The Simmental Trail, by Brooke Harward ............................ Page 50

NCBA & BEEF CHECKOFF — WORKING

HARD

FOR

YOU!

A Message From the CEO, by Colin Woodall .......................... Page 91 Beef Checkoff News .................................................................. Page 98 Federation of State Beef Councils Update ........................ Page 104

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News Page 83

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report, by Buck Wehrbein ...................................................................... Page 92

Public Lands Council News Page 74

THE DAIRY CONNECTION

FFAR, DMI, and Zoetis to Study Connection Between Dairy Cow Health, Economics, and the Environment ........... Page 112

EDUCATION, OPINIONS, AND EVERYTHING

SBy MILO LEWIS, N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Director’s Re port Advocating for You

pring was a busy season for the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, and advocacy took center stage. From local events to meetings on Capitol Hill, our focus has been ensuring that the voice of the North Carolina cattle industry is heard loud and clear.

One key highlight was our participation in Ag Products Reception, where we joined other commodity groups in hosting members of the North Carolina General Assembly. This event showcased the strength, diversity, and importance of our state’s agricultural industry. It provided a great platform to demonstrate the economic impact cattle producers have in North Carolina.

Another important moment came when vice president Jim Ledford and I had the opportunity to present before the N.C. House Agriculture and Environment Committee. We shared an overview of the cattle industry in our state and highlighted its contributions, challenges, and needs. We’re grateful to Representative Karl Gillespie for the invitation and to the committee members for their genuine interest in better understanding our industry. It’s clear that our state leaders are eager to learn and support agriculture when given the chance.

At the federal level, I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., alongside members of our executive officer team. We spent time with our national affiliate, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and met with several federal agencies and members of our congressional delegation. These meetings on the Hill allowed us to discuss key issues including the Death Tax Repeal Act, pro-business

tax provisions, support for animal health concerns including New World screwworm, critical farm bill funding, transportation regulations around electronic logging devices, hours-of-service requirements, and truck weight limits — just to name a few.

We had constructive, positive conversations and deeply appreciate that our congressional delegation consistently opens their doors to our industry. Their willingness to listen is a testament to the strength of our shared rural roots and our ongoing partnerships. These interactions underscore the importance of maintaining strong relationships with both state and federal policymakers.

It is critical for our association to remain actively engaged in advocacy. By having a seat at the table, we help ensure that burdensome or misinformed regulations are not placed on our industry. Our affiliation with NCBA is a vital part of that strategy. The NCBA staff in D.C. are respected subject matter experts and serve as our voice in the nation’s capital every single day.

I encourage all of you to follow the work of NCBA and consider becoming a member. Together, we are stronger — and together, we make sure the needs of cattle producers in North Carolina are heard, respected, and addressed.

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

Hereford Heritage

The Hereford breed originated as a product of necessity. Efficient, adaptable, and hardy, these cattle have always had a face to remember.

Nearly 300 years ago, farmers of Herefordshire, England, founded the breed in response to demand created by Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Efficient production, high yields, and sound reproduction were of utmost importance.

Benjamin Tomkins is the one to thank for the original design. A primary founder of the breed, Tomkins began in 1742 with a bull calf from the cow Silver and two cows, Pidgeon and Mottle.

records and to promote the interests of its breeders.

Seven years later, Warren Gammon noticed naturally hornless Herefords at the Trans-Mississippi World’s Fair in Omaha, Nebraska. He decided to fix the hornless trait using the bull Giant and 11 Hereford females. In 1910, the American Polled Hereford Association (APHA) was founded.

Kentucky statesman Henry Clay brought Herefords to the United States in 1817. A true Hereford identity was not established in the states until William H. Sotham and Erastus Corning of Albany, N.Y., began the first breeding herd in 1840.

Among other renowned early Hereford breeders were Charles Gudgell and Thomas A. Simpson of Missouri. Their big break came with the importation of Anxiety 4, a bull credited as being the “father of American Herefords.”

A few of these early breeders came together in Chicago on June 22, 1881. The result was the foundation of the American Hereford Cattle Breeders Association, later renamed the American Hereford Association (AHA). Its purpose was two fold — to keep the breed’s

English Royal Show champion bull, Cotmore – circa 1839.

“Mother” of the Hereford breed, Silver – circa 1742.

First photographed Hereford bull, Sir Hungerford – circa 1868.

The two Hereford associations merged in 1995, keeping the AHA title. The AHA now registers all horned and polled Herefords.

Through the years – Shows and expositions contributed greatly to a growing Hereford popularity. The breed’s doing ability, coupled with early maturity, revolutionized American beef production.

To achieve this desired early maturity, breeders in the 1930s and 1940s sought short, low set, wide and deep bodied cattle. Success eventually became a downfall.

Compact, fat cattle continued to excel in the show ring into the 1950s. However, beef packers were starting to pay less for over fat cattle. The American diet was calling for leaner, more heavily muscled carcasses. Hereford breeders stepped up to the challenge.

comparable in size and performance to competing “exotic” European breeds. Although major changes were made, breeders didn’t lose sight of fundamental Hereford traits, particularly fertility and docility.

A new goal was established in the late 1980s — formal documentation of Hereford performance in the feedlot and on the rail. Colorado State University animal scientists conducted related tests for the AHA from 1991 to 1993. Superiority was noted in average daily gain, feed conversion, and cost of gain.

Beginning in the 1960s, breeders focused their attention on tools such as performance testing, artificial insemination, objective measures, embryo transfer, and sire evaluation. These tools allowed the rapid genetic change needed to bring Herefords in synch with consumer and industry expectations.

A broad genetic base allowed Hereford breeders to select stock

Further studies in the early 1990s demonstrated the quality of Hereford beef. Regardless of marbling, Hereford steers consistently excelled in tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and palatability.

These findings led to the formation of a branded beef product known as Certified Hereford Beef (CHB). In 1994, the AHA, Midland Cattle

Hereford Heritage continued on the next page

North American foundational sire, Anxiety 4 – circa 1882.

Ideal type Hereford female – circa 1958.

Transformational Polled Hereford sire, Predominant 25U – circa 1969.

Ideal type Hereford female – circa 1968.

Hereford Heritage continued from the previous page

Company, and its affiliate, Mid-Ag, came together to market CHB. MidAg, later renamed Red Oak Farms, was licensed as the exclusive seller of CHB. In October 1998, the AHA board of directors pulled exclusivity from Red Oak Farms due to its failure to meet license covenants.

The Greater Omaha Packing Company was licensed as the second company to produce and market CHB in November 1999. The

following October, the AHA formed a limited liability corporation, CHB LLC, for management of the CHB program.

Hereford history was made during the second week of 2005. CHB had its first million pound week when packers sold approximately 1.3 million pounds of product to participating retail locations and foodservice outlets.

To strengthen demand for Hereford cattle, Certified Hereford Beef LLC commits to superior customer service, competitive pricing, and creative marketing strategy as cattlemen continue to seek the optimum traits inherent in Herefords. Those traits critical to survival in the cattle business are exactly the same traits Hereford offers today’s industry:

• Fertility

• Reproductive performance

• Feed efficiency

• Optimum size and growth

• Documented feedlot and carcass superiority

• Low maintenance costs

• Optimum muscling

• Optimum milk

• Adaptability and hardiness

• Superior disposition

• Soundness

• Crossbreeding advantages

N.C. Junior Hereford Association Year in Review

By ADDISON REVIS, N.C. Junior Hereford Association Reporter

Hi! My name is Addison Revis and I have the pleasure of serving as the 2025–2026 N.C. Junior Hereford Association reporter. In addition to myself, this year’s current officers are as follows: President – Jordan Mitchem; Vice President – Kaylee Revis; Secretary – Wyatt McCoy; and N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up representatives – Ansley Gee and Ella Knight. The North Carolina juniors have been working hard this year, as in years previous, to raise money for the 2025 Southeast Regionals ‘Carolina on My Mind’ that will be hosted by North Carolina at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher on June 2022. If you or your farm would like to be a sponsor for this event, please contact Wayne and Crystal Mitchem for further details. . Back in March, we had our 57th Annual Hereford Classic Sale. It was a very successful event for both sellers and buyers, and the juniors raised money that will be used towards regionals. In

April, we had the N.C. Hereford State Show, ‘Show Down in the Foothills.’ The juniors who showed were very successful in the open and junior shows. Later on in June, like I said before, we will be hosting Southeast Regionals, and several states plan to attend. In July, we have several juniors and their families traveling to Louisville, Ken., for the 2025 Hereford Junior Nationals. Last year’s nationals, ‘The Grand Daddy of Em All,’ was in Grande Island, Neb., and we had five families attend this event.

The NCJHA has dedicated juniors from all over North Carolina, who are all eager advocates for the Hereford breed. If you are a junior who is interested in learning about Hereford cattle and joining our association, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our officer members for more information. We would be happy to assist you in any way we can and look forward to having you join us!

National champion Polled Hereford bull – circa 1988.

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 828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

HEREFORD HILLS

Greensboro, NC

Bill Kirkman III 336-382-9635

ST Genetics Representative

McCOY CATTLE FARM

Cove City, NC

Myron & Charlie McCoy 252-229-4602

mccoycattlefarms@gmail.com

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C

Vale, NC

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

NORTH PINO

LAND & CATTLE COMPANY

Mocksville, NC Kevin Robinson 336-399-9884 kevrob1@aol.com

LOVE FARMS

Blowing Rock, NC

Jim Love 828-266-1458 cell • 828-295-4236

P and J FARMS 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

QUAIL RIDGE FARM

Rutherfordton, NC

Mark Brewer 828-329-2074 markbrewer65@gmail.com

TAYLOR’S MILL FARM

Zebulon, NC

J. Brent Creech 919-801-7561 tmfherefords@icloud.com

TERRACE FARMS

Lexington, NC

Jim, Linda & Chad Davis 336-247-1554 terracefarms@gmail.com

TRIPLETT POLLED HEREFORDS 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

WHITEHEAD CATTLE COMPANY Lewiston Woodville, NC Austin & Jodie Whitehead Austin - 252-370-5647 Jodie - 252-642-3435 austinlwhitehead@yahoo.com

WILL-VIA

POLLED HEREFORDS Mooresville NC

Lavette Teeter 704-662-5262

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

57th Annual N.C. Hereford Association

Banquet and Meeting

By TAMMY WARD, N.C. Hereford Association

The N.C. Hereford Association held its 57th Annual Banquet and Meeting at the Iredell County Agricultural Center in Statesville. The banquet and meeting were held on March 21. President Kim Prestwood called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance.

Vice president Jason Revis gave the invocation and then remembered members and friends of the association that passed away in the last year. A moment of silence was held for Nora Maxine Latham Koontz, Perry Lee Teeter, Robert Leak Smith, David Lookabill, and Kim Eudy.

Wes Carpenter recognized our first time attendees and out of state guests. He thanked everyone for joining us at the banquet.

Pollettes’ treasurer Jackie Shutsky gave the Pollettes’ report and invited all ladies to attend their meeting following the banquet.

Amber Shutsky, the 2024 N.C. Hereford Queen, spoke about her experiences throughout the year. One event stood out, and that was the N.C. Hereford Royalty Food Drive. All the items collected were donated to the Western North Carolina Helene victims. She thanked Cheryl Correll, N.C. Hereford Royalty chair, for her leadership during her reign.

Cheryl Correll announced the 2025 N.C. Hereford Royalty Court of queen Daisy Brown, princesses Ella Knight and Addison Revis, and sweetheart Janie Kay. We are all very proud of these young ladies.

N.C. Junior Hereford Association president Jordon Mitchem reported on shows and events they had attended. She recognized junior members who had received awards at the local, state, and national level. One event, Faces of Leadership, had the largest group ever to attend. She thanked the N. C Hereford Association for their financial support for juniors attending Faces of Leadership. She thanked the association members, advisors, and parents for all their help and support throughout the year.

Wayne Mitchem reported that North Carolina was hosting the 2025 Southeast Regional Junior Hereford Show on June 19-22 at the Western North Carolina Ag Center in Asheville. He said this is a large

undertaking, and if anyone would like to help support financially or help during the event, it would be greatly appreciated. He thanked William Ward for helping to gather semen packages, W&A Hereford Farm for donating a hay feeder, and Mason Henson for donating a drawing to help raise funds for Southeast Regionals. These items would be auctioned off later in the evening.

Bill Kirkman, Myron McCoy, and Dustin Brim presented Jordan Mitchem with the $500 N.C. Hereford Association scholarship. Jordan Mitchem thanked everyone who had made the scholarship possible. Kevin Robinson also donated $250 to be given to an additional applicant. This was given to Amber Shutsky.

Bryson Westbrook had the top performing Hereford Bull in the Waynesville N.C. BCIP Bull Test Program. This was the top selling bull as well. Jim Davis presented Bryson with a plaque for this honor.

Every year, our sale is dedicated to an individual or persons who are dedicated to the Hereford breed and the N.C. Hereford Association. The 57th Annual Hereford Classic Sale was dedicated to Neil Fishel. Claire Fishel Weavil spoke about her dad. President Kim Prestwood presented him with a plaque.

Tommy Coley, our American Hereford Association field representative, gave an American Hereford Association update. He said, “It is a great time to be a part of the Hereford breed.” He encouraged everyone to help support Southeast Regionals. Tommy Coley announced that he would be retiring after Junior Nationals, and it has been an honor serving the Southeast, especially North Carolina.

Will Thompson presented Tommy Coley with a retiring gift of a cowboy hat and thanked him for all his hard work and dedication.

Sale managers Kathryn and Mitch Ingram gave a sale report. They congratulated North Carolina on its 57 years of sales. They said the cattle looked great and thanked the consignors and the sale committee for all their hard work.

Myron McCoy announced the retiring directors Kim Prestwood and Wes Carpenter. Retiring directors can receive a plaque or a free dinner at the banquet. Thank you for serving as a board director.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Before announcing our new directors, president Kim Prestwood surprised Myron and Sharon McCoy with a plaque for their hard work and dedication as secretary/treasurer for 30 years. They received a standing ovation.

Kim Prestwood announced the new members of the board of directors. Kristen McCoy was re-elected, and the new members are Mark Brewer, Kent Beck, and Jonathan Wesson.

Will Thompson and Bryan Blinson auctioned off the N.C. State Fair open show grand champion bull, grand champion heifer, and grand champion cow/calf pair. Southern Partners in Performance sponsored the bull, Four B Farm sponsored the heifer, and P&J Farm sponsored the cow/calf pair.

The last event for the evening was a fundraiser for the 2025 Southeast Regional Junior Hereford Show. Items were auctioned off by Will Thompson and Bryan Blinson. Semen was donated by Four B Farm, Five J’s Cattle Company, Will Thompson, Knoll Crest Farm, Mead Cattle Company, W&A Hereford Farm, and Walker Herefords. A drawing of a cow or bull was donated by Mason Blinson Henson. Thank you to all the bidders for your support, especially Bryan Blinson, Philip Cave, Amanda Knight, Grey Riley, W&A Hereford Farm, Reggie Lookabill, Terrace Farms, and Four B Farms for their winning bids!

Kim Prestwood thanked everyone for coming and for their support. There was a brief break, then the annual business meeting was held.

Scenes from the 57th Annual NCHA BANQUET

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

57th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale Dedication

Family and legacy are the cornerstones of the agriculture and cattle industries. Take a walk through any show barn, and it won’t take long to see parents teaching their children, grandparents watching proudly, and siblings working and sometimes arguing, but together. Look a little longer, and you’ll see another type of family — affectionately referred to as “the barn family.” The lines of what child belongs to what parent start to blur as everyone blends together, helping and supporting each other, regardless of show outcomes or sale numbers. Barn mom and barn dad are titles of honor, marking someone as trusted by the youth of the barn for wisdom, encouragement, a helping hand, and a hot meal. Many have earned those titles over the years, but perhaps none deserves it quite as much as Neil Fishel.

Neil’s journey with cattle began at birth with his grandparents and parents, Phil and Brenda, already working towards establishing Windmill Acres Farm at their home in Winston-Salem. He began showing at age eight and immediately found a passion for raising and exhibiting livestock — especially Hereford cattle — and joined his local 4-H chapter shortly after to learn more. Eventually, he would become the president of the South Fork 4-H Club.

In 1978, he exhibited his first Hereford steer, born and raised at Windmill Acres Farm. This was the start of a long and storied career as a showman and a cattleman. Attending the 1979 N.C. Polled Hereford State Sale prompted the purchase of three new Hereford females that

would become the founding matriarchs of the herd at Windmill Acres.

The following years were spent gaining experience and building up his herd. At the 1984 N.C. State Fair, Neil became the first in the history of the fair to win both grand and reserve champion market steers. In the same year, he showed the grand champion Polled Hereford heifer, owned by Dr. Jack Shanks — a testament to the rapport and trust he built within the industry.

In 1987, a set of twins were born to a female purchased from Beartooth Ranch in Columbus, Mont., adding to existing strong maternal and genetic lines at Windmill Acres. Nan and Jan catapulted Neil’s show endeavors to new heights. That same year, he became the Area 11 Director for the National Junior Polled Hereford Council, an honor that afforded him invaluable experiences.

For the next few years, Neil traveled throughout the United States collecting accolades, creating lifelong relationships, and making a name for himself in the industry. The list of champions raised and shown by Neil and Windmill Acres is long — the banners, plaques, ribbons, and backdrop photos now cover nearly every inch of the walls of his childhood bedroom.

In 1992, he married the love of his life, Karen. Together, they founded Windmill Acres East in Kernersville. Here they raised their three children, Clara, Melanie, and Wesley, to share their love of Herefords, farming, and family traditions. Many successful show

cattle, life lessons, and treasured memories came from Windmill Acres East, including the 2014 N.C. State Fair grand champion bull, Apache, born and raised at Windmill Acres.

More important to Neil than the banners are the relationships he’s built along the way. Some of his most cherished friendships were forged in a cattle barn. His knowledge and insight have earned him the respect of breeders across North Carolina and beyond. His passion for the youth in the industry, coupled with his welcoming demeanor, charisma, and propensity for laughter, have made him a trusted pillar in the barn. Neil stepped into his own role of influence to help bring up the next generation of showmen and breeders, offering advice, encouragement, and support to his children and all

the youth in the barn. His presence in the barn and the Hereford industry is undeniable and has left a lasting impact that will continue to resonate for many years to come.

His pride and joy have been watching his children grow up raising and showing Hereford cattle and, eventually, blazing their own paths in the industry as royalty, photographers, and breeders. Continuing in the industry as the fifth generation of Hereford breeders and showmen are Neil’s grandchildren, Elizabeth and Abigail, daughters of Clara and her husband Joshua.

Neil, Dad, Pawpaw — Congratulations on being named as the 2025 N.C. Hereford Classic Sale honoree. We as a family are proud of the path you have forged for us and privileged to carry on your legacy.

Congratulations Neil!

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

N.C. Junior Hereford Report — March 21-22, 2025

By

WYATT McCOY, N.C. Junior Hereford Association Secretary

On March 21, the N.C. Junior Hereford Association joined the adult association members for the annual banquet and sale. The evening was filled with excitement as the juniors hosted a successful silent auction, offering beautiful items and local goods generously donated for our fundraiser. Members and guests eagerly placed their bids in support of our growing junior program.

Throughout the evening, junior members pitched in by serving drinks, assisting with cleanup, and celebrating the accomplishments of fellow breeders and exhibitors. Jordan Mitchem delivered the junior report which highlighted a year full of activities, achievements, and growth. She also shared exciting details about the upcoming Southeast Regional, which will take place on June 20–22 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina.

Following a night of fellowship and great food with fellow North Carolina Hereford breeders and supporters, we wrapped up the evening to prepare for an early start at Saturday’s annual sale.

The morning of March 22 kicked off bright and early for the juniors as they worked together to set up the silent auction and prepare for the

hamburger lunch fundraiser. From serving food and managing auction tables to assisting with the sale and representing our organization as part of the royal court, every junior played an important role.

After the lunch and sale concluded, the juniors held a business meeting to discuss upcoming events and elect officers for the 2025–2026 term. It was a weekend full of teamwork, leadership, and passion for the Hereford breed we all love so much.

N.C. Junior Hereford Association

N.C. Junior Hereford Association Officers

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

57th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale Results

By WES CARPENTER, N.C. Hereford Association

The N.C. Hereford Association held its 57th annual sale on March 22 at Shuffler Farms in Union Grove. We would like to thank Dr. Eugene Shuffler and his staff for helping make this another smooth and successful sale.

Cattle started arriving on Friday, and our sale committee staff worked tirelessly to get the cattle offloaded, sorted, and penned. The weather was warm and sunny with a brisk breeze, and several buyers were there to view the sale cattle.

Dale Stith was a little under the weather, so Will Thompson filled in as auctioneer. He made some announcements and introductions, banged the gravel shortly after noon, and the 57th annual sale was underway.

This sale could not have happened without all the following people working as a great team. Bids were taken by Neil Bowman, NCDA&CS livestock marketing director; Tommy Coley, AHA field representative; Mitch Ingram, KSI Marketing and Design; and Grey Riley, Riley Farms. Liveauction.tv coordinated the online bidding. Kathryn and Mitch Ingram of KSI Marketing and Design managed and marketed this year’s sale. Bryan Blinson helped as assistant auctioneer. Kim Prestwood and David Hendrick sorted the cattle in the sale ring. Ed Soto, William Ward, Wesley Fishel, Chad Davis,

Phillip Cave, Dustin Brim, Tom Shutsky, Jason Revis, and Wes Carpenter sorted the cattle in the back, and Ben Shelton, DVM, was our sale day veterinarian.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended, and especially the buyers, for purchasing at this year’s sale. The sales committee is working on some new and exciting ideas for next year’s sale.

SALE RESULTS

• 1 bull grossed/averaged $6,500

• 6 open heifers grossed $19,850; averaged $3,308

• 17 bred heifers grossed $71,550; averaged $4,209

• 3 spring pairs grossed $12,550; averaged $4,183

• 11 fall pairs grossed $69,400; averaged $6,309

• 3 bred cows grossed $6,400; averaged $2,133

• 3 commercial lots grossed $7,500; averaged $2,500

• 12 embryos grossed $1,900; averaged $158

• 30 semen lots grossed $1,150; averaged $38

Photos provided by Mel’s Media

Scenes from the 57th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

N.C. Hereford Association —

Meet Our 2025-2026 Board of Directors

The N.C. Hereford Association Board of Directors is actively engaged in promoting Herefords and supporting your the association. If you have questions or concerns in any of these areas, please contact one of the responsible directors to discuss. Now meet the 2025-2026 NCHA Board of Directors.

Andy Smith

– 2023-2026 – President

Simmental X commercial cattle, but in 2015, I made the switch to Herefords. Now, I run registered Hereford cows and a commercial herd with a strong Hereford influence. We focus heavily on our ET calves and strive to continually improve the depth of quality in the bull calves and replacement females we offer annually.

Our farm is based in Monroe, N.C., where my wife, Brenda, and I raise our three daughters, Piper, Jersey, and Josee. While we are relatively new to the game in an industry with such a great legacy, we believe our emphasis on quality and performance is sure to pay off. We are extremely thankful for the support and friendship from some of the Hereford industry’s best.

Myron McCoy – 2023-2026 – Vice President

I was born and raised on our Century Family Farm in Cove City, N.C., where I continue to live and work alongside my wife of 51 years, Sharon. We have been blessed with two children, Charlie and Cheryl. Charlie, along with his wife Kristen and their two sons — Wyatt, 16, and Lucas, 11 — live and work on the family farm. Both boys are avid showmen in both cattle and horses. They are also part of the FFA and community events. Together, we raise row crops and cattle, feeding out steers and marketing freezer beef directly to customers. Cheryl and her husband, David Correll, reside in Cleveland, N.C., on his family’s farm. Their daughter, Josie, is currently attending Oklahoma State University, and their son, Talton, is enrolled at Mississippi State University.

Sharon and I were honored to serve as secretary/treasurer of the N.C. Hereford Association for 30 years, officially retiring from those roles in 2024. We continue to stay actively involved in the association and cherish the lifelong friendships we’ve made throughout our time of service. Currently, I serve as vice president of the association.

Our family has been showing Hereford cattle for over 30 years at the local, state, and national levels. A highlight of my involvement in the

livestock community was being inducted into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame in 2012. Another proud moment for our family came in 2002, when we were honored as the N.C. Hereford Classic Sale honorees.

It has been a privilege to be part of North Carolina’s strong agricultural and cattle industry, and I look forward to continuing to support and promote the Hereford breed for years to come.

Tammy Ward – 2023-2026 – Secretary/Treasurer

I live in Providence, N.C., with my husband George and our sons William and Andy. We own W&A Hereford Farm and operate a cow/calf operation with the goal of raising top quality bulls and replacement females. We are active consignors in the N.C. Hereford Classic Sale, the S.C. Hereford Association/Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Joint Sale, and the East Tennessee Hereford Association Sale.

In 2023, we, along with three other North Carolina Hereford breeders, founded the Southern Partners in Performance Sale. The sale is held at Shuffler Farm in Union Grove, N.C., the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We offer Hereford bulls and Hereford influenced females.

In 2021, we began feeding out the steers and selling freezer beef. We believe this is another key component to utilizing our herd to its full potential. We sell our beef at the local farmers market as well as setting up a stand on our farm.

I am currently serving my first term as a board member. In 2024, I was elected secretary/treasurer of the association.

Bill Kirkman – 2023-2026

My name is Bill Kirkman, and I own Herford Hills Farm in Greensboro, N.C., where I run a registered Hereford herd, selling bulls and females off the farm. My farm started in the 1950s with my parents, Bill and Virginia Kirkman. They raised four children, Terry, myself, Don, and Karla.

I began showing when I was eight years old, and I have been very active in showing in the years since. Always a big supporter of the youth. I am currently head of the NCHA Scholarship Committee.

I have worked in the A.I. service for over 30 years. Today, my grandson Seth helps me on the farm. I couldn’t do it without him.

Dustin Brim – 2024-2027

I grew up helping my grandparents with a commercial cow herd. The Hereford and Hereford influenced cattle always stood out among the rest. We decided to move towards all registered Hereford cattle about 15 years ago and haven’t looked back.

My wife Elizabeth and our two daughters, Rosemary and Emery, help me move and work cows, so safety is our top priority. We sell freezer beef locally. Our customers know they are getting quality beef with our Hereford genetics. The Hereford breed has helped us reach our goals, and we’ve made some outstanding friendships through the N.C. Hereford Association along the way.

Crystal Mitchem – 2024-2027

I own Mitchem’s Farm 3C with my husband, Wayne, and two daughters, Regan and Jordan. I grew up on a Hereford farm in Lucama, N.C., showing Herefords on the state and national levels. In 1990, I was a member of the Junior National Polled Hereford Council and the National Hereford Queen.

Today, we have about 60 Hereford mama cows. We also raise fresh market blackberries, blueberries, grapes, soybeans, and hay. The girls show Herefords nationally.

Two years ago, we started Southern Partners in Performance with three other cattle producers in North Carolina. We hold a bull sale annually in the fall.

I am a veterinarian and the owner and operator of West Lincoln Veterinary Hospital, where I primarily care for small animals.

Thomas Shutsky – 2024-2027

I am a dedicated cattle farmer residing in Pinnacle, North Carolina. Originally hailing from Connecticut, my family relocated to North Carolina eleven years ago. Our passion for Hereford cattle has been a longstanding tradition, as we have raised this breed throughout our history in both Connecticut and North Carolina.

My daughters have actively participated in the N.C. Junior Hereford Association, showcasing their commitment to the breed by attending numerous National Junior Hereford shows, along with various regional and state competitions. Their involvement has not only enriched their own experiences but also contributed to the community. Notably, my daughter Amber earned the title of N.C. Hereford Queen in the past year, representing the association with pride.

I have witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and support cattle producers in North Carolina have for Hereford cattle. I firmly believe Hereford cattle are the most popular breed due to their gentle temperament, adaptability to diverse conditions, fertility, and ease of management. My goal is to continue to be an influential figure in the Hereford community, fostering a love for cattle farming in his family and beyond.

William Ward – 2024-2027

I live in Providence, North Carolina. My family and I own W&A Hereford Farm and operate a cow/calf operation with the goal of raising top quality bulls and replacement females. We are active consignors in the N.C. Hereford Classic Sale, the S.C. Hereford Association/Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Joint Sale, and the East Tennessee Hereford Association Sale.

In 2023, we, along with three other North Carolina Hereford breeders, founded the Southern Partners in Performance Sale. The

sale is held at Shuffler Farm in Union Grove, N.C., the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We offer Hereford bulls and Hereford influenced females. In 2021, we began feeding out the steers and selling freezer beef. We believe this is another key component to utilizing our herd to its full potential. We sell our beef at the local farmers market as well as setting up a stand on our farm.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at 434-334-2625.

Kent Beck – 2025-2028

My wife Sam and I operate Beckland Farm. We are a Century Farm located in central Davidson County. We reside on my grandfather’s farm, which raised a variety of livestock and crops We have registered Herefords and commercial Angus x Herefords with BQA designation. Since retiring from a banking career, I have been able to devote full attention to our operation and service to agriculture.

I serve on the local Cooperative Extension Advisory Board, where I have been president for many years. I have served on the State Cooperative Extension Board since 2024. In 2018, we received the Davidson County Soil and Water award for conservation. In 2023, I received the Davidson County Cooperative award for service to agriculture.

Mark Brewer – 2025-2028

I am a native of Western North Carolina, where I grew up on a family owned and operated dairy farm. After high school, I continued to work full time on the family farm for a few years, until leaving to attend N.C. State University Agricultural Institute. After receiving my degree in agribusiness management, I started a 30 year career in sales and marketing with Southern States Cooperative and PSNC Energy.

In 2019, we purchased an existing beef cattle farm in Rutherford County and moved there in 2020 where I now work full time. We have a small herd of 30 registered Hereford cows. This allows us room to grow out most of the heifer calves and a few select bulls. In addition to the cattle, we produce hay and have a small apiary where we collect and sell honey.

I look forward to serving on the board of directors for the N.C. Hereford Association and helping to promote the Hereford breed throughout our great state.

Kristen McCoy – 2025-2028

My name is Kristen McCoy, and I am honored to be serving my second term on the N.C. Hereford Association Board of Directors. I live in Cove City, N.C., with my husband Charlie and our two sons — Wyatt, 16, and Lucas, 11. Both boys are actively involved in FFA, extracurricular activities, community events, and church ministries. Together, our family operates a diverse agricultural operation that includes a cow/calf herd, a freezer beef business, row crop production, and a horse boarding and lesson program. Agriculture is not just a way of life for us — it’s a shared passion that we enjoy working in together.

I have been in the field of education for 24 years and serve as the instructional coach at West Craven Middle School. In addition to my career in education, I serve as the secretary at Core Creek Free Will Baptist Church. In 2019, I was humbled to be named the N.C. Farm

NCHA — Meet the Board continued on the next page

NCHA — Meet the Board continued from the previous page

Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year.

My commitment to agricultural education remains strong. I continue to serve as an Ag Partner for Craven County’s Farm to School program and help organize and coordinate our annual Ag Week — a tradition that has been going strong for 17 years. I believe deeply in the importance of educating the next generation about where their food and fiber come from. Programs like Ag in the Classroom and being part of the Hereford Association allow me to do just that. It is truly a blessing to be part of this agricultural community.

Jonathan Wesson – 2025-2028

I live on a small farm in Iredell County with my wife and two children. In addition to helping out with my family’s commercial cow/ calf operation, my wife and I maintain a herd of registered Hereford. I have been involved in the beef industry starting at a young age and currently serve the industry as a large animal veterinarian.

N.C. Pollettes Report

By JULIE REVIS, N.C. Pollettes President

The N.C. Pollettes are off and running with a spring in our step, sharing with others our common passion for Hereford cattle, a love for agriculture, and empowering our youth! We kicked off 2025 by attending our N.C. Hereford Association annual banquet, followed by the annual Pollettes meeting. In this meeting, the women in attendance discussed opportunities to be involved throughout the year in NCHA sponsored activities as well as volunteering in our own communities and educating at the non-ag level, supporting NCJHA events and the queen program, and methods of advocacy for the Hereford breed.

The N.C. Pollettes will be serving the juniors and their families in the hospitality room at the 2025 Southeast Regionals on June 20-22. If you would like to help with this opportunity, please reach out to me at 828-774-2702. Our N.C. Hereford Royalty chair, Cheryl Correll, is working tirelessly to ensure the N.C. royalty meets eligibility and is prepared to attend Junior Nationals in July to participate in activities and/or compete. The officers are working on planning another event this fall that will be a “Hereford Family Gathering.” Please keep an eye out for further details later this summer. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a member of the N.C. Pollettes, please contact me at 828-7742702 or martinbranchfarms@gmail.com

NEWS

Prodell Joins Certified Hereford Beef. Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) recently named Marie Prodell account executive for retail and food service. She will play an integral support role in CHB customer communications, accounts and program management, as well as sales and education support across national retail and foodservice channels.

“Marie represents the next generation of leadership in the beef business — smart, passionate, and grounded in the values that make Certified Hereford Beef a truly unique brand,” says Ernie Davis, CHB president and CEO. “Her firsthand experience in cattle production, wealth of industry experience, and her talent for telling the story of Hereford cattle make her an incredible asset as we expand our reach and strengthen our rancher owned brand across the United States.”

Prodell recently earned dual bachelor’s degrees in agricultural business and animal and meat science from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF). Her leadership roles with the UWRF Beef Management Team, Block and Bridle Club, and other organizations reflect her communications and leadership skills. As a first generation Hereford breeder and former member of the National Junior Hereford Association, she is a passionate advocate of Hereford and CHB.

“I’m excited to work with the American Hereford Association and CHB to grow this leading premium branded beef program,” Prodell says. “The unique product and service attributes that Certified Hereford Beef provides partners and consumers is second to none.”

Who is Certified Hereford Beef? Certified Hereford Beef is a premium branded beef program built on the tradition of family farmers and ranchers across the United States. Established in 1995 by a group of Hereford producers, the Certified Hereford Beef brand is the only Hereford beef brand in the industry owned by an alliance of local Hereford farmers and ranchers. Their dedication to raising high quality Hereford cattle results in a superior beef product for an unforgettable dining experience.

NCHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Andy Smith President (2023-2026)

7007 Sugar and Wine Road Monroe, NC 28110 704-400-3436

Bill Kirkman (2023-2026) 2440 Herfshire Drive Greensboro, NC 27406 336-382-9635

Dustin Brim (2024-2027) 7921 West Road Walnut Cove, NC 27052 336-529-9098

Crystal Mitchem (2024-2027)

400 David’s Chapel Church Road Vale, NC 28168 704-472-7564

Myron McCoy Vice President (2023-2026)

11350 Old Hwy. 70 West Cove City, NC 28523 252-637-4995

DIRECTORS

Thomas Shutsky (2024-2027) 1420 Surry Line Road Pinnacle, NC 27043 860-710-5720

William Ward (2024-2027) 3506 Shady Grove Road Providence, NC 27315 434-334-2625

Kent Beck (2025-2028) 193 New Bowers Road Lexington, NC 27292 336-247-1149

Tammy Ward Secretary/Treasurer (2023-2026)

3404 Shady Grove Road Providence, NC 27315 434-251-6847

Mark Brewer (2025-2028) 348 Tom Camp Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139 828-329-2074

Kristen McCoy (2025-2028) 11346 Old Hwy. 70 West Cove City, NC 28523 252-341-2877

Jonathan Wesson (2025-2028) 1148 Wesson Road Vale, NC 28168 336-813-4964

Myron & Sharon McCoy - N.C. Hereford Ambassadors

SPOTLIGHT on HEREFORD

My Year as N.C. Hereford Queen

By AMBER SHUTSKY, N.C. Junior Hereford Association

My name is Amber Shutsky. I am the daughter of Tom and Jackie Shutsky and a proud member of Jacobs Meadow Farm. It has been an incredible honor to serve as the 2024–2025 N.C. Hereford Queen, representing a breed that holds a special place in my heart. As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, connections, and opportunities that have shaped my journey.

My journey began at the N.C. Hereford State Show — an event that embodies the strength and resilience of this breed. It was a privilege to not only showcase my own heifers, but also take an active role in the show ring, managing activities and presenting ribbons. From the start, I embraced my mission — to represent and promote Herefords with pride and enthusiasm.

As the year unfolded, my dedication to sharing the value of Herefords with fellow producers grew stronger. One of my favorite moments was setting up educational booths at livestock shows, a space where I engaged directly with beef producers, answered questions, and provided informational materials. These interactions reaffirmed the importance of advocating for the breed, ensuring it continues to be recognized for its remarkable qualities.

Beyond the show ring, I found immense fulfillment in contributing to the N.C. Hereford Royalty Program’s service initiatives. One of the most impactful projects of the year was our food drive, designed to support local food pantries while encouraging community participation. For every five non-perishable food items donated, participants were entered into a drawing for a Wrangler leather bag — a fun incentive that helped drive engagement.

Throughout the months of collection, our efforts gained momentum, culminating at the N.C. State Fair in October. By the end of the initiative, we had gathered over 200 non-perishable food items, a testament to the generosity and spirit of North Carolina.

However, when tragedy struck Western North Carolina, affecting countless families, the Hereford royalty came together in a unified decision. Instead of distributing donations to local food pantries as originally planned, we redirected all collected items to disaster relief efforts. This shift demonstrated the true heart of the North Carolina Hereford community — coming together in times of hardship to

support those in need. It was a humbling experience to witness the impact we could make when we put compassion into action.

Serving as N.C. Hereford Queen has been an extraordinary experience, shaping me both as an advocate for the breed and as a leader within the agricultural community. The connections I’ve made, the events I’ve participated in, and the service projects I’ve led have all reinforced my love for Herefords and the industry as a whole.

Intentional Learning. “I didn’t get to see this side of the industry growing up, so it’s an amazing opportunity for me, and others like me get to see what their animals are actually doing when they send them off to the feedlot and then when they get processed,” says Jorja Ebert of Polo, Mo., a first time participant in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout field day. “Being part of a livestock judging team, I’ve learned a lot about animals’ phenotype and their genotype. So, I’m very interested in the genetics that help cattle not only produce in a cow/calf operation, but throughout the other sectors.”

Feeding out their Hereford and Hereford influenced cattle to discover how they perform beyond the pasture is the reason AHA established the Hereford Feedout Program and why the NJHA established the Fed Steer Shootout. Both programs enable participants to feed a minimum number of cattle at HRC Feed Yards LLC, in Scott City, Kansas. Participants receive cattle feeding performance updates throughout the cattle feeding period and individual carcass data after the cattle are harvested. Participants also receive a collective summary of all cattle enrolled in the program to see how their cattle performed relative to the entire group.

Combined, 129 seedstock producers, NJHA members, and commercial cattlemen from 24 states enrolled 1,341 Hereford and Hereford influenced steers and heifers in the programs this year.

“By learning their herd’s genetic potential and understanding what performance traits cattle feeders and beef packers find the most valuable, producers can build a more effective marketing plan to make sounder marketing decisions year after year,” explains Trey Befort AHA director of commercial programs. “The value of this information and being closely engaged with the cattle feeding sector has always been important. It is becoming invaluable as more cattle are channeled into specification based, value added areas of the supply chain.”

An annual field day at HRC Feed Yards compounds the educational and networking opportunity when participants can see their cattle at the last stage of the feeding period and learn from professionals about the cattle feeding and beef packing sectors.

“We believe in the program. We believe in the education and that more people should know about this,” says Lee Mayo, HRC Feed Yards general manager. “Everyone involved in the beef industry has a role in feeding the world. If we can teach breeders and have them take ownership and responsibility for the end product, I am really excited to see the progress of the Hereford breed over the next 50 years.”

More than 140 people attended the field day this year on April 11-12. Educational sessions included the value of feed efficiency in the pasture and the feedlot; the economic power of a shorter calving season; how stress impacts carcass performance; meat cut identification and fabrication; feedstuff identification and how nutritionists build feedlot rations; how beef marketing grids work; and evaluating live

animals for carcass performance.

Joe Schohr of Gridley, Calif., participated in the Fed Steer Shootout and the field day for the first time this year. He is well acquainted with Hereford, showing and judging cattle, but this was a rare opportunity for in-depth learning about cattle feeding and carcass performance.

“At the end of the day, we’re walking meat animals into the showring. We’re not just producing show cattle; we’re producing beef,” Schohr says. “That’s something really big that I’ve taken away from this experience. Having the NJHA offer the chance to see this different facet of the industry has given me a new insight into careers in the meat packing and nutrition industry, as well as just getting to see the commercial side of the industry that I’m not necessarily exposed to on a daily basis.”

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

ASHLEY’S

 BEEF CORNER 

Beef Month Snapshots

By ASHLEY HERRING, N.C. Cattlemen’s

Beef Council

Apartnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services launched a beef month promotion for a multiple touch point campaign. With Curtis Media Group, our Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. audio spots were featured on multiple radio stations, live interviews, and a coordinated grill giveaway.

BIWFD advertising was featured on KIX 102FM, WPTF, and Triangle Traffic Network. These spots highlighted the versatility of beef in various meal settings, beef’s flavor profile, and enjoyment. In addition, beef stories were aired on the North Carolina News Network and the Southern Farm Network.

An interview with Mike Raley and the Weekend Gardner Show was part of the package. I shared beef cattle production information so that listeners could learn more about North Carolina beef cattle farmers. Driving beef demand starts with building trust, and with that, consumers are more likely to choose beef. We have a great story to tell, and beef is an excellent protein source in addition to its excellent nutritional profile.

An on-air giveaway called “The Ultimate Grill Package” included daily beef jerky tastings by Chris Edwards on the morning show. Chris gave away five $50 beef jerky gift cards. Then, four $50 Wilders gift cards were given. One lucky qualifier won the grill and a $50 Wilder’s gift card.

Daily beef recipes were shared from the WPTF website to promote beef in appetizers, sandwiches, lunches, and dinners with numerous ideas.

We are excited about how many consumers were reached and purchased beef because of the comprehensive campaign. I’ll be sharing

results and engagement as soon as I receive the completion information.

Thank you to our partners at Got to be N.C. for supporting the beef month campaign!

Our North Carolina Beef Ambassadors have been promoting beef in many ways all across the state. One of the largest, most engaging events is N.C. State University’s Farm Animal Days. Held at the E. Carroll Joyner Beef Educational Unit, merely miles from downtown Raleigh, the event hosted over 12,000 guests this year.

Ambassadors helped staff our table and had countless conversations about beef production, cooking, labels, essentially all things beef! Our handy beef puzzle got kids and adults actively thinking about beef cuts. When kids are moving, they are engaged! Our fantastic team of N.C. Beef Ambassadors who participated in this event are:

Faith Womble, Brooke Minchew, Rebecca Lawing, Kendyl Jones, Addison Calhoun, Emily Ward, Daisy Brown, Alleigh Johnson, Payton Roberts, Annah Claire Sullivan, Kate Hinnant, and Ashlyn Houston. This event is nonstop with preschoolers, families, homeschool

groups, and elementary children soaking up fun on the farm. We are proud of the work that beef ambassadors do at events and in their communities, as well as online. The photos are a collection of submissions from the ambassadors detailing how they advocate for beef, but more importantly, their passion for the industry is clear.

Regular copy deadline is JUNE 5 for the JULY issue

Spotlight material is due JUNE 1 for the JULY issue

Chopped Salad Beef Hoagies

Total Time — 25 minutes

1½ pounds cooked roast beef, chopped ½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

2 tablespoons dried chives

2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

4½ teaspoons steak seasoning blend

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 hard cooked eggs, chopped

1 avocado, pitted, chopped

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1 cup cubed cheddar cheese

½ cup fully cooked, chopped beef bacon

½ cup chopped red onion

8 hoagie rolls

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, chives, parsley, steak seasoning, and lemon juice in a large bowl until blended.

Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently to combine. Divide the mixture evenly and place inside hoagie rolls.

Cook’s Tip – This recipe works well with prepared roast beef purchased from the deli section of your local grocery store.

Makes 8 servings.

 AMAZING GRAZING 

Triple Creek Journal — Thanks to Mom’s Everywhere!

By DR. MATT POORE, N.C. State University

We have had another full month at Triple Creek, with some great grass and pretty nice temperatures. We remain on the dry side, but some heavy rain is expected over the next two days, so we should be in pretty good shape for forage production for the next few weeks. We have a short hay crop due to the dry April, but it is looking better, and we have our work cut out for us. We spent time today getting up the early novel fescue hay we cut last week, and it should make great feed. Despite it being Mother’s Day, Christina was running one of the tractors!

As I went through the day, I kept coming back to thoughts of my mom. She loved to help with the hay and all the other farm chores as well, and she really supported my desire to be a farmer. We spent so much time at the farm together and my memories are so clear that it is almost overwhelming.

My mom, Ninalei Bader Poore, was quite a woman. She was born in Honolulu before the attack on Pearl Harbor, and she spent most of the war on the mainland with her aunt. She went to nursing school in Hawaii and then trained as a midwife with the Frontier Nursing Service in Hazard, Kentucky. She rode a Jeep or horse to visit families deep in the mountains to deliver babies and to help the people however she could.

She met my dad at the University of Virginia, where he was in medical school and she was doing a continuing education course. They were married a few weeks later and set off on a life of adventure that turned out to be pretty amazing. They raised seven children, all of whom grew up attending school in Flagstaff, Ariz., and then spending the summers on a tobacco and cattle farm in North Carolina.

I can’t explain how much my mom meant to me through all the things I have done in my life. We had a great many adventures together, and I feel her spirit strong at the farm. It was especially so today as I saw all the text messages coming in from my sisters and brother wishing everyone happy Mother’s Day and remembering our mom.

Our farm has been very important to many in our family. As young men, my brother Sam and I both did solo times at the farm. We have four nephews who have worked at the farm as well,

including Blake, Mitch, Korey, and Noah. Each of them served in turn as the main on-site manager for a span of nearly 20 years, and it proved to be a valuable experience for each of them. Blake passed at a young age. We will never forget him and named our beef “Blake’s Beef” in his remembrance. The others have gone on to have productive lives.

I didn’t really expect to have another nephew at the farm, but about six months ago, Silas Henry Poore — my brother’s son — sent me a text and said he would like to come spend a few months at the farm. Silas has been with us for about a month now, and we have really enjoyed having him here to learn the basics of how pasture based beef production works.

We had a chance to test our stewardship skills this week when we had a lame cow in the main herd in the very back pasture. We have a small catch pen there and used polywire to separate her and her calf and work them to the pen where we could load them out. This technique is just one of the many benefits of having a herd that is very well trained to polywire. It’s the Power of One Wire!

Silas has also been helping Christina keep up with the face fly sticky traps so we can keep ahead of the population before they build up. We catch an amazing number of flies per cow, and we have seen in past years that if we keep after it and change out the traps every few days, we will see the population start to decline.

The novel fescue pastures we established two years ago have been very productive this year, and that has helped us get through

the erratic weather conditions we have seen. The benefit of the novel endophyte tall fescue is especially noticeable now in mid-May, when ryegrass is heading and turning very low in quality. The novel tall fescue is holding its quality and gives us a lot more flexibility on utilization.

In past months, I have written about our apparent failure with a conversion to novel endophyte tall fescue using the spray-waitspray technique. We overseeded half of this with additional novel tall fescue in March, and the remaining half will be sprayed with glyphosate and will plant to sudangrass in the next few weeks. We also have additional acreage that we will be converting to novel this year using the spray-smother-spray system, so we will batch it together with that and move on.

I hope you are having a good season so far. I realize that there are extreme wet conditions in parts of the fescue belt and drought in other parts. That seems to be the story these days, with drought and flooding becoming a regular part of life. Always remember that a strong forage system based on soil health and perennial species — as well as passionate management — will carry you through many adverse conditions.

A version of this article appeared in the May 15 edition of Novel Notes, the newsletter of the Alliance for Grassland Renewal. To read the monthly column, go to www.grasslandrenewal.com and sign up for Novel Notes.

CATTLE & CARBON

Soil Organic Matter Associates

With Some Chemical Properties

By ALAN FRANZLUEBBERS, USDA-Agricultural Research Service

Soil fertility is often associated with the key nutrient elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — also known as N-P-K — as reported on bags of fertilizer. These are the elements needed in the greatest quantity by forages in your fields. Soils are a natural source of these and many other elements, but in many cases these elements are not in sufficient

quantity to optimize production within your environment. When not sufficient, the recommendation is to apply these elements as fertilizer in various formulations.

Nitrogen can be supplied by chemical fertilizers of urea, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, or several other specific granular or liquid formulations. It is also a substantial element in many

organic sources, such as municipal compost, poultry litter, beef bedpack, dairy slurry, and swine effluent. These organic sources likely contain many other essential elements other than just nitrogen, like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as many secondary nutrients needed in relatively small quantities. Phosphorus and potassium can be supplied as mined and refined sources of rock phosphate and muriate of potash. These elements are also supplied in organic resources, such as livestock manures and municipal composts.

Naturally occurring minerals that make up soil particles can be a supply of nutrients, such as calcium or potassium, that are dissolved slowly over time through various reactions with percolating water through the soil profile. Other nutrients can be released with the secretion of organic acids by plants that can dissolve elements on reactive mineral surfaces. These processes can take years, decades, and centuries and most of the time will not meet the high demands of agricultural crops needed on a seasonal basis.

Bacteria and fungi in the soil are a major factor in releasing nutrients through their decomposition of organic matter. Soil microbial activity can result in concurrent accumulation of nutrients in soil organic matter and release of nutrients available to plants. This can be evidenced in the accumulation of nitrogen in soil organic matter (see the March 2025 issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection). It can also be found in the mineralization of nitrogen, resulting in the transformation of organic nitrogen into inorganic nitrogen, as mediated by soil microbial activity (see the April 2025 issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection).

From the sampling of pastures across North Carolina in 2023 (see the February 2025 issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection), some soil chemical properties were associated with soil organic matter — at 0-4-inch depth — but many were not. Let’s explore some of these associations in the following. First, soil organic matter has long been considered linked with cation exchange capacity in soils of the eastern U.S. because of the complex biochemical structure of soil organic matter molecules that provide binding sites for major cations like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Simultaneously, soil organic matter provides binding sites for anions like nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate.

Soil organic matter was relatively strongly associated with cation exchange capacity across grasslands in North Carolina, as seen in Figure 1. Very strong association with cation exchange capacity occurred at soil

organic matter levels less than 5 percent. Variation from other sources, such as soil textural differences, became greater as soil organic matter was at higher levels. This is shown with increasingly larger error bars at higher soil organic matter levels. Clay and silt sized particles have greater cation exchange capacity than sand sized particles.

The association between soil organic matter and inorganic nitrogen was relatively strong, as seen in Figure 2. This gives us a clue that soil organic matter definitely contains nitrogen that can be released into the soil solution to be taken up by plants. However, it is the activity of soil microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes — that feed on plant and animal residues and soil organic matter that transform this organically bound nitrogen into plant available nitrogen as ammonium and nitrate. The association between soil organic matter and net nitrogen mineralization during a 24 day incubation at 77°F and 50 percent water filled pore space was even stronger, as seen in Figure 3. The magnitude of nitrogen availability was far greater from mineralization than from residual inorganic nitrogen.

Cattle &

Figure 1. Association between cation exchange capacity.

Figure 2. Association between residual inorganic nitrogen.

Figure 3. Association between net nitrogen mineralization.

Cattle & Carbon continued from the previous page

There was also a reasonably strong association between soil organic matter and Mehlich-3 extractable sulfur. This positive association likely occurred because sulfur is another important element in amino acids and soil organic matter. However, the Mehlich-3 solution likely extracts the inorganic form of sulfate rather than organic forms of sulfur.

Associations between soil organic matter and other soil chemical properties that are typically measured by the NCDA Soil Testing Lab were weak at best. This included no association with soil pH and soil test phosphorus and only a weak association with soil test potassium. From the analysis of soil collected at 0-4-inch depth across cropland, grassland, and woodland in research stations across North Carolina, soil chemical properties were often less associated with soil organic matter than they were with soil texture, as seen in Table 1. These results imply that soil texture influences soil chemical properties more than that of soil organic matter.

In general, soil physical properties were influenced strongly by both soil organic matter and soil texture. Soil biological properties were more influenced by soil organic matter than by soil texture. This diversity of associations illustrates that soil health conditions are affected by a wide range of factors. It is clear, though, that soil organic matter plays a significant role. This role is just not large for many of the soil chemical properties that are routinely tested for agronomic production.

In summary, soil organic matter has a strong influence on cation

exchange capacity, which serves as a reservoir of nutrients. It also has a strong influence on nitrogen availability through the decomposition of organic matter. This soil organic matter component may or may not have enough capacity to get as much plant productivity as you want, but knowing these levels helps you make informed decisions about the need for external nutrient inputs. Since soil organic matter is dominated by carbon — soil organic matter contains 58 percent carbon — soil fertility is a function of carbon on your farm. To maximize your resource efficiency, managing the fertility of soils on your farm should focus as much on soil organic matter management as on more traditional fertilizer inputs.

E.B.’ s VIEW FROM

THE COW PASTURE 

Give It Some Time

— If It’s Supposed To Be, It Will Be

By E.B. HARRIS, Warrenton, N.C.

We had our annual Warren County Equipment Cow Pasture Auction the third weekend in April. Our friends and neighbors, John Paul and Abby Taylor, live right across the road from where we had the sale. They have cattle, goats, a milk cow, chickens, and, most of all, nine children.

John Paul is a state trooper. Abby spends a lot of time outside with the children, teaching them all about farm life. The children are well mannered and very hardworking. They are always busy doing things outdoors, cutting grass, and helping care for the animals.

In 2020, an 0 model heifer calf was born on our Walker Hill farm in what we call the finger pasture. When she was about two weeks old, I went over there to check them one day, and this calf was laying flat out on her side and could not get up.

We brought her home here to the farm and bottle fed her. Every time we would feed her and set her up, she would drink just like any other normal calf. When you released her, she would lay back flat on the ground and not get up or even attempt to.

Abby is always taking in orphan animals and trying to make things work. After about three weeks of working with the calf, I called Abby and asked her if she wanted it. I took the calf up to Abby and told her the situation. I told her they could have the calf if she wanted it.

Just look at what she’s doing now!

After about two weeks of Abby feeding and working with it, the calf finally stood up. She began to walk around and take nourishment like any other calf. I would see her out in the pasture from time to time. She was a normal calf that grew into a heifer, then a cow, and had a calf. When working up at the sale site, I stepped out and took a picture of her standing with her second calf. Looking at her today, you can’t tell there was anything ever wrong with her. You can never tell what one will produce if you give it a little time.

“If you have cattle, pastureland, or raise hay like I do, you need to call Donna Byrum. In 10 minutes on the hood of my pickup, she signed me up for a program that I had no idea about. The next time she came by the farm, she brought me a check!

~

E.B. Harris

Focus on Forages

Monitoring and Managing Fall Armyworms in Pastures

By MIGUEL S. CASTILLO, N.C. State University

In 2024, we experienced a significant resurgence of fall armyworm infestations, resulting in notable damage to both tall fescue and bermudagrass hayfields and pastures across North Carolina. Yes, both perennial species — tall fescue being a cool season perennial species and bermudagrass a warm season perennial — were impacted by fall armyworm with damages reported to pastures

Virginia Herd Health Management Services, PC

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) & Embryo Transfer (ET)

* On-farm aspiration of oocytes via Ultrasound Guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU).

* Embyos come back in 8 days for placement or direct thaw freezing on-farm.

* Can do on donors aged 8 months and older, up to 120-150 days pregnant Doesn’t interfere with pregnancy.

* Pregnant cows work really well, so the cow doesn’t get out of her production group.

* Can do a donor every 2 weeks.

* NOW AVAILABLE * Small Ruminant Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (AI) & Embryo Transfer (ET)

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

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

in counties located in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions.

Included is a photo taken in late September 2024 from a damaged bermudagrass field in Johnston County. While the month of September is particularly transitional, both pictures should have displayed green bright colors and not brown, which was caused by fall armyworm damage. During September, bermudagrass remains green while its growth rate slows down substantially due to cooler temperatures, while tall fescue restarts its seasonal regrowth with bright green colors.

Our advertisers are “Champions” too. For expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies, check the Classifieds in this issue!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

The level of fall armyworm damage observed in 2024 marked the end of a 3–4 year period with minimal reports of infestation and damage. This circumstance was an unfortunate reminder to regularly monitor pastures to protect forage systems. Damage from armyworms can occur in both hayfields and pastures. If armyworm populations reach the treatment threshold of three larvae per square foot and control is not timely, significant damage will occur.

We invite you to join a webinar on July 15 where Dr. Terri Billeinsen will provide information to monitor and manage

fall armyworms and fire ants. The seminar “Sting and Sling: Management Tactics for Fire Ants and Fall Armyworms” will be delivered via Zoom.

To register and attend the webinar, please contact Bessy Velazques at braudal@ncsu.edu or 919-515-3666. If you are not able to join the webinar but would like access to the recorded video, please connect with Bessy as well. For more information, please visit the Forage Extension Portal at www.forages.ces.ncsu.edu and contact your local county extension agent.

Cattle Efficiency — What Makes a Cow Efficient in the Beef Industry?

By EMMA SPARKS, N.C. State University

-- ANS 402 Beef Management

What is cow efficiency? Biologically, cattle efficiency is defined by the number of pounds of calf weaned per exposed cow, pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed per unit of cow weight, and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed per unit of energy consumed. 4 Economically, cattle efficiency is determined by cost effectiveness, sustainability, and profitability. Environment, operation type, forage availability, and genetics influence what type of cow is most efficient, and no singular breed is going to be efficient for every beef operation. While affected by a variety of aspects, what makes a cow efficient is mainly determined by how it affects productivity and profitability in the beef industry. Two efficiency aspects that the producers usually look at in cattle are reproductive efficiency and feed efficiency. Feed efficiency is a measure of how much saleable product is being produced for each unit of feed consumed.5 Feed is a crucial component of running a beef operation and is the most expensive input an operation will have. This is why it is important for our cattle to be able to efficiently use the feed available and produce maximum meat gain with minimal costs towards supplementation. Feed efficiency is directly linked to reproductive efficiency. Reproductive efficiency is defined as the ability of a cow to conceive, produce a healthy calf, wean the calf, and get pregnant again.3

The faster a cow is able to recover from calving and be rebred, the more productive and profitable they become. In order to have reproductively efficient cows, they need to have feed that can meet their nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy when they are directing much of their energy towards the development of the calf. The combination of these two aspects of beef cattle can greatly increase the productivity of an operation. The more efficient your operation is, the greater its productivity and the more profit it can earn. Cattle efficiency impacts how much time, labor, and money producers invest in an operation. Ideally, a beef operation will want cattle that have low input costs, such as money spent on feed and management components, and high production and profitability. When beef producers select cattle that are feed efficient, they spend less on feed supplementation while still retaining or even increasing their production of beef. This also makes it easier for producers’ cows and heifers to meet their goal of birthing one live calf a year with less risk of pregnancy failure, as nutrition is important to a successful pregnancy.6 However, there are some challenges when it comes to selecting the right cow for the job. One of the challenges producers face is measuring strategies in evaluating feed efficiency. In the Canadian Journal of Animal Science, an article titled “Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle production” by Terry et al., mentions measuring

Table 1: Least squares means (± s.e.) by test and sex for average daily gain, 365 day weight, actual feed intake, net feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), fat depth, and eye muscle area at the end of the test.1

methods such as Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Residual Feed Intake (RFI). 8 FCR determines how efficiently an animal converts feed into output, which in this case is meat. This is calculated by taking the mass of the feed divided by the weight of the animal.7 The resulting ratio shows how much feed per unit is being used to produce 1 unit of body weight. An example of this can be seen in Table 1 in an Australian article studying the genetic and phenotypic variation in groups of beef cattle and their feed efficiency. RFI is measured by the difference between the observed feed intake and the predicted intake needed to grow and maintain their body condition. The lower the RFI, the more efficient the animal is in using the given feedstuff.8 However, Terry et al. also discusses disadvantages with these strategies, such as that FCR does not consider the nutritional value of the feed consumed and RFI requires accurate and intensive measuring of individual feed intakes.8 Another way to measure efficiency is through genetics. This involves looking for specific genome markers that have an impact on efficiency. However, as stated by the Global and Mail Next Generation Farming Report at the University of Saskatchewan, there is difficulty in determining which traits come from environmental influences and which are inherited from dam and sire to calf.3 Despite this, attempts have been made to resolve these issues.

There have been a couple of studies in the last five years that have investigated cattle efficiency. In the same study mentioned above, there is discussion on strategies to further improve cattle efficiency besides costly genotyping. One way they suggest improving cattle efficiency is incorporating food wastage into ruminant diets. They state, “Using food that does not meet the quality grade for human consumption reduces the extent to which components in ruminant diets compete with food for humans” and that adding these into ruminant feedstuff has been observed to improve digestibility and increase the nutrient content of ruminant diets.8 Another study investigates the occurrence of genes that can predict feed efficiency in cattle using machine learning. In this study, using five different testing methods, they were able to identify several genes linked to feed efficiency in cattle, especially in the

pituitary gland, as seen in Table 2, where the closer to 1.0 the results are, the higher the accuracy.2 These studies and others just like them are important in improving the selection of efficient beef cattle

In conclusion, cattle efficiency is a complex topic. No singular breed is going to fit in all operations. There are many factors that influence what makes a cow efficient, such as location, diet, and management practices. Current methods of measuring efficiency require accuracy that not every operation may be able to achieve, and while genetic testing has aided in finding genomes linked to efficiency with immense accuracy, further research is needed before we can confidently use these methods. However, great strides have been made in further understanding what makes a cow efficient, as well as in the development of alternative and sustainable practices to improve what we currently know.

References

1Arthur, et al. (1997) “Genetic and phenotypic variation in feed intake, feed efficiency, and growth in beef cattle.”

2Chen, et al. (2021) “Identification of Predictor Genes for Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle by Applying Machine Learning Methods to Multi-Tissue Transcriptome Data.”

3 Globe and Mail Next Generation Farming Report. (2024) https://news.usask.ca.

4Greiner. (2009) www.sites.ext.vt.edu.

5Lamb, et al. (2013) “The Importance of Feed Efficiency in the Cow Herd.”

6Maddock, et al. (2016) “Assessing Efficiency for the Beef Cow.”

7Pradeep. (2020) www.navfarm.com/blog/fcr-guide

8Terry, et al. (2020) https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/ cjas-2020-0022

Have You Herd is 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 Emma Sparks are not necessarily those of N.C. State University or Dr. Carrie Pickworth.

Table 2: Comparison of classification performances (overall accuracy and F1-score) of subsets of selected genes from different methods, when applying SVM.2

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus, N.C. State University

You Decide: Who Controls the Federal Reserve? One of my favorite topics, both when I was teaching at N.C. State University and now as I continue to speak to various groups, is the Federal Reserve. To me, the Federal Reserve — usually simply called the Fed — is interesting because it has the power to significantly influence the economy, yet many people are unaware of its powers and who controls that power.

The question of who controls the Fed is an important issue of discussion today. President Trump is not happy with the Fed’s recent actions on interest rates. Consequently, he has talked about replacing the current chairperson of the Fed, Jerome Powell. Chairperson Powell has responded by asserting that the president cannot replace him with a new chairperson before his term has concluded if their disagreement is simply over policy.

Who is correct in this dispute, and why does it matter? In today’s column, I’ll present the facts and let you decide.

But first, a review of the role and importance of the Fed is a useful background for understanding today’s dispute. The Fed can be viewed as the nation’s central bank. In this role, the Fed has regulatory controls over banks; it controls the supply of our common currency, the dollar; and it implements monetary policy. Monetary policy means the Fed uses its control of the money supply to influence interest rates, which in turn influences how fast or slow the economy grows.

The last five years provide a textbook example of the Fed using monetary policy to change the economy. During the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 years, including 2020 and 2021, the Fed pumped significantly more cash into the economy and caused interest rates to fall. The Fed’s goal was to motivate more borrowing and spending to help the economy recover from the COVID-19 recession.

However, with the benefit of hindsight, in 2022 the Fed realized it had overdone the spending stimulation when inflation began to surge. Hence, with the COVID-19 crisis appearing to be under control, the Fed reversed course and pushed for higher interest rates to slow the pace of price increases. Interest rates rose to levels above the pre-COVID-19 years, consumer spending slowed, and the annual inflation rate dropped from over 9 percent to near 2.5 percent.

Now there is a debate about how the Fed should move next, and this debate is at the core of the dispute between President Trump and Fed Chairperson Powell. President Trump wants the Fed to use its powers to lower interest rates more. Chairperson Powell and other members of the Fed’s governing board have expressed concern that the President’s tariff policies could result in higher domestic prices and hence a higher inflation rate. They worry that further lowering of interest rates would stimulate more consumer spending, which

would push inflation even higher. Hence, it now looks unlikely the Fed will move to reduce interest rates at its next policy meeting in early May.

Disagreements over Fed policy are not unusual. Today there are different economists who think the Fed should lower interest rates, raise interest rates, or leave rates stable. Of course, the differences in opinion between the president and the Fed chairperson are more notable because each has some power to back up their opinion. The question today is — how much power?

While Chairperson Powell is the face of the Fed, the chair shares power with the other six members of the Fed’s Board of Governors. At meetings to determine monetary policy, the chair has one vote, just like the other board members. The chairperson serves a four year term, while the other board members have staggered 14 year terms. All are appointed by the president — but not necessarily the same president — and confirmed by the Senate. Chairperson Powell was first appointed by President Trump during the first Trump term and then was reappointed by President Biden. Chairperson Powell’s current term ends in May 2026.

The Federal Reserve’s charter states that a Fed board member, including the chairperson, can be removed prior to their term’s expiration for cause. Cause has traditionally been interpreted as removal for serious misconduct or abuse of power, and not for policy disagreements. Indeed, a Supreme Court ruling affirmed this interpretation in 1935.

The creators of the Federal Reserve in the early 20th century wanted the agency to be independent. This means restricting the president and Congress from interfering in the Fed’s actions. Many interpret this objective as an intent to keep politics out of the Fed’s decision making, thereby allowing the Fed to focus solely on economic goals like keeping both unemployment and inflation at relatively low levels.

Of course, whenever vague wording like “for cause” is used, the table is set for different interpretations and potential court cases. If President Trump fires Chairperson Powell, one potential outcome is that the chairperson then files a lawsuit that likely works its way up to the Supreme Court. The stock market would likely respond by falling, as uncertainty in economic policy would be a consequence until the courts provide a final verdict.

Hence, while each of us can decide who should control the Federal Reserve, the final answer would likely come from the courts.

You Decide: Is it Code Red for the Economy? Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its quarterly GDP report, the first of the year and the first during the new Trump

administration. Normally, this report is a yawner for most people and only gets the attention of economists and others who track the economy on a day-to-day basis. Yet, this report was different. It motivated many to declare a code red condition for the economy.

What do I mean by code red? In everyday use, code red means a dangerous and dire situation. Applied to the medical field, it tells first responders and medical professionals to be ready for an emergency. So, why did the GDP report prompt many to see a code red situation in the economy, and are they correct?

But before addressing these questions, what is the quarterly GDP report? GDP stands for gross domestic product. It is a measure of output — or production — of all businesses in the economy. All types of businesses, like farming, manufacturing, and services, and spanning all activities, from delivering products, medical operations, education, and banking — to name a few — are part of GDP. The GDP numbers are adjusted for inflation, so they don’t expand just because prices rose. Hence, the GDP numbers provide the broadest measure of collective activity in the economy.

The troubling result for the first quarter GDP report is that it showed GDP dropping. The reduction was modest, at negative 0.3 percent, but it was the first drop in three years. Immediately, concerns about a recession rose. This is because a rule of thumb for declaring a recession is two consecutive quarterly drops in GDP. Many worry another drop in GDP in the spring quarter will mean the country has been in a recession.

Recognize, however, that two consecutive quarterly reductions in GDP are not the ultimate determinants of a recession. A group of economists working with a think tank outside the federal government ultimately make the decision of deciding if a recession has occurred. Indeed, four times since World War II an official recession was not called despite two quarterly reductions in GDP, with the most recent being in 2018. For a recession to be called, the economists consider the depth, duration, and diffusion of the economic pullback. The last characteristic, diffusion, means the economists look for the economic decline to be spread to most sectors of the economy, rather than being concentrated in a few sectors.

There’s another reason to not yet jump on the recession bandwagon. The details of the first quarter GDP report show the decline was due to one factor — a surge in imports. This was understandable, as domestic businesses that import products from foreign countries wanted to stockpile those products before higher tariffs were imposed. It’s domestic businesses that actually pay the tariffs. In the GDP calculation, imports are considered a negative as it is assumed imports take the place of domestic production. If the negative import effect is removed, GDP growth in the first quarter would have been positive. In fact, most of the other elements of the GDP report, such as consumer spending and business investment, were positive.

All eyes are now turned to the second quarter (April, May, and June), when the economic impacts of continuing tariffs should be felt. Sometime during that quarter, businesses that rely on imports would be expected to face the higher costs of elevated tariffs. This would likely spark two reactions. With their costs higher, businesses will reduce production and likely reduce their workforce. Businesses will also try to pass some of their higher costs on to consumers by

raising the prices of products sold to customers. These impacts could result in slower job growth, or perhaps even a reduction in jobs, and much slower consumer spending. The result could be the worst of all conditions in the economy — higher unemployment and higher prices.

Hence, the second quarter GDP report will be very important to watch. Forecasters are already placing their bets, with some predicting a slight negative result and others a slight positive result for GDP growth.

Clearly, the factor to watch in the upcoming months is the possibility of trade agreements between the U.S. and other countries. The Trump administration appears willing to reduce U.S. tariffs on imported products if foreign countries reduce their tariffs on U.S. exports. One sticking point is the administration’s insistence that foreign countries also reduce non-tariff impediments to the purchase of U.S. made products, such as certain kinds of taxes and regulations.

If trade agreements can be made with numerous countries that will result in reducing the U.S. imposed tariffs, the chances of higher unemployment and higher prices in the U.S. will be reduced. The ultimate test will be whether a trade agreement can be reached with China.

Will North Carolina be impacted by the back and forth of trade relations? The answer is a strong yes. International trading of exports and imports accounts for 20 percent of the state’s economy, slightly less than the 27 percent for the nation, but still very significant. Over a million jobs in North Carolina are estimated to depend on international trade. So, like the nation, North Carolina’s economy can sink or swim with international trade.

Hence, to know where the economy is headed, watch closely what is happening to the trade talks between the U.S. and foreign countries. While the negative GDP report for the first quarter is not a reason to signal a code red for the economy, many economists still think the importance of the ongoing trade negotiations warrants at least a cautionary code yellow.

So, if you’re painting the economic outlook, you decide what color to use!

AThe Chaplain’s Corral

Restored

By DONALD LOUIS KENEBREW, Cowboys for Christ Chaplain

s I was growing up, my dad had a good friend who owned a construction company. His friend would garner work for himself on the weekends and/or whenever he had days off from the company he worked for. He soon began approaching my dad for his help whenever he obtained jobs too big to handle alone or that would take too long to be cost effective. My dad would not refuse such financial opportunities, of which he had great interest in the trade. So, my dad began assisting his friend and gained knowledge and skills of the trade. Soon, my dad started taking me along with him; whether by my own volition or not is irrelevant. Yet, I realized in a short time that I also had a level of interest in the work.

After a time, my dad, having gained much knowledge and experience of the trade, and myself having become adequate, began getting job offers of his own. He and his friend continued to work together as needed concerning projects that were too large to handle on their own and/or cost effective to invest a lot of time into.

The jobs my dad obtained were mainly pertaining to owners of old houses. It typically meant a room needed to be gutted and remolded, cabinets taken down and replaced or refurbished, floors dismantled and re-laid, or doors and windows replaced with new ones. No matter how difficult or simple the restoration jobs were, my dad would not refuse such, accepting the job as an opportunity to become a better carpenter.

Taking out or bringing down the old to bring in or up the new wasn’t easy work. We had to cut boards, pull nails, yank wire, beat on things, hammer a lot, drill, rip, and tear all for the sake of restoration. Even now, as I think back, I can imagine those old inanimate objects that constituted a house (boards, nails, wiring, etc.), moaning and groaning as we inflicted our restoration efforts upon it, replacing the old for the new. The silent cries of ouch and inaudible exclamations of discomfort as we pulled out nails and hammered new ones in. Do not laugh at me or consider me insane for having such an imagination.

God’s word tells us in Romans 8:21-22, “That everything God made would be free from ruin. There was hope that everything God made would have freedom and glory that belong to God’s children. We know that everything God made has been waiting until now, like a woman ready to give birth to a child.” (English Revised Version)

In other words, all of creation is moaning and laboring, waiting to be delivered from the taint and stench of corruption. Therefore, it is not hard to imagine all inanimate objects of creation moaning and groaning as we, by our sin, affect them.

Restoration is no easy process, whether with inanimate (things) or the animate (living). Genesis to Revelation, in a sense, is all about God’s program to restore fallen man to fellowship with Himself. God tells us in Leviticus 20:7, “Be special. Make yourselves holy. Why? Because

I am holy. I am the Lord your God.” (English Revised Version) The restoration process is to make us holy, more like Christ. The trials and tribulations we as Christians must endure; the cutting, hammering, yanking, pulling, and refurbishing of ourselves are not pleasant experiences. Yet, it is okay to moan and labor with creation as we strive and long to escape the corruption of this world. But be mindful not to whine and cry as the Israelites did in the wilderness on their trek to the promised land. Let us never forget God works everything for our good. Romans 8:28, “We know that in everything God works for the good of those people that love Him. These are the people God called (chose) because that was His plan.” (English Revised Version)

UPDATE

Angus breeders look to leverage maternal strengths with new tools. Alongside annual genetic evaluation updates, the American Angus Association releases three new maternal EPDs to help characterize functional longevity and udder quality in Angus cattle. The cow is a cornerstone of any successful ranching operation, and Angus females have proven themselves to be reliable, consistent producers. Their merit is reflected in the population of the U.S. cow herd, which is now more than 80 percent Angus influenced. Producers have spent years selecting cattle with not only good maternal strengths, but those who exemplify the best of the Angus breed.

“We’ve always bred for cows,” said Mark Nikkel, owner of Mill Brae Ranch since 2018, and herd manager since 1987. “The bulls pay the bills and keep you in business, but there’s got to be a cow first.”

Now, Nikkel and other Angus producers can be even more confident in selection decisions made in pursuit of maternal merit. The American Angus Association released three new maternal expected progeny differences (EPDs) on May 23 — Functional Longevity (FL), Teat Size (Teat), and Udder Suspension (UDDR) — alongside annual updates to the genetic evaluation.

Developed by Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), the EPDs offer consistent characterization of the traits across the entire registered Angus population, which will cut down on the research time Nikkel’s wife, Janice, has invested each year to find the right genetics for their herd. The couple began tracking udder quality on the Maple Hill, Kan., operation more than a decade before the Association formalized a scoring guide in 2021.

“The teat size and shape are so important to us as we calve… Age plays into this as well; that’s where the longevity piece comes in,” Janice explained. “When you have a three-year-old that shows a decline in udder quality, they’re not going to be here very long. Now we’ve wasted a lot of time and money to produce this high quality animal to send her down the road, and that makes no sense.”

This is a sentiment that Esther Tarpoff, director of performance programs for the Association, hears.

“We’re excited to move these EPDs into full production, enabling weekly predictions of the traits,” Tarpoff said. “This advancement enhances the ability of Association members and, more importantly, their commercial cow/calf customers to select for cow survivability and lifetime productivity — an area that has been missing from the Angus genetic toolkit until now.”

Following a dispersal of the original Mill Brae herd in 2018 and a brief break from raising seedstock, Mark and Janice made the decision to purchase back several foundational females that were still

Angus Update continued from page 41

in production at other operations to reestablish their registered Angus operation. They made the commitment, at that time, to enroll in the Association’s Inventory Reporting program to earn MaternalPlus distinction, and submit their historic teat and udder data. The two initiatives gave the Nikkels access to the three research EPDs.

“I used those spreadsheets, and I know they are just research EPDs, but I am so thankful I had access to them,” said Janice. “If an individual bull that we were looking at didn’t score well in the longevity, teat, and udder categories, he went off the list… it takes too long to overcome [challenges with] those types of traits.”

The FL EPD aims at improving the cow herd by increasing the number of calves a female can produce over her lifetime. The Inventory Reporting program and the commitment made by enrolled members were crucial to the ability to characterize this trait. As a whole herd reporting system, Inventory Reporting and its second tier, MaternalPlus, tell a more complete story about a herd and its females. Every year, each female is reported to have a calf, a reason code for not having one, or a reason code for culling. This allows for more complete data to be quantified and used to predict the number of calves a female (or daughters of a sire) is expected to produce by six years of age.

“With the use of technology like genomics, we are turning generation intervals faster than ever,” said Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI. “Traits like udder quality or lifetime production records take time to collect; producers will be able to utilize the FL, Teat, and UDDR EPDs as risk mitigation tools, especially in today’s fast paced genetic landscape where an A.I. sire may no longer be actively marketed by the time his daughters reach full production.”

Along with the release of the three new EPDs, the Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M) and Combined Value ($C) indexes have been updated to include the new traits. The release of these maternal tools ran alongside annual evaluation updates to the economic assumptions used in the indexes, as well as updates to the models for the Heifer Pregnancy (HP) EPD and feed efficiency. Annual genomic score updates, which have typically coincided with the annual update and the release of the 2025 Fall Sire Evaluation Report , will be released on June 27. Producers interested in learning more can find a detailed breakdown of the updates at www.Angus.org

Angus Foundation seeks donations for silent auction.

Auction during the 2025 NJAS to raise funds for Angus education, youth, and research. The Angus Foundation will host its annual silent auction during the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Proceeds from the silent auction help to grow the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted support for the Foundation’s mission of advancing education, youth, and research in the Angus breed.

“For over 15 years, the silent auction has raised money to provide funding for programs ranging from youth scholarships and leadership events to Angus research,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and dedication towards the silent auction. Generous support is key to the event’s continued success.”

Items donated to the Foundation for the silent auction may come from individual Angus supporters, farms, companies, or state

junior Angus associations. Donation examples include paintings, gift baskets, books, cattle supplies, jewelry, clothing, and Angus collectibles. The state junior association with the highest selling item will receive a $250 donation to their state junior association.

Past silent auctions have featured a mix of one-of-a-kind items. From vintage publications to framed artwork, wine, and outdoor accessories like fire pits and corn hole sets, there’s something unique each year and a special item for every type of bidder.

At the 2024 NJAS in Madison, Wis., the silent auction raised nearly $16,000 in unrestricted funds to aid the Angus Foundation’s mission and supported numerous scholarships, conferences, and research projects. These funds support scholarships and events, including the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference, Beef Leaders Institute (BLI), and breed improvement research initiatives.

For the fourth year, the silent auction will be hosted online at https://anguslive.com/auctions with bidding opening June 30 and closing July 4. Lots will be available to view online prior to the auction and in person at the National Junior Angus Show.

To donate an item, please contact the Angus Foundation at 816383-5100. For more information about the silent auction, visit www. angus.org/foundation/get-involved/events/silent-auction.

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 $4.9 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.4 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 more than 21,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org

North Carolina Angus Association

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS

Backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program.

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

4K FARMS

Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 rdkirkman@spectrum.net

BACK CREEK

Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla

704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) robinbackcreek@att.net Facebook: Back Creek Angus

BILTMORE ESTATE

Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com

CARSON FAMILY FARM, LLC

John, Callie, Isaac & J.R. Carson Laurel Springs

336-818-9087 • carsonfamilyfarm@gmail.com

Facebook: Carson Family Farm

CHAPMAN CATTLE COMPANY

Gary, Isaac & Bryant Chapman Bryant Chapman - Manager Taylorsville 828-514-0526 bryantchapman21@gmail.com https://.m.facebook.com/chapmancattleco

CHESSIE CREEK FARM

Andrew Agostini Scott Sell - Manager Walterboro, SC 912-3292411 scott@chessiecreek.com www.chessiecreek.com

FOUR S FARMS

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

GRAGG FARMS

Paul, Chris & David Gragg Boone 828-268-4136 (Paul); 828-268-4137 (Chris) 828-268-4135 (David) gragg_farms@hotmail.com

H&H FARMS

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

Cortney Holshouser

NCAA Executive Secretary 919-796-2346 ncaa.sec@gmail.com www.ncangus.org

HILL ANGUS FARM

Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 gmhill@uga.edu

JACK KNOB FARMS

Karl, Janet & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com

LANE ANGUS

Roger & Bundy Lane

Bundy Lane - Manager Gates

252-398-7705 (Bundy); 252-398-7719 (Marinda) 252-357-1279 (Office) bundylane@gmail.com laneangusbeef@gmail.com www.laneangusbeef.com

N.C. State University - E. Carroll Joyner Beef Unit

Matt Morrison - Manager Raleigh 716-720-0227 mdmorri8@ncsu.edu

SMITH ANGUS FARM

Randall Smith Snow Camp 336-516-4558 smithangusfarm@yahoo.com

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM

Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 mrooker@mrookerlaw.com

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Louisburg 919-880-9062 philgoodson2@gmail.com www.springfieldangus.com

TRIPLE LLL ANGUS

Greg Little Monroe 704-219-1294 • greg.little@atimetals.com

UWHARRIE RIDGE FARMS

Mark Wilburn Asheboro 336-465-2417 uwharrieridgefarms@gmail.com

VANDEMARK ANGUS

Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 keaton@vandemarkfarms.com

WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC

Michael A. Moss

Will Moss - Manager Ramseur 336-460-7451 • windyhillfarmsllc@gmail.com

WINSLOW GENETICS

Ben & Kathleen Winslow Halifax 252-578-5487 bensbulls@gmail.com

NEWS

Pursuing Pounds of Gold. Certified Angus Beef leans in on meat science evolutions. Progress happens when people are at the table, engaged, and committed to action. With a vested interest in the beef industry’s future, Certified Angus Beef (CAB) is leaning in on conversations surrounding evolutions in meat science.

With quality beef production still a focus, new issues have grown in priority — accuracy in yield grade assessment and the need for increased red meat yield. They’re topics that all segments of cattle production and merchandising are engaging in, with research and working groups leading the way.

Overall, the goal is to produce as many pounds of high quality beef per carcass as possible — and to do it efficiently and sustainably.

Reaching the Science’s Lifespan – It’s been 60 years since the first yield grades were assessed on the packing plant floor, and even longer since the yield grade equation was developed. During the span of those six decades, market animal composition — alongside cattle feeding technologies and methods — has changed.

It’s no secret that the yield grade equation is due for an update, and the accuracy of it has been the subject of questions for several years.

“Sometimes our work in science has a lifespan, and we’ve got to be aware of how the market and industry evolve around us,” John Stika, CAB president, says. “We’ve always got to be willing to circle

back and reconfirm whether or not the sound results we found at that time are still relevant.”

And not just yield grade, but ribeye area (REA) measurement too.

For decades, ranchers have used REA as a key indicator of muscularity in cattle. With REA as the only tool and its relation to yield grade calculations, cattlemen have homed in on that trait for red meat yield. Via ultrasound and camera grading systems, it’s easy to get data back that can be used to improve genetic selection.

Research by Dr. Dale Woerner, Cargill endowed professor at Texas Tech University, revealed that REA and red meat yield are only 4 percent related. While REA is still an important trait, it shouldn’t be the sole predictor of red meat yield.

“Ribeye area is the tool that we’ve largely put in the toolbox of breeders to improve red meat yield,” Mark McCully, chief executive officer of the American Angus Association, says. “It’s not directionally taking us the wrong way, but we have the opportunity to collect new phenotypes for genetic evaluation that would put new tools in breeders’ hands to truly make more advanced improvement.”

A large percentage of cattle are traded on a formula and carcassmerit basis, applying pressure to the need for a consistent and precise measurement. According to Dr. Ty Lawrence, professor of animal science at West Texas A&M University, researchers can explain approximately 40 percent of the variation in red meat yield by yield grade, but it could be better.

Hands down — ranchers need better tools to select for red meat yield. They need tools that can more accurately measure composition and reward producers, without a bigger REA, per hundredweight.

Through changes in genetics and management, the opportunity exists to increase carcass weight, without putting on excess fat. Those “pounds of gold,” as Stika coined them, would be high quality, saleable beef through increased red meat yield.

An Industry Focus – With quality directly tied to consumer demand for beef, it remains a high priority. Because of ranchers’ dedication, we’re currently enjoying the highest demand for beef in 30 years.

But as the industry evolves, there is a growing relevance of yield alongside quality.

“With all the improvement that we’ve made in quality, it’s still the biggest lost opportunity for us,” Stika says. “But at the same time, because of the improvements we’ve made in quality, the relative scope of the opportunity between quality and yield grade is beginning to narrow.”

Quality has always been where CAB “hangs its hat,” but it’s not the only thing that keeps the brand relevant. A core priority for the brand and an opportunity for Angus ranchers is profitability. It gives producers a vehicle to put more dollars in their pocket by targeting a brand favored by consumers.

“As we talk about this being an industry opportunity, it’s got to be good for everybody, meaning it can’t just benefit the packer,” Stika says. “It must produce dollars that come back to the feeder and the cow/calf producer, ultimately increasing the value of genetics that are able to hit the targets.

Research and revolutions lead to solutions, but not without industry stakeholders coming together.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) created the Red Meat Yield (RMY) Working Group to lead the discussion, support research, and engage a cross section of experts. It includes broad representation from every segment of the beef supply chain — cow/calf producers to the packing plant and beyond, with academia, government, technology expertise, and merchandising/branded beef represented.

Key research includes how to define and calculate red meat yield by today’s standards and the processes to measure carcass composition. So far, computed tomography (CT scanning) has been deemed the “gold standard.” Its use of X-ray technology measures muscle, fat, and bone at a high degree of accuracy.

The challenge is incorporating it at the packing plant because of chain speeds, logistical problems, and safety issues. But it can guide the RMY Working Group’s research to precisely measure red meat yield, which meat scientists can then use to investigate how it relates to saleable yield.

For the RMY Working Group, the long term outlook is to enter industry implementation in the next 2–3 years.

As the topic continues to be socialized and research wheels put into motion, CAB remains at the table and committed to supporting the industry’s work to establish an accurate measurement and increased red meat yield — alongside production efficiency, sustainability, and Angus ranchers’ bottom line.

MBA Wraps Up With Best Selling Session. In the final week of Master of Brand Advantages (MBA) program, Class 22 returned to the CAB Culinary Center to bring it all together. After learning from ranchers in week 1 and diving into beef quality and fabrication in week 2, week 3 was all about putting their knowledge into action, while proving they’re ready to sell the best.

With three weeks of hands-on learning and real world application under their belts, MBA Class 22 graduates left equipped to champion the brand with confidence from the knowledge they learned. Best sourced. Best tasting. Best selling. The week ended with a graduation ceremony recognizing their achievement and a renewed commitment to representing your hard work.

Grouped into teams, participants created and pitched three beef dishes as if selling to a chef or operator. Each team featured a value added product, ground beef, and an underutilized cut — developing original recipes and serving two of the three dishes during their

Certified Angus Beef News continued on the next page

Certified Angus Beef News continued from the previous page

presentation. Topics like local sourcing, supply chain, consistency, alternate cuts and pricing strategies all came into play.

At the center of it all? You! The cattlemen and women whose dedication to raising high quality Angus cattle came up in every conversation. Drawing from their firsthand ranch experiences in week 1, participants shared how the commitment to the land and cattle they witnessed makes the brand easy to stand behind.

Global Appetite for Prime. What happens when you walk into a grocery store thousands of miles from the U.S. and find CAB Prime as the showpiece of the meat case? You get a clear message: the demand for high quality beef is global, and Prime is in the lead.

In the Dominican Republic, where nearly all premium beef is imported, retailers are making CAB Prime the centerpiece of their fresh beef programs. Not tucked in a corner, not part of a long list of options, but front and center. They’re building their case around it, using bold signage, sharp merchandising, and clear storytelling that highlights flavor, quality, and consistency. Even in stores that support regional or breed specific programs, Prime is the product they elevate to stand out.

This kind of presence doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a growing global customer base that knows what exceptional beef looks and tastes like and is willing to pay for it. That opportunity

starts long before the meat case. It starts with you.

Every CAB Prime cut on a shelf in the Caribbean or anywhere else in the world is tied to the work you do — breeding, feeding, and managing for quality. As international demand continues to rise, it reinforces what many of you already know — cattle that can hit that Prime grade are worth more. And the market is proving it, again and again.

Rooted in Tradition, Driven by Flavor. CAB and Sabatino launch partnership. Introducing a partnership rooted in tradition, driven by flavor, and crafted for chefs. Sabatino and CAB officially launch a new collaboration designed to inspire foodservice professionals with bold, premium ingredients — from rich, marbled beef to the unmistakable magic of truffles.

The yearlong connection includes exclusive menu curations for key CAB events and partners, new product ideations, and social content to inspire home cooks.

“This partnership represents the union of two trusted, heritage rich brands, both grounded in a deep respect for the land, tradition, and for the culinary professionals we serve,” says Federico Balestra, Sabatino CEO and third generation owner.

Founded by Sabatino Balestra in 1911 and still family owned and operated today, Sabatino began in Umbria, Italy, and has grown into the world’s leading truffle brand. Known for its sustainable harvesting practices and dedication to craftsmanship, the company produces truffle oils, seasonings, and preserved truffles trusted by chefs in more than 70 countries.

Now, Sabatino brings that same legacy of excellence to a new partnership with the beef brand chefs have relied on for nearly five decades.

“Even as we’ve grown globally, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do,” says Balestra. “Our collaboration with Certified Angus Beef is a natural evolution of that legacy, delivering thoughtful, high quality solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s foodservice world while honoring the traditions from which we came.”

The best tasting beef and premium truffles — a match made in culinary heaven.

“Our shared vision and commitment to high quality make this partnership a natural fit for our brands,” says Tracey Erickson, senior executive vice president of marketing for Certified Angus Beef.

For more than 45 years, the CAB brand has brought the finest quality beef to dining tables around the world. Owned by American Angus farm and ranch families, the brand’s commitment to offering beef raised with a deep respect for the cattle and the land mirrors that of the truffle experts.

“Our collaboration with Sabatino goes beyond premium ingredients,” says Erickson. “Together, we are elevating our partners’ culinary experiences and product offerings to exceed consumer expectations.”

This shared priority results in high end opportunities for chefs to create culinary experiences guests remember and consumers crave.

“Chefs and their guests are seeking elevated yet approachable experiences,” says Vincent Jeanseaume, SVP of Sales at Sabatino. “Truffles are no longer limited to fine dining. Today’s consumers are hungry for truffle infused offerings across all formats. This collaboration responds to that demand.”

By pairing CAB’s unmatched quality with Sabatino’s diverse truffle portfolio, the partnership delivers chef ready, premium solutions that help operators differentiate their menus while staying efficient, he shares.

Erickson shares Sabatino’s excitement, “The legacy and expertise of the Sabatino truffle family is a perfect pairing to the tradition and flavor CAB brings to the table.”

About Sabatino. Discover the magic of truffles with Sabatino, a family owned company that has been sharing the joy of truffles for over a century. From our roots in Montecastrilli, Italy, to our modern home in West Haven, Connecticut, we carefully craft every product in-house, honoring generations of tradition while embracing innovation. Our truffles are harvested with deep care for the land, and we are committed to sustainable practices that help preserve the forests, soil, and ecosystems that make truffles possible. Loved by chefs in over 70 countries, Sabatino now brings that same care, passion, and unmistakable truffle flavor to kitchens everywhere. We invite you to explore our world at www.sabatino1911.com.

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.

The Key to Success for Coaches and Cattlemen COMMON GROUND

By MARK McCULLY, American Angus Association CEO

“Those who embrace change and put customers first will continue to win.”

Through the decades, Izzo has built one of the most consistent and successful programs in college basketball. While his team didn’t make it past the Elite Eight this year (and my No. 1 rank in the office March Madness pool fell like a rock), Izzo is considered one of the greatest college coaches of all time.

I have watched Coach Izzo closely since the mid-1990s, when I was in graduate school at MSU. As the game of basketball has changed, one thing has remained constant: Izzo’s ability to adapt to change and maintain his commitment to the fundamentals. While he has adjusted to new realities as the sport has changed, he has never abandoned the core principles of defense, rebounding, and player development. This delicate balance — staying true to the basics while embracing change — is exactly what Angus breeders must master to thrive in today’s cattle industry.

When Izzo began his career, basketball was a different game. Physical post play was dominant, three point shooting wasn’t as emphasized, and the transfer portal didn’t exist. Today, the game is faster, more perimeter oriented, and player movement has forced coaches to adjust their recruiting and playing styles. Izzo has embraced these changes instead of resisting them, ensuring MSU remains a powerhouse.

Adapting for today – Likewise, Angus breeders operate in a vastly different world than we did even a decade ago. Bull buyers today expect more than just a good looking animal. They expect service, data, and a long term partnership. The days of selling a bull and sending the buyer on their way are largely over. I believe the breeders who will remain competitive in the future will be those who recognize

this shift and adapt to meet customer expectations.

You don’t have to make that shift alone, however. The American Angus Association offers multiple programs for breeders to leverage and deliver this next level of service. The first one is simple and sometimes overlooked – the transferred registration.

Transferring the bulls into their name not only earns your customer a free three year subscription to the Angus Beef Bulletin, but it also provides them with updated expected progeny differences (EPDs) for their bulls and streamlines their enrollment in AngusLink. The AngusLink program is built to add value to calves sired by registered Angus bulls. Even if you don’t offer a calf buyback program, you can assist your customers enrolling in AngusLink and put them in a better position to get paid for the bull investment they just made at your sale.

And the GeneMax Advantage test offered through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) is another way for you to engage with your bull customers wanting to utilize the most cutting edge selection tools. GeneMax testing will help your commercial customers refine their replacement selections and give you more insight into their needs for their next set of herd bulls.

There is no doubt both college basketball and the Angus business will continue to evolve. But one thing remains constant: those who are willing to adjust, innovate, and put their customers (or players) first will continue to win — whether that’s on the court or in the pasture.

The Simmental Trail

By JENNIE RUCKER, N.C. Simmental Association

April was a very good month for Simmental cattle in the Carolinas! The N.C. Junior Simmental Association hosted their state show on April 27 in Lenoir in conjunction with the Showdown in the Foothills all breed show. We had 23 juniors from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia compete in this year’s Simmental shows. Thank you to our sponsors, who made this show possible by providing support for awards and windbreaker jackets as exhibitor gifts to every NCJSA member who competed.

Thank you to Green Hills Cattle Company, JS Farms, Lonesome Valley Investments, and Harward Sisters Cattle Company for your sponsorships!

The day started out with showmanship, where all juniors competed in their age division against juniors from all breeds. Congratulations to the following N.C. Junior Simmental members for their top placings in their divisions. In senior plus showmanship, Rylea Suddreth won grand champion. In senior showmanship, Jordan Mitchem and Dacey Abruzzino of both placed in the top four, with Jordan winning reserve champion. In intermediate showmanship, five Simmental juniors made it to the finals, with NCJSA member Marley Mcconnell winning grand champion and Blaine Abruzzino winning third. In junior showmanship, both Adelynn Abruzzino and Lillian Wilkins made the top six, with Adelynn placing third. In novice showmanship, four out of seven exhibitors were all NCJSA members, with the top three all being Simmental juniors! Conner Mcquaig won first, Trey Davis won second, and Reid Johnson placed third. Finally, in the most important showmanship competition of the day, peewee showmanship saw three Simmental members competing, with Lucas Wilkins placing first and Adeline Painter winning third. Congratulations to all showmanship winners!

During the breed show, we had juniors compete in both purebred and percentage Simmental female and bull shows. Our judge for the day was Todd Alford from Georgia, and he evaluated 15 percentage Simmental and 23 purebred Simmental for owned and bredand-owned honors. All animals must be shown by an N.C. Junior Simmental Association member. The bred-and-owned animals must be bred by the junior Simmental member, and the junior must be the first and only owner of the animal. Bred-and-owned females are also allowed to show in the owned show.

L/W Lilac’s Flower, both sired by CCS/JS Doc 48H. Cayte Mitchell took home both grand and reserve champion honors in the purebred bull show. Grand champion went to CSFS Teresa Jazz Scout M010, sired by Jass on the Mark 69D, and reserve champion went to CSFS Randy Red Roscoe M003, sired by CSFS Blue Sandy Randy J002.

In the percentage Simmental female show, grand champion 0wned female went to Trey Davis with S&S TSSC She is Something, a ¾ Simmental sired by JSUL Something About Mary 8421. Reserve champion owned female was also grand champion bred-and-owned female and went to Shelby Candler with JSF3 Donna Jean 91M2, a ⅝ Simmental sired by WLE Copacetic E02. Reserve champion bred-andowned female also went to Shelby Candler with JSF3 Bad Barbie M27, a ¾ Simmental sired by THSF Lover Boy B33. Shelby Candler continued her wins with grand champion percentage bull with JSF3 Jet Lag M422, a ⅝ Simmental sired by Lonesome Style 9025 ET. Reserve champion percentage bull was awarded to Cayte Mitchell with CSFS Randy Patrick Eugene, a ¾ Simmental sired by CSFS Blue Sandy Randy J002.

In the purebred show, grand champion owned female was awarded to Shelby Candler with Bailey’s Bianca 432M, sired by STCC Tecumseh 058J, and reserve champion owned female went to Cole Williams with JAYR/PPCC New Love, sired by GCC New California 131J. Bred-and-owned honors went to the brother-sister duo of Lillian and Lucas Wilkins. They won grand champion bred-andowned female with L/W Docs Lotta Love and reserve champion with

We ended the day with the supreme drives, where the top five animals across all breeds were awarded. The Simmental winners represented the breed very well in the drives, taking home FIVE of the ten spots! In the female show, Shelby Candler won supreme champion female with her champion purebred Simmental heifer, Cole Williams won reserve supreme champion with his reserve purebred Simmental heifer, and Trey Davis won third overall with his champion percentage Simmental heifer. In the bull show, Shelby Candler won reserve supreme champion with her champion percentage Simmental bull, and Cayte Mitchell won third overall with her champion purebred Simmental bull. Congratulations to all the juniors who competed in this year’s show. We hope to see you at many more upcoming Simmental shows!

In other news, now is the time to consign your Simmental animals to this year’s Fall Harvest Sale! This sale is not only the highlight of our Simmental year in North Carolina but also brings in several consignors and buyers from other states and across the nation. With the strongest cattle market we have ever seen, now is the time to market the cattle you have spent years breeding and improving to create a high quality product! We ask you to dig deep in your herd and bring your best to the sale so that we can showcase what North Carolina Simmental has to offer, and you can receive top dollar for your cattle. The Fall Harvest Sale is open to any breeders in any state. The sale is made up of opens, both fall and spring calving bred heifers and cows, cow/calf pairs, and genetic lots. If you are interested in consigning or have any questions about this year’s sale, please give us a call, and we will be more than happy to answer your questions! Go to www.ncsimmental.com for more information on the sale and consignments.

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

Purebred Simmental female grand drive.

Percentage Simmental female grand drive.

Champion percentage Simmental heifer, shown by Trey Davis.

Now Accepting Nominations: ASA’s Carcass Merit Program for Young Sires. ASA’s Carcass Merit Program (CMP) accepts young sire nominations for its program from members. Now is a window of opportunity to get one of your top sires tested!

Since 1997, CMP has relied on select cooperator herds to test sires. That avenue has grown, with several new herds added in recent years. In 2024, ASA added a new CMP testing channel, which allows even more sires to be tested annually.

Both options feed data into the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) multi-breed genetic evaluation, plus CMP helps evaluate young sire candidates and focuses on gathering progeny sire group carcass information.

Breeders interested in obtaining rare and valuable carcass records can enroll in the CMP for $2,000 per sire. With greater testing opportunities comes a greater need for sires! Get them nominated today! For more information, visit www.simmental.org, or contact Susan Russell, CMP Coordinator, at cmp@simmgene.com

Highlights from the Spring 2025 Board Meeting. The American Simmental Association’s Board of Trustees recently met in Bozeman, Mont., to discuss key matters on behalf of ASA members and the Association. Productive discussion was held throughout the three days, and we’d like to thank those who engaged during the committee meetings and/or other discussions.

Key resolutions:

• A directive was passed to continue exploring options to restructure International Genetic Solutions (IGS) as a division of the ASA.

• Susan Russell, CMP Coordinator, reported during the Breed

Improvement meeting that she is still accepting sire nominations for the Carcass Merit Program (CMP). If you or someone you know would like to nominate a sire, contact Susan at cmp@simmgene.com

• Resolutions were passed to approve the 2027 National Classic to be held July 17–23, 2027 in Louisville, Ken., and the 2027 Eastern Regional Classic to be held in Bloomsburg, Penn., June 23–26, 2027. Minor changes to the judge selection process beginning with the 2026/2027 show season were also approved and passed.

• A directive to have staff develop a notification email system for non-member accounts separate from the primary email address was passed.

As always, you are encouraged to reach out to a trustee from your region or a staff member with any questions you have. This is not a complete list of the resolutions and directives passed, but rather a highlight of some of the notable discussions.

Updated PAP EPD Available on Limited Number of Animals. An updated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) expected progeny difference (EPD) is now available on a limited number of animals registered at the American Simmental Association. The PAP evaluation was previously performed by Colorado State University due to their historical involvement and expertise in the trait complex, but has been transitioned to International Genetic Solutions (IGS). This transition allows the PAP evaluation to be managed in-house while fully leveraging the depth of the IGS multi-breed pedigree. The updated PAP EPD is generated using traditional pedigree based Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (PBLUP), meaning that genomic data are not currently incorporated into the prediction. Research is still underway to investigate multi-breed genomic markers for inclusion into the PAP evaluation in the future. Due to the limited number of PAP phenotypes and infeasibility of utilizing genomic information, EPD are only available on animals within five generations of an animal with a PAP phenotype, representing approximately 12,000 animals in the SIMUSA population. The PAP EPD can be located on the EPD suite on individual animal pages on Herdbook. For any questions, contact staff at simmental@simmgene.com.

About the American Simmental Association. Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education, and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA and its partners formed International Genetic Solutions — the world’s largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Learn more at www.simmental.org.

Grazing Management – Easy as 1, 2, 3

Managing grazing lands effectively can keep pastures productive for generations to come. Cattle producers are always looking for ways to improve their management practices to maximize grass production for their cattle. Whether producers are just getting started or are already implementing grazing strategies, here are three simple ideas to help guide land management decisions.

1. Develop a Grazing Management Plan — Developing a written grazing management plan (GMP) helps inventory resources and provides a roadmap to improved pasture management. It is a resource that can optimize the productivity of the land through the implementation of cost effective practices supporting forage growth and quality, cattle productivity, and improved environmental factors. It can help to further the farm or ranch’s resilience and increase the efficiency of the operation. Having a GMP is essential to the success, longevity, and profitability of operations.

Grazing Management Plans Serve to:

• Enrich grazing lands’ conditions

• Maximize water resources

• Improve soil condition and forage quality

• Optimize cattle grazing and pasture utilization

• Enhance wildlife habitat

• Identify risk factors and implement response actions

While many producers have a grazing plan in their heads, it is important to develop a written plan to effectively track successes, make changes, and transfer knowledge.

“When you sit down and put a plan on paper, it makes you rethink things and opens discussions with other people, so don’t be afraid to change,” said Suzanne Schuchart with Running V Ranch in Jourdanton, Texas.

Producers don’t have to design a plan on their own; help is available. Technical advisors with groups such as grazing lands coalitions, state cattlemen’s associations, university extension, and USDA-NRCS are available to support knowledge based decisions for producers. With expert assistance, the grazing management decisions made today can have a lasting impact on the success of the operation.

2. Track and Manage Data — New technologies, including software platforms and precision data tools, are available to help producers manage resources and make informed and efficient choices. Advanced analytics and precision tools allow farmers and ranchers to track and identify which practices yield the best results. Tracking data and keeping accurate records, such as rainfall, cattle movement, and forage amount, helps form the business case for decision making at the ranch level for the future.

“It is really about trying to create efficiencies,” said James Rogers with Northway Ranch Services in Twin Falls, Idaho. “We have limited time and money, and collecting data in real time helps us make better decisions.”

Another benefit of utilizing data management technology is transferring knowledge to the next generation. A critical aspect of transitioning operations successfully is ensuring that those next in line have the time tested knowledge of what does and does not work for the operation. Technology lends a helping hand by creating a recorded account of information that aids decision making. This

ensures the next generation has historical knowledge that can sometimes be lost during the transition.

Incorporating technology is also appealing to the tech savvy mindset of younger individuals. Utilizing new technology may help encourage them to stay in agriculture.

“There is so much advancement in technology that it provides an entry point for young people to come back and leverage their skill set and what they’ve learned, which can catapult their operation even further,” Rogers explained.

3. Share Successes and Mistakes — Cattle producers respect one another’s opinions and value their experiences, whether successful or not. Networking with neighbors and peers allows other cattlemen and women to learn what techniques worked well in different regions. Additionally, continuing education is key to the future of beef production. There are a variety of in-person and virtual workshops at the state, regional, and national levels that feature grazing management strategies.

“There are two things that motivate me: the relationship of people to people and the relationship of people to the land,” said Chad Ellis, CEO of Texas Agricultural Land Trust. “Grazing management workshops help us engage so we can be better tomorrow than we are today.”

Find grazing related tours, workshops, and other educational events through NCBA, state cattlemen’s associations, extension offices, and other organizations.

Implementing grazing strategies that benefit operations now and, in the future, doesn’t have to be difficult. Get started today by using the Grazing Management Workbook at www.ncba.org. This template serves to provide a starting point in developing a personalized grazing management plan that benefits the goals of individual operations.

“DESIGNED FOR CATTLEMEN BY CATTLEMEN”

S.C. harolaiS NewS

By GEORGEANNE WEBB, S.C. Charolais Association

T.J. Middleton of Georgia sent me the picture that I have attached to this article. He helps wash and move cattle at all the sales. His new baby came home in a Charolais blanket. Now that is dedication to the breed.

I We had a great time at the Appalachian Sale in Knoxville, and the ride up there on I-40 was a real eye opener. The hurricane did more damage than could ever be reported on the news.

I did find out that dear old Earl Pilgrim had passed away in November. Only you old timers like me will remember Earl. He used to come to all the sales in South Carolina and Georgia.

Now, for my big news — I want everybody to sit down before you read this. I don’t want to be sued for anybody collapsing and getting injured. Are you ready? You ain’t gonna believe this, and I’m gonna print this in bold.

The week before the Appalachian Sale, DENNIS ADAMS GOT MARRIED! He brought his wife, Sandra, to the sale. This is why I tell you not to miss a sale. You miss all kinds of things. I told Dennis that it’s times like these when I really do miss Mike King, because I could just hear him having a fit. I promise you this is true, although I had a hard time believing it myself.

Keep tabs on your neighbors and friends because this weather has been a booger around here. We had a tornado come nearby this week. It didn’t get us, but I watched it from the upstairs window. That was another first for me. I have never seen a funnel come down from a cloud. I’m telling you, I expect an earthquake this year and a terrible blizzard this coming winter. Who knows, I might have a volcano come up in the pasture.

Stay safe.will all want white cattle. N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of APRIL 2025

Beef Industry Gathers for Insightful Field Day

The North Carolina beef community came together on March 29 for the annual N.C. Beef Field Day, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the N.C. Beef System, N.C. State University, and the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Held at the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Reidsville, N.C., the event provided producers with valuable research updates, practical demonstrations, and networking opportunities.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Dan Poole of the N.C. Beef System and Aaron Snider, the superintendent of the Upper Piedmont Research Station. Their opening remarks set a positive and informative tone for the day. Attendees then heard insightful updates from key figures in the industry and academia. Dr. Loren Fisher provided an overview of current beef cattle research initiatives, while Dr. Todd See delivered an update from the N.C. State University Animal Science Department, highlighting the latest advancements and programs.

Milo Lewis offered remarks on behalf of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting and advancing the state’s beef industry. Dr. Megan Jacob conveyed a message from the Dean’s office, underscoring the university’s dedication to relevant agricultural research and outreach. Representing the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Dr. Joe French shared a message on behalf of Commissioner Steve Troxler, highlighting the importance of the beef sector to the state’s agricultural landscape.

A significant portion of the field day involved two engaging rotating stations, allowing attendees to delve into specific areas of interest.

Station 1: Feed Efficiency and Applied Research with the Vytelle System - This station, led by Dr. Dan Poole, Dr. Carrie Pickworth, and Dr. Andrew Weaver, focused on the critical aspect of feed efficiency in beef production. The experts discussed cutting edge applied research utilizing the Vytelle System, offering producers insights into how technology can be leveraged to optimize feed utilization and improve overall herd performance.

Station 2: Forages and Sustainable Grazing Practices - The second rotating station addressed the vital role of forages in beef cattle operations. Dr. Miguel Castillo, Dr. Matt Poore, Johnny Rogers, and Seth Nagy covered a range of topics, including rotational grazing strategies for improved pasture management, the integration of annual forages for enhanced productivity, and innovative techniques

such as drone seeding for efficient pasture establishment and maintenance.

In addition to the rotating stations, the field day featured several concise research updates, providing a snapshot of ongoing projects across the state:

• Anna-Beth William from NCDA&CS presented the findings of the latest corn silage variety trials conducted at the Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS), offering valuable data for producers to make informed decisions about their silage production.

• Benjamin Rajo shared research on fescue tolerance in cattle, specifically focusing on the measurement of pulmonary arterial pressure as an indicator. This research aims to help producers identify and manage potential issues related to fescue toxicosis.

• Allyson McCarty and Megan Bahr provided updates on the diverse cattle reproductive research being conducted in Dr. Felipe Silva’s lab at N.C. State University. Their presentations covered advancements in areas such as fertility, breeding technologies, and reproductive efficiency.

• Dr. Alan Franzluebbers shed light on the crucial topic of soil carbon sequestration in grazing systems. His presentation explored the benefits of healthy soils and management practices that can enhance carbon storage.

• Dr. Jennifer Halleran shared insights gathered from producers regarding their experiences and perspectives on cloud based programs designed to address the important issue of antimicrobial resistance in cattle production.

The N.C. Beef Field Day proved to be a valuable event for beef producers across North Carolina. The collaborative effort ensured a comprehensive program that addressed key areas of research, practical management strategies, and industry updates. The opportunity to interact with researchers, extension specialists, and fellow producers undoubtedly left attendees with new knowledge and connections to help advance their operations.

UPDATE

Red

Angus Heifers Support Improved Beef Industry Sustainability.

Getting first exposure heifers to breed and calve at two years of age could be called the foundation of beef industry sustainability. Reproduction is where the beef life cycle begins. The producer who falls short at getting enough heifers bred to calve early in the calving season is immediately at a disadvantage that will last the lifetime of those females. There is no efficient or inexpensive way to catch up. Late calving heifers become late calving cows, which cost the same to maintain but wean lighter calves and generate less income.

When not enough heifers breed on time, ranchers eventually compensate by exposing more heifers than would otherwise be needed to maintain the cow herd. This too becomes a source of inefficiency because additional heifers must be held as replacements, decreasing the number of heifers that can create immediate cash flow by entering the beef stream.

Heifer development itself is a balancing act. From the time a set

of replacement candidates are weaned until their first exposure, they must remain healthy and be grown out appropriately, such that a high percentage are cycling and ready to breed at 14–15 months of age. At the same time, no producer wants to waste feed. There is a point at which a high gain rate becomes expensive and potentially detrimental to fertility and longevity. Weaning-to-yearling growth rates near 1.5 lbs. per day are often considered adequate. However, no specific rate of gain is right for every group of heifers.

Because of their ability to breed and calve at two years of age without requiring extra feed, the Red Angus breed supports beef industry sustainability at its most basic level. Cow/calf producers from coast to coast and north to south understand the importance of reproduction, which is a key reason Red Angus market share in commercial cowherds grew from 15 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2024, according to a BEEF Magazine survey.

The RAAA database offers interesting insight into this subject. One readily observable theme is that Red Angus heifers are champions when tasked with getting bred in time to calve at two years of age. And, importantly, that statement holds true across a wide range of post weaning gain rates.

As shown in the table below, registered Red Angus females were split into quartiles from lowest to highest phenotypic gain between weaning and yearling. There is a sizable spread in gain rates from the lowest quartile (0.88 lbs per day) to the highest quartile (2.27 lbs), and the resulting difference in yearling weights is large at 215 lbs —

730 versus 945 lbs. Also noteworthy is that approximately 98 percent of these gain differences are non-genetic. When sorted and grouped in this manner, differences in nutrition and management explain why the respective groups gained at different rates.

Following these heifer groups through parity reveals no material difference in average age at first calving. All four groups calved at slightly over two years of age, which is right on schedule. Many replacement heifers are selected, in part, because they are born early in the calving season. Short gestation lengths are also a factor in early born heifers. Thus, their calving at slightly over two years of age, on average, is by design.

The lowest gaining group showed no real disadvantage, despite significantly lighter yearling weights. Nor did the fastest gaining quartile exhibit any advantage in age when calved for the first time. Data is unavailable as to how these heifers were managed from yearling to breeding. It is possible that heifers gaining less from weaning to yearling were placed on a higher nutritional plane to “catch up” from 12 months of age to the time of their first exposure.

Nonetheless, we can still conclude that heifers gaining toward the upper end of range probably did not need to be fed to gain as much as they did. Built-in Red Angus fertility is doing its job well, even with gain rates below 1.75 lbs per day. Note that average weaning weights for all four groups range from 573 lbs to 588 lbs, which is adequately heavy and something of an enabling factor, allowing slower gains from weaning to yearling, while still achieving desirable yearling and breeding weights.

The question might be asked as to whether the percentage of heifers calving was the same for all four groups. We know their average age at first calving was nearly the same, but did a smaller percentage in the low gaining group get bred and calve?

The lowest ADG group did experience a moderate, 3–4 percent point calving rate reduction compared to the other three groups. This may suggest that the lowest ADG quartile heifers were being challenged to breed in a lower input environment and were, therefore, tested with the intention of weeding out any heifers unable to conceive without additional feed. Again, the difference in calving rates is only modestly lower for the bottom gaining group, and for the other three quartiles, calving rates were essentially the same.

In addition to this data backed proof showcasing early fertility in Red Angus females, RAAA also offers a Heifer Pregnancy EPD to aid the genetic selection for heifer fertility. Sires with higher Heifer Pregnancy EPDs, on average, produce daughters that breed up at a

higher rate compared to daughters of sires with low Heifer Pregnancy EPDs. For more information,visit redangus.org/wp-content/ uploads/2021/01/RAAA_Guide-to-EPDs_1-2021.pdf.

About the Red Angus Association of America. The RAAA serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and using scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.redangus.org

ABBA Executive Vice President Update

By PAUL MAULSBY, American Brahman Breeders Association

Dear Members of the American Brahman Breeders Association,

Let’s Tell Our Brahman Beef Story — Capturing More Value in Brahman Fed Cattle: From Reputation to Real Returns

One of the questions I hear more often these days is — How do we capture more value in Brahman fed cattle? It’s a fair and necessary question — one we should all ask ourselves from time to time. But I’d also challenge us to ask — How do we tell our Brahman story? Not just in the show ring or maternal circles — but in the beef business, on the rail, and at the table.

We’ve long proven the value of Brahman genetics in terms of maternal strength, hybrid vigor, and environmental adaptability. But when it comes to fed cattle, the conversation is still evolving. If we want to gain more market share for Brahman beef, we must be more intentional, more strategic, and more unified in how we share that story.

1. Understanding the Market You’re In – Telling our Brahman story starts with understanding our audience. Brahman influenced cattle excel in regions that demand toughness — heat, humidity, long grazing seasons — but their potential doesn’t stop there. Opportunities exist in branded beef programs, regional niche markets, and international trade — if we build the right narrative backed by performance.

We already know Brahman fed cattle grow efficiently and handle pressure better than most. But many buyers and consumers don’t realize that Brahman fed cattle, when properly managed and finished, can marble and hang a competitive carcass. That’s on us — not just to deliver it, but to prove it and promote it.

So how do we tell the Brahman story? We tell it with data, results, and consistency that speak louder than assumptions.

2. Investing in Documentation and Data – If we want to be paid for the value Brahman cattle bring to the beef supply chain, we have to document it. That means collecting individual carcass data, feedlot performance records, and verifying breed composition through DNA.

We must identify and work with feed yards and processors willing to track Brahman influenced cattle through the system. Producers should also explore grid based marketing options — especially where Brahman and F1 cattle can capitalize on yield grade premiums. A heavy muscled, well managed Brahman steer can compete — and succeed — on the right grid.

Every time we share real world performance data, our Brahman story gets stronger. That’s how we build credibility — and market confidence.

3. Pushing for Processor Relationships – Some have said one of the challenges we face in telling the Brahman fed story is finding processors willing to handle Bos indicus influenced cattle. But that’s changing. Small and regional processors are seeing increased demand for locally sourced, leaner, distinctive beef — and that’s an opportunity we should lean into.

There’s also strong international demand for lean beef and Brahman genetics — especially in markets like Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. These regions understand and value the traits our cattle bring to the table.

The takeaway here is simple: we must be proactive. We need to seek out processor partnerships that recognize Brahman fed cattle as a premium product. That may require consistent supply, coordination among producers, or direct marketing through branded programs. But if we don’t tell our Brahman beef story — no one else will.

4. Changing the Narrative – Let’s be honest — there’s still negative messaging around Brahman fed cattle. That they’re too

lean. Too tough. Too inconsistent. While some of those perceptions are rooted in outdated management, they don’t reflect the reality of modern Brahman genetics or today’s cattle.

It’s our responsibility to change the narrative — and tell the positive Brahman beef story.

How do we do it? We start by promoting the results. We share feed conversion data. We highlight success stories — cattle that graded, topped the grid, or returned premiums. Telling our Brahman story means owning the conversation, using facts and results — not defending ourselves from misinformation.

Because if we don’t tell the Brahman fed story with pride and proof, someone else will — and it likely won’t be in our favor.

5. Using Crossbreeding to Your Advantage – Crossbreeding is where Brahman cattle shine brightest. The hybrid vigor they bring improves feed yard performance through increased efficiency, stronger health, and better gains. Whether you’re crossing with Angus, Charolais, Simmental, or another terminal breed, the value of Brahman influence is undeniable.

Programs like ABBA’s various F1 initiatives are designed to showcase that value — to promote structured crossbreeding systems that support better performance and bring recognition in the marketplace.

If we want to expand the footprint of Brahman fed cattle, crossbreeding must remain a cornerstone of our strategy — and our story.

Closing Thoughts – At ABBA, we’re proud of the role Brahman cattle have played in shaping the beef industry — and even more excited about the role they’ll play in the future. Capturing value in Brahman fed cattle won’t happen through genetics alone. It will take data, coordination, strategic communication, and a commitment to telling a better, truer story.

Our breed is built on strength, adaptability, and resilience. That story matters — and it’s time we make sure it’s seen, understood, and rewarded in the marketplace.

So how do we tell the Brahman story?

We tell it together.

We tell it with pride.

And we tell it with results.

UPDATE

Register your Wagyu with the American Wagyu Association. There are many reasons to register with AWA. Here are a few of the most important.

Compete in the U.S. Market – Registered AWA animals are primed to compete in the U.S. beef market as our registration process requires parentage traceability, phenotypic consistency, and EPD principals already known to U.S. cattle producers. These standards address current USDA goals of improving ‘Truth in Labeling’ issues and building trust with both buyers and consumers alike. As one of the most competitive and mature protein markets in the world, the U.S. is driven by consumer demand for premium cuts, transparency in sourcing, and sustainability.

Enhanced Animal Value – American Wagyu Registered animals with documented lineage and performance data add value to both your breeding stock and your meat sales. Our registry is strong and respected because we parent verify our Wagyu back to the animals that came over from Japan. This adds authenticity to your product.

Access to Genetic Tools – Utilize tools like Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and DNA testing to improve herd quality. AWA EPDs are the most accurate and powerful selection tools for U.S. producers. This is due to our high number of genotyped animals, robust phenotyping, and precise reflection of the U.S. production system, which reduces bias in statistical methods used to produce EPDs. If you are producing American, select American!

Marketing Opportunities – Add value to your Wagyu label by participating in USDA programs like the Authentic Wagyu program to differentiate your produces and reach premium markets.

Here at the American Wagyu Association, we have been working hard to make the animal registration process faster and easier. No more waiting for invoices and payments to get your eligible animals registered. Registrations are finalized either the same business day or up to two business days after the request has been submitted. You have up to 30 days after the animal is registered to pay the fees. Also, you can log into DigitalBeef anytime to pay your fees.

It’s about American raised beef! Support American producers!

DNA Testing with the American Wagyu Association. Let’s explore reasons to do your DNA testing with the American Wagyu Association.

1. Wagyu Global Bundle Test – Fee $53. This ‘genetic bundle’ is now offered to AWA members for a competitive cost and the convenience of combining several of the most popular requested genetic tests in one convenient package. Designed to simplify the process, this bundle brings together the most requested genetic tests in a single, easy-to-order package — saving you time, reducing costs, and streamlining your breeding decisions. One order, one process, complete insights. The Wagyu Global Bundle includes 100K genomic panel and SNP parentage. In addition, the F11, CHS, B3, and IARS recessive defect tests are also included. Easy to order, all completed at once.

2. DNA Sample Submission Options – This option has been brought to life by popular member input. You asked for it, and here it is! Save time and ship directly to the lab. To expedite your DNA testing timeline and save mailing time, the AWA is now able to offer the option for members to send your DNA samples directly to the Neogen Lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. If you have experience with proper sample submission, this can save valuable time for your operation. Reach out to the office to learn about all considerations regarding this option!

3. Test American/Register American/Market American – With verified parentage and genomically enhanced genetic prediction tools, the marketability of your American raised beef has been enhanced. Bred, born, raised and harvested in the United States? If your claim is ‘Product of the USA’, the AWA is here for you to test and register American.

About the American Wagyu Association. The American Wagyu Association, Inc. was incorporated in Texas on March 14, 1990, and serves to register Wagyu and promote the breed throughout the U.S., Canada, and other countries. The Association headquarters is located at the University of Idaho Research Park, Post Falls, Idaho. The American Wagyu Association has a vibrant membership base that continues to promote and develop the Wagyu influence in America and worldwide.

The opportunities Wagyu beef can offer are endless. Wagyu genetics cater to producers targeting the high end restaurant trade with highly marbled beef to the seedstock producer, supplying the cow/calf producers with a crossbred alternative that will offer calving ease and premium carcass quality in a single cross, which no other beef breed can.

Wagyu has a vital role to play in today’s beef industry, increasing the quality of red meat produced that health conscious consumer demand.

Pasture Management — Toxic Plant Considerations

By BOB LARSON, DVM, Ph.D., KSU Beef Cattle Institute

Cattlemen throughout history have known that some plants can be toxic to their animals. Some poisonous plants are only present in a few small areas of the U.S., while others are found over a wide geographic area. Some of these plants are poisonous during all phases of growth, while others are only poisonous — or more dangerous — during certain stages of growth or at certain times of the year.

Plants that cause damage to the heart or lungs will generally cause a very rapid death if a large enough dose is eaten — but if the amount consumed is less than a lethal dose, cattle may appear weak and depressed. Plants that are toxic to the liver or kidney seldom cause a rapid death but instead a slow decline in health and body condition. Consuming plants that cause damage to the liver can result in the buildup of toxins that would normally be removed by a healthy liver. These toxins can cause the skin to become very sensitive to sunburn and can cause other signs of liver failure, such as weight loss and poor performance. Some plants are toxic to the kidney — particularly plants such as oak trees that accumulate tannins. Cattle with kidney damage may show signs of reduced appetite, rapid weight loss, and increased water intake.

Some plants are toxic to the nervous system, such as some types of ryegrass, locoweeds, and water hemlock. Cattle that eat these plants may suffer from rapid death or longer term weight loss and nervous system signs, depending on the specific plant and the amount consumed. Signs of nervous system problems include staggering, apparent blindness, exaggerated movements, and hyper excitability.

Abortion or the development of birth defects can occur when pregnant cattle consume certain toxic plants. Abortions caused by toxic plants are often difficult to diagnose, and the birth defects caused by some toxic plants are the same or similar to defects caused by genetic problems or viral infection. Loco weeds, tobacco, lupine, and poison hemlock are known to cause birth defects in calves in certain situations when pregnant cows consume these plants.

In order to diagnose suspected plant poisonings, you should work with your veterinarian and a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Your veterinarian can help you to develop an accurate history and timeline for the problem. To identify the cause of losses due to poisonous plants, the pasture or pen should be inspected, both alive and dead animals should be examined, and diagnostic samples of plants, blood, and tissues should be properly collected and then evaluated by trained diagnostic laboratory personnel. The presence of toxic plants in pastures or hays is not proof that cattle have been harmed by the plants because many times cattle will refuse to eat them. However, finding evidence of consumption of potentially toxic plants by animals, either by observing evidence of grazing of suspected plants or by finding parts of these plants in the digestive tract of a dead animal, is highly suggestive of poisonings.

Because removing all toxic plants from a range or pasture is not

likely to be practical or successful, good grazing management using stocking density, fencing, water development and salt/supplement placement to maintain good pasture health will minimize the incentive for cattle to graze toxic plants. If it appears that a toxic plant problem is occurring, cattle should be removed from the suspected pasture immediately, and a veterinarian should be contacted. It is important to work with veterinarians, extension agents, natural resource conservation service specialists, and range specialists who can all help develop a plan to keep pastures healthy and minimize the risk of toxic plant poisonings.

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of APRIL 2025

2025 SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

704-872-6411

Statesville, NC mhall@jamesriverequipment.com

& Drug Protection Division 919-733-7366 www.ncagr.gov/fooddrug

Division 919-707-3255 www.ncagr.gov/vet

ncaa.sec@gmail.com www.ncangus.org

Preston Cave Dobson, NC 336-374-0640 pacaerialapp@gmail.com

Peter Hostetler

Linville, VA 540-810-4605 peternh00@gmail.com www.pearsonlivestockeq.com

Rocky Mount, Virginia 800-423-7473

Spring Hill, Tennessee 931-489-2020

office@premierselect.com www.premierselectsires.com

Josh Bowman

5767 NC 8 Hwy. North Lawsonville, NC

888-777-5912

www.performancefeedco.com

Doug Rowell Indian Trail, NC 704-787-6819

Donna Moore President & CEO

Asheboro, NC 336-628-4949

dmoore@piedmontcustommeats.com

Mark Rogers Mount Airy, NC 336-789-2926

drowell@landolakes.com www.landolakes.com

seoffice@southeastagriseeds.com www.southeastagriseeds.com

Marina Strickland Middlesex, NC 919-271-1299 oldruderafarm@gmail.com www. pauscattle.org David Bodenheimer Winston Salem, NC 336-867-0773 bodie@reagan.com

bmrogers@rogersrealty.com www.rogersrealty.com

Staley, NC 336-215-4774 bowman.agr.1212@gmail.com www.sgbreedersofthecarolinas.com Rome, Georgia 706-528-4806

Raleigh, NC 919-875-4800

www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/ North-Carolina

National Agricultural Statistics Service Raleigh, NC 919-707-3333

www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_ State/North_Carolina

Thomas Leerkes Benson, NC 919300-9116 mix30nc@gmail.com

Tyler Thoreson

Territory Business Manager Hickory, NC 407-902-4712

tyler.thoreson@zoetis.com

2025 Auction Donors & Supporters DONORS

The Barn Loft

Boundary Builders

CALS Alumni & Friends Society

Cargill

Catawba Valley Cattle Women

CowPhIT

CPC Livestock Nutrition

Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina

Farm Systems Inc. of Statesville

Mason Henson

Mark Alley

Greg Anderson

Kent Bacus

Allen Barlowe

Bryan Blinson

Keith Blinson

Brandon Bowman

Neil Bowman

Keely Bryson

Callie Carson

Shane Cassell

Ryan Clark

Walter Earle

Dwayne Ferrell

Howard Gentry

Karl Gillespie

Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

N.C. Choices

N.C. Simmental Association

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Performance Cattle Company

Performance Livestock & Feed Company

Purina

T&D Mix 30

The Farmer’s Mercantile

SUPPORTERS

Brooke Harward

Stephen Herring

Casey Hinnant

Charmae Kendall

Dustin Kendall

Alex Kissinger

John Langdon

Jim Ledford

Jeremy Lee

Billy Lewis

Angie Maier

Steven Matthews

Myron McCoy

Charlie McCoy

Danny McCrae

Eddie Moore

Patrick Neal

Mark Pendleton

Dan Poole

Matt Poore

Johnny Rogers

Doug Rowell

Wyatte Saintsing

Todd See

Bruce Shankle

Fred Smith

Charlie Thomas

Will Thompson

Alex Tigue

William Ward

Scott West

Kim Woods

UPDATE

NALRF/SDSU Research Project Economic Analysis. The following economic analysis on the NALRF/SDSU research project comparing three different sire groups consisting of Angus, LimFlex, and Limousin sires bred to commercial Angus cows is evaluated in the SDSU presentation that is attached. (A.I. sires utilized were independently selected by Dr. Robert Weaber, KSU for relative EPD equivalency, also utilizing USMARC breed adjustments to better measure breed comparisons.). Slides pertaining to economic analysis were prepared by Dr. Warren Rusche of South Dakota State University.

Assumptions, questions, and economic value analysis:

1. What is the effect of adding days on feed and the resulting impact on revenue, cost, and return on all cattle and differences between the sire groups?

2. Constant grid values are used for all three harvest dates spread 30 days apart. Breeds are analyzed by groups at 200, 235, and 270 days on feed after an initial warmup period of 78 days.

3. Cattle feeders have extended days on feed, resulting in hot carcass weights exceeding the upper bounds of existing slaughter datasets. Consequently, there is a need for new research to evaluate cattle growth, efficiency, and carcass outcomes as cattle are fed to heavier HCW (>1,000 lbs for steers).

4. Cattle were fed to larger outwieghts to be more reflective of the larger outweights being seen in the current fed cattle industry today and the increasing trend in larger carcass weights.

5. Grid values were based on a Cargill grid, base price = $310/cwt.

6. Cost assumptions in value established using January 2024 starting weights and the South Dakota USDA report (Steers & Heifers). Ration cost = $200/ton, yardage at 50¢ per day along with trucking, vet, etc. = 85/head. Interest at 8.5 percent on feeder cattle and feed. Ending values were calculated from Cargill settlement.

Takeaways:

1. All breed groups reflected an increase in value with added DOF.

2. The added value in revenue and margin for all three breed groups increased to offset increasing costs at all three harvest dates for all cattle combined. This is very reflective of today’s increasing outweight trends in fed cattle production and subsequent hot carcass weights.

3. Lim-Flex sired cattle excelled in added revenue and margin from 200 DOF to 270 DOF when combining feed cost of gain and carcass results – Lim-Flex = $428.86/hd revenue, $250.39/hd cost, $188.48 margin; Angus = $423.12/hd revenue, $255.57/hd cost, $167.55 margin; Limousin = $328.24/hd revenue, $242.86/hd cost, $85.38 margin.

Note – Lim-Flex sired progeny had an equivalent number of prime grading carcasses as compared to Angus while achieving superior yield grade and dry matter conversions within the final 70 days on feed.

4. Profit for “all” cattle – $/hd increased at each DOF harvest endpoint.

• 200 DOF = $284.61/head

• 235 DOF = $347.17/head

• 270 DOF = $417.03/head

5. Overall profit by sire breed from start to finish was led by Limousin and Lim-Flex sired calves when combining cost of gain and carcass results – Limousin = $357.47/head; Lim-Flex = $353.43/ head; and Angus = $330.99/head.

Note – Increased Limousin influence improved dry matter conversion, resulting in lower cost of gains to enhance their profitability. Although Limousin cattle had no prime carcasses, they also had no select carcasses, and increased Limousin influence resulted in superior yield grade, resulting in fewer yield grade 4 and 5 cattle and resulting yield grade discounts when fed to larger outweights. A ration cost increase from $200/ton to $275/ton increased profitability for Limousin and Lim-Flex sired calves, given improved feed conversion rates.

6. Breed difference effects in overall research trial – Breed did not affect ADG, final BW, or HCW. Increased Limousin influence reduced DMI and improved F:G. Increased Limousin influence REA and reduced rib fat and yield grade. Angus influence increased marbling score. Lim-Flex sired calves had a similar proportion of premium carcass grades compared to Angus for CAB and Prime carcasses, in addition to improved yield grade.

About the North American Limousin Foundation. The North American Limousin Foundation, headquartered in Englewood, Colo., provides programs and services, including the documentation of more than 25,000 head of cattle annually, for approximately 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and Lim-Flex hybrid offer industry leading growth and efficiency while being an ideal complement to British breeds. For more information about NALF, please visit www.nalf.org

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

Protect Your Herd — Essential Tips for Preventing Pinkeye Post Pasture Turnout

As herds are being turned out on pasture, most calves will get an immunity boost for select diseases through a vaccination program.

“Arguably the most common health nuisance on pasture — pinkeye — doesn’t have an easy vaccine solution with consistent efficacy,” says Chris Clark, Iowa State University extension beef specialist. “In part, this is because pinkeye is complicated, involving multiple bacterial strains and risk factors.”

The solution? Prevention, prevention, and early intervention.

Prevention Points

• Reduce corneal irritants – The cornea provides a protective layer over the eye, and when it is healthy, bacteria cannot attach. Irritants that damage the cornea allow bacteria to colonize and infection to occur. Common irritants on pasture include UV light, seedheads and dust.

• Control fly populations – Flies contribute to cornea irritation, but the primary role of flies in regard to pinkeye is carrying the bacteria from one animal to the next and facilitating transmission. Because flies can travel distances, the adage “Your fly control program is only as good as your neighbor’s” bears truth. But by taking steps in your herd, populations can still be significantly reduced. Multifaceted approaches are the most effective.

• Prioritize nutrition – Multiple macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for an effective immune response. A well balanced mineral program is important in keeping the herd healthy. Mineral supplements can become costly, so a solid understanding of mineral levels in the available feed and water can help reduce some costs without sacrificing animal performance.

Early Intervention

• Check cattle regularly and watch closely for early signs of infection – Once clinical signs are observed, initiate treatment as soon as possible to minimize complications and severe cases.

• Treat with systemic antibiotics labeled for pinkeye, and be diligent in following label directions – Weigh animals to ensure appropriate dosing. Use good injection site practices to ensure optimal drug absorption.

• Adjunct therapy such as eye patches, stitching eyelids shut, and subconjunctival injections are sometimes used in addition to systemic antibiotics – Evidence is somewhat inconsistent regarding efficacy of these practices. Eye patches have been shown to speed corneal ulcer healing, but for best results, leave a spot open to facilitate drainage and airflow when applying. Pinkeye increases sensitivity to UV light, so shade can be helpful for animal comfort. Pain associated with pinkeye may warrant the use of an anti-inflammatory as well. Topical ointments and sprays are also sometimes used.

“As with all health challenges, work closely with your veterinarian to develop a plan for dealing with cases,” Clark says. “Before using any medications, talk with your veterinarian about safety and legality for use in the eye, required dosing schedules, and required withdrawal times.”

Historic Common Ground Summit Unites Industry to Secure America’s Agricultural Future

In the face of mounting challenges, 40 leaders from across the livestock industry convened at the Common Ground Summit on April 21–23, at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel. Their shared mission is to safeguard rural communities, ensure America’s food independence, and preserve a way of life central to the nation’s agricultural heritage. A Watershed Moment for American Agriculture – Years of bridge building culminated in this pivotal event, marking what participants described as a breakthrough for industry wide collaboration.

Attendees achieved unprecedented consensus on comprehensive policy priorities designed to fortify all segments of the livestock industry. These priorities address urgent threats — including regulatory burdens, labor shortages, tax challenges, and barriers to entry for the next generation of producers — that jeopardize the sustainability of family operations and rural economies.

Turk Stovall, a rancher and cattle feeder from Billings, Mont., who served as the summit’s moderator, highlighted the event’s importance.

American Gelbvieh Association Welcomes Grace Schlueter as 2025 Summer Intern. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to welcome Grace Schlueter as the 2025 summer intern. Schlueter, a sophomore majoring in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the cattle industry to her role.

Schlueter grew up on a registered Gelbvieh and Balancer cow/ calf operation near Scribner, Nebraska. Her lifelong involvement in agriculture includes participation in 4-H and FFA programs, where she enjoyed livestock judging and showing. She is also a current member of the UNL Block and Bridle Club and meats judging team.

“I’ve always been passionate about agriculture and genetics,” she said. “This internship is an incredible opportunity to gain a holistic view of the beef industry by working with a breed association.”

One of Schlueter’s key responsibilities this summer will be assisting with the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) Junior Nationals event, which brings together youth from across the country for competitions, networking, and leadership development.

“I’m most excited about helping organize Junior Nationals,” she said. “It’s such a busy time, but I love the energy and seeing everything come together.”

AGA is committed to the success of the cattle industry, which

means supporting and fostering opportunities for the future of the industry: the next generation of producers and colleagues.

As a former ag teacher, Harold Bertz, AGA executive director, shares that creating opportunities for interns and witnessing their professional growth is rewarding for the AGA team and its members.

“Internships provide invaluable hands-on experiences, helping our young leaders explore their passions, build skills, and discover pathways to long term involvement in an industry that is vital to agriculture and food production,” he says. “These are the future leaders of our industry, and helping them discover all that the industry has to offer is an important role we can all take part in.” During her internship, Schlueter will gain exposure to various aspects of the AGA’s operations, including youth outreach, genetic programs, and registration services.

“This internship will help me figure out what I want to do with my future while allowing me to give back to an industry I love,” Schlueter adds. Schlueter officially began her internship on May 27.

About the American Gelbvieh Association. AGA, started in 1971, is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing approximately 1,000 members and approximately 45,000 currently active Gelbvieh, Balancer, and Gelbvieh influenced cows assessed annually in a performance oriented total herd reporting system. The Gelbvieh breed is well known throughout the industry for their maternal strengths and superior growth. With these attributes, Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle fit well into a crossbreeding system

“The power behind the Common Ground Summit is that these are real producers from across our country that represent a lot of different segments of the livestock industry,” he said. “This goes beyond any one organization. It’s all of us as cattle producers saying, ‘These are the things we really need — and we really need them now.’”

Turning Challenges into Solutions – The three day summit tackled a stark reality — America risks losing its capacity to feed itself independently, a situation with profound implications for both national security and the agricultural sector.

Through intensive dialogue, participants reached consensus on six critical areas for action:

1. Ag Friendly Tax Policy – Extend and enhance key provisions like transfer tax exemptions, step-up in basis, and accelerated depreciation to support agricultural families.

2. Risk Management Tools – Improve programs like Livestock Risk Protection to better serve producers.

3. Access to Labor – Streamline and expand H-2 programs to address labor shortages.

4. Flexibility for Livestock Haulers – Exempt livestock haulers from restrictive hours-of-service rules and the electronic logging device mandate.

5. Support for Young and Emerging Producers – Expand USDA loan programs, incentivize land transfers to younger producers, and foster interest in agricultural careers.

6. Innovation and Sustainability – Champion technologies and programs that enhance livestock production efficiency and sustainability.

Barb Downey, a rancher from Wamego, Kan., who took part in the inaugural event, agreed.

“I’m pleasantly surprised that we are setting aside differences and moving forward on actionable items that we can work towards together,” she said. “You’ve got some really amazing people in this room, and we’ve all adopted the attitude that we’re going to work on what we can agree on and get that done.”

And that “we’re all in this together” attitude will be the key to success, Greg Ibach said. The farmer and rancher from Nebraska previously served as USDA’s Undersecretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and as the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

“We seem to have more divergence of opinion on how things should take place, even within the beef industry,” he said. “Bringing together members of different organizations that sometimes diverge on policy opinions and trying to find some uniformity, I think, will help us be more effective in Washington, D.C., if we can go back with a unified ask, at least on certain topics.”

A Call to Action – Stovall said the group — and the industry as a whole — must strike while the iron is hot and invites others to join the charge.

“As land goes out of production, as producers don’t come back to the farms, at what point do we wake up in the morning and we find out we can’t feed our country, and it really becomes beyond a livestock industry issue?” Stovall asked. “It becomes a national security issue. And so right now is the most important time for us to be talking about these things.”

The Common Ground Summit stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, charting a path forward for America’s livestock industry. For more information on this initiative, visit www. commongroundsummit.net.

About the Common Ground Summit. The summit marked a historic step forward in a multi-year effort to strengthen unity within the livestock industry.

Bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, operations, and organizational involvement, the summit demonstrated the livestock industry’s collective commitment to preserving America’s agricultural land for future generations while strengthening and expanding the livestock producers who rely on it to feed the world.

Participants engaged in focused discussions on topics that were identified as being most pressing to achieving these shared goals. Through intensive dialogue and collaboration, attendees successfully identified key priorities and actionable solutions to drive progress on these pivotal topics.

All stakeholders in the livestock industry are called upon to pursue impactful change with a common voice

Clemson Bull Test Program — Call for Nomination

By LINDSEY CRAIG, Clemson University

This serves as an open call for nominations for the 2025-2026 Clemson Bull Test Program. The deadline for all nominations is July 15. Priority is given to consignors who have participated in the bull testing program in the past two years, then new in-state consignors, and finally new out-of-state consignors. The nomination forms, health forms, and due dates can be found at our Clemson Extension Bull Test website at www.clemson. edu/extension/bulltest/index.html

We had an extraordinary 2025 sale with an outstanding sale average of $6,975. Bulls went home to four different states with new and previous buyers. Prices continue to be high, following the trends of our current cattle market. Buyers proved that selecting a high quality bull is top of their priority list.

We will be utilizing the Vytelle GrowSafe 6000 feed system to allow us to measure individual feed intake for each bull and calculate relative feed efficiency. Feeding an animal is one of the biggest inputs that a producer incurs, so buying a bull with efficient genetics is key.

When selecting bulls for nomination, please evaluate structural soundness and disposition. Review the requirements found in the nomination form and ensure your bull meets or exceeds all benchmarks. Also, compare your animal’s genetic profile against their breed to ensure it is competitive. Read through the nomination and health forms carefully. Please note that there are some changes in requirements for acceptance. Changes and additions to rules are highlighted. We have added that DNA genomics are to be done prior to delivery, and signed registration papers are due upon delivery. Consigned bulls are to be free of all known genetic defects specific to their respective breed registry. Also, all bulls should have an 840 HDX ear tag in the LEFT EAR upon arrival at the bull test station.

Federal regulation requires the RFID tag to be in the left ear. Get your nominations in early. Interest is high, and you do not want to miss your opportunity. The test will begin in mid-August. For additional information, contact Lindsey Craig at lcraig@ clemson.edu or 864-934-6443.

Public Lands Ranchers Charles and Heather Maude Conclude Trip to Washington. Recently, public lands ranchers Charles and Heather Maude visited Washington, D.C., following news that criminal charges levied against them under the Biden administration would be dropped thanks to the hard work of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and President Donald J. Trump.

“Federal overreach on your private property is not an experience any farmer or rancher should ever have to face,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “I am thankful that the Maudes can return to their family ranch and their normal life free from the looming threat of federal charges.”

“The Maude family endured a living nightmare, and for the first time in months, they can finally rest knowing that an overreaching federal government will no longer be trying to throw them in jail,” said Public Lands Council (PLC) President Tim Canterbury, a federal grazing permittee and Colorado rancher. “We are so thankful for the groundswell of support from the Trump administration, Secretary Rollins, and grassroots ranchers from around the country who rallied around the Maudes. PLC will continue fighting to make sure this situation never happens to another hardworking federal grazing permittee again. We are thrilled that Charles, Heather, and their children can return to regular life.”

On April 30, the Maude family attended a press conference on the steps of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Joining Secretary Rollins and the Maudes at the press conference were Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Senator Mike Rounds, Congressman Dusty Johnson, Governor Larry Rhoden, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane, and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover.

Following the press conference at USDA, the Maude family and Glover met with senior officials at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

On May 1, the Maude family traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with Senator Rounds and Congresswoman Hageman. The Maudes expressed gratitude for the support of elected officials in bringing their case to the Trump administration’s attention, and they discussed policy avenues Congress can take to prevent this issue from

occurring in the future. NCBA and PLC have supported the Fence Line Fairness Act introduced by Senator Rounds to create a formal boundary dispute mediation process that would avoid future criminal charges like the Maudes experienced. NCBA and PLC encourage cattle producers to contact their senators and urge support for the Fence Line Fairness Act.

Charles and Heather also had an opportunity to tell their story during media interviews from Washington, including live appearances on RFD-TV and Fox Business.

Ranchers Congratulate Kate MacGregor on her Confirmation as DOI Deputy Secretary. NCBA and PLC congratulated Kate MacGregor on being confirmed as the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).

“Deputy Secretary MacGregor is a trusted expert in land management issues, and no one is more qualified to take on this role. In her previous time as Deputy Secretary and throughout her career, she has been dedicated to protecting and strengthening the future of public lands,” said Kaitlynn Glover. “After years of wildfires and deteriorating range health, Deputy Secretary MacGregor is the perfect choice to bring certainty back to America’s rangeland. NCBA and PLC congratulate her on her confirmation, and we look forward to continuing to work with her to the benefit of America’s livestock producers.”

PLC Announces Policy Committee Leaders. PLC recently announced the appointment of public lands ranchers to new leadership positions in PLC policy committees. These individuals will guide conversations that develop grassroots policies aimed at strengthening federal lands management and multiple use policy that recognize the important role livestock grazing continues to play in Western communities.

“Our committee leaders are tasked with being the pulse of the ranching and grazing community. From local community gatherings to meetings in the Capitol, these leaders take critical time away from their operations to work for the future of our industry,” said PLC President and Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury. “I am proud to

announce these new leaders who have already shown over the course of their ranching careers that they are willing to stand up and fight for our industry. I am looking forward to working with them over the next two years and beyond.”

The announcement also included a restructuring of PLC policy committees to be responsive to developing needs of public lands policy. The incoming policy committee chairs and vice chairs of PLC committees include: Grazing

Chair – Brian DeGanahl (Arizona)

Vice Chair – Ty Checketts (Wyoming) Wildlife

Chair – Jeff Dawson (Washington)

Vice Chair – John O’Keeffe (Oregon) Multiple Use

Chair – Perri Jacobs (Montana)

Vice Chair – Bronson Corn (New Mexico) Industry Issues

Chair – Nate Thompson (Utah)

Vice Chair – Dave Daley (California)

“Our advocacy efforts in D.C. are guided by our policy book and the volunteer leaders who write it. Being part of this grassroots policy process is no easy job, and these committee leaders will be serving during an especially busy time for federal lands ranching policymaking,” said Kaitlynn Glover. “We have a lot to get done during their term. From reforming the Endangered Species Act to increasing wildfire prevention efforts, our policy leaders will continue to ensure permittees’ perspectives are front and center in these policy debates.”

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

What If There’s A Drought?

By DR. ROGER GATES, Southeast AgriSeeds

Areas of the Southeast categorized by the U.S. Drought Monitor as “unusually dry” or “moderate drought” have decreased since early March. Forecasts from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center suggest the Southeast will be warmer than normal and precipitation will be above normal through July. But, the weather for hay making has been ideal recently and rapid growth of cool season perennial plants will rapidly draw down soil moisture.

Perhaps the first step in being prepared for a drought is to avoid being surprised. Periods without rain, sometimes referred to as “flash droughts,” are not unusual. Prolonged periods of below normal precipitation may never be more than a few months away — they should be expected.

Not being surprised requires an objective assessment of the operation’s carrying capacity and livestock numbers. Excessive animal numbers always lead to overgrazing, which is exceedingly detrimental during drought. Having a destocking plan in place should drought become severe may remove emotion from the necessary decision making process.

A pattern of fewer rainfall events with greater intensity places a premium on maintaining soil conditions that enhance infiltration, reduce runoff, and shade the soil surface to limit evaporation. In our region, that means a healthy stand of perennial grasses, both cool and warm season with diversity provided by broadleaved legumes and forbs.

Extended dry conditions may require feed provided by alternatives, either planted annuals or harvested hay. Most operations depend on hay supplies for winter feed. Planting warm season annuals may be the best alternative during the summer.

“Standard” summer annuals planted for relief during dry conditions include sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, sudangrass and pearl millet. Sorghum materials may be best suited for finer textured, clayey soils, while pearl millet is best adapted to lighter textured sandier soils. Many varieties of these species include desirable brown-midrib (low lignin) and dwarf (more leaf, less stem) traits that enhance nutritional value.

Less conventional warm season annuals might include crabgrass, or one of several divers mixtures which include both grass and broadleaved species. If planting equipment is stored after spring planting, make certain it is in good repair. Being able to respond to a timely rain with immediate planting may make the difference in establishing a stand or not.

LIVESTOCK NEWS

Livestock Veterinarian and Entomologist Share Insights, Proven Fly and Insect Control Tips. With the modalities of fly and insect control available today, cattle producers do everything short of shielding their herd’s health and performance with a magnetic force. To promote healthier herds and prevent production losses to cattle operations, let’s review practical guidance on control methods.

More than annoyance — impact on health and profits – “If you are seeing flies, ticks, lice, or insect damage to your cattle herd, we know there is an economic impact; however, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone,” says Ashby Green, DVM, senior technical services veterinarian with Neogen. “Insect pressure affects grazing patterns of cattle; it affects their comfort, and it can lead to health issues. Some of those health issues can be definite, such as anaplasmosis.”

Herd Health – Commonly referred to as “filth flies,” insects such as houseflies, horn flies, stable flies, and face flies — as well as ticks — present many herd health risks, according to Jonathan Cammack, Ph.D., D-ABFE, assistant professor and state extension specialist with Oklahoma State University.

The vectors responsible for spreading anaplasmosis include horseflies, stable flies, and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the United States, while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the south, several midwestern states, and western states.1

“With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow/calf operations,” shares Dr. Cammack. “A lot of times, horn flies will feed on the udders of the animals, and they transfer the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with them because they land on the manure, then they go back to the animal to feed and bring those bacteria with them.”

Several other conditions are propagated by flies or ticks, including pinkeye ( infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis ), which can be spread by face flies through the Moraxella bovis bacteria and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. Pinkeye affected calves are on average 35–40 lbs lighter at weaning compared to healthy calves, according to a University of Kentucky report.2

With these implications at stake, the message is clear: Insect control, including flies, ticks, and lice, is a very important part of best animal husbandry practices for livestock operations. Dr. Green shares that, “In more recent years, studies have demonstrated that a 2,000 lb bull or 1,300 lb cow can detect when a fly lands on their skin.”

Profitability – Due to flies, “We’re looking at probably $6 billion in losses annually to U.S. cattle production, and that encompasses everything from actual loss in production due to decreased weight gain or decreased milk production, veterinary needs associated with treatment of cattle with exposure to pathogens from some of these

insects, and then also the control measures associated with managing those individual fly species,” says Dr. Cammack.

In addition to flies, ticks present lofty economic risks, as well. Dr. Cammack shares how, “over a 100 day growing period, we can see a decrease in total weight gain in calves by about 20 pounds. For stockers over that same 100 day period during the summer months, we see a decrease in weight gain of about 60 pounds. With what current prices are, 60 lbs could translate to a significant amount of money returned when we’re talking about the few dollars that it might cost for some tick control.”

Controlling flies and insect — tips to implement – Now is the time to take steps to control flies and ticks, as populations emerge with the warmer weather.

Dr. Green recommends using a multi-pronged approach to insect control. Fly tags, feed through insect growth regulator (IGR) products, pour-ons, back rubbers, and dust bags can help diminish the population. A pour-on with an IGR destroys the larval development in flies and greatly reduces the fly population. For ultimate control using a pour-on, look to a unique combination of actives within one solution that includes an IGR, an adulticide, and a synergist that supplies relief to cattle from infestations and provides producers with a reliable solution that helps minimize handling, time, and labor costs.

“Both back rubbers and dust bags can be highly effective if managed correctly. Keep in mind that, when these are put out to withstand the elements, including moisture and rain, it’s key to keep the dust fresh or the oil recharged in your back rubbers. Otherwise, they will diminish in their ability to control flies quickly,” advises Dr. Green.

In order to prevent the issue of resistance, Dr. Cammack recommends that cattle producers follow a two-pronged approach to fly and insect control. In essence, “Use IGRs to help tackle the larval flies that are in decomposing resources, and use other compounds or products, whether it’s an ear tag or a pour-on, for the adult flies.”

Dr. Cammack also stressed the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.

To best control flies and insects on cattle operations, “The easy and effective way is the best way,” concludes Dr. Green. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”

To learn more, visit www.Prozap.com

References

1USDA=APHIS. (January 2024) Bovine anaplasmosis. www.aphis. usda.gov/sites/default/files/bovine-anaplasmosis-infosheet.pdf.

2Arnold, M., & Lehmkuhler, J. (n.d.). Fact sheet: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or “pinkeye” in cattle. University of Kentucky. ruminant.ca.uky.edu/files/factsheet_on_pinkeye_final.pdf.

About Neogen. Neogen Corporation is committed to fueling a brighter future for global food security through the advancement of human and animal well being. Harnessing the power of science and technology, Neogen has developed comprehensive solutions spanning the food safety, livestock, and pet health and wellness markets. A world leader in these fields, Neogen has a presence in over 140 countries with a dedicated network of scientists and technical experts focused on delivering optimized products and technology for its customers. To learn more, visit www.neogen.com.

Senator Mike Lee’s OFF Act is an Attack on American Agriculture

By COLIN WOODALL, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Senator Mike Lee (R – Utah) is at it again with his reintroduction of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act — a deceptively named bill that threatens the ability of farmers and ranchers to unite through self funded commodity checkoff programs. These programs are created and governed by producers to support marketing, research, and education for products like beef, dairy, Christmas trees, and others — without taxpayer funding. Senator Lee’s relentless attacks on checkoff programs undermine the very backbone of American life — a safe, wholesome, and affordable food supply.

Despite the title, there is nothing “fair” about this legislation, nor does it create opportunity for farmers and ranchers. Instead, the OFF Act completely undermines producers’ right to collectively invest in their industry. It limits the ability for producers to speak with one voice in a marketplace increasingly dominated by misinformation. It blocks the ability to differentiate real beef from a confusing array of fake products.

Senator Lee’s OFF Act — couched in populist, anti-tax rhetoric — would bury these programs under layers of unnecessary bureaucracy, prohibit them from working with industry partners, and silence their ability to counter misleading or hostile narratives about agriculture. That’s not reform; that’s sabotage. These programs are not taxpayer funded; they’re financed and directed by farmers and ranchers themselves for the benefit of all who pay into the program, and they work. USDA studies show the Beef Checkoff returns more than $13 for every $1 invested.

More concerning is who stands to benefit if the OFF Act passes. The legislation is championed not by mainstream producers but by a loose coalition of anti-agriculture activists, radical animal rights groups, and fringe organizations that have been working long and hard to destroy the checkoff system. These groups have found

sympathetic supporters like Senator Lee and radical left Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey who is a champion of the animal rights movement, to further their cause. Anti-checkoff efforts serve no purpose other than to weaken the voice of American agriculture and clear the way for animal rights activists, plant based advocates, and fake protein companies to dominate the conversation about food, farming, and climate.

By dismantling checkoff programs, the OFF Act would make it harder — not easier — for small and medium sized farmers and ranchers to compete with these well funded fake meat companies. It would allow more effective and coordinated attacks on agriculture. In short, the OFF Act would cripple the very programs that help build consumer trust, drive demand, and grow markets. Far from creating opportunities, this bill would remove one of the few reliable tools that producers have available to level the playing field.

Senator Lee knows the farmers and ranchers in his home state of Utah oppose the OFF Act. He has already met with Utah Cattlemen’s Association and Utah Farm Bureau members, who have rejected his bill. He also knows that farmers and ranchers nationwide oppose the OFF Act. So, the real question is, “Why does he continue to push such unpopular legislation?”

Make no mistake, the OFF Act isn’t about transparency or fairness. It’s about dismantling a proven system of producer led, self determination in favor of ideological purity tests and Washington micromanagement. That doesn’t create opportunity, and it’s certainly not about fairness.

Senator Lee should reconsider his alignment with anti-agriculture interests seeking to put farmers and ranchers out of business. American farmers and ranchers deserve support — not sabotage.

2025 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts

New NCCA Members for 2025

During the Membership Committee meeting held at the 2007 N.C. Cattle Conference, members decided to list the name and county of residence of those who recently joined as a NEW member of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection

A new member is someone who has never been a member or has rejoined after a brief break in their membership. Below is a list of NCCA’s new members:

Out-of-State

Ronnie Brickhouse – Virginia

Buncombe County

Elsa Arana Funez

Rian Barbour

Karsyn Cowan

Lauren Davis

Eliza Long

Calleigh Phillips

Kaylee Revis

Olivia Stamey

Burke County

Katherine Bivens

Mark Lowman

Maynard and Shirley Taylor – Maynard Taylor Farm

Chatham County

Darrel Harris

Cleveland County

Ryan Grigg – Superior Braunvieh Farm

Pate Pollard

Columbus County

Jake Bordeaux – Applewhite Farms

Craven County

Charles Wyatt McCoy

Cumberland County

Erick Andrea Hayes, Jr.

Lilly Russell

Davidson County

Connie Jacobs – The Jacobs Family Farms

Dale Loflin

Duplin County

Sadie Jackson

Edgecombe County

Addison Calhoun

Brooke Minchew

Forsyth County

Carson Ward – AgSouth Farm Credit

Franklin County

Caleb Davis

Granville County

Willie Richards

Greene County

Johnny & Shea McLawhorn – Triple M Farms Inc.

Guilford County

Analia Agundiz

Morgan Burgess

Mariah Cahill

Matthew Faulkner

Anaya Ferris

Don E. Freeman – Freeman Ranch

Bracey Griggs

Andres Grimaldo

Andrea Lara-Estrada

Jennifer Lopez Romero

James Marley

Taylyana Novoselschi-Arseni

Ashlyn Osment

Andre Parnell

Nathanial Petty

Amina Pharyom

Jostin Rosillo Perez

Chris Tolentino Espitia

Brandon Villanueva

Aurora Winn

Henderson County

Chloe Clark

Travon McKoy

Iredell County

David Kenworthy

Tony Wilson

Johnston County

Scott Barbour – Du-Bar Ranch

Lee County

Joy Gilmour

Madison County

Taylor Grindstaff

Georgia Metcalf

McDowell County

Elizabeth Davis

Emilio Monroy Mendez

Jason Ray – J&D Hereford Farm

Jayde Ray

Nash County

Trey Mills

Perquimans County

Kylie Clark

Jack Joyner

Calvin Pierce

Nora Winslow

Pitt County

Harold & Sam Flanagan – Country Square Ranch

Mark Flanagan – Flanagan Family Ventures

Randolph County

Adam English – English Farms

Tracie Luck – First Line Angus

Rockingham County

Mark H. Davis – Rolling Ridge Angus

Kinley Johnson

Rowan County

Greg Overcash – Overcash Farms & Hay Company

Rutherfold County

Devin Gagnon

Haley Parham

Stanly County

Kendyl Jones

Surry County

Sarah Hartman – Hartman Farms NC

Transylvania County

Willow Blackstock

Union County

Kaylee Keeter

Lindsay Van Art

Wake County

John A. Taylor

Washington County

Bristol Davenport

Wilkes County

Bill Gambill

Tim Parker

J. Wayne Shepherd – Shepherd Farms

Yadkin County

Vicky Birdwell – VWB Texas Longhorns

To pay by credit card, scan the QR code:

Pasture Management Systems, Inc.

MILE OF FENCE PROGRAM

New Members by County in 2025

(as of 5-19-25)

Alamance 3

Alexander 1

Alleghany 0

Anson 1 Ashe 0 Avery 0

Beaufort 0 Bertie 0

Bladen 0 Brunswick 0 Buncombe 11 Burke 4

Cabarrus 2

Caldwell 2 Camden 0

Carteret 0

Caswell 3

Catawba 17

Chatham 1 Cherokee 0

Chowan 0 Clay 1 Cleveland 5 Columbus 1 Craven 1

1 MILE OF PASTURE MANAGEMENT FENCING SUPPLIES AWARDED TO THE NCCA COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION RECRUITING THE MOST NEW MEMBERS IN 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLeveland COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

2024 MILE OF FENCE WINNER

NCBA Hiring Communications, Policy, and Events Interns for Fall 2025. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recently announced that applications are open for three unique internship experiences for the fall 2025 semester.

“NCBA represents cattle farming and ranching families nationwide, and interning for us is a great way to gain professional skills while serving American agriculture,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “If you want to learn more about communications, public policy, or meetings and events, I encourage you to apply and use your skills to help NCBA fulfill our vision of being the trusted leader and definitive voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry.”

Organizational Communications Internship (Centennial, Colo.)

– New this year, NCBA has an exciting opportunity for a student to work as an organizational communications intern supporting NCBA’s social media strategy, TV production of Cattlemen to Cattlemen, producer communication, and events promotion. This internship is full time and based at NCBA’s headquarters in Centennial, Colorado.

Public Policy Internship (Washington, D.C.) – NCBA, in conjunction with the Public Lands Council, has an opportunity for students interested in government and public policy to serve as public policy interns. This internship supports NCBA’s Government Affairs team and will allow students to learn more about lobbying, government relations, and advocacy on behalf of the cattle and sheep industries. This internship is full time and based at NCBA’s Center for Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

Meetings and Events Internship (Centennial, Colo.) – NCBA is hiring for a meetings and events intern to support the operations of large and small events, including the 2026 CattleCon. Interns will learn how to manage large scale conventions and tradeshows, in addition to the logistics behind smaller meetings and conferences. This internship is full time and based at NCBA’s headquarters in Centennial, Colorado.

To learn more about these internships or apply, visit www.NCBA. org. Applications are due by June 30.

President Trump Secures Trade Win for America’s Cattle Producers.

Years of NCBA Advocacy Laid Groundwork for Trade Victory. NCBA recently announced support for President Donald Trump’s trade agreement-in-principle with the United Kingdom (U.K.). Most importantly, the agreement includes market access for beef. This announcement follows years of NCBA’s hard work building the foundation for a trade deal with the U.K., including numerous meetings with British industry stakeholders, Members of Parliament, the British Embassy, the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and other top British authorities.

“With this trade deal, President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers,” said Buck Wehrbein. “For years, American cattle producers have seen the United Kingdom as an ideal partner for trade. Between our countries’ shared history and culture and their desire for high quality American

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

NEWS

beef, securing a trade agreement is a natural step forward. Thank you, President Trump, for fighting for American cattle producers.”

NCBA has spent years advocating for expanded trade with the U.K. When the U.K. left the European Union in 2020, that opened the door to secure trade agreements with countries like the United States. British and American cattle producers share similar values, and British consumers also enjoy American beef.

Background – For the past few years, NCBA members have participated in several meetings both domestically and abroad with senior British government officials to educate them on our production practices and the unique attributes of our product. In 2022, the British Ambassador to the U.S., Dame Karen Pierce, attended the 2022 CattleCon and spoke to attendees about the importance of strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and U.K. Last year, NCBA hosted a U.S. versus U.K. “Battle of the Beef” event in collaboration with the British Embassy. This lighthearted event brought top U.S. and U.K. officials — including the British Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator, President of the U.K. National Farmers Union, and numerous members of Congress — together to talk about the mutual benefits of American and British trade. In March 2025, NCBA member Robby Kirkland reiterated that message when he testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in a congressional hearing on trade. NCBA also recently met with current British Ambassador Peter Mandelson.

NCBA Urges FDA to Toughen Rules for Fake Meat Marketing. Recently, NCBA submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to toughen up guidance for fake meat companies that would prevent them from using misleading labels on plant based products.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers work hard every day to raise wholesome, high quality, and nutritious real beef. We’ve spent decades building a strong reputation with consumers, and we will not give up on that without a fight. Companies selling fake meat should not be allowed to use misleading advertising or trade on beef’s good name,” said Buck Wehrbein. “If you’re manufacturing products to replace beef that contain no real beef, you should not be using terms that are specific to livestock, especially legally defined terms such as ‘meat.’

“Likewise, you should not be permitted to utilize pictures of cattle, real beef, or farmers and ranchers in your labeling,” said Wehrbein. “The federal government’s draft guidance for the fake meat industry has not gone far enough to prevent companies from attempting to trick the public into buying fake meat products.”

NCBA’s comments urge FDA to address misleading advertising on plant based fake meat foods. Plant based fake meat has been on the market for several years, but sales have tumbled as consumers balk

NCBA News continued from the previous page

at ultra processed food. Although the final guidance for industry is nonbinding, closing loopholes that allow plant based companies to use terms like “beef” and imagery like the outline of a cow are important first steps that benefit real farmers and ranchers. Additional guidance or rulemaking actions may follow in the coming months.

“If you have to hide behind the work of America’s livestock producers to sell your product, that says all you need to know about these inferior imitations,” Wehrbein added.

NCBA Stands with USDA on Border Closure Decision. NCBA recently announced support for the USDA’s decision to close the U.S. southern border to shipments of cattle, bison, and horses due to the continued spread of New World screwworm beyond the phytosanitary border put in place to stop its advance. This announcement is the latest move to halt the spread of this invasive pest that puts the entire U.S. livestock industry at risk.

“For months, NCBA and affiliated state cattle industry associations have been working with USDA officials urging their counterparts in Central America to take stronger action to stop the spread of New World screwworm. In the 1960s, America’s cattle and livestock producers spent years and millions of dollars to eradicate New World screwworm from the United States,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall.

The U.S. has long maintained its commitment to fighting New World screwworm by funding the production of sterile flies needed to keep this pest out of Central and North America. Despite the United States’s work to control the pest, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans are all at risk again.

NCBA has been working closely with USDA to monitor the situation and has also appealed directly to the Mexican government to do more to intervene and stop the spread. However, a variety of factors has allowed the northward migration of the pest to continue. NCBA and state affiliate volunteer leaders and staff have also worked with members of Congress to help support USDA’s efforts and will continue to seek every possible avenue to protect the U.S. cattle industry by preventing New World screwworm from reentering the United States.

“USDA’s border closure was entirely avoidable. U.S. government officials, NCBA, and leaders from affiliated state cattle industry associations have been sounding the alarm for months. Unfortunately, the Mexican government created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, which rendered prevention efforts ineffective and allowed screwworm cases to spread unchecked beyond control points in southern Mexico,” said Woodall. “The Mexican government’s failure to knock down senseless obstacles has left America with no alternative but a closure of the U.S. border until the outbreak is verifiably stopped, and flies are pushed back south of Panama’s Darien Gap.”

NCBA acknowledges that the border closure will create economic harm for U.S. farmers and ranchers, and create supply chain disruptions, but the costs will be far less than if New World

screwworm crosses into the United States, and we’re forced to fight the pest on U.S. soil

NCBA Urges Support for Cattle Industry Priorities in Reconciliation Bills. NCBA recently urged the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee to support key cattle industry priorities that help keep family farms and ranches in business.

Support for the House Agriculture Committee Reconciliation Bill – “Chairman G.T. Thompson’s House ag reconciliation bill contains key wins for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers. From boosting disaster recovery programs to strengthening foreign animal disease detection and prevention, this bill protects America’s livestock producers,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “Cattle producers continue to face emerging animal health threats but have not received the financial resources necessary to mitigate these threats in previous emergency legislative packages. The need for these investments is crucial. NCBA urges all House Agriculture Committee members to swiftly pass this bill.”

Support for the House Ways and Means Committee Reconciliation Bill – “With the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act right around the corner, Congress needs to act now to protect family farmers and ranchers from a massive tax hike,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “We strongly urge all members of the House Ways and Means Committee to support Chairman Jason Smith’s tax reconciliation package that reduces the Death Tax and expands pro-small business tax deductions like section 199A, section 179, and bonus depreciation.”

NCBA Secures Initial Tax Relief Wins for Cattle Producers. NCBA recently released the following statement in response to the House Ways and Means Committee passing a tax package that provides significant tax relief to family farms and ranches. The bill includes several beneficial provisions, including an increase in the exemption amount for the federal estate tax, also known as the Death Tax, a top priority for America’s cattle producers. The tax package must be approved by the House of Representatives as part of the reconciliation process.

“The Death Tax is a death warrant for family businesses and the top threat to family owned cattle operations. NCBA has been working with members on and off the Ways and Means Committee for months to educate them about the needs of cattle producers and advocate for the tax provisions that are the most effective for cattle operations,” said Buck Wehrbein. “This work would not have been possible without the broad participation we had in NCBA’s tax survey from producers, who detailed the struggles they have had with paying the Death Tax and what they would like to see in a broader tax package. This is a huge victory for grassroots advocacy and everyone who made their voice heard — from the producers that have not paid the Death Tax yet — to those that have paid it multiple times to avoid losing their livelihoods.”

The tax provisions in the bill that help family owned cattle operations the most include:

An increase to the estate and gift tax exemption amounts to

$15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually; the package also makes this exemption permanent.

A permanent increase to the Section 199A Small Business deduction from 20 percent to 23 percent.

Expanding the limitation on Section 179 expensing from $1 million to $2.5 million.

Reinstating the 100 percent bonus depreciation for five years without a phase out period.

“Thank you to the Ways and Means Committee for passing a bill that protects the family legacies that U.S. farmers and ranchers have built up over multiple generations. We appreciate Chairman Jason Smith’s continued leadership on tax policy, and we thank every committee member who stood with cattle producers in voting for this bill,” said Kent Bacus. “NCBA has long been advocating for full repeal of the Death Tax and while we continue to fight for full repeal, we are happy to see an increase in the exemption that will provide tremendous certainty to producers. Expanding tax deductions like section 199A, section 179, and bonus depreciation will not only preserve family cattle operations but promote growth across America’s main street businesses and rural America.”

NCBA Pushes for Domestic Sterile Fly Facility to Eradicate New World Screwworm. As the threat posed by the New World screwworm rises, NCBA recently joined affiliate state associations in urging Congress to pass the STOP Screwworms Act to fund the opening of a new sterile fly facility in the United States. Introduced by Representative Tony Gonzales (R – Texas) and Senator John Cornyn (R – Texas), this bill would help protect both livestock and human health from the New World screwworm.

“When I was growing up, I heard the stories of how damaging the New World screwworm was to our cattle before it was eradicated in the 1960s. I never want to see that kind of devastation return to our country,” said Buck Wehrbein. “That is why the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is supporting the STOP Screwworms Act so we can construct a sterile fly facility in the United States that will help us prevent this pest from ever returning to our country.”

Due to the New World screwworm’s continued push north, the urgency to create a new sterile fly facility in the United States has increased. NCBA supported the USDA’s decision to close the southern border to shipments of cattle, horses, and bison to protect American agriculture, but the long term strategy to eradicate the screwworm from North America requires the use of sterile insect technique.

Under sterile insect technique, millions of sterile flies are released into the environment where they breed with wild flies, ultimately creating no new offspring. The U.S. spent millions of dollars to successfully eradicate screwworms from North America back in the 1960s using this method, but once the threat was mitigated, most sterile fly production facilities shut down. Today, only one facility is still active in Panama, but it cannot produce enough sterile flies to fully prevent the New World screwworm from spreading through Mexico and eventually reaching America’s southern border.

“To protect American agriculture, NCBA strongly supports the creation of a new sterile fly facility within the United States,” said Ethan Lane. “We also appreciate the hard work of NCBA state affiliates in ensuring that members of Congress closest to the

southern border understand the severity of this threat.”

In addition to NCBA, this legislation is supported by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). NCBA and TSCRA are also working with numerous lawmakers to secure additional financial resources to combat the New World screwworm.

“Texas will be among the first impacted by the New World screwworm, making domestic sterile fly infrastructure critical,” said TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk Jr. “We’re grateful to Senator Cornyn and Representative Gonzales for acting quickly and ensuring this threat is taken seriously in Washington.”

House Agriculture Committee Advances Legislation with Key NCBA Priorities. The House Agriculture Committee recently passed its initial reconciliation bill, which contains several NCBA supported provisions that strengthen our defense against foreign animal disease and support producers who have lost cattle due to predator depredation or natural disasters. The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers across the country have continued advocating for tools that protect the cattle industry from foreign animal disease and help producers recover from the loss of their cattle, whether by predator depredation or challenging weather conditions. This legislation is a critical step forward for addressing these issues,” said Ethan Lane. “NCBA appreciates the support of the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman G.T. Thompson, who continues to be a champion for the cattle industry. We urge the full House and Senate to quickly pass this bill, so President Trump can sign it into law.”

This bill addresses many of the issues that NCBA members have brought forward through our association’s grassroots policy process. In particular, this bill would:

• Reimburse cattle producers for loss due to depredation by federally protected predators.

• Expand access to the livestock forage disaster program for producers experiencing drought.

• Continue funding the feral swine eradication program.

• Bolster the “three legged stool” that protects the cattle industry from foreign animal disease, including the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB). The NAVVCB currently houses emergency supplies for responding to a food-and-mouth disease outbreak.

Cattlemen Urge Congress to Pass Tax Relief and Ag Priorities.

NCBA recently urged Congress to swiftly pass the House reconciliation package, which contains crucial tax relief and agricultural policy priorities that support America’s hardworking family farmers and ranchers.

“Raising cattle is a difficult business, and around the country, family farmers and ranchers are wondering how they can keep their operations going for the next generation. This is why we need Congress to step up and pass the reconciliation bill that delivers tax relief, helps producers keep more of their hard earned money, and

protects the cattle industry against foreign animal disease,” said Ethan Lane. “It’s time for Congress to finish this critical work and pass this bill, so President Trump can sign it into law.”

Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the oldest and largest national trade association representing American cattle farmers and ranchers. With members in all 50 states, NCBA is the trusted leader and definitive voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry.

NCBA Priorities Approved in House Reconciliation Bill. Recently, several key priorities championed by NCBA moved one step closer to becoming law when the U.S. House of Representatives passed its reconciliation bill. The bill includes key cattle health, disaster recovery, and tax priorities crucial to the success of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers need Congress to invest in cattle health, strengthen our resources against foreign animal disease, support producers recovering from disasters or depredation, and pass tax relief that protects family farms and ranches for future generations,” said Buck Wehrbein. “Thankfully, this reconciliation bill includes all these key priorities. NCBA was proud to help pass this bill in the House, and we will continue pushing for these key policies until the bill is signed into law.”

The reconciliation bill includes provisions that are crucial to the success of cattle producers and will:

• Reimburse cattle producers for loss due to depredation by federally protected predators.

• Expand access to the livestock forage disaster program for producers experiencing drought.

• Continue funding the feral swine eradication program.

• Bolster the “three legged stool” that protects the cattle industry from foreign animal disease, including the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB). The NAVVCB currently houses emergency supplies for responding to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

Additionally, the bill includes key NCBA tax priorities that protect the legacy of family farms and ranches for future generations, such as:

• An increase to the estate and gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually. The package also makes this exemption permanent.

• Preserved stepped-up basis.

• A permanent increase to the Section 199A Small Business deduction from 20 percent to 23 percent.

Expanding the limitation on Section 179 expensing from $1 million to $2.5 million.

• Reinstating the 100% bonus depreciation for five years.

• Extending the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023.

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association extends our gratitude to all the members of Congress who voted yes on this reconciliation package,” said Ethan Lane. “America’s farming and ranching families sorely need the provisions in this bill to succeed. We strongly urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill and deliver a win for our nation’s cattle producers.”

Cattlemen Thank USDA for Prioritizing Disaster Recovery. NCBA recently thanked Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins following an announcement from USDA that the agency would quickly be sending Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cattle producers who suffered losses from drought and wildfire.

“Cattlemen and cattlewomen across the country have faced heartbreaking losses from drought and wildfires. We are so grateful that Secretary Rollins understands the devastation caused by these natural disasters and is working to make cattle producers whole again,” said Buck Wehrbein. “We appreciate USDA standing with farmers and ranchers, and being invested in their success.”

The ELRP payments will be delivered to impacted cattle producers without requiring a separate application. Instead, data already on file with USDA will be used to identify which producers are eligible for payments. This removes bureaucratic red tape and ensures payments are issued quickly. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to your local Farm Service Agency office.

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.

A Message from the CEO Using the Stick

By COLIN WOODALL, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Teddy Roosevelt is one of my favorite former U.S. presidents, and I love reading about his life. In particular, I enjoy learning more about his time as a rancher in North Dakota. He famously said later in life that he would not have been president had it not been for his years in North Dakota. That is a ringing endorsement for our values and way of life.

International relations and trade were also a significant part of his public life and presidency. As a member of the famed Rough Riders, he played a key role in helping win the Spanish-American War, thus increasing U.S. access to places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. In a projection of American power and goodwill, he sent the Great White Fleet to circumnavigate the globe and claim our spot as an international power. While an effort to build a canal between the Pacific and Atlantic had been talked about for years, it was President Roosevelt who finally got the project going, and the resulting Panama Canal changed the scope of international trade. Throughout all these actions, his approach of speaking softly and carrying a big stick was always top of mind.

Now, under President Trump, the big stick is being wielded to once again change the scope of international trade. First and foremost, it is important to remember NCBA is supportive of international trade and has spent years working to open markets for our beef. Last month was beef month, and Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial beginning of grilling season. However, the majority of Americans aren’t inviting their friends and families over for beef tongue. Tongue is just one example of the beef variety meats and offal that other countries and cultures crave and are willing to pay for, while our domestic customers aren’t. Trade has evolved over time,

and we now send more than just variety meats overseas because once our international customers get a taste of our beef, they want more.

Trade must be reciprocal, so that brings me back to the big stick. Tariffs are a big stick, but they can be an effective tool in getting the attention of your trading partners. The president is right to expect fair treatment from the nations that wish to do business with us. Our trading relationship with Australia is a prime example of a relationship that isn’t working. In the past 20 years, Australia has sold roughly $29 billion in beef to American consumers. During the same time frame, we haven’t sold a single dollar’s worth of fresh beef to their consumers due to unnecessary trade restrictions being positioned under the guise of biosecurity.

For several years, they’ve given us lip service about wanting to lift the restrictions they’ve had in place, but enough is enough. You can’t have a trade relationship that only works one way, and now we have a president who wants to help us address the imbalance. President Trump even called out the Australian beef issue during comments he made in the Rose Garden at the White House. Rather than come to the table to discuss the actions needed to fix the issue, Australians, from the CEO of Cattle Australia to their Prime Minister, decided it was best to question the safety and quality of our beef. With “mates” like these, who needs to worry about enemies?

The United States sets the gold standard when it comes to safety, and our production technologies are tested and proven. We simply want trade deals built on sound, evidence based science. You might be interested in knowing that the Cattle Australia CEO was once the agriculture attaché at their embassy in Washington, D.C., and never seemed to have a problem eating U.S. beef. Australia isn’t the only country guilty of using pseudo science barriers. The European Union banned any beef from cattle receiving hormone implants many years ago. It was a politically motivated and protectionist move that we’ve also brought to the president’s attention.

This is our chance to force these “partners” to answer for the way they are treating our beef. We maintain constant communication with the team at the White House to share data and our concerns about other countries. Yes, we still believe in trade and will continue to show the president how important trade is to our success, but let’s strike now to find ways to expand our access to existing markets while also finding new trade partners. Remember, President Trump believes in the art of the deal, and NCBA will work with him to find long term benefits for you and our industry.

NCBA President’s Report Be Vigilant for New World Screwworm

By BUCK WEHRBEIN, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

When I was a ten-year-old boy, I heard stories from my grandpa about the days when New World screwworm (NWS) was the number one threat to the cattle business. I heard about all the ways cowboys had to doctor their cattle — covering dehorning spots and cleaning out open wounds — and the incredible damage screwworms caused to the cattle business.

I never want those days to return.

Since last year, the New World screwworm has been marching north through Central America into Mexico, where it has become a major risk to the American cattle herd. In February, NCBA worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its strategy to eradicate these pests. Using a tool called “sterile insect technique,” millions of sterile male screwworm flies are released into the environment. These sterile flies mate with wild female flies, ultimately creating no new offspring.

These sterile flies were how we eradicated New World screwworm from the U.S. in the 1960s. So, that’s the good news — we have a playbook for how to handle this with a sterile fly program. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is currently coordinating the dispersal of flies in Mexico. Unfortunately, we do face numerous challenges. First on the list is the number of sterile flies. When we successfully eradicated NWS in the 1960s, there was no longer a need for sterile fly production, so many of the facilities that created sterile flies closed up shop. Today, just one facility in Panama is providing these sterile flies, which must be transported at specific temperatures and released under specific conditions to survive in the wild.

We also face issues ensuring the planes carrying these sterile flies can land and disperse them in Mexico. Numerous paperwork and financial hurdles have been thrown at the companies running these flights, but NCBA is working with USDA to continue the push for more fly dispersal. NCBA is also working with the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (National Confederation of Livestock Organizations) and the Mexican Embassy to make sure they are doing their part in communicating the need for protection against the pest as well as corresponding actions.

Now is the time for heightened vigilance against screwworms, especially for producers along the southern border with Mexico. Prevention is crucial when dealing with pests like NWS. Screwworm flies lay their eggs in open wounds and sores on animals. When the eggs hatch, maggots feed on living flesh, resulting in massive infection

and even death in otherwise healthy animals. Pay close attention to open wounds, scratches, scabs, cuts, and insect bites. Treat any open wounds immediately. NWS often lay their eggs in sensitive areas on cattle, such as near the navel, vulva, or perineum. For bulls and steers, closely monitor the sheath or prepuce. Additionally, inspect cattle’s nasal passages and eyes for signs of larvae.

NWS is spread by warm blooded animals, including humans and household pets like cats and dogs, so be sure to inspect your pets as well. Keep wild animals away from your cattle to the greatest extent possible, and practice good biosecurity by keeping clothes, boots, vehicles, and equipment clean.

Cattle suffering from NWS infestation usually exhibit signs like bloody or light colored drainage coming from a wound, cuts that rapidly enlarge for seemingly no reason, eggs in and around a wound, the presence of larvae in wounds, irritated behavior, head shaking, reduced appetite, fever, and foul odor or the smell of decay.

While NCBA is working with policymakers and USDA to combat the New World screwworm, you can join the fight by vigilantly monitoring your herd, protecting your cattle, and ensuring you have a biosecurity plan in place. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to report it. Contact your veterinarian immediately with any concerns. Visit our website at www.ncba.org for additional resources.

Until next time, happy trails.

Merck Animal Health Announces the Availability of ARMATREX

Spray-On Antimicrobial Solution in Partnership with Good Salt Life, LLC. Novel product addresses environmental pathogen load in animal health facilities to enhance biosecurity measures. Merck Animal Health recently announced the commercial availability of ARMATREX (silane quaternary ammonium salt), an EPA registered, spray-on antimicrobial solution, as part of a partnership agreement with Good Salt Life, LLC, the product manufacturer. Merck Animal Health will market and sell the product in the United States.

ARMATREX is an odorless, colorless, and non-toxic solution. It creates an invisible and durable barrier to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, and algae. The barrier provides up to 90 days of protection and antimicrobial activity and can enhance biosecurity when used in conjunction with cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

“The importance of biosecurity and protecting animals and property from disease spread is a top concern for consumers and producers alike,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., executive director of livestock technical services at Merck Animal Health. “Directly aligned with our strategy of prevention, we are excited to partner with Good Salt Life to provide this innovative product because biosecurity and pathogen control are essential parts of the food supply chain.”

“Keeping animals healthy starts with maintaining clean environments. That’s really what this partnership is about,” said Adrian Fulle, President and CEO of Good Salt Life. “ARMATREX gives producers and other animal health stakeholders an easy-to-

UPDATE

use tool that works long after it’s applied. We’re excited to work with Merck Animal Health to provide this technology to market and help improve biosecurity across animal health facilities.”

“ARMATREX can be used in a variety of animal health settings to meet various biosecurity needs,” added Welsh.

The ready-to-use formulation does not require mixing or measuring. ARMATREX can be applied with induction charged technology to provide uniform coverage of treated surfaces, decreasing product waste. It does not cause microbial adaptation, resistance, or mutation.

ARMATREX is available in 1 gallon, 5 gallon, or 55 gallon presentations from Merck Animal Health or its distributors. In addition to ARMATREX, Good Salt Life, LLC offers advanced chemical delivery systems for antimicrobial solutions on surfaces. By leveraging innovative technology, these systems help ensure efficient and thorough application, reducing product waste while enhancing biosecurity and pathogen control in animal health facilities.

To learn more, visit www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/channelcontent/species/others/armatrex.

About Merck Animal Health. At Merck, we are unified around our purpose —we use the power of leading edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines, and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., in Rahway, N.J., is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners, and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability, and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com.

NEWS

Winning the BRD Battle — Stress Reduction and Smart Management. Limiting stress and maintaining a strong relationship with a veterinarian are vital for an Oklahoma rancher’s success in fighting bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

Several years ago, John Hambrick, owner of Rafter H Ranch near Rock Island, Oklahoma, wanted to know how prevalent health issues like BRD and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were in his cow herd, so he started implementing a testing program. Based on the results, he could make culling decisions and management changes.

“We were able to get a baseline for the herd and then develop a vaccination program based on the recommendations of my veterinarian, Dr. Kevin Fenton, which enabled us to basically eliminate our disease sources in-house,” said Hambrick.

Determining whether disease is a problem in a cow herd or from any purchased cattle through testing is something Jody Wade, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim, also recommends.

“You can buy some of your problems, so testing is something that you definitely need to plan for when you’re buying replacement heifers and bulls,” asserted Dr. Wade. “Screen those cattle to ensure they’re not persistently infected with BVDV or any other type of virus that they can bring into your operation.”

Hambrick is a third generation rancher in the wooded hills of eastern Oklahoma who raises commercial Angus cattle mixed with Simmental and Hereford genetics. The herd is divided into ⅔ fall calving and ⅓ spring calving.

“The cattle are happy here,” said Hambrick. “And I think that we’ve matched our animals to the ecosystem they live in now.”

Routine vaccination – Building immunity gives cattle a strong first line of defense against BRD and other diseases.

“Immunity starts with healthy cows and creating an environment in utero where calves can thrive,” noted Dr. Wade. “After calves are born, we want to make sure they get quality colostrum, so they can build antibodies against those diseases that they’re going to battle. Once calves get old enough, we can start a vaccination protocol with the right products at the right time, so that we can continue protecting calves through the next phase.”

Dr. Wade advises cattle producers to work with their veterinarian, similarly to how the Rafter H Ranch and Dr. Fenton have collaborated on a vaccination protocol.

“The vaccines that I use to keep my cattle healthy have been

recommended to me by Dr. Fenton,” said Hambrick. “He lives in my area, so he’s familiar with our challenges. If something new comes down the road that he likes and recommends it to me, I’m all for it. I trust him 100 percent.”

Hambrick and Dr. Fenton work together to coordinate vaccinations with his herd’s reproductive schedule.

“The vaccine I use, PYRAMID, is wonderful for addressing respiratory disease, and we just get such a good response out of it that there’s no reason for me to change,” related Hambrick. “I, personally, can see as much immunity coverage with a single dose of the modified live vaccine we use as I was getting with two and three doses of the old killed vaccines.”

In addition to running cows, Hambrick occasionally buys preconditioned calves to run as stockers, depending on markets and forage availability. A recent set of stockers he bought received the same vaccine protocol as his own calves, and he was pleased with the results.

“They made it all the way through the grow yard and to the feedlot with zero death loss,” Hambrick stated. “That protocol not only works on a farm with a known source of cattle but also unknown sources of commingled calves.”

Just as important as having a vaccination protocol that works is having a veterinarian you can depend on to provide you with the necessary input.

“You’ve got to have a relationship with your vet,” said Hambrick. “You’ve got to have somebody at the other end of that phone who will answer when you call. Sure, we’ve been doing this for a long time, but things still come up.”

Stress reduction – “We manage for stress because, of course, naturally, you’re going to get it,” he added.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to minimize the number of times cattle need to be worked each year by performing all necessary practices, when possible, at a few key times. Building calf immunity with a vaccine program can also help reduce the need to pull sick animals for treatment.

Docile cattle are also key. Hambrick has made docility one of the key genetic parameters he looks for in bulls and when making replacement decisions.

“We’re not in a situation where we’re triggering a response to create BRD,” shared Hambrick. “We’re tickled with the way things are right now. Not saying I don’t ever ‘doctor.’ Sure, we do. We’ve got 450 pairs.”

Hambrick’s calves may need treatment when they are young and still with cows because of a stress challenge like weather. However, because of the low stress environment, paired with a routine whole herd vaccination program, calf health has improved overall.

“It’s not uncommon at weaning to never doctor a calf,” said Hambrick. “As far as a wreck, we’ve avoided the risks.”

Even the best management practices and vaccine protocols can’t prevent BRD entirely, so having a treatment plan is necessary. Dr. Wade recommends watching calves for any symptoms and treating them as soon as possible.

“If we can catch them early, we can get ahead of that disease,” continued Dr. Wade. “As far as antibiotics are concerned, choosing an antibiotic that we know has a broad spectrum of coverage and gets into the lungs quickly to kill bacteria is important. It also needs

to have a long duration so that we don’t have to come back and retreat.”

By emphasizing stress reduction and vaccinations, the Rafter H Ranch has been able to see a sizable impact. Calves wean off the mature cows, averaging over 600 pounds, while calves from first calf heifers are just above 500 pounds and with few treatments across the herd.

“As we look forward to the next calf crop, going from here on out, our BRD plan will be to continue our vaccination protocol as we have now, combining that with minimal stress, adequate nutrition, and the genetics we have in place,” concluded Hambrick.

Producer Survey Offers Insights into Liver Fluke and Parasite Management. A survey of 120 cattle producers and veterinarians shows their management priorities when tackling liver flukes and other parasites. In a survey, 120 U.S. cattle producers and veterinarians were asked the following questions about liver flukes and parasite management:

• What is your familiarity with liver flukes?

• What impact do you see liver flukes having on your operation?

•What are your current practices for parasite diagnostic testing and treatment?

Although many respondents were familiar with liver flukes, results show a gap between knowledge and active management, leaving cattle operations at risk of the damaging fluke.

After analyzing the survey results, Jody Wade, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim, has actionable insights to help cattle caretakers address liver flukes and build sustainable, well rounded deworming protocols. Diagnostic testing is key for liver fluke awareness – In the

Figure 1. Most respondents were familiar with liver flukes, but only 15% believed flukes are a problem in their area.

survey, 77 percent of respondents said they were familiar with liver flukes. However, awareness did not directly translate into regional knowledge. Approximately 34 percent of respondents indicated they didn’t know if liver flukes were a problem in their area, while another 34 percent believed liver flukes were “somewhat” of a problem.

Dr. Wade underscores the importance of diagnostic testing to

Boehringer Ingelheim News continued on the next page

Boehringer Ingelheim continued from the previous page

confirm liver fluke presence, which often goes unnoticed.

“We’re finding flukes in regions we never thought they would be,” he observed. “Unless you’re taking fecal egg counts and actually looking for liver flukes as a cow/calf operator or a stocker, you’re not going to find them.”

Diagnostic testing in regions like Kansas and Tennessee has confirmed the presence of liver flukes, challenging the misconception that liver flukes are confined to the Gulf Coast or Pacific Northwest states.

Routine testing isn’t just crucial for fluke control; it’s important for sustainable management of all internal parasites. About 57 percent of survey respondents had never tested their herds for parasites. Out of those respondents that have tested, 52 percent said their last test was over a year ago.

“Not a lot of producers are routinely testing because it can be a time burden,” shared Dr. Wade. “But I still encourage producers to do it because once we do, we have a really good snapshot of what is happening on the operation, which allows us to create the most strategic deworming plan.”

When producers send fecal samples for diagnostic testing, he reminds them to specify their desire for liver fluke analysis. A general diagnostic test will only look for common gastrointestinal parasites.

Figure 2. The majority of survey respondents have never tested their herd for parasites, while most respondents have said it’s been over a year since they last tested.

Liver flukes are a problem to care about – While liver flukes rarely result in cattle death losses, understanding their underlying impact is important for cattle health and an operation’s bottom line.

“The biggest problem with flukes is their impact on production,” stated Dr. Wade. Liver flukes are one of the more complex parasites in beef production. Before setting up camp in the bile ducts of the liver, juvenile flukes cause damage in the small intestine and abdominal cavity as they travel, leaving cattle with weakened immune systems and lost growth potential.

Cattle with liver fluke infections may go months without showing clinical signs. Depending on the level of infection, cattle can experience loss of appetite, rough hair coat, decreased performance, weight loss, and poor reproductive efficiency.1

“The ones that really pay for it on the back end are the packers,” Dr. Wade continued. “When they start harvesting cattle and find flukes, they have to condemn those livers.” Liver condemnations can lead to significant financial losses, particularly for feedlots and processors.

Liver flukes require special management – The survey highlighted common deworming practices among respondents, with pour-on and injectable dewormers being the most popular application methods. However, ⅓ of respondents said they were unsure if their dewormers include fluke coverage.

“Right now, there are only two products in the marketplace available for effective fluke management,” said Dr. Wade. “When selecting a product for liver fluke control, it’s important to look for a product that has clorsulon or is specifically labeled for fluke coverage.”

He further explains that the available products are only effective against adult stages and do not kill juvenile flukes, which cause the most damage. But, when applied correctly, the elimination of adult flukes can disrupt the production cycle and reduce the risk of pasture reinfestation.

Understanding the life cycle of liver flukes, from egg to adult, is essential for implementing effective control measures. Unlike other internal parasites, flukes need an intermediate host in order to propagate. For flukes, this is a common freshwater snail. As shown in

Figure 3. The liver fluke’s full life cycle can take five or more months, making it difficult to detect prior to causing damage in cattle.

1. Adult liver flukes produce eggs 10–12 weeks after initial infection, and those eggs are passed in the feces.

2. Exposure to water helps the larvae (miracidia) hatch (usually 2–3 weeks) and attempt to find a snail as an intermediate host.

3. The larvae (miracidia) penetrate the snail and reproduce several hundred offspring.

4. Five to seven week later, offspring emerge as cercariae, then swim to vegetation and form the encysted infective stage, metacercariae.

5. Cattle are infected when they eat vegetation or drink water containing metacercarial cysts.

6. Juvenile flukes are released, then penetrate the walls of the small intestines, abdominal cavity and finally, the liver.

Figure 3, the fluke larvae migrate to snails, where they multiply. Once they exit the snail, cattle can ingest them by grazing on infested grass or drinking infested water.

While it isn’t realistic to keep cattle away from areas that also attract freshwater snails, sustainable deworming practices like pasture rotation and refugia, the practice of only deworming high risk animals, are also ways to help control liver flukes and other parasite populations.

“Effective fluking really comes down to timing,” noted Dr. Wade. “In the southeastern part of the country, like in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, September is probably the best time to deworm for those liver flukes. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s a different deal. Most parasitologists will tell you to deworm between March and May because it’s a later liver fluke season in that region.”

Liver fluke information is in demand – When asked about their interest in learning more about liver flukes, 72 percent of respondents said “yes.” In alignment, Dr. Wade believes education is key to closing the gap between awareness and action. “Sometimes, knowing that liver flukes may be a problem and not acting on that knowledge can be more harmful than not knowing at all,” he concluded.

By adopting evidence based practices, cattle caretakers can protect their herds, improve production outcomes, and reduce the hidden costs of liver flukes. If flukes have been previously found in your area, Dr. Wade recommends getting a baseline for the herd through diagnostic testing. Only then can a sustainable, strategic deworming program be built through collaboration with a herd veterinarian.

References

1USDA, National Agricultural Library. Liver flukes. Available at www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/parasiticdiseases-with-econom/parasitic-diseases-with-econom/liver-flukes Accessed January 22, 2025.

About Boehringer Ingelheim . Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.bi-animalhealth.com.

Landsiedel Accepts New Leadership Role for Premier Select Sires. Effective May 1, Amanda Landsiedel has assumed the role of Director of Distribution for Premier Select Sires.

CEO Mark Carpenter echoed those statements. “We have seen maAs Director of Distribution, Landsiedel will oversee the entire distribution process. She will manage warehousing, inventory, and transportation to ensure efficient and cost effective product delivery throughout Premier’s 23 state territory, while planning and implementing strategies for maximum performance.

“We are incredibly proud to announce that Amanda has been promoted to Director of Distribution for Premier Select Sires,” said Mark Carpenter, chief executive officer of Premier Select Sires. “Her ‘get things done right’ attitude and proven experience over the past 15 years have thoroughly prepared her for this significant responsibility. We eagerly anticipate the contributions she will make in her new role, further strengthening our ability to meet the needs of our members.”

Landsiedel graduated from Penn State University in 2010 with a business degree, concentrating in marketing. She was hired by Select Sire Power in 2010 as a marketing intern while she finished her last semester in school and has remained with the cooperative ever since. Landsiedel has worked in several different positions, including Accounts Receivables, before beginning with the distribution team, where she has worked for the past 13 years.

About Premier Select Sires. Premier Select Sires is a farmer owned cooperative that serves beef and dairy producers in its 23 state member area. Dedicated to providing its members with all they need to achieve success, Premier provides:

• Industry leading genetics from the Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics, and GenerVations brands

• Effective herd health and management products, as well as artificial insemination supplies

• Reliable services and programs backed by years of success

• Knowledgeable industry experts who are easily accessed for consultation, advice, and on-farm assistance

Together with its two sister cooperatives, Premier owns and controls Select Sires Inc., the world’s most recognized name in bovine genetics.

NEWS

CheCkoff News

U.S. Beef – Raising the Bar for Responsible Ranching. U.S. beef farmers and ranchers are committed to continuous improvement to the land, water, and health of their animals, producing high-quality beef for decades. As a result, the U.S. leads the world in greener solutions in beef production, with the lowest beef greenhouse gas emissions intensity globally since 1996.1-3 By focusing on the well being of the land, their livestock, and their local communities, beef producers have enhanced efficiency while conserving the natural resources under their care.

Built on Three Pillars – Sustainability can be a broadly used term, most often associated with environmental efforts — but smarter, greener practices extend beyond that, balancing three pillars: social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental stewardship. Together, these pillars highlight how beef farmers and ranchers lead with purpose.

• Environmental Stewardship – Between 1961 and 2019, U.S. beef producers have reduced greenhouse gas emissions per pound of beef by over 40 percent while producing 75 percent more beef per animal.1-5

• Economic Viability – Sustainable operations are also smart business. By improving efficiency, producers are increasing profitability while feeding more people.

• Social Responsibility – The beef community strengthens rural economies, improves livelihoods, and upholds traditions. It’s about family, neighbors, and legacy.

These pillars are being implemented daily on the farm and ranch, positioning U.S. beef producers as global leaders in responsible beef production. Many ranchers actively enhance wildlife habitat and improve the health of their rangeland, and as caretakers of nearly one-third of all U.S. land,6 preserving ecosystems isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a way of life.

Consumer Education and Outreach – Just as beef producers have long prioritized raising cattle with care and common sense, the Beef Checkoff has mirrored that commitment, working to drive demand for beef and build consumer confidence in beef and beef products. Consumer perception of beef remains high, with more than 90 percent of consumers expressing a positive to neutral perception of beef as a protein.7 Still, when making a purchasing decision, 70 percent of consumers consider how an animal is raised.7 This data proves that sharing the sustainability story remains crucial. That’s why the Beef Checkoff continues to communicate the positive, measurable efforts of beef farmers and ranchers.

Firstly, all sustainability information shared with consumer audiences is backed by science. The Beef Checkoff funds research that proves how, when properly managed, cattle operations can

improve soil health, support carbon sequestration, and protect native grasslands. This Checkoff funded research defends beef’s reputation when misinformation is shared or there’s environmental scrutiny.

From there, the Beef Checkoff takes a proactive approach, staying ahead of issues that could impact consumer perceptions through a two pronged education and outreach effort. The ultimate goal is to connect and engage with people before false or misguided information about beef production practices spreads. Then, the Checkoff can share the research backed facts.

Here are just a few examples of what the Beef Checkoff does to educate and inform others about beef production:

• Developing educational units for middle and high schools – By connecting with young minds, the Checkoff can educate tomorrow’s beef consumers today. Educational units focus specifically on greenhouse gases and cattle, as well as general beef production and genetics.

• Hosting On The Farm STEM events – The Beef Checkoff funds annual educator immersion events designed to bring inner city teachers to real, working farms to learn about beef production.

• Taking part in New York City Climate Week – Beef is an active voice during Climate Week, the largest global climate event. Checkoff funded It’s What’s For Dinner. hosts webinars and shares resources on how beef can be a climate smart food and provides science on emissions.

• Collaborating with the Beef Expert Network – The 50 influencers who make up the Checkoff’s Beef Expert Network are all passionate about sharing beef’s story and connecting with their audiences to address misinformation surrounding beef.

• Sharing information via digital campaigns – Checkoff funded digital campaigns on Connect TV, YouTube, websites, and social platforms encourage consumers to rethink the ranch. Real beef producers share their beef stories and how they care for their cattle and land through series like “Voices of the Outdoors.” This video series connects ranchers with outdoor enthusiasts, and they come together over their shared belief in taking care of the land.

The Beef Checkoff is working to make sure folks hear the real story about how farmers and ranchers raise beef — honest, transparent, and straight from the pasture. It’s about showing the care and commitment that is put in every day. Want the facts? Visit www.beefresearch.org to learn more.

References

1UN FAO. 2021. FAOSTAT Database – Food and agricultural data. Available at www.fao.org.

2 Climate Watch Data. 2021. Agriculture. Found on www. climatewatchdata.org.

3Beef Research. 2021e. Quick Stat Calculations – Sustainability Research: U.S. vs. Global Emission Intensity. www.beefresearch. org/programs/beef-sustainability

4USDA-NASS. 2021a. Crop Production 2020 Summary. Found on – Crop Production 2020 Summary 01/12/2021. www.cornell.edu.

5Beef Research. 2024c. Quick Stat Calculations – Sustainability Research – Statistics on US Improvements in Beef Production and Emission Intensity. www.beefresearch.org/programs/beefsustainability.

6 USDA-NASS. 2017 Census of Agriculture. Farm Typology. www.data.nass.usda.gov

7 Source – Consumer Beef Tracker, 2024. Analysis: NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. www.beefresearch.org

Stronger Beef Safety, Stronger Industry. There are many moving parts necessary to establish a safe, high quality beef supply. For cattle producers, ensuring cattle are safe, healthy, and ready for market is a top priority. The Beef Checkoff brings together some of the best scientific and technical minds in the meat industry to ensure consumers are confident when purchasing a product even before they visit the meat case at their local grocery stores and online shopping deliveries.

Safety Research – The Beef Checkoff funds beef safety research in both the pre and post harvest stages of the animal’s life cycle, specifically to reduce foodborne pathogens in beef products. Conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Meat Institute, and Meat Foundation as contractors to the Beef Checkoff, these science driven programs focus on:

• Identifying Emerging Threats – Research is conducted to detect and understand evolving foodborne pathogens that may impact beef safety.

• Developing Prevention Strategies – Studies explore innovative pre harvest and post harvest interventions to reduce the presence of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.

• Advancing Detection Methods – Cutting edge diagnostic tools and rapid testing technologies help identify contamination risks more effectively.

• Collaborating with Industry Partners – The program works closely with many pieces of the supply chain to implement science backed safety solutions.

• Forefront of Development – The Beef Checkoff pioneered the management of food safety risks across the entire meat industry. In 1993, the Beef Checkoff created a Blue Ribbon Task Force, which developed an industry blueprint for managing the food safety risks from E. coli O157 H7. Published in 1994, the Blue Ribbon Task Force report recommended strategies that drastically improved meat safety and served as the impetus for change to ensure a safer beef supply. This Beef Checkoff funded research played a critical role in informing improvements in beef safety across the supply chain.

In 2007, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set a goal to reduce infections from foodborne E. coli O157:H7 by 50 percent in 2010. The CDC met this “Healthy People” goal in 2009, largely due to the beef industry’s research and proactive efforts.

• Continued Innovation – Dedicated to ensuring a safe beef supply for consumers throughout the years, the Beef Checkoff continues to address knowledge gaps through research. Salmonella, in particular, remains a focus for food safety efforts. Salmonella

illnesses can be traced back to a wide variety of foods, with 75 percent coming from seven food categories. In 2021, beef was attributed as the source of just 6.5 percent of foodborne Salmonella illnesses, up ½ of a percent from 2020.1

To improve the safety profile of beef products, the following research is being conducted:

• Compilation of a comprehensive, representative Salmonella baseline for the U.S. beef industry across seasons and regions to more accurately understand the pathogen’s presence in ground beef.

Analysis of beef Salmonella outbreaks using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis pipeline to enhance outbreak traceback reliability.

These and other ongoing safety research efforts strengthen pathogen mitigation strategies. The program is building a roadmap to ensure safe, high quality beef products worldwide by filling these knowledge gaps.

Industry collaboration and research dissemination are also fundamental parts of the program. Key beef safety research supported by the Beef Checkoff is featured throughout major industry events like the Meat Industry Food Safety Conference (MIFSC) and the Beef Industry Safety Summit, reaching hundreds of food safety professionals.

In 2024, presentations at MIFSC covered topics like Salmonella baselines, genetic relatedness, and pathogenic testing in beef. The 2024 Safety Summit session, “Salmonella Implications and Virulence Testing Programs,” focused on detecting virulent Salmonella strains, enhancing testing accuracy, and improving beef safety.

Sharing these findings advances pathogen understanding, supports safe beef practices and underscores beef’s role in a healthy diet, contributing to a stronger industry knowledge foundation.

Additionally, research funded by beef producers led to a novel Salmonella risk assessment approach. The beef industry’s leadership in scientific innovation advances the discussion of Salmonella risks among meat industry stakeholders and regulators, highlighting the beef industry’s proactive approach to research and beef safety.

By proactively identifying risks, developing innovative safety measures, and collaborating with industry experts, Beef Checkoff funded research helps minimize food safety threats, reinforces consumer trust, and ultimately strengthens demand for beef.

To learn more about the Beef Checkoff’s beef safety research program, visit www.beefresearch.org/programs/beef-safety

References

1UN FAO. 2021. FAOSTAT Database – Food and agricultural data. Available at www.fao.org.

About the Beef Checkoff. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50¢ on the dollar and forward the other 50¢ per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

About NCBA, a Contractor to the Beef Checkoff. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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: ____________________________

Address:

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

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 = $

State of Origin of Cattle: * If the cattle purch ased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.

FFederation oF

State BeeF CounCilS update

aces of the Federation. For more than 60 years, grassroots producer engagement has driven the demand for beef through the Federation of State Beef Councils. States voluntarily invest in the Federation to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying, and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. Ultimately, it is cattle producers from coast to coast who direct the Federation’s work, and we celebrate their dedication. These are the “Faces of the Federation.”

DUFF GEORGE

Duff George and his wife, Beverly, own and operate Mayfield Farm, a commercial Angus farm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. While he grew up in agriculture in a multi-generational family greenhouse and horticulture business, George is a first generation cattle producer.

He attended Penn State University, majored in animal science, and has spent his career in the livestock industry. George is the former chair of the Pennsylvania Beef Council, a board member of the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association, and currently serves as a Federation director on the Safety & Product Innovation Committee. George’s passion for the industry drives his commitment to serving as a volunteer leader.

How does the Federation of State Beef Councils impact the beef industry? It is important that producers have a voice in Checkoff funded programs both at the state and national levels. When cattle producers come together, we bring different backgrounds and experience from all parts of the country. I believe we enhance the Checkoff program by the variety of personal and professional

perspectives. The value of the Federation is assembling a group of cattle producers selected by their individual states, so we help build consumer trust and increase beef demand.

What are some of the benefits of investing in the Federation? Pennsylvania has a large consumer population, and while our cattle numbers are growing, resources are limited. Utilizing Federation services helps us reach more consumers throughout the state and across the Northeast. We regularly use the Federation’s Creative Services team to develop the materials we use in our promotional efforts and beef campaigns. The Federation also provides networking opportunities for all of us as state directors. I believe it’s through that networking that we learn from each other and help our individual states increase beef demand.

Why do you think the Federation continues to be vital? The Federation represents cattle producers across the country. We all raise cattle, but we may raise them differently due to geography and environment. As Federation members, we bring that perspective to the meetings and provide input on committees, enhancing the value of the Checkoff program.

What is the most important message you’d like to share about the Federation? When attending meetings in Pennsylvania and talking to producers, I tell them they have a voice through each of the state beef councils. We all have input on the committees. I tell them their Checkoff dollars are being utilized wisely and overseen by cattlemen and women across the country. I believe in the Beef Checkoff, and that’s why I serve. We are making a difference by growing beef demand and building consumer trust.

AMatter of Taste. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, kicked off summer grilling season and National BBQ Month in May by showcasing regional BBQ styles through Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. social media channels. The cross country odyssey featured beef centric BBQ in North Carolina, Kansas City, and Santa Maria, three unique destinations with styles all their own. While flavors and styles may differ, one thing they all have in common is that beef is at the heart of BBQ.

“Our goal is to celebrate the groundbreaking pitmasters, history, and flavors that make each BBQ style unique,” said NCBA Senior Director of Social Media, Becca Watters. “People travel great distances to savor the flavor of the best BBQ in the country, and we are glad that beef plays a starring role.”

Celebrity pitmaster Erica Roby served as the Regional BBQ Tour series host. Roby walked Instagram and Facebook audiences through a series of interviews with restaurateurs/pitmasters and cooking demonstrations, all while highlighting the unique flavors and specific beef cuts of different BBQ styles.

The tour series highlights three regions known for BBQ:

North Carolina - While not often associated with beef, North Carolina’s BBQ scene is evolving, and beef has arrived. With new

pitmasters introducing brisket and other beef cuts to consumers, North Carolina BBQ has changed in a big way and is making headlines on a national level.

“I’m incorporating my family’s memories and recipes into the food I’m cooking today,” said Jake Wood with Lawrence BBQ. “The food we are putting out is something we are very proud of.”

Kansas City - The competition heats up in Kansas City, which is known for its smoky burnt ends. With dynamic and iconic pitmasters, Kansas City is a must visit for many BBQ aficionados.

“Kansas City BBQ is an eclectic mix of styles from across the country,” said Joe Pearce with Slap’s BBQ. “BBQ brings people together, and we want Slap’s BBQ to change lives.”

Santa Maria - A lesser known genre, Santa Maria style BBQ is a mainstay on the West Coast. With roots on California ranches, TriTip is the cut of choice, cooked over an open flame to satisfy hungry cowboys.

“Our menu reflects our family’s heritage in the Santa Maria Valley’s Swiss-Italian ranching community,” said Susan Righetti with Far Western Tavern. “We blend Santa Maria style BBQ with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches, and vineyards.”

NEWS

Your Summer Mineral Program with Crystalyx

By JILL PIENE

As summer rolls in, the days are warmer and longer. The daily to-do list also seems to grow and continues on through the summer months. Mineral supplementation may be overlooked while we are caught up in the busy season this time of year brings.

However, proper mineral management during this time is not just beneficial, but essential to capture the most performance out of your cows.

Consumption – We could go on and on about the importance of minerals and vitamins to an animal’s diet on production traits like reproductive performance to overall health, but first and foremost, how good is a supplement if the animals aren’t even consuming it?

Research out of Montana State University tracked how many cows consumed a conventional dry mineral and how many cows consumed CRYSTALYX. Results showed that whether cattle are grazing or being fed harvested forages, 86 percent or more will consume a CRYSTALYX mineral supplement, compared to 55–63 percent consuming a conventional dry mineral. The attractiveness and palatability of CRYSTALYX will ensure that a greater percentage of your cows are receiving the nutrition they need.

Getting cows bred – For many spring calving herds, the summer months also coincide with breeding. For better success at pregnancy check, it is important that cows are getting what they need leading up to and through breeding. A strong mineral status maximizes

fertility and reproductive performance for both the bull and female sides. All CRYSTALYX mineral supplements contain Bioplex organic trace minerals, which offer higher bioavailability than inorganic trace minerals, including oxides, chlorides, and sulfates. More specifically, CRYSTALYX Blueprint solutions, such as CRYSTALYX Blueprint 6 Phos, contain 100 percent Bioplex organic trace minerals, which have been shown to support reproductive function and overall health.

Fetal programming – Fetal programming is another important consideration for cattle producers, and for fall calving herds, late gestation occurs during the summer months. Fetal programming includes the impact that maternal nutrition can have on the development of the fetus during gestation. A pregnant cow requires mineral supplementation to support the mineral status of her developing calf as well. If cows don’t get the nutrients they need during pregnancy, this can lead to poor fetal development, affecting calf growth and development.

Ensuring that pregnant cows receive adequate amounts of vital minerals such as copper, manganese, and selenium not only supports the cow, but also contributes to the future performance of her calf, both in the short and long term.

Convenient and labor saving – We all get busy in the summer, and checking mineral feeders may get pushed off when there is a lot to do. When compared to other supplement forms, CRYSTALYX wins at ease of use and lower labor and equipment requirements. Simply place barrels where you want cattle to graze — more on that at www. crystalyx.com/grazing-and-environmental/grazing-managementusing-gps — with no feeders or other equipment necessary.

Want to take it one step further? Feed CRYSTALYX in the BioBarrel with WeatherAll Protection, eliminating the need to pick up empty barrels or tubs.

When properly stocked and managed, at ¼ pound intake per head per day, one 250 pound barrel should last 50 head more than two weeks. Getting a well formulated, palatable mineral supplement out in front of your cows during the summer months is important to deliver the essential minerals and vitamins they need during this time. Not only are you meeting the immediate nutritional needs of the herd, you are also supporting the crucial role minerals play in fetal programming and the long term success of calving operations.

CRYSTALYX mineral solutions help your cattle remain healthy, productive, and ready to meet the challenges of the summer ahead. Taking these proactive measures now can pay dividends in the performance and profitability of your cattle operation for years to come.

The CEO’s Corner

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids – Now is the Time

By GREGG DOUD, National Milk Producers Federation

After years of patient effort, Congress seems headed for a long overdue correction to misguided nutrition policy.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is moving forward, and with it an opportunity to better nourish the next generation of American school kids.

We’ve been down this road before. The same legislation passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2023, but the Senate didn’t consider it before time expired in that Congress. This time, Senate prospects are stronger. Last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee reviewed the bill at a legislative hearing, which showcased the strong bipartisan support the measure enjoys. Its House counterpart committee has already approved it, and we are hopeful for similar Senate action.

After that, the next step is the floor. With overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, this legislation is a chance for both parties to agree on something — and that’s too good of an opportunity for Congress to pass up. More likely, lawmakers will want to move quickly, showing their constituents a win on a popular — and important — issue.

From a nutrition standpoint, bringing whole and 2% milk back into schools, which the legislation would allow, is a no brainer — kids benefit from consuming high quality nutrition, and whole milk is a high quality nutritious food they will actually consume. This is even more important, considering that roughly 90 percent of the U.S. population does not meet current dairy recommendations, as the USDA recently told the Senate Ag Committee.

School meals rules in effect since 2012 only allow 1% and fat

free milk options, ostensibly to reduce calorie intake and combat childhood obesity. That oversimplifies the complexities of child nutrition. Whole milk is a rich source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, all of which are crucial for the development of strong bones, teeth, and muscles. The fats present in whole milk also play a vital role in brain development and overall growth. Most importantly, kids prefer whole milk. That boosts consumption and reduces food waste. Better used, better targeted nutrition is a compelling combination the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would achieve.

Putting whole milk in schools also aligns with the latest dietary science. The demonization of dietary fats, particularly saturated fats found in whole milk, is being increasingly debunked — but the widespread misconceptions they have fostered take time to turn around. Emerging research suggests that saturated fats are not inherently detrimental when consumed as part of a balanced diet; in fact, they help absorb fat soluble vitamins and provide long lasting energy that is essential for active children. By excluding whole milk from school menus, we may be depriving children of these critical benefits.

We’re also depriving them of what parents overwhelmingly choose to serve them at home. In 2012, the year changes to school meal guidelines eliminated whole milk as an option; 69 percent of fluid milk bought at retail was whole or 2% milk. After a dozen years of kids being forced to consume only skim, or 1%, that percentage rose to 81 percent. It’s time to stop swimming against the tide and align schools with parental choice.

Ultimately, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is about making informed, science backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children. We’ve been active boosters of this legislation, sponsored in the House by Representatives Glenn ‘G.T.’ Thompson, R-Penn., and Kim Schrier, D-Wash., and in the Senate by Senators Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Peter Welch, D-Ver., every step of the way. As it moves forward, expect us to be asking for your support. This legislation is a meaningful step towards ensuring that every child has access to the essential nutrients they need to thrive. It isn’t an opportunity we want to miss.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is not just a legislative proposal; it’s a path toward a healthier, more nutritionally sound future for our children. It’s vital that Congress moves swiftly to enact it into law. Our children’s health and well being depend on it.

U.S. and Indonesian Sign Landmark Dairy Agreement to Boost Nutrition, Trade, and Industry Collaboration. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and KADIN, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently in a milestone step to deepen cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries.

The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration to support enhanced dairy trade, strengthen commercial cooperation, and bolster public nutrition through promoting greater consumption of dairy products, particularly in public programs. Key areas of collaboration include the greater integration of dairy into Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, regulatory procedures including on-dairy facility registration, data sharing on market trends, information exchange on best practices and technical expertise areas regarding dairy production, and joint public communication efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of dairy nutrition. The agreement also emphasizes support for school milk programs as a catalyst for child health and educational success.

“This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in U.S.–Indonesia cooperation on trade and dairy,” said Krysta Harden, USDEC president and CEO. “It builds on strong momentum from the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program that USDEC launched in January with U.S. and Indonesian partners in the agriculture and university sectors. It also charts a pathway for U.S. dairy suppliers to more fully complement local Indonesian milk supplies in meeting the country’s evolving nutritional needs during a critical time for U.S.Indonesia trade relations.”

With its focus on areas of mutual collaboration and support for U.S. dairy exports to Indonesia, this agreement complements ongoing trade negotiations between Indonesia and the United States regarding fostering more reciprocal trade flows.

“The United States and Indonesia share a mission of promoting dairy as a valuable source of nutrition,” said Gregg Doud. “The agreement signed commits our industries to join efforts to grow the Indonesian market and support producers in both countries.”

The MOU builds on a deepening relationship between the U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries, initially prompted by Harden’s participation as the featured industry guest on a 2023 National Association of State Department of Agriculture trade mission to Indonesia. Indonesia is the seventh largest export market for U.S. dairy products, purchasing $245 million in 2024. With Indonesian President Prabowo’s launch of a new national school meals program that includes school milk, dairy demand in Indonesia is poised to expand significantly.

Over the past year, USDEC has led the creation of the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program, which held its first farmer education and training session in January in Indonesia. In collaboration with the New

NEWS

Mexico and Wisconsin Agriculture Departments, New Mexico State University, and Indonesian university and dairy company partners, the project is focused on the dissemination of technical educational materials designed to empower small scale dairy producers in Indonesia to improve the quality and quantity of milk they produce. As those practices are adopted, U.S. dairy supplies play a vital complementary role to meet Indonesia’s growing dairy needs.

NMPF Advances Members Interests on Bulk Tank Cleaning at NCIMS. NMPF helped deliver favorable outcomes for nine proposals it submitted on behalf of its members, including a standard for bulk tank cleaning that’s better aligned with milk truck standards, at the 39th National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments.

The conference deliberated on numerous important issues facing the FDA’s National Grade “A” Milk Program and the Grade “A” Milk Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).

NMPF’s proposal was accepted to update the rules for cleaning on-farm bulk tanks, allowing them to be cleaned once in every 24 hour period, similar to milk hauling trucks, instead of being cleaned every time the on-farm tank is emptied. This proposed rule will save time and money for many dairy farmers who have multiple milk shipments a day, and may have a positive environmental impact from less frequent chemical washes.

Delegates representing 49 states and Puerto Rico attended the conference, along with representatives from the FDA and industry organizations, including NMPF. Leaders from NMPF and its member cooperatives are heavily involved in NCIMS, with many serving on the NCIMS Executive Board or on committees between conferences.

Brad Suhling of Prairie Farms was elected to the open industry from the Central Region for the NCIMS Board. Suhling previously served on the Single Service Committee, and that vacancy will be filled by Charlie Mack of Prairie Farms.

Amanda Rife of Land O’ Lakes was elected the open industry from the Eastern Region for the NCIMS Board and will serve as chair for Council I; Dave Kedzierski of United Dairymen of Arizona will serve as the chair for Council II; Damon Miller of Dairy Farmers of America will continue his term as the chair for Council III; and Clay Detlefsen will continue to serve in the NMPF staff representative seat.

Finally, by unanimous vote, Antone Mickelson of Darigold/ Northwest Dairy Association will continue as vice chair of the NCIMS Executive Board.

NMPF will host the NCIMS executive board at its Arlington, Va., office in October for a meeting in which FDA will concur or nonNMPF News continued on the next page

NMPF News continued from the previous page

concur with all of the proposals passed at the conference.

NMPF Highlights U.S. Dairy’s Role in Global Nutrition; Hain, Jordan Discuss HPAI. Trade Policy Director Tony Rice presented at a briefing on Capitol Hill to speak about the U.S. dairy industry’s commitment to combatting malnutrition around the world, highlighting a busy month for NMPF outreach across the dairy community.

Hosted by the Alliance to End Hunger, the briefing covered the current state of global hunger and the importance of stable U.S. funding support for critical intervention products such as ready-touse therapeutic foods, a proven, lifesaving treatment for children suffering from acute malnutrition made from milk powder, peanuts, soybean oil/soy protein, sugar, and vitamins.

NMPF and USDEC have strongly advocated to Congress and USDA to expand funding for critical food assistance programs, including

ready-to-eat foods. Rice was joined by representatives from Helen Keller International, Edesia Nutrition, and the Eleanor Crook Foundation.

Elsewhere, NMPF Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Meggan Hain and Dr. Karen Jordan, head of the FARM Program’s animal care committee, participated in the National Institute of Animal Agriculture (NIAA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City. Dr. Hain participated in NIAA’s Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders, while Dr. Jordan presented on the dairy industry’s response to HPAI as part of an exercise to look at effective disease response across species

Also, FARM’s Sage Saffran moderated the ‘Unpacking Carbon Footprints: A Value Chain Approach to Advancing Dairy Sustainability’ panel on April 16 at the 2025 Cheese Con in Madison, Wisconsin.

Will Loux, the head of the NMPF/USDEC Joint Economics Team, spoke to the International Dairy Federation Standing Committee

NMPF Convenes States for Dairy Advocacy

By CHRIS GALEN & PAUL BLEIBERG, National Milk Producers Federation

Representatives from nearly 20 state dairy organizations met for the 2025 Dairy Association Stakeholder Summit to discuss mutual issues of interest and devise ways to better coordinate amongst each other and with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) on May 7 in Arlington, Virginia.

NMPF organized the meeting at its office for the farmers and staff who work at the various state dairy policy organizations. This annual summit brings together leaders from those groups to discuss insights that can help ensure a successful future for the dairy community. Issues discussed at the 2025 state summit included farm bill policy, labor availability and immigration, trade challenges, nutrition policy, environmental regulations, and the dairy economic outlook.

Dairy farmers may have common goals and policy priorities, but each state has its own legislative and regulatory climate. However, state rules are sometimes layered on top of federal requirements and create very different regulatory obligations for farmers, cooperatives, and other supply chain stakeholders. The Stakeholder Summit allows state representatives to report on what their producers are experiencing, giving NMPF the tools and understanding to better advocate for policy solutions that work for all farmers.

Moreover, while federal programs are nationwide in scope, their implementation may vary widely as they are often administered on the ground by state and county offices. For example, the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) safety net rules are standardized and thus should apply consistently to farmers in all 50 states, but each state has its own Farm Service Agency offices to run the program.

Family dairy farms come in varied sizes and can have unique ownership structures, so a slightly different interpretation from one state-level office to the next can mean two similarly situated producers may have very different experiences under the program. The Stakeholder Summit enables producers to give voice to these issues, positioning NMPF to work with agencies like the USDA to address any inconsistencies in implementing federal programs, DMC, or otherwise.

Lastly, while NMPF is the voice of dairy farmers nationwide, many state dairy associations maintain strong, lasting relationships with their congressional delegations. Local support is essential to securing a representative’s or senator’s support for a cause, positioning state associations to work with NMPF to provide congressional dairy champions the at-home backing they need.

Toward that end, because this meeting is held in Arlington, it affords the state participants an opportunity to visit their respective elected officials in the House of Representatives and the Senate. NMPF staff helped coordinate those Capitol Hill visits for the farmers who came from across the country to the event, where they shared what they learned at the summit meeting and advocated for dairy’s priority issues.

Reprinted from the May 12, 2025, Hoard’s Dairyman Intel.

on Dairy Policies and Economics on carbon markets, the impact of H5N1, and an outlook for dairy markets. And NMPF economist Monica Ganley spoke on the State of the Industry to the Oregon Dairy Industry on behalf of the S/R Oregon Dairy Council.

Farm Opens Registration for Annual Evaluator Conference. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is hosting its annual FARM Evaluator Conference on July 14-16 at the Oneida Casino & Hotel in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The two day conference is filled with industry speakers, program area deep dives, and provides networking opportunities for FARM Program evaluators.

FARM evaluators are individuals trained and certified to conduct second party animal care, environmental stewardship, and workforce development evaluations on behalf of FARM participants. Evaluators work alongside dairy producers to identify strengths and outline areas for improvement in all program areas.

Please reach out to dairyfarm@nmpf.org for questions about the event or for information about sponsorship opportunities.

FDA Reaffirms Milk Safety, Supported by NMPF. NMPF reacted to consumer concern over late April reports of the FDA’s temporary suspension of its milk quality proficiency testing program by working with FDA to release an agency statement clarifying what the proficiency testing program is.

“The milk proficiency testing program is a periodic review of the testing capacities of laboratories in the FDA’s network and is not used to directly test milk or other dairy products,” an FDA spokesperson said, referring to its Grade “A” milk proficiency testing (PT) program in a statement shared with NMPF. “The temporary suspension of the Proficiency Testing program does not impact routine testing of milk destined for pasteurization or milk and dairy testing in illness investigations. The FDA continues to have confidence in the safety of the commercial, pasteurized milk supply.”

The program is a minor step in the multi-faceted process of ensuring milk safety; however, amplification of its importance on social media created a potential threat to milk’s reputation, prompting both work with FDA as well as NMPF’s own statement reaffirming milk’s safety and the many quality and safety checks conducted on every batch of milk as it moves from farms to retail stores across the country.

“The U.S. milk supply is safe,” NMPF said in its own statement. “All routine quality and safety checks on farms, during milk transport, and at processing plants are being conducted as they always have been, in coordination with both state and federal partners.

“NMPF has full confidence in the state, federal, and industry partnerships that work together to implement the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, which has kept the U.S. milk supply safe for more than 100 years.”

This public reminder of the steps involved in ensuring safe, quality milk comes right on the heels of the 39th National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments, a collaborative effort between industry, states, and federal partners to update and implement the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. NMPF is working on additional milk safety resources to share throughout the year.

U.S. Dairy Welcomes Framework to Expand Exports to UK. “The United States and the United Kingdom are long overdue to strike a deal on trade. This agreement on a solid framework for

negotiations over the coming months is an important step in the right direction,” said Gregg Doud. “The UK is the world’s largest cheese importer from global markets. The United States has invested $10 billion in U.S. dairy processing capacity in a four year window. It’s vitally important that our exporters have a level playing field.”

The European Union has duty free, quota free access to the UK dairy market and benefits from geographical indications that prohibit fair competition in the UK market in common cheese categories. The UK in 2023 also implemented Free Trade Agreements with New Zealand and Australia, which eliminate all UK dairy tariffs over the course of five years. The EU, New Zealand, and Canada also all benefit from most of their dairy products being deemed by the UK to be “low risk” and thus can enter the UK market without the need for product certification.

“Yesterday’s announcement of a U.S.-UK agreement on a negotiating framework for trade must be a first step in the work that’s needed to open market opportunities for U.S. dairy products to the UK, which imported $5 billion from the world last year,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “The UK already has open trade with the world’s largest dairy exporter — the EU — and it will have fully open trade with two of the other largest exporters — New Zealand and Australia — in just three years. Duty free, quota free, certificate free trade is what U.S. dairy exporters need to have a level playing field in this key market.”

NMPF Lauds Dairy Policy Provisions in House Ag Reconciliation Package. The National Milk Producers Federation recently lauded the inclusion of critical resources in the House Agriculture Committee’s reconciliation proposal that would boost the agricultural economy and provide farmers with certainty.

“We commend Chairman G.T. Thompson and committee members for advancing important investments that will help support and create opportunities for dairy,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “We will work with lawmakers to advance these provisions through Congress, knowing that dairy is well served by what the House Agriculture Committee is approving.”

NMPF is pleased that the bill extends the Dairy Margin Coverage program through 2031, providing dairy producers with much needed continuity. The package also bases the program’s production history calculation on a farmer’s highest production year out of 2021, 2022, or 2023, an update that better reflects recent on-farm production levels. The bill also funds mandatory USDA dairy processing plant cost surveys every two years, which will better inform future make allowance conversations. Finally, it includes long term resources for important trade promotion, conservation, research, and animal health programs.

The legislation, which is expected to be approved today by the House Agriculture Committee, will ultimately be folded into a broader budget reconciliation package that will include an extension of current tax policies, among other areas. NMPF supports House Ways and Means Committee language to make the Section 199A tax deduction permanent, which will allow dairy cooperatives to continue to either pass the deduction back to their farmer owners or reinvest it in their cooperatives.

NMPF News continued on the next page

NMPF News continued from the previous page

“Whether it’s risk management or tax issues, the stakes are enormous for Congress to get the policy right in this legislation,” Doud said. “House committees have done good work this week to start major elements of this bill on the right track for dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own.”

About the National Milk Producer’s Federation. NMPF was organized in 1916 to provide a forum for dairy producers and the cooperatives they own to participate in public policy discussions. NMPF advocates policies to Congress, U.S. and foreign government agencies, industry organizations, the news media, and the public.

We use our unique resources to harness the ever changing climate in the politics and marketing of milk and dairy products from farm to table to promote the economic well being of dairy producers and

their cooperatives through coordinated industry efforts.

NMPF addresses policies concerning milk pricing, domestic and international market development, agriculture credit and taxation, environmental issues, food safety and health, animal welfare, product standards and labeling, and research and biotechnology.

Our mission is to foster an economic and political climate in which dairy producers and the cooperatives they own can thrive and prosper. Achieving such success assures consumers of adequate supplies of wholesome and nutritious dairy products at affordable prices.

This helps improve the bottom line of the associate members who provide services to dairy producers and cooperatives that they represent. For more information, visit www.nmpf.org

FFAR, DMI, and Zoetis to Study Connection Between Dairy Cow Health, Economics, and the Environment

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), and Zoetis are launching the Dairy Health, Efficiency & Resource Dynamics (Dairy HERD) Initiative. The goal for this $1.3 million research collaboration is to advance research in animal health, ensure the economic viability of the U.S. dairy industry, and improve environmental outcomes. FFAR is currently accepting research proposals requesting between $500,000 and $1 million per project for projects lasting up to two years. The required matching funds for this opportunity have been secured, but additional matching funds are encouraged.

The Dairy HERD Initiative recognizes that animal health and welfare are top priorities for producers and consumers. The initiative advances research on the positive impacts of disease prevention and herd management on economic and environmental outcomes. These outcomes will help support the U.S. dairy industry’s collective 2050 environmental stewardship goals, which include reducing emissions, optimizing water use and recycling and improving water quality. The initiative will help ensure that results are available to farmers and other stakeholders by incorporating them into existing models and decision support tools, enabling farmers to increase efficiency and profitability on their farms.

The U.S. dairy industry has made significant strides in meeting its stewardship goals. Thanks to improved farming practices, producing a gallon of milk in 2017 required 30 percent less water, 21 percent less land, and had a 19 percent smaller carbon footprint than in 2007. Dairy farmers already prioritize cow health and welfare. The Dairy HERD

Initiative seeks research proposals to help quantify the benefits of these stewardship efforts and provides farmers with the tools to do so

“FFAR is excited to partner with DMI and Zoetis to fill critical animal health research gaps,” said Dr. Jasmine Bruno, FFAR scientific program director. “This research initiative will not only help to increase profitability for farmers but also support the dairy industry in achieving their stewardship objectives.”

“Dairy farmers know the importance of cow health,” said Dr. Tim Kurt, senior vice president, environmental research strategy and group lead, DMI. “Quantifying the positive environmental outcomes of improved animal health will enable farmers to demonstrate improvement and access emerging ecosystem service markets or other financial incentives.”

“As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis brings deep expertise in advancing dairy cow health as a key driver of sustainable outcomes,” said Shari Westerfeld, vice president, U.S. sustainability customer engagement at Zoetis. “Through this research, we can help producers, veterinarians, and nutritionists make informed decisions that optimize herd management, improve economic viability, and reduce dairy’s environmental footprint.”

The Dairy HERD Initiative welcomes applications from all domestic and international higher education institutions, non-profit and for-profit organizations and government-affiliated research agencies. Pre-applications are due June 11. For more information and to apply, visit the Dairy HERD Initiative page on FFAR’s website at www.foundationfar.org

Adeep dive on Mycoplasma bovis in beef herds. The prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis seems to be on the rise as commingling becomes more common in many beef cattle herds, said Vickie Cooper, DVM, Zoetis beef technical services, Iowa. “In open production systems, the prevalence of M. bovis is generally low. But as the number of confinement cow/calf operations increases, so does the threat of this disease causing bacteria.”

Most known for its ability to cause bovine respiratory disease (BRD), M. bovis targets beef calves — leading to irreversible lung damage, mortality, and higher production costs.1 The bacteria are present in the respiratory system of perfectly normal calves but become a bigger problem when calves face stressors such as transportation, commingling, entry into the feedlot, and weather changes.

Although disease symptoms are similar, the sneaky nature of M. bovis makes this pathogen more challenging to detect and treat than other BRD causing pathogens.

“Mycoplasma bovis operates a bit like a chameleon,” Cooper said. “The organism lacks a cell wall and has variable surface proteins, so mycoplasmas can assume many forms and are very good at evading the calf’s immune system.”

The lack of a cell wall also makes treatment more difficult. “Symptoms must be caught very early for treatment to be effective,” Cooper said. “Mycoplasmas will begin forming communities within the lung, and once those communities are formed, it becomes very difficult for an antibiotic to penetrate the lesion and control the mycoplasmas.”

Preventing BRD caused by M. bovis – Helping to prevent M. bovis infection can include focusing on a calf’s environment and evaluating your vaccination program.

Protivity is the first and only modified live M. bovis vaccine and has been shown to help prevent irreversible lung damage due to M. bovis. 2

“Depending on your management practices and disease prevalence, Protivity may be a great fit for your herd,” Cooper said. “But a solid vaccination program only works if other preventive practices that prioritize calf well being are also in place.”

Some other best practices for mitigation include:

• Minimize commingling where possible and segregate groups based on age, sex, and arrival date.

• Provide good ventilation and avoid overcrowding.

• Maintain proper sanitation of equipment and pens.

• Provide adequate nutrition with fresh feed and clean water.

• Use low stress cattle handling techniques.

• Provide adequate shelter and avoid dusty environments.

• Consult your herd veterinarian for operation specific strategies.

“We need to focus on doing all of the small things well,” Cooper said. She encourages producers to work with their herd veterinarian to identify opportunities for improving calf management to limit the risk of M. bovis and other disease causing pathogens.

Reach out to your local Zoetis representative or visit Zoetisus.com/ Protivity for more information on BRD prevention strategies and product solutions.

References

1Maunsell F.P., Woolums A.R., Francoz D., et al. Mycoplasma bovis infections in cattle. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25:772-783.

2Data on file. Study Report No. B832R-US-17-665, Zoetis Inc. About Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company,

Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.5 billion in 2023 with approximately 14,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

2025 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 2025. 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.

2025 Reserved Spotlight Issues

JANUARY CHAROLAIS FEBRUARY FORAGES MARCH ANGUS APRIL PIEDMONTESE MAY BRAHMAN

JUNE HEREFORD JULY

AUGUST SIMMENTAL SEPTEMBER SANTA GERTRUDIS

OCTOBER WAGYU

NOVEMBER BRANGUS DECEMBER BRAUNVIEH

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

Liver Abscesses Reduced with Beef-on-Dairy Feeding Strategy

By MAUREEN HANSON

Feeding beef-on-dairy cross steers a low starch, forage based diet early in life may be the secret to fewer liver abscesses, healthier rumens, and heavier carcasses without sacrificing performance. As the beef-ondairy crossbreeding phenomenon continues to evolve, there remain unsolved challenges to maximizing the performance and value of those animals.

We know those calves aren’t the same as fullblood, conventional beef animals. And we know we can’t feed and raise them exactly the same. But can we get closer to matching the performance of their beef cousins, particularly related to challenges like their currently high incidence of liver abscesses?

A recent Iowa State University study sought to bring some clarity to the lifetime nutrition of beef-on-dairy animals and how it influences their performance and ultimate carcass quality. The study started with 120 day old beef-on-dairy cross steers and segmented them into four feeding groups:

• A high starch starter ration for 60 days, followed by a high starch pelleted ration for 60 days.

• A high starch starter ration for 60 days, followed by a forage based TMR ration for 60 days.

•A low starch starter ration for 60 days, followed by the high starch pelleted ration for 60 days.

• A low starch starter ration for 60 days, followed by the forage based TMR ration for 60 days.

All calves were weaned from a common liquid ration at 60 days. Following the 60 day postweaning experimental phase, the entire

study group was fed a common grower TMR ration for 140 days and a common finishing diet for another 200 days.

In the postweaning receiving phase, the two groups fed the pelleted ration had significantly higher feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and ending weight. However, that disparity narrowed during the grower phase. By the end of the grower phase (~260 days), there was no significant difference in bodyweight between the four groups.

In the finishing phase, there was also no significant difference in feed intake or ADG between any group. But the low starch/TMR group was unique in that it had a slightly different growth curve. Those calves continued steadily increasing in daily feed intake and growth as the other calves were slowing down.

“Some of this may be due to compensatory gain following the receiving phase, but we speculate some may also be due to a healthier rumen in the later finishing period,” said Iowa State Extension Beef Specialist Denise Schwab, primary investigator of the study.

Harvest data indicated no difference in the quality grade, yield grade, or carcass weights between the four groups, but the low starch/TMR group had slightly heavier carcass weights.

Most telling was the disparity in the incidence of liver abscesses and condemned rumens. In total, the incidence of liver abscesses across all groups was 19 percent, which is well below current industry incidence for beef-on-dairy cross steers. The high starch/TMR group had more than 30 percent incidence of liver abscesses, while the low starch/TMR group had less than 5 percent.

Rumen condemnations were highest for the high starch/high starch pellet group, at 19 percent. Comparatively, the low starch/ TMR group was the lowest, at just 4 percent. Overall, the low starch/ TMR group had an average of 20 percent fewer liver abscesses and rumen condemnations compared to the other three groups.

In terms of numeric economic returns, the low starch/TMR group had the highest average carcass value, and the high starch/TMR group had the highest net economic returns.

Reprinted from Drovers – Beef Production

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

ANEWS

When asked what the top threats to animal agriculture and food security were, responses from security experts included the spread of zoonotic diseases, which can be exacerbated by on-farm activism, the rise of agro-crimes and animal rights activism, and cybersecurity concerns, such as data and intellectual property (IP) theft.

Other topics included countering animal rights campaigns, legal guidance on navigating marketing claim challenges, modernizing protein recommendations, and building trust with stakeholders.

Save the date for the 2026 Summit, set for May 5-7 in Kansas City, Missouri. Follow the hashtag #AAA26 for periodic updates about the event.

rtificial intelligence, animal welfare, animal rights extremism discussed at 2025 Stakeholders Summit. Artificial intelligence, animal health and welfare, supply chain partnerships, and animal rights extremism were among the key themes addressed at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit. The 2025 Summit, themed “Food for Thought – Dishing on Sustainability,” took place April 30–May 2 in Arlington, Va., and included more than 200 registered in-person attendees.

Former Google executive and president of Story Arc Consulting, Steve Lerch, led an eye opening session on how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can help animal agriculture identify new ways to connect with consumers. Lerch noted that, as humans, change is often resisted, especially when something has worked in the past. However, consumers are always changing, and animal agriculture needs to adapt to continue meeting people where they are at. AI tools like ChatGPT are a simple way to brainstorm new ideas and craft messaging that will resonate with target audiences.

Speakers also addressed animal welfare, noting that everyone involved in animal production has a role to play. “We’re all here for the same shared goal at the end of the day,” said Nick Wolfenden, Cargill’s global director of sustainable animal welfare. It was recommended that companies embrace animal welfare as part of their organizational culture. It was also noted that “healthy tension” is important between stakeholders to continue driving change on this issue.

In the animal health space, panelists discussed how animal health is driving sustainability solutions. Speakers agreed that healthy animals are a cornerstone of sustainable food systems, claiming that better animal health equates to higher productivity, lower emissions, and more people being fed. “Keeping animals healthy can contribute to a more sustainable food system,” said Ron Phillips, senior vice president of policy at the Animal Health Institute.

The need for continued partnerships across the supply chain and across species was a recurring theme of the 2025 Summit. Brandi Herndon, chief agribusiness officer at the Tulsa State Fair, stated, “We’re all facing the same problems…and we could all be fantastic allies together.” Similarly, Eric Mittenthal, chief strategy officer at The Meat Institute, emphasized the importance of working together to reach shared sustainability goals, “We can’t achieve these big goals in silos.”

Rounding out the event, several sessions focused on animal rights extremism and navigating related challenges. The ongoing threat of animal rights extremism is a national security concern, as Karen Meidenbauer, DVM, noted, “Food security is a national security.”

The 2025 Summit would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors, including U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Farm Journal , Meatingplace, Watt Global Media, Cargill, Merck Animal Health, Zoetis, American Feed Industry Association, United Soybean Board, Agri-Pulse, CoBank, Dairy MAX, Farm Credit Council, Mountaire, National Pork Producers Council, Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative, AdFarm, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Veal Association, Aviagen, Cobb, Kemin, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Pork Board, N.C. Farm Bureau, Progressive Dairy, Trans Ova Genetics, Tyson Foods, United Egg Producers, Eggland’s Best, and Vivayic.

About the Animal Agriculture 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. For more information, visit www.animalagalliance.org.

2025 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook shares global feed production survey data. Data collected from 14th annual global feed survey estimates world feed production increased in 2024 by 1.2 percent to 1.396 billion metric tons. Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and biotechnology, has released its 2025 Agri-Food Outlook, a report that includes the results of the company’s 14th annual global feed production survey. The publication shows that global feed production rebounded in 2024 after a stagnant 2023, increasing from 1.380 billion metric tons (mt) (+1.2 percent) to 1.396 billion mt. This growth — which was achieved despite challenges that included highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate fluctuations, and economic uncertainty — underscores the resilience and adaptability of the international agriculture industry.

The annual survey that serves as the foundation of the AgriFood Outlook collected data from 142 countries and 28,235 feed mills in 2024. By analyzing compound feed production and prices — collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with feed associations and official data collecting organizations — the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of global feed production. These insights serve as a barometer for the overall livestock industry, highlighting key trends across species, regional challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Top 10 countries – The top 10 feed producing countries in 2024 were China (which produced 315.030 million mt of feed, down 2.03 percent from 2023), the U.S. (269.620 million mt; +0.68 percent), Brazil (86.636 million mt; +2.43 percent), India (55.243 million mt; +4.56 percent), Mexico (41.401 million mt; +1.38 percent), Russia (38.481 million mt; +8.53 percent ), Spain (35.972 million mt; +1.46 percent), Vietnam (25.850 million mt; +3.41 percent), Türkiye (24.502 million mt; +4.83 percent) and Japan (24.297 million mt; +0.14 percent). Together, the top 10 countries produced 65.6 percent of the world’s feed — and 52 percent of all global feed production was concentrated in just four countries: China, the U.S., Brazil, and India.

Notable results and future outlook:

• Beef feed tonnage rose from 131.6 million mt in 2023 to 134.1 million mt in 2024, reflecting a global increase of 1.8 percent. North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Oceania all recorded gains thanks to a rise in demand for beef exports due to tight supply elsewhere around the world. Additionally, scarce forages in parts of North America, Latin America and Australia drove cattle producers to rely more heavily on commercial feeds. The decline in beef feed tonnage seen in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was attributed to oversupply and lower prices.

• Dairy feed tonnage increased by 3.2 percent, to 165.500 million mt, due to robust consumer demand, favorable milk prices, and a shift toward more intensive farming practices, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America all displaying growth. While dairy feed production remained stable in North America, Oceania’s reliance on abundant pasture led to a slight dip in its feed tonnage. Despite challenges that range from disease pressures to volatile weather conditions, the global dairy sector continues to exhibit strong resilience and growth potential. The modernization and intensification of production and higher milk yields are expected to foster further increases — but lower farmgate prices in China could limit global gains overall.

Notable regional results:

• Asia-Pacific (533.1 million mt) – Feed production was down slightly in the region (by 0.8 percent), but Asia-Pacific remained the largest producer of feed overall. This decrease was largely due to headwinds in China as well as ongoing weather extremes, oversupply, and cheap feed alternatives that hampered expansion.

• North America (290.7 million mt) – The second largest feed producing region saw a modest increase (0.6 percent) across beef, poultry, and pork that was offset by the impacts of HPAI (in layers and turkeys) and stagnant aquaculture production.

• Latin America (198.4 million mt) – This region experienced solid gains driven by robust demand for poultry, pork, and beef, as well as favorable export markets. Overall, feed production in Latin America increased by 3.6 percent.

• Europe (267.8 million mt) – Rebounds in pig, beef, and aquaculture feed led to a 2.7 percent increase in Europe’s total feed production, but structural constraints — including sustainability policies and diminishing herds — will temper future expansion.

• Africa and the Middle East (95.5 million mt) –This region had the strongest percentage growth (of 5.4 percent) around the world in 2024, but it was also starting from a smaller base than other regions. This growth reflects expanding commercial feeds in the poultry, ruminant, and pet sectors. Stable growth in poultry and beef in the Middle East, however, has been tempered by water scarcity and import costs.

• Oceania (11.0 million mt) – Gains in beef and aquaculture from low baselines led to an increase of 2.5 percent in Oceania’s overall feed production. Feedlot usage is high in Australia, but New Zealand’s herd declines constrain further growth.

The compound feed production totals and prices reported in the 2025 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook were collected in the first quarter of 2025 with assistance from feed mills and industry and government entities around the world. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an informative resource for industry stakeholders.

To access more data and insights from the 2025 Alltech AgriFood Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit alltech.com/ agri-food-outlook.

Ideagro Begins Operations in Brazil with the Opening of Agricultural Research Center. Investment in its first unit outside Europe, in partnership with Uningá, will enable analyses and development of biotechnological solutions focused on the national market. A leader in agricultural research and development in Europe, Ideagro, headquartered in Murica, Spain, is expanding its international

presence with the opening of its first agricultural research center on another continent. On April 29, Ideagro Brazil was officially opened, located at the Ingá University Center (Uningá) in the city of Maringá, in northwestern Paraná. The investment by Alltech Crop Science (ACS), a global leader in plant nutrition, in partnership with the university, makes possible physical, chemical, and biological analyses, as well as development of high impact biotechnological solutions to address the challenges, of Brazilian agriculture with sustainable and profitable productivity gains.

In its first year of operation, Ideagro will invest over $1 million in research, development, and product registration in Brazil.

“We are facing significant challenges but also great opportunities for Brazilian agriculture. With this confidence, Ideagro decided to bet concretely on the country’s productive potential,” said Pedro Palazón, CEO of Ideagro. He emphasized that Brazil is one of the world’s main agricultural production hubs, with a diversity of crops, regions, and unique production systems. “Being present here allows us to develop more effective solutions tailored to local realities and act directly

where transformation happens.”

To build a highly qualified local technical team, up to ten professionals will be hired in the first year. As a way to develop talent and connect science, practice, and innovation on an international level, Uningá students interning at Ideagro Brazil will be eligible for an exchange program at the Spanish headquarters. For Palazón, the European experience in technical standardization, quality control, and regulatory innovation complements the dynamism and complexity of Brazil’s agricultural sector. “Our expectation is that by 2028, the Brazilian operation will become our largest, surpassing even the European unit,” he projects.

With more than 20,000 soil health analyses and studies across over 90 crops, Ideagro is a leader in agricultural innovation in Europe and was recognized in 2021 as a reference laboratory by the FAO’s Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) and the

Alltech News continued on the next page

Bovine Castration Tool Now Available in the U.S.

TestiGrip Bovine Castration Tool helps cattle producers get the most out of their livestock. It is specifically designed to secure testes during elastrator castration, reducing the risk of undetected retained testicles that can lead to costly market losses. With TestiGrip, cattle producers can be confident that each steer will be properly castrated without missing any testicles. TestiGrip is easy to use and is the perfect solution for busy producers who don’t have time to check every animal after castration. TestiGrip ensures that cattle are properly castrated, so producers can get the most out of their livestock.

TestiGrip is an invention that helps take the challenge out of restraining cattle for castration. This device enables one person to easily grip the testicles without having to use both hands, leaving the other hand free to use the elastrator, and the scrotum is securely held in place to prevent slipping or loss of testes. There is a lot of pressure to have speed and accuracy when you have a protective cow wanting her calf back. This device is essential for any farm or ranch where cattle need to be handled for castration. It makes the process easier, quicker, and more efficient.

TestiGrip is an easy and efficient way to castrate a calf two weeks old or younger. Its unique design offers the versatility of working with either a standing or laying calf, making it suitable for whatever method you prefer. TestiGrip also has the added benefit of being more comfortable for both the operator and the animal due to its ergonomic handle and no-pinch design.

Also available is TestiGrip Mini, a smaller version of the original for use on small kid goats and lambs. Try a member of the TestiGrip family today!

About TestiGrip . The TestiGrip line was invented by Jodi Suchoplas in Manitoba, Canada. Jodi recognized the need for assistance with the ease of rubber band castration on her family’s 350 mama cow operation. In 2024, Jodi and the TestiGrip were awarded Canada’s prestigious Farmer’s Choice Award and Innovation in Livestock Award. TestiGrip is currently available in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Alltech News continued from the previous page

International Fertilizer Analysis Network (INFA). Among the distinguishing technologies the company will offer in Brazil are its expertise in microbiological solutions and the use of precision fermentation processes.

One of the services available is qPCR analysis for quantifying microorganisms in soil and plants — a molecular technique used to amplify DNA in samples, aimed at diagnosing agricultural pathogens. Similar analyses can be conducted for viruses via RNA amplification. The major advantage of this innovative diagnostic system in Brazil is its ability to deliver rigorous and precise results in under 24 hours — something not possible with conventional microbiological techniques. “We’re also developing a biological indicator of soil health, a tool that enhances understanding of the production environment and enables more functional, integrated, and decision orientated diagnostics in the field,” said Palazón.

Located on the Uningá campus, Ideagro Brazil features a 230 square meter laboratory equipped to: detect 340 pathogens in major Brazilian crops via PCR; perform traditional nematology and phytopathology analyses; evaluate enzymes that indicate soil health based on the presence of beneficial microorganisms; and develop products derived from beneficial microorganisms. The facility also has access to a 15 hectare experimental area for real world field trials.

“We have quite intensive agriculture in Brazil, with many regions able to produce up to three cereal crops a year. This offers huge economic benefits but also increases pathogens and depletes soil nutrients,” said Dr. Mayra Soares, research manager at Ideagro

Brazil and agronomist with a Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition with a focus on nematology. “Our fast analyses will show producers where they can improve to grow more sustainably and plan to meet plants’ nutritional and physiological needs — helping mitigate challenges such as climate conditions.”

Since 2023, Ideagro has been the global research center for Alltech’s agricultural division, Alltech Crop Science.

“Ideagro Brazil is the next step in Alltech Crop Science’s commitment to delivering solutions to our clients based on cutting edge science, focused on soil and plant health,” said Andy Thomas, CEO of Alltech Crop Science. According to Thomas, Brazil is an extremely diverse agricultural powerhouse, with a proven willingness to integrate biological solutions into crop production and soil management. “The ability to conduct research and development locally in the market is a key factor for excellence.”

With an eye on the rapid expansion of the biologicals market in Brazil, Ideagro will develop innovative biotechnological solutions such as bio-stimulants and beneficial microorganisms.

In the next three to five years, our goal is to establish Ideagro Brazil as a benchmark in applied research in the tropical context, with technologies developed locally and tailored to Brazilian producers,” said Palazón. To achieve this, Ideagro Brazil plans to launch at least five new solutions focused on improving soil health, biological control, and root development stimulation, while also adapting solutions for other Latin American countries and regions.

Another goal is to expand the local collaboration network to create an innovation ecosystem capable of accelerating the development and validation of sustainable technologies.

“We are specialists in soil health, and one of our main goals in Brazil is to advance the concept of suppressive soil — a biologically balanced environment that is less conducive to pathogen development and more favorable to plant vitality,” Palazón explained. “Through applied knowledge backed by solid scientific support, we aim to contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector in Brazil with practical solutions for agronomic efficiency that enhance productivity and profitability while reducing environmental impact.”

For more information, visit ideagrobrasil.com.br

Alltech ONE Conference returns to Kentucky in May 2026. The Alltech ONE Conference is coming home.

From May 18-20, 2026, Alltech will welcome global thought leaders and innovators to the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Ken., for an immersive exploration of the bold ideas shaping the future of agri-food.

“Over the last 40 years, Alltech has created a truly unique event, the only one of its kind, which many hail as the premier international agri-food event,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. “ONE 2026 will again congregate thought and action leaders, scientists, food producers, entrepreneurs, and storytellers in a spirit of open collaboration to explore what’s next for our industry — and our planet.”

In 1985, Alltech held its first iteration of the conference in Lexington, welcoming guests from around the world to engage

with experts on trending topics in the agriculture industry. Since then, ONE has become a catalyst for inspiration, innovation, and collaboration across the agriculture industry and beyond. The conference was held in Lexington until 2023, when Alltech took the ideas and inspiration of ONE on the road to six countries and four continents as the Alltech ONE World Tour.

“After years of connecting virtually and exploring the world together through regional experiences, we’re bringing the Alltech ONE Conference home to Lexington,” said Lyons. “This event has brought tens of thousands of business leaders to the Bluegrass from almost 100 different countries over the years. The connections and conversations they have had here have led to new innovations, business ventures, and the creation of a community that spans the globe. So many are making their plans to join us in 2026, and the buzz is already building.”

With the theme “Together, bright becomes brilliant,” ONE 2026 will feature inspiring keynote speakers, dynamic tracks and workshops, and leading edge insights from global leaders across agriculture, business, technology, and sustainability.

“I look forward to welcoming you to our hometown — to walk the halls of Rupp Arena with old friends and new allies, and to spark the ideas that will shape our shared future,” Lyons said. “There’s no place like home.”

Visit one.alltech.com to view a highlights video, learn more about ONE 2026, and sign up to receive conference updates.

About Alltech. Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact.

We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix, supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services.

Strengthened by more

than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation.

We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.

Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Ken., Alltech serves customers in more than 140 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 75 manufacturing facilities across the globe. For more information, visit alltech.com

Secretary Rollins Suspends Live Animal Imports Through Ports of Entry Along Southern Border.

On May 11, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border due to the continued and rapid northward spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, effective immediately. NWS has been recently detected in remote farms with minimal cattle movement as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles away from the U.S. border.

The United States and Mexico continue efforts to interdict and eradicate NWS in Mexico and work in good faith. However, despite these efforts and the economic impact on both countries due to this action, there has been unacceptable northward advancement of NWS, and additional action must be taken to slow the northern progression of this deadly parasitic fly. As such, effective immediately, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will restrict the importation of live animal commodities originating from or transiting Mexico. This import suspension will persist on a month-by-month basis until a significant window of containment is achieved. USDA will continue constant collaboration with Mexico, including a review of the latest data and metrics in two weeks. Our teams have been in daily communication, discussing how we can build on the good work that has been accomplished to improve our strategy toward eradication. Any livestock currently in holding for entry into the United States will be processed normally, this includes an APHIS port Veterinary Medical Officer inspection exam and treatment to ensure they are not carrying NWS.

“The United States has ordered the suspension of livestock imports through ports of entry along our southern border after the continued spread of the New World Screwworm in Mexico. Secretary Berdegué and I have worked closely on the NWS response; however, it is my duty to take all steps within my control to protect the livestock industry in the United States from this devastating pest,” said Secretary Rollins. “The protection of our animals and the safety of our nation’s food supply are national security issues

of the utmost importance. Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade. This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico; rather, it is about food and animal safety.”

Effective eradication, which remains our shared goal and best interest of both the U.S. and Mexico, requires a three pronged approach: robust active field surveillance with education and outreach to ensure prevention, treatment, and early detection; controlled animal movement to limit spread; and sustained sterile insect dispersal. Suspending livestock transport through southern ports of entry will assist in the effort to limit northbound transport of NWS through livestock commerce, and will allow the U.S. to reassess whether current mitigation standards remain sufficient. It is important to note the northward spread of NWS is possible through natural wildlife movements, including wildlife that transit the border region without impediment.

USDA is taking all possible actions to monitor for and limit the northward movement of NWS, including the utilization of the USDA Tick Riders to monitor livestock and wildlife along the southern border region, between the ports of entry, for the presence of NWS.

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

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

The U.S. previously and successfully led the eradication of NWS in the U.S. and Mexico, however this cost billions of dollars and took decades. Unfortunately, these recent detections in Mexico show that this dangerous pest is back and remains a serious threat to the health of our animals, our food supply, and the security of our country.

Background – The first case of NWS in Mexico was reported to the U.S. in November 2024. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.

In November 2024, after a positive detection of NWS in southern Mexico, USDA shut down the border for live animal trade.

In February 2025, USDA resumed imports after APHIS and Mexico agreed to and implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol to ensure safe movement and steps to mitigate the threat of NWS.

Over the last two years, screwworm has spread north throughout

Panama and into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and now Mexico.

APHIS is releasing sterile flies through aerial and ground release at strategic locations, focusing on Southern Mexico and other areas throughout Central America. A complete list of regions APHIS recognizes as affected by NWS, as well as more detailed information on trade restrictions, can be found on the USDA APHIS Animal Health Status of Regions website.

Secretary Rollins Hosts Farmers First Roundtable, Announces Expedited Disaster Aid. Secretary Brooke Rollins recently held the inaugural Farmers First roundtable at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Secretary Rollins hosted Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), and over 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states who run smaller scale, independent, family owned operations. These operations are at the heart of American agriculture, and their continued success is critical for the economic viability of the industry.

Farming is a noble and patriotic line of work. America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of our country. It is the goal of the Trump Administration to ensure all of America’s farms are economically viable and thriving, including smaller, independently owned businesses. After studying the needs and current state of the farm economy, Secretary Rollins will launch a plan later this month to ensure smaller scale family owned farming operations are economically viable and those who want to start and keep their own farms for generations to come are able to. The states are key stakeholders in supporting American agriculture, and the group discussed ways USDA will work together with states and federal and private sector partners to put farmers first. Alongside NASDA President Wes Ward, Secretary Rollins today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve collaboration, coordination, and to ensure partnership with our friends in our agriculture community on the front lines.

This plan builds on the many ways USDA is putting farmers first and reprioritizing customer service. USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) was the quickest, most effective rollout of emergency payments in the history of the program. To date, 487,177 farmers across 49 states have received over $7.3 billion in payments. To ensure total transparency, USDA updates the portal every Monday, so the American people can track payment totals. President Trump and Secretary Rollins understand how important customer service is to the American people. That is why, in direct contrast to the Biden Administration, USDA stood up the ECAP program in 3 months as opposed to an average of 13 months, and in one case, 19 months, it took to release ad hoc assistance programs under Secretary Vilsack. These unnecessary delays cause real harm on the farm.

Following several natural disasters that deeply impacted farms and ranches across the country, Secretary Rollins announced plans to expedite $21 billion in disaster assistance. Farmers receiving livestock relief for drought and wildfire can expect to receive payments as soon as the end of this month. While we aim to move all payments out expeditiously and to cut timelines where possible, it is important to note that some elements of the Congressionally

appropriated assistance are more specific and labor intensive and were also not statutorily required, therefore will take a bit more time.

“At USDA, we understand there are many challenges to starting a new farm and maintaining a small family farm. While there are many programs to assist our farmers, we feel strongly that it takes government entities, non-profits, and the private sector working together to improve the viability, prosperity, and longevity of small family farms. I have had the honor of visiting many farms and speaking with families over the last several months, and have heard firsthand that farmers are struggling. We are working every day to improve the farm economy,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump knows how important agriculture is to the success of our country. We are reversing four years of neglect by announcing a policy portfolio to help small family farms and expediting assistance to support American agriculture. We delivered ECAP payments in record time and will do it again with this disaster assistance announced today.”

A landing page to track the status of USDA’s disaster rollout, which will be updated regularly, has been launched.

Secretary Rollins Announces Farmers First —Small Family Farms Policy Agenda. Releases Policy Proposals to Support Small Family Farms. After nearly 100 days of traveling the nation and visiting directly with hundreds of farmers across America, Secretary Brooke Rollins recently released the first set of policy proposals under her newly launched Make Agriculture Great Again Initiative. These initial proposals are a comprehensive set of policy solutions aimed at improving the viability and longevity of smaller scale family farms for generations to come. About 86 percent of all farms in the United States are small family farms. To ensure small family farmers can start and stay in business, USDA has outlined a toolkit of actions, including the streamlining of application processes, improving reliable access to credit, farmland, and markets, and appropriate business planning tools.

The Small Family Farms Policy Agenda provides actionable solutions to a variety of challenges faced by small family farmers:

• Ensure simple, streamlined, and transparent tools and applications

• Ensure reliable access to credit

• Ensure working farmland is used to farm

• Ensure small farms can be passed on to the next generation for generations to come

• Hyper focus USDA programs for farmers on farmers

• Labor reform

• Enhance access to risk management and business planning tools

• Ensure definitions of farm size reflect modern day realities

• Enhance farmer access to educational resources

• Other small farm resources available

This policy rollout builds on the Farmers First Roundtable event recently held at the USDA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where the Secretary met with and heard from more than 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states who run smaller scale, family owned operations, as well as Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and the Board of Directors of the NASDA about challenges facing smaller scale family

USDA News continued on the next page

USDA News continued from the previous page

farms across America.

“America’s family farms help feed, fuel, and clothe the world, but they also face some of the greatest challenges in getting their farms started and keeping them running. Putting Farmers First means addressing the issues farmers face head-on and fostering an economic environment that doesn’t put up roadblocks on business creation but removes them,” said Secretary Rollins. “Today’s policy agenda is tailored specifically to support small scale farms to thrive for generations to come. President Trump knows America’s economic prosperity depends on the success of our farmers and ranchers. That is why we are working to ensure those who want to start and keep their own farms for generations to come are able to.”

Agricultural state leaders voice support from across the nation:

“Our family owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. Generations of producers have passed down the love of farming, strongly rooted values, and common sense stewardship of our land and water to the next generation. I’m glad that Secretary Rollins and the USDA are highlighting the value and importance of family owned and small operations as part of our efforts to put Farmers First. I look forward to this tremendous initiative, and I am thrilled that she chose to launch it from a family farm right here in Nebraska,” said Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska.

“In Iowa, where 96 percent of our farms are family owned and operated, agriculture isn’t just an industry; it’s a way of life passed down through generations. I am grateful for the Trump Administration’s recognition of the unique challenges this industry faces. I am excited about today’s rollout of a comprehensive plan to better align USDA programs to support small and family farms across the U.S., with a keen focus on the vitality of the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Thank you to Secretary Rollins for your unwavering efforts and support of our nation’s great farmers and ranchers,” said Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa.

“Small family farms are the foundation of American agriculture and so many communities across Indiana and our country. Secretary Rollins’ new Farmers First policy agenda will put family farmers’ needs first and complement what we’re doing at the state level in Indiana to help small Hoosier farms thrive and continue feeding America into the next generation,” said Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana.

“As a first generation cattleman, I know first hand the challenges facing the agriculture industry,” said Mike Kehoe, Governor of Missouri. “It is vital that small business owners have access to reliable credit and risk management tools to protect our farms for the next generation. I commend Secretary Rollins for incorporating policies based on sound science to ensure a strong agriculture community for today and in the future.”

“In South Dakota, agriculture isn’t just our number one industry — it’s a way of life,” said Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota. “I am grateful for Secretary Rollins’s unwavering support for our small family farms and ranches. They are the backbone of our thriving ag industry, and this policy agenda will help them feed our nation for

generations to come.”

“Family farms are the backbone of American agriculture, and Idaho fully supports Secretary Rollins’ solution driven actions to strengthen and support family farmers across our great nation. Idaho stands with Secretary Rollins as she works to implement her Make Agriculture Great Again initiative,” said Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.

“Family farms are the heart of Iowa’s rural communities and are the backbone of our state’s economy. I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their unwavering commitment to supporting our family farmers and prioritizing agricultural issues through initiatives like the Farmers First Policy Initiative,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “The Administration’s leadership in crafting policies that streamline processes, improve access to credit and markets, and support small family farms is a vital step to supporting transitions to the next generation and securing a prosperous future for American agriculture.”

“Secretary Brooke Rollins’ bold leadership at USDA is paving the way to a brighter future for American farmers and ranchers. The Trump administration is working to ensure our small family farms remain productive, our food supply remains safe, and our rural communities not only survive but thrive. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Rollins and her team as we prioritize the needs and success of American agriculture producers,” said Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture.

“I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Secretary Rollins, President Trump, and the USDA in their relentless fight for small family farms, putting farmers first. Their bold leadership is cutting red tape, securing fair trade, and delivering real support to our rural communities, ensuring our farmers can thrive for generations to come,” said Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture.

“I’m proud to stand with Secretary Rollins, President Trump, and leaders across America who are putting our farmers — and the American people — first. Small farms and ranches are the backbone of our food supply, sustaining rural communities and reinforcing domestic self reliance. Utah provided feedback on this plan with USDA, especially regarding cutting burdensome regulations and investing in local processing and logistics. Together, we can open new markets and ensure family operations not only survive — but thrive,” said Speaker Mike Schultz, Utah House of Representatives.

“Agriculture is an important piece of our national security, but unfortunately, we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of farms, especially small family farms, throughout the country over the last few years. Arkansas is thankful to have Secretary Rollins and President Trump placing the focus where it needs to be and putting farmers first. We appreciated the opportunity to join Secretary Rollins recently to provide input on today’s announcement,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture.

“Food security is national security,” Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., said. “Tennessee appreciates Secretary Rollins and President Trump for putting American farmers first. At a time when farmers and ranchers face significant challenges

and opportunities, this approach is needed. The small farmer round table discussion hosted by Secretary Rollins provided valuable feedback. We look forward to working with USDA in addressing the issues raised to support Tennessee’s largest and most important industry, agriculture.”

Secretary Rollins Increases Funding to Reimburse States for Food Safety Inspections. Secretary Rollins announced recently she will exercise USDA authority to provide a much needed funding increase of $14.5 million in reimbursements to states for meat and poultry inspection programs. Without this funding, states may not have the resources to continue their own inspection programs, which ensure products are safe. This funding increase ensures American produced meat and poultry can make it to market and onto the tables of families across the country.

“President Trump is committed to ensuring Americans have access to a safe, affordable food supply. I have exercised my authority to robustly fund state meat and poultry inspection programs to ensure states can continue to partner with USDA to deliver effective and efficient food safety inspection,” said Secretary Rollins. “While the Biden Administration let this funding decline in recent years, the Trump Administration recognizes the importance of our federalstate partnerships and will ensure services that our meat and poultry processors and producers rely on will continue to operate on a normal basis. The President’s commitment is reflected in his 2026 budget proposal, which calls on Congress to address this funding shortfall moving forward.”

This is not a sustainable path forward. Policymakers across the

federal government should come together to think through ways to continue these critical state meat and poultry inspection programs.

Agricultural state leaders voice support from across the nation:

“State meat and poultry inspection programs are vital to maintaining a safe and resilient food system, especially for small and medium-sized producers and processors. On behalf of the state departments of agriculture, NASDA applauds Secretary Rollins and USDA-FSIS for providing an additional $14.54 million to increase the reimbursement rate for this critical state cooperative agreement in this fiscal year. In recent years, USDA has been providing states with significantly less funding, challenging states’ ability to provide inspection services. Increasing the reimbursement rate for states participating in this cooperative agreement ensures that more efficient processing options for local livestock producers remain in operation, especially for smaller farms. We were also encouraged that the President’s budget included a similar funding request for state meat and poultry inspection programs. We will continue to advocate for Congress to appropriate this essential funding. This investment helps safeguard consumers, supports farmers, and ensures that state inspected meat and poultry continue to reach American dinner tables efficiently and safely,” said Ted McKinney, CEO, NASDA.

“The continued partnership between USDA and states to provide inspection services for meat and poultry processors of all sizes means food safety, food security, and economic growth in rural communities

USDA News continued on the next page

USDA News continued from the previous page

across Oklahoma and the nation. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for recognizing the vital part this cooperation plays and for supporting American agriculture,” said Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture.

“State meat inspection programs play a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and availability of our nation’s meat supply, and we’ve worked hard to expand market access for our producers through expanded capacity and the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program,” said South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary, Hunter Roberts. “South Dakota appreciates USDA’s continued commitment to working as a co-regulator to support food safety. This partnership is essential to protecting public health and supporting farmers, ranchers, and local businesses.”

“President Trump and Secretary Rollins continue to deliver on their promise to partner with states, and today’s announced investment in state meat and poultry inspection programs is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “In Iowa, state-inspected meat lockers expand market access, boost processing capacity, and provide consumers with more locally raised protein options. This announcement supports our livestock industry, grows our rural economy, and ensures that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to strengthen our food supply chain.”

“This is much welcome news. This has been an issue and major concern for the states. I thank the Trump Administration for funding this critical work to ensure the safety of our meat and poultry products for the American people,” said Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain.

“Secretary Rollins is committed to keeping our supply chain strong, and now more than ever, agriculture needs just that,” said Brian Baldridge, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture. “Here in Ohio, we are proud to be home to 267 meat processing facilities. This additional funding will help feed not only Ohioans but millions of Americans across the country.”

“I’m grateful for Secretary Rollins’ commitment and decisive actions to ensure America’s food supply remains the safest, most abundant, and most affordable in the world. Our Georgia Meat Inspection Section staff work tirelessly to protect Georgia consumers and our state’s food supply, and after steep cuts to state level inspection services under the Biden Administration, this additional funding will help ensure we can continue to effectively protect Georgia’s food supply,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper.

“I commend Secretary Rollins for providing much needed funds to support state meat and poultry inspection programs. This is a significant win for Alabama consumers and producers,” said Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate. “The additional $14.54 million is critical to strengthening our food supply chain and supporting the hardworking producers and processors who keep it thriving.”

“We appreciate Secretary Rollins for prioritizing this critical partnership with USDA,” said Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “Small and medium-sized meat processors are vital to Missouri livestock producers and consumers. We look forward to working with this administration and Congress to ensure ongoing funding for this key component to agriculture.”

“In my tenure as Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), I have advocated for our federal partners to fully fund the agreements with states. West Virginia has been a participant in the USDA State-Federal Cooperative Inspection Agreement for the last 54 years. The efforts of WVDA Meat and Poultry Inspection staff benefit both consumers as well as local producers looking to start or expand processing facilities. To properly support these efforts, funding must be a priority to maintain the 50/50 state-federal cost share. Therefore, we welcome and appreciate the additional funding to help support our local food system to shorten the distance food travels to our dinner plates,” said West Virginia Commissioner Kent Leonhardt.

“Arkansas is a top 10 producer of animals and animal products, and the demand for state inspected processing facilities continues to grow each year. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for taking quick action to address a critical need that not only ensures the viability of an important food safety program but also opens market opportunities for small family farms in Arkansas and across the country,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

“I applaud President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins for making this game changer a reality,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “State inspection programs are so important to our food supply, but they’ve been neglected for too long. Last year, I joined agriculture leaders across the nation to ask Congress for a 50/50 match on reimbursements — President Trump went above and beyond with full reimbursements for FY26. That’s

what real support for American agriculture looks like.”

Update on USDA Efforts to Fight New World Screwworm in Mexico. Secretary Rollins recently provided an update on USDA’s ongoing partnership with Mexico to combat the New World Screwworm. Secretary Rollins held a call with her counterpart in Mexico, Secretary Berdegue, to discuss the ongoing threat of NWS and actions being taken by both countries to contain the threat south of the U.S. border. USDA is working daily with Mexico to make sure the resources, tactics, and tools are in place to effectively eradicate NWS. Additionally, Secretary Rollins announced today the USDA is investing $21 million to renovate an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, to further the long-term goal of eradicating this insect. When operational, this facility will produce 60–100 million additional sterile NWS flies weekly to push the population further south in Mexico. Given the geographic spread of NWS, this additional production capacity will be critical to our response.

“Our partnership with Mexico is crucial in making this effort a success,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing to work closely with Mexico to push NWS away from the United States and out of Mexico. The investment I am announcing is one of many efforts my team is making around the clock to protect our animals, our farm economy, and the security of our nation’s food supply.”

Current restrictions on live animal imports from Mexico remain in place, and as previously announced, USDA will continue to evaluate the current suspension every 30 days.

USDA and its partners have used the sterile insect technique, or SIT, along with other strategies such as intense surveillance and import controls for decades to eradicate and effectively keep NWS at bay. Currently, U.S. supported sterile insect rearing and dispersal operations in Mexico and Central America have been operating at full production capacity, with up to 44 flights a week releasing 100 million sterile flies. All flies used today are raised in the Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) Facility in Panama. This investment in the Metapa facility in Mexico would allow USDA to double the use of SIT.

Additionally, USDA-APHIS and its Mexican counterparts continue to hold ongoing technical calls and meetings on NWS. They are making strong progress toward enhancing surveillance in Mexico, addressing administrative or regulatory roadblocks that could impair an effective response, and ensuring appropriate animal movement controls are in place to prevent further NWS spread. The Mexican delegation joined APHIS in D.C. to discuss these efforts, and APHIS will have a technical team visiting Mexico in the coming weeks to assess the on-the-ground situation and continue working toward key goals around surveillance and animal movement.

About the U.S. Department of Agriculture . USDA is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad. We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

We have a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation’s

natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

Our strategic goals serve as a roadmap for the Department to help ensure we achieve our mission and implement our vision.

When President Lincoln established the United States Department of Agriculture, he called it the “People’s Department.” At USDA we are working tirelessly to be a model department that serves all people of our great Nation. For more information, visit www.usda.gov.

Classified Section

Joe and Robin Hampton

Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125 704-880-2488

Walter D. Shealy III and Family 20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108

803-924-1000 • 706-590-0451 walter@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

Advertisers Index

ANGUS

Upcoming Events

Sep. 27 — Biltmore Livestock Production Sale, Asheville, N.C.

Oct. 11 — Chessie Creek Farm Angus Female Sale, Walterboro, S.C.

Oct. 18 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 24-25 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Nov. 8 — Chessie Creek Farm Angus Bull Sale, Walterboro, S.C.

Nov. 15 — Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, Asheboro, N.C.

Dec. 5 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

Dec. 6 — 50th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

2026

Jan. 3 — 17th Annual EBS Farms Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Feb. 7 — 50th Annual Clemson Bull Test Sale, Clemson, S.C.

Apr. 11 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Heifer Sale, Red House, Va.

BRAHMAN

Jun. 7 — Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association 45th Annual Sale, Laurens, S.C.

BRANGUS

Oct. 24-25 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. 2026

Feb. 7 — 50th Annual Clemson Bull Test Sale, Clemson, S.C.

GELBVIEH

Dec. 6 — 50th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

HEREFORD

Dec. 5 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. 2026

Feb. 7 — 50th Annual Clemson Bull Test Sale, Clemson, S.C.

Apr. 11 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Heifer Sale, Red House, Va.

RED ANGUS

2026

Feb. 7 — 50th Annual Clemson Bull Test Sale, Clemson, S.C.

SIMMENTAL

Oct. 18 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 24-25 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Dec. 6 — 50th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

2026

Jan. 3 — 17th Annual EBS Farms Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Feb. 7 — 50th Annual Clemson Bull Test Sale, Clemson, S.C.

WAGYU

Nov. 1 — Wilders Wagyu StayWILD ‘25 Production Sale, Turkey, N.C.

OTHER EVENTS

Jun. 12 — Locust Hill Livestock Judgeing Contest, Pelham, N.C.

Jun. 10-13 — 57th Annual BIF Research Symposium & Convention, Amarillo, Tex.

Jun. 16-17 — Pasture & Turf Pest Management Workshop, Pittsboro, N.C.

Jun. 21-22 — WNC Beef Cattle Commission Upstate South Carolina Beef Tour

Jun. 24 — N.C. 4-H Skillathon Clinic, Raleigh, N.C.

Jun. 25 — N.C. 4-H Livestock Judging Clinic, Raleigh, N.C.

Jun. 25-26 — Extension Agent A.I. School, Clinton, N.C.

Jun. 26 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jul. 15 — Forage & Grasslands Management Webinar Series, Part 1

Jul. 16-17 — Tri-State Ag Expo, Clemson, S.C.

Jul. 29 — AgSouth Farm Credit Ag Aware Workshop, Douglas, Ga.

Aug. 14 — AgSouth Farm Credit Ag Aware Workshop, Pendleton, S.C.

Aug. 14 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Aug. 21 — AgSouth Farm Credit Ag Aware Workshop, Carthage, N.C.

Sep. 25 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Nov. 13 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Dec. 6 — N.C. BCIP Waynesville Bull Test Sale, Canton, N.C.

Dec. 13 — N.C. BCIP Butner Bull Test Sale, Oxford, N.C.

LIVESTOCK MARKET SALES

Jun. 2 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jun. 2 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jun. 3 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Jun. 4 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jun. 9 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jun. 9 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jun. 11 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jun. 16 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jun. 16 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jun. 17 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Jun. 18 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jun. 23 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jun. 23 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jun. 25 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jun. 30 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jun. 30 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jul. 2 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jul. 7 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jul. 7 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jul. 8 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Jul. 9 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jul. 14 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jul. 14 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jul. 16 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jul. 21 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jul. 21 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jul. 22 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Jul. 23 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Jul. 28 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Turnersburg, N.C.

Jul. 28 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Jul. 30 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.