CELEBRATING
1944-2024 BJ SURPASS
KCF BENNETT EXPONENTIAL
Selling 100 Bulls
SPRING BULL & FEMALE SALE
VIRGINIA TECH STATESMAN
l 80 Commercia Bred Heifers
Saturday, 12:00 Noon EDT 50 Elite Registered Angus and Hereford Bred Heifers from the heart of the Knoll Crest replacements KCF BENNETT MONUMENT J338
KCF BENNETT BEDROCK H642
KCF BENNETT CULMINATION
KCF BENNETT EAGLE H550
KCF BENNETT E906
H 12 Month Unconditional Guarantee H Nationwide Delivery Available
H Comprehensive data on every bull H Genomically enhanced EPDs
Sale book available upon request PRE-REGISTER for the Sale at www.KNOLLCRESTFARM.com or by scanning the QR Code
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Paul S. Bennett Dalton G. Bennett (434) 941-8245 (434) 664-7946 Jim G. Bennett Brian R. Bennett (434) 664-7935 (434) 664-8309 Scott R. Bennett (434) 660-7268 P.O. Box 117 • Red House, VA 23963 Martha Johnson, Office Manager (434) 376-3567 knollcrest@knollcrestfarm.com
PleasantHillFarms.Com
The Brand You Trust Featuring These highly anticipated lots!
Full Sib to WC Bank ON IT
PHF Lawson Chloe H792
BSKF Black Beauty
Full Sib to Lawson Chloe C815 AAA: 19901349
PHFC Comanche 2410K
ASA: 3736633
PHF Growth Fund 218K
Scan to view lot videos! ASA : Pending
AAA: 20589687
Spring Production Sale NEW THIS YEAR - NEW SALE LOCATION AT THE FARM! 9039 Russellville RD. Rockfield, KY 42274
Gil Cowles 270-791-3526 // Corbin Cowles 270-991-2534 // Harvey Mast 270-791-6873
February • Cow Country • 3
C O L UM NISTS 07 Jeff Pettit: President's Thoughts 08 Jonathan Shell 10 Dave Maples: Thoughts from Dave 42 Dr. Michelle Arnold: Winter is Here - What’s Your Action Plan? 46 Chris Teutsch: If You Build It, They Will Come: An Introduction to Pasture Ecology 84 Jeff Lehmkuhler: Can We Compete?
F E AT U RE STORIES
Why Buy a Red Hill Bull? Red Hill Farms is focused on improving the profitability of our customers’ operations. • Collect ‘all the data, all the time’ to increase accuracy of EPDs and Indexes to aid in our breeding and selection program. • Offer multiple breeds to optimize heterosis - the ‘last free lunch’ in the beef industry. • Understand environmental and forage adaptability trumps every other selection factor. • Place emphasis on ‘Convenience Traits’ including docility, calving ease, feet and udders. • Extensive use of Economic Index selection to increase genetic progress for profitability.
REDHILL REVOLUTIONARY 268K
He Sells!
12 KCA Names 2024 Hall of Fame Class
(RAAA #4774545)
14 Was 2023 a Reminder to be More Aggressive Pricing Cattle in 2024?
$Profit: 22,886 (1.0%) $Ranch: 158 (3.5%) $Feeder: 158 (3.5%) ProS: 142 (2%) HB: 88 (3%)
18 KCA Hosts 51st Annual Convention 30 Individuals Honored at Evening Banquet 32 KCA Elects 2024 Officers
He Sells!
36 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees 40 Meet Jeff Pettit, 2024 KCA President 44 2024 Brings CAIP Changes 56 USDA to kick off the National Agricultural Classification Survey 16 County News 22 KJCA 62 Membership 64 Kentucky Beef Council 66 Kentucky Beef Network 68 The Drive
REDHILL 231A 145X 365K
(ASA #4218685)
$Profit: 26,528 (1.2%) $Ranch: 117 (8.2%) $Feeder: 209 (0.4%) API: 179.5 (2%) TI: 93.1 (10%)
Visit www.RedHillFarms.net for information about our sale and breeding program.
77 Kentucky Angus News 82 Calendar of Events 83 Advertisers Index 83 Classifieds
RRR
Cover photo by SaraVard Logan Von Gruenigen, Garrard County
XIX
MORE THAN A BULL SALE
Bart, Sarah & Ty Jones • (615) 666-3098
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024 466 Red Hill Road, Lafayette, TN 37083 1 p.m. CDT • At the Farm
Selling
75 Red Angus Bulls, SimAngus™ and Charolais Bulls 4 • Cow Country • February
mail@redhillfarms.net Gordon & Susan Jones • (270) 991-2663
At the end of a university course, the students are given an evaluation form on the instructor and the course. Generally, if the professor is personable and fair, students will rate them positively and provide limited feedback that probably has little actual value to the department. As a student, it usually felt like a useless formality. If an instructor went above and beyond, you might go out of your way to write three or four sentences to indicate that. At the end of the semester, most students just wanted to move on and put little effort into it. Every evaluation I ever completed was positive, except one. Three semesters of Spanish were a requirement for my major. It was not overwhelmingly complex or really that boring. The class at least didn’t usually drone on since it was interactive. I met my wife in Spanish I, and in Spanish III, I had a graduate student instructor that the entire class loved. She knew we were there to fulfill a requirement and wanted everyone to enjoy learning. She achieved her objective. Spanish II was a different story. Also taught by a graduate student, the entire class disliked her. I think every single student gave her a negative review. The Spanish courses were 4-hour credits and required online homework each week. For instance, the homework instructions may read, “Write 10 sentences conjugating these irregular verbs.” When the class received their first graded homework back, those who followed the instructions received grades of 7/10. The graduate student instructor indicated that doing what is asked of you is average work, and if you only write 10 sentences, you will receive an average grade of C. If you wanted to receive a 10/10 on the assignment, you needed to write 15 sentences. Despite the fact I was a good student, coming up with 15 correct sentences wasn’t an easy task for someone with a minimal understanding of the language. The class full of upperclassmen was none too happy with the amount of time required to complete the homework for this particular section of a 200-level course. None of the other Spanish II classes taught by different instructors were held to this standard. We all had 12 additional hours of classes that were far more important to our academic future than this course requirement. Despite our objection, she continued to instruct the course in this manner with countless parallel examples I won’t waste words expanding on. We all dreaded attending her class, and the energy we brought into the classroom showed. Her evaluations at the end of the semester showed as well. Constantly moving the goalposts does not motivate good work from those you are in charge. In a classroom full of students with bigger ambitions than her course, we were none too pleased that we were being deducted points
for doing what was directly asked of us. In seedstock production, we must constantly move the goalposts as we make genetic progress. However, we also need to recognize when our cows are doing precisely what we are asking of them and not penalize them for it. If a cow is sound, has a good udder, calves first cycle every year, and weans a marketable calf, she is doing exactly what we want from her. In fact, our commercial customers would take a whole field of her if given the chance. In the seedstock world, if she has a 98 average weaning ratio and suboptimal EPDs for a desired trait, there is a good chance she will end up in the sale group. She will probably be replaced by an unproven heifer with higher growth and carcass merit. Every year, I try to ensure I don’t let those cows slip through the cracks in the name of genetic progress. Breeders need to use critical thinking skills and breed a cow like that for the best complimentary mating to fix whatever perceived “deficiencies” she may have. That is much better than letting a cow that does everything we ask of her leave our population. That instructor should have spent her time making sure we enjoyed coming to class and fostered an environment that made us want to learn about the language and the culture. My Spanish instructors before and after her could do just that. Instead, she was worried about squeezing an extra few sentences out of us each week, at best as an ill-conceived way for us to better learn the language and, at worst, a power trip. No one in that class was going to be a Spanish major anyway. In fact, those who were proficient enough in Spanish to major in it would have already tested out of those low-level courses. Students who don’t want to be there don’t learn too much. Something tells me the Spanish department would have rather had a group of hard-working students enjoy learning their subject matter and maybe take a few more courses than required. As breeders, we need to keep this parallel in mind. If you have a field of cows that show up each year and do exactly what you ask, you are doing better than the vast majority of other cattlemen. Those are the type of cows you can build around and breed in any direction. If your cows aren’t showing up to work like you ask them to, making any genetic progress is tough. I think commercial cattlemen would prefer genetics from a herd of cows that know how to do what they are asked. At the end of the day, isn’t that who we have to answer to as breeders (or instructors)? Joe K. Lowe II Contact joe.lowe@icloud.com for an additional monthly newsletter
45TH ANNUAL FIRST CHOICE BULL SALE
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024 - SMITHS GROVE, KY - YEARLING AND 18-MONTH-OLD BULLS KENNETH D. LOWE 270-202-7186 - JOE K. LOWE II 270-202-4399 WWW.OAKHOLLOWANGUS.COM
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS:
KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:
REGIONAL DIRECTORS:
PRESIDENT Jeff Pettit 5745 US Highway 41 S Sebree, KY 42455 (270) 836-2963
PAST PRESIDENT Andy Bishop 6135 High Grove Road Cox’s Creek, KY 40013 (502) 350-7609
1972-73 Jere Caldwell† - Boyle
2004 Paul Napier - Lincoln
1974-77 Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln
2005 Eddie Young - Washington
1978-79 Larry Lovell† - Union
2006 Greg Ritter† - Barren
PRESIDENT ELECT Randy Warner 2717 Ratliff Road Sharpsburg, KY 40374 (859) 771-5280
KCA PROGRAM CHAIRMAN Daniel Hayden 6333 Herbert Road Whitesville, KY 42378 (270) 570-2815
REGION 1 Wayne Zoglman*.........................270-264-1764 John Mark Brown........................270-333-5936 Ashley Holloway................................................. Leland Steely...............................270-339-3476 Gary Woodall...............................270-725-0819 Coleman Ladd.............................270-871-1091 Susan Zoglman...........................270-993-2752 Bill Plemmons.............................270-668-2056 Kenton Howard...........................270-893-3066 Sara Roberson............................270-668-2428
VICE PRESIDENT Allan Bryant 1429 Hillspring Road Eminence, KY 40019 502-548-1379
KBC CHAIRMAN Ryan Miller 60 Country Estates Lebanon, KY 40033 (502) 827-5027
TREASURER Ken Adams 90 E Horseshoe Ave. Upton, KY 42784 (270) 734-1443
KBN CHAIRMAN* Allan Bryant BEEF SOLUTIONS CHAIRMAN* Daniel Hayden *ex officio
1980-82 John Masters - Fleming
2007 Don Pemberton - Christian
1983-85 Seldon Hail† - Laurel
2008 Billy Glenn Turpin - Madison
1986-87 Bob Vickery† - Wayne
2009 Scotty Parsons - Christian
†
1988 Glenn Mackie - Bourbon
2010 Corinne Kephart - Shelby
1989 Dale Lovell† - Muhlenberg
2011 Greg Robey - Mercer
1990 Steve Henshaw† - Union
2012 Mike Bach - Bath
1991 Jerry Fraim - Grayson
2013 Don Reynolds - Hart
1992 Glen Massengale† - Wayne
2014 Steve Downs - Marion
1993 Dell King - Christian
2015 Gary Woodall - Logan
1994 Kenneth Lowe - Warren
2016 David Lemaster - Clark
1995 Dr. J.L.Cole - Monroe
2017 Chuck Crutcher - Hardin
1996 Harvey Mitchell - Mercer
2018 Bobby Foree - Henry
1997 Jim Naive† - Spencer
2019 Tim White - Fayette
1998 Shelby Hughes - Logan
2020 Steve Dunning - Christian
1999 Hoppy Lovell - Barren
2021 Chris Cooper - Madison
2000 Charles Miller - Jessamine
2022 Cary King - Mercer
2001 Larry Clay - Perry
2023 Andy Bishop - Nelson
2002 Jack Kimbrough† - Shelby
(Deceased)
†
2003 Mark Williams - Crittenden
REGION 2 Phyllis Gentry*............................502-331-1146 Joe Lowe.....................................270-202-4399 Alison Nissley..............................270-403-3205 Rayetta Boone.................................................... Robbie Hatfield............................270-230-6716 Chris Imbruligo...........................270-993-0543 Maggie Webb..............................270-590-8017 Mike Jones..................................270-670-7588 Corbin Cowles.............................270-991-2534 Glen Byrd.....................................270-991-1186 Isaac Thompson.........................270-789-8712 Kenneth Green............................270-589-7175 Trent Jones.................................270-590-5266 Brian Manion...............................270-868-0253 Joe Mike Moore..........................270-670-7493 Amy Cecil....................................270-427-7207 REGION 3 Amanda Hall................................859-333-5001 Nathan Lawson............................502-836-3879 James Brown..............................502-226-0126 Phillip Douglas............................502-552-0688 Larry Bryant................................502-845-4615 Lincoln Clifford...........................859-954-0102 Abbey Biddle...................................................... Ben Tinsley..................................502-682-6237 Kevin Perkins..............................502-269-7189 Kyle Bush....................................859-588-4531 Michelle Simon...........................859-572-2600 Craig Retzlaff...............................502-541-0086
Brent Woodrum, Casey County producer, asks a question to a speaker during the Beef Efficiency Conference. Photo by Katie Pratt.
VOLUME 37 • ISSUE 2 176 PASADENA DRIVE • SUITE 4 • LEXINGTON, KY 40503 • PHONE: (859) 278-0899 FAX: (859) 260-2060 • WWW.KYCATTLE.ORG • INFO@KYCATTLE.ORG
Executive Vice President
Membership and Communications Coordinator
Communications Manager
Chief Operating Officer
KBC Director of Industry Relations
KBC Director of Nutrition
Beef Solutions Operations Manager
Video Production Specialist
Director of Kentucky Beef Network
KBC Director of Communications
KBN Program Coordinator
KCA Collections & Compliance
Graphic Designer
KBN Industry Coordinator
Director of Operations & Policy
KBC Director of Education
National Advertising Sales, LAN Debby Nichols (859) 321-8770
Dave Maples Carey Brown Kenny Allen Kelly Baird
Todd Brown
Bradon Burks
Rachel Cain
Amelia Carter Danny Coy
Jake Harrod Dan Miller
Katie Pratt Alex Scott
Becky Thompson Kelly Tucker
Nikki Whitaker
COW COUNTRY is published monthly by THE KENTUCKY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any material which he feels is unsuitable for the publication. Although the highest journalistic ethics will be maintained, the KENTUCKY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION limits its responsibilities for any errors, inaccuracies, or misprints in advertising or editorial copy. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements made against the publisher.
6 • Cow Country • February
REGION 4 Amy White*.................................859-227-2552 Brad Reynolds.............................859-200-1632 Chad Anglin.................................859-893-2375 Phillip Stamm..............................606-796-9175 Danielle Harmon.........................606-748-8059 Bruce Witt...................................859-585-8889 Jodi Purvis..................................606-336-3540 Mike Ravencraft..........................606-584-0310 Ronnie Lowe...............................606-782-5058 Danny Callahan...........................859-388-0910 Jason Crowe...............................859-582-0761 Rob Amburgey............................859-338-1816 REGION 5 Adam Chunglo*..........................859-613-2985 Brent Woodrum...........................859-397-1078 Tommy Spalding.........................270-402-9157 Dean Craft...................................606-634-0191 Doris Hamilton............................859-613-2315 Rick Brewer.................................606-682-2352 Brent Williams.............................502-817-1511 Anne Bays..................................615-478-8450 Terry Mattingly.............................270-692-0527 Ryan Miller..................................502-827-5027 Phillip Reese................................606-787-1629 Tommy Glasscock.......................270-692-4336 * Denotes member of Executive committee
President's Thoughts Jeff Pettit KCA President I would like to say “Hello” and “Thank You” for allowing me the opportunity to serve as the KCA President in 2024. I am humbled, honored and blessed to be able to represent each of you and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. I look forward to meeting many new faces this year and engaging with everyone to help perpetuate the cattle industry that we all love! As your president, it’s my hope that in 2024 we see growth and unity of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. As most of you are probably aware, KCA is one of the largest and most respected cattlemen’s organizations in the country, and I want to thank all of those that have served before me and our staff for helping to make that possible. We can make a difference in the United States beef industry if we are all pulling in the same direction. Remember the motto of the fine commonwealth in which we live, “United we stand, divided we fall.” My friends, that same attitude needs to be applied to KCA and the Kentucky beef industry, so I challenge you to please join with us as we work on efforts to add value to the beef industry in Kentucky, the eastern region of the U.S. and beyond. For those of you that may not know me I will give you a little information about myself. My wife, Michelle, and I live and operate Diamond P Cattle Company in Sebree. We raise Red Angus cattle, and I also have the privilege of serving on the board of directors for the Red Angus Association of America. Our family consists of our two children, our son-in-law and two granddaughters. They all live on the farm and helping to keep things going while I am out running up and down the road as they say, LOL! I do appreciate all they do when I am away along with other friends and neighbors that have come to our rescue when cows get out! Michelle and I both have been blessed to be involved in the cattle business basically our whole lives as our parents and grandparents were all involved in either the beef or dairy industries during their lifetimes. Just a few weeks ago, our KCA membership gathered in Lexington for our 2024 general membership meeting, tradeshow and convention. I always enjoy getting to see friends at convention that we don’t regularly get to see or visit with and learn from others, whether they are presenters or producers. If you have never attended convention, I invite you and ask that you will try to make that a goal in the next couple of years. I am sure you will not be sorry. Our staff does a tremendous job of lining up excellent educational and industry speakers and making everyone feel right at home regardless of where the event is held. We all have different reasons to be involved in different activities and organizations. For me, my KCA and NCBA membership involvement is vital in many ways, but one I will touch on in this article is the fact that we as producers need these organizations working on our behalf. There is an onslaught of individuals and organizations in the world today that would love to shut down all forms of animal agriculture. Honestly, I can’t keep up with them all, but through our associations and us as producers coming together, we can have a staff of people that look for these hazards and work to foil their efforts before you or I even know anything about them. And trust me, it is a full-time job! Just back in December, it
was reported the United Nations was preparing to request that the citizens of the U.S. reduce the amount of beef that they consumed. First, I don’t think it’s any of their doggone business how much beef or anything else I eat, but I as a little cattle producer in Kentucky, I personally had no way to address that proposed attack on our way of life and livelihood. However, your cattlemen’s association and NCBA did. While the recommendation did not actually come out, you better believe that those individuals got an earful from NCBA about how that was not something that the U.S. was prepared to accept. Looking forward, markets look strong as the rebuilding of the nation’s cowherd begins. I challenge you to look at your own operations and ask yourselves, “How can I improve what I am currently doing?” Like in many aspects of life we are either improving or falling behind, so what can you do to help the beef industry that we all love be better tomorrow than it was today? And remember, it all starts in your pasture! Until next time, remember that it is truly a blessing from God above that we have been given the privilege of being a caregiver and steward of the livestock we have on our farms and ranches in the great commonwealth of Kentucky! Psalms 50:10-11 says, “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.”
Jeff Pettit
Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President
TAKE THE RIGHT ROAD Riomax bs lick tu ®
salmonella WEAK CALVES
retained tas placen
Scours poor quality colostrum
respiratory disease
THIS CALVING SEASON.
WHY IS QUALITY NUTRITION KEY? A good nutrition program is key to help cows & calves alike to meet their nutritional requirements. Nutritionally sound calves are stronger, more vigorous, more efficient, & have an overall increased chance of survival.
PROPER NUTRITION HELPS: Improve colostrum quality Enhance nutrient digestion Boost immune function Improve cow condition Prevent protozoa attachment in the gut Tie up & flush out scour-causing bacteria Set up the cow for breed-back
ANDREW PEDEN 270.427.8864 | RIOMAX.NET February • Cow Country • 7
Jonathan Shell Commissioner of Agriculture
Agriculture plays a vital role in Kentucky's economy, and the livestock sector is a major contributor. From 2017-22, the number of farms in Kentucky decreased from 75,966 to 73,500. However, total farm cash receipts have risen significantly from $5.6 billion to $8.3 billion, with livestock and their products accounting for more than half of this growth. This surge in revenue has a positive ripple effect, providing employment opportunities for more than 683,000 people involved in food production, transportation, processing, storage and marketing. Their collective efforts ensure a strong and reliable food supply chain, ensuring fresh and safe food is readily available. Developing a system that benefits both the agriculture and food sectors grows the overall economic pie. Every time an animal is sold in Kentucky, it adds to the agriculture cash receipts. For example, if 10,000 beef cows were added
to (or retained in) cattle herds, using conservative average values, it could contribute nearly $13.5 million annually in farm cash receipts. Consumer behavior in the food industry is changing, too. While there is still a strong demand for beef, with more than two-thirds of consumers enjoying it weekly, there is a notable shift toward online grocery shopping and ordering meals from foodservice venues. Research indicates that 64% of consumers are now ordering their groceries online, and 80% are opting for online meal delivery. This change reflects the growing desire for convenience and efficiency in our fast-paced lives. Another significant aspect of this evolving landscape is the increased awareness linking diet and health. People want to understand where their food comes from and its impact on their well-being. Kentucky has an exciting opportunity to
explore the use of food as medicine. The Kentucky Beef Council is collaborating with the University of Kentucky’s Food as Health Alliance to incorporate high-quality protein into a meal kit prescription program. This new initiative aims to leverage the power of nutrition to improve health outcomes and create new avenues for the agricultural and food sectors to thrive. Despite the decrease in the number of farms, the increased cash receipts in Kentucky demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of the industry. Shifting consumer trends and the rising interest between food and health present new opportunities for innovation and collaboration for Kentucky agriculture. Geographic, demographic and economic factors are driving greater engagement in the agricultural and food system in Kentucky. Let us capitalize on them to advocate on behalf of farm families and Kentucky agriculture.
Chapman Land and Cattle & Woolfolk Farms
Genetic Source BULL & FEMALES Sale Saturday, February 24, 2024 • 1pm (CST) • 2090 Old Airport Road • Nunnelly, Tennessee 37137 Selling 76 Lots: BULLS, BRED & OPEN HEIFERS, PAIRS, EMBRYOS, BLACK BALDIES
LOT 7 - CLC 87G HICKMAN 13F 109K ET, REG. # P44447013
LOT 28 - CLC 9365 ENTICE 8418 67J ET, REG. # P44342723
CATALOGS UPON REQUEST
Dale Stith, Auctioneer TN License #5782 918-760-1550
8 • Cow Country • February
CHAPMAN LAND & CATTLE Ryan Chapman 615-335-3187 John Thomas Woolfolk 731-345-1585 Bobby Singleton 615-708-1034 chapmanlandandcattle.com
WOOLFOLK FARMS Scott Woolfolk 731-571-7399 John Woolfolk 731-225-2620 wfherefords.com on facebook @Woolfolk Farms
Allison Charolais STONE GATE FARMS Charolais Breeder Since 1962 isonAllison Charolais • OPTIMUM TRAIT GENETICS Charolais Bulls Available
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545 Eminence Road 502-706-0075 John Allison, Owner David Carter, Farm Manager 545 Eminence Road New Castle, KY 40050 New Castle, KY 40050 545New Eminence 502-706-0075 502-220-3170 Castle, Road KY 40050
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New(502) Castle, 220-3170 KY 40050 (502) n, Owner David220-3170 Carter, Farm Manager 502-220-3170 ce Road 502-706-0075 KY 40050 170
115 Milk 26
ANNUAL SPRING SALE MONDAY MARCH 4, 2024 55 ANGUS BULLS AND 40 FALL BRED COMMERCIAL HEIFERS
VISIT US TODAY!
SAMPLE OF MORE BULLS SELLING: Registration
CED
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ALL AGES WELCOME
CATERING IS AVAILABLE
BBURKS@KYCATTLE.ORG (859) 382-4303
1669 Mill Creek Rd. • Flemingsburg, KY 41041 Chris Cannon: 606-748-0407 • Caleb Cannon: 606-748-0044 Charles Cannon: 606-748-0747 www.stonegatefarms.com • stonegateangus@gmail.com @stonegatefarmsky February • Cow Country • 9
Thoughts From Dave
Photo by Becky Thompson
Dave Maples Executive Vice President
Wow… We just finished the 51st KCA annual business meeting, convention and trade show. It is hard for me to believe, but this was my 25th KCA convention. I had lots of thoughts running through my mind as the three-day event progressed. There have been many changes over those 25 years, but there are many things that are the same. One of those are the good people that make up the industry. Beef people are simply the best. Just to recap some of the highlights of the event. We started on Wednesday afternoon with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation meeting. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) which allows it to handle charitable giving. This year, the foundation awarded five, $1,500 scholarships and two, $2,500 veterinary scholarships. It also gave three, $2,000 Heifer Initiative awards at the convention with gifts from Farm Credit MidAmerica. The foundation also sponsors the leadership program and the Drs. Gordon and Susan Jones Lectureship. It also is the entity that owns the real estate that houses KCA. The big project the foundation has under taken is the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center. The foundation had a full meeting on Jan. 10 with lots of discussion. Mike Bach has served as the foundation president for several years, and he made the decision to pass the torch this year. I can’t say enough good things about Mike. He has been a big supporter of all things KCA. Thank you, Mike. Next was the executive committee 10 • Cow Country • February
meeting. The executive committee is where the state’s cattle leaders get down to really running the business of the association. Their big task is the association’s finances. The auditors met with the executive committee to go over their annual audit, which was clean. The organization is in a strong financial position. We have a nice team of very capable people that keep us on the right path when it comes to handling your money. It all starts with Kelly Tucker, KCA Collections and Compliance. She has the job of handling the daily tasks of receiving and expending the funds. Next, is Ken Adams, the association’s secretary/ treasurer. Ken has given a lot of his time to KCA and has done an outstanding job of keeping us on the right path. We also have another component to the financial team that is very important and that is our outside accounting firm Dean Dorton. They do our monthly reports and are a big help in advising the accounting team on many different issues. Ken, Kelly and Dean Dorton are all doing a very good job, and it is important that the board reviews all the financial reports. Thursday started off with the hard-hitting educational sessions at the Beef Efficiency Conference. Conference organizers have not been afraid to take on some very in-depth and cutting-edge topics. The first topic this year was Genetic Selection Tools for Reducing the Incidence of Bovine Congestive Heart Failure. I was really curious to see how the audience would react to a topic that was so in-
depth. Well, the room was standing room only. There were lots of questions, which will lead to more questions. The topic was more about high altitude sickness and its effects. In Kentucky, we have endophyte-infected tall fescue that could cause some of the same problems. Thank you, Drs. Gordon and Susan Jones, for your support and drive to bring these important issues to the table. During the convention, Kentucky’s new Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell spent a great deal of time over the two-day period talking with cattlemen. He also presented at the Opening General Business Session. He is off to a great start. He has already been in our office, and we have been able to meet most of his senior staff. Kenny Burdine, University of Kentucky agricultural economist, did a nice job on giving a cattle market outlook for the coming year at the opening session, and Eric Gibson from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture talked about the steps in securing the beef supply chain. Friday was full of events from our county presidents’ awards breakfast where Sen. David Givens spoke. He is so good. His timely topic about leaving an impactful legacy was well received by the county leaders. I was so pleased that when we finished the breakfast and I walked over to the trade show that the lobby was filled with our young adults and youth. The chatter of all those little voices was just wonderful. Under the leadership of Bradon Burks, we are building an awesome junior cattlemen’s program. I hope our vendors were pleased with the trade show. It seemed to be a steady flow of people visiting the different booths. I didn’t get to visit the women’s program or the forage program, but I hear that those were good events. We rounded out the entire event with the Friday night banquet and awards program. Becky Thompson always does a very nice job in planning the convention. She is a stickler for having the sound system ready to go, the rooms looking as nice as possible and all the sessions running smoothly. Please plan on attending the 52nd convention next January in Owensboro.
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KCA Names 2024 Hall of Fame Class Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association recently inducted industry leaders and innovators as its newest members of its Hall of Fame during the group’s annual meeting in Lexington. 2024 inductees include John Fourqurean, Donald Reynolds, Bobby Foree, Glenn Mackie and Jack Blair.
He is married to Sally and they have three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Hart County cattleman Donald Reynolds has been a leader in and advocate for Kentucky agriculture.
Henry County producer Bobby Foree is a trusted advisor, leader and supporter of Kentucky’s agriculture community.
As a servant leader, Reynolds has had positions on numerous local boards including the Hart County extension council, Farm Service Agency, county agriculture development council, soil conservation district, fair board, Farm Bureau board and cattlemen’s association. He was also instrumental in planning many local agricultural events including the Hart County Cattlemen’s Association Farm to Table Dinner.
Foree and his family raise around 200 purebred Angus and black baldy commercial cows. He also produces alfalfa and alfalfa-orchardgrass hay to sell to horse farms. He also has around 150 acres of grain that he uses for feed or markets.
John Fourqurean was instrumental in spreading CPH sales across Western Kentucky. He participated in the first one organized by then UK beef extension specialist Roy Burris. He also helped initiate the first CPH sales in Trigg County and in other locations throughout the Pennyrile and Purchase areas. As Trigg County’s extension agent for over 27 years, Fourqurean was a fixture in the local agricultural community. During his career, Trigg County had the largest number of CPH consignors and led the area in the number of cattle sold. He supported numerous 4-H and FFA livestock activities, helped organized numerous county field days, served on the Mid South Stocker Conference board of directors and helped attract the county’s first large animal veterinarian. He was also a charter member of the Trigg County Cattlemen’s Association. Now retired, Fourqurean operates a 300-acre beef cattle, hay and row crop operation. He cow-calf operation includes mostly Gelbvieh-Angus crosses. They also produce freezer beef. Their grain acreage is rented to a local farmer. 12 • Cow Country • February
In his spare time, Fourqurean collects antique tractors and helps organize antique tractor drives. He also has a 1957 Chevrolet that he displays at local charity events.
On a statewide level, he serves on committees for Kentucky Farm Bureau, including the tobacco committee. He has held various leadership positions with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and served as its president in 2013. Reynolds has around 150 head of beef cattle. His heifers are either sold as replacements or retained in his operation. His steers are mainly marketed through the Barren Beef Group, but he also sells some as freezer beef. In addition, he has 200 acres of hay and about 650 acres of grain crops.
Reynolds is a member of Middle Creek Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and Bible drill teacher. He has also served on a mission trip to Africa. Reynolds and his wife Patti have two children and four grandchildren.
As an attorney, Foree has a deep understanding of agriculture issues and is a valuable advisor to his clients. A founding member of the Henry County Cattlemen’s Association, Foree served as its president in 2002. He has held many leadership roles within the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association including serving as president in 2018. Foree was instrumental in starting Beef Solutions and the development of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef. This innovative program gave consumers a local ground beef option and provided a new market for the state’s cattlemen. Foree also serves on the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Resolutions
Committee and is a member on the Henry County Farm Bureau board. Foree is an excellent role model for youth and has hosted numerous 4-H events, field days and farm tours. A lifelong member of New Castle Baptist Church, Foree has served in numerous leadership roles with the church over the years.
helps with his son’s fencing business. Mackie is a deacon at Central Baptist Church and served as the church’s treasurer for a number of years. He is married to Kathy, and they have two children and five grandchildren. Region 5
Region 4
Lincoln County producer Jack Blair is known for his volunteer efforts, support of youth and love of education. A lifelong cattle producer, Blair has a commercial cow-calf operation on 132 acres.
Bourbon County producer Glenn Mackie was influential in bringing value-
Blair volunteers much of his time to advocate for and support local
He is married to Jean Kaye, and they have two children and one grandchild.
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added sales to Bourbon County and the surrounding area. These sales helped increase producers’ bottom lines and improved cattle quality. A former county extension agent, Mackie is an integral part of the Bourbon County agricultural community. He helped start the Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association and its Elite Bred Heifer Sale, which is one the oldest and largest sales of its kind in the state. Mackie also helped bring CPH-45 feeder calf sales to Paris and surrounding areas and encouraged producers to participate. The CPH sales allowed producers to realize higher profits for their calves through preconditioning and commingling them with like cattle to make load lots. Mackie has been a devoted member of his local and state agricultural communities and a leader in the county and state cattlemen’s associations. He served as KCA president in 1988. He also serves on the Bourbon County Farm Bureau board. He has served as president of the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association. He currently has a stocker operation and
agriculture. He has served on a number of local agricultural boards including 45 years on the local 4-H and extension councils, 40 years on the fair board and 36 years on the Lincoln County Extension District Board. He has been a member of the Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association for 50 years, and served as its president, vice president and treasurer. He has been a KCA member for 50 years. During this time, he represented Region 5 on the KCA Executive Committee and volunteered his time for the association for several years at the Kentucky State Fair. Blair worked in education for 35 years, serving as a vocational agriculture teacher, principal and in various positions at the Lincoln County Board of Education. He was also president and vice president of the Lincoln County Education Association and serves as treasurer for the Lincoln County Heroes in Agriculture Scholarship Fund.
The KJCA Cattle Working Contest is designed for KJCA Members who want to develop their skills in animal management and handling. Working as a team, members must efficiently process three head utilizing Beef Quality Care & Assurance guidelines. They are also responsible for accurately completing a processing plan, and team problem. Each county may enter one team, all team entries received will be placed into a random draw lottery to determine which 10 teams compete in the contest. All teams will be notified of their status in the competition by Friday, March 15th, 2024.
Blair is an elder and past board chairman of the Mt. Moriah Christian Church. He and his wife Thelma, have four children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. February • Cow Country • 13
Was 2023 a Reminder to be More Aggressive Pricing Cattle in 2024? Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky As I traveled across Kentucky in November and December, a lot of discussion centered around what happened to the cattle market from mid-September to mid-December. Feeder cattle markets steadily climbed higher for about nine months before dropping sharply in the fourth quarter. My extension travel slowed for a couple weeks around Christmas, and feeder cattle sale volumes were generally pretty light during this time. The transition into 2024 provided some opportunity to look back on last year without being distracted by the immediate market volatility in the latter part of 2023. The chart shows nearby CME© feeder cattle futures prices, by month, from January 2014 to December 2023. On the far right, one can see the increase through most of 2023 and the sharp drop beginning in October. What is harder to see, is that the nearby feeder cattle futures contract was in the low-mid $180’s in January of last year. By December, nearby futures were in the low-mid $220’s. One year ago, if I had said that feeder cattle futures would be $40 per cwt higher by the end of the year, most would have found that to be very encouraging. It is just hard not to be influenced by the price levels seen last summer. By no means am I trying to make light of what happened during the fall months. Depending on when cattle were bought and/or sold, the impact of a market swing of that magnitude can translate into several hundred dollars per head. But if I exclude 2023, I have to go back to the summer of 2015 to find a higher nearby futures price that what we are seeing now. While a longer-term view may help put things in perspective, it is still worth thinking through the implications of last year’s market. I think we are being naïve if we don’t consider the fact that futures markets can move to levels beyond what is supported by the fundamentals. Last fall is probably an excellent example of this. There were some bearish factors in the market, but I think it’s hard to make a case that fundamentals explained all the price drop that was seen. But I also think we have to accept the fact that this occurs on the upside and the downside. We can look at the chart and make a case that last summer was the outlier and current price levels are more in line with fundamentals. This is a matter of perspective and only time will tell, but you can’t dispute the fact that the futures market offered an opportunity to capitalize on some very high price expectations.
SCAN FOR CATTLE MARKET NOTES WEEKLY 14 • Cow Country • February
There is no way to know with certainty what the new year has in store for cattle markets, but I expect a better year than 2023. The October 2024 contract is trading at more than a $30 premium to January, which bodes well for prices throughout
the new year. Producers will likely be presented again with some attractive pricing opportunities. I am convinced that one of the main reasons farmers don’t price cattle (LRP, futures, forward contracts, etc.) is the fear of pricing too low. Did some producers jump on the 2023 market too early and leave some money on the table? Absolutely. But a lot of them also failed to price at all and saw a great deal of value erosion. Predicting and timing these markets is not a game that can be consistently won. Due to the increased volatility in cattle markets today, producers need to be aggressive and opportunistic when pricing opportunities present themselves. Price risk management is not about maximizing price in a given year; it’s about managing downside risk over the long run.
Monthly Nearby CME(C) Feeder Cattle Futures (Jan 2014 to December 2023)
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BARREN COUNTY NEWS submitted by James W. Bailey
The Barren County Cattlemen’s meeting was held Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Barren County High School Trojan Academy. During the meeting, Zack Burris of AgCentral Co-op presented a program on the Arrowquip head chute. Pictured from left are Jim Guffey, Zack Burris and Wyatt Lyles of AgCentral Co-op. Far right is James W. Bailey, reporter of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association. AgCentral Co-op sponsored the delicious steak dinner.
METCALFE COUNTY NEWS submitted by Moe Hensley
The Metcalfe County Cattlemen held their fourth quarter meeting Dec.14. There was a large crowd on-hand for this meeting with well over 100 people in attendance. Burkmann Feeds was the sponsor of the meeting, and the Cooking Crew prepared a great meal. After routine business, new officers were selected. President Tom Hughes discussed the state convention and voting delegates. Harley McIntyre gave the junior cattlemen update and also talked about the convention. We are thrilled to see these young cattlemen getting interested in the cattle business. Young farmers are the old, no, the seasoned farmers of the future. Metcalfe County Extension Agent Brandon Bell talked about the many advantages of hay testing and discussing the results with a nutritionist. He also discussed the educational opportunities for CAIP recipients and the Tri-County Hay and Straw Auction, which is held annually in January at the Metcalfe County Fairgrounds. Russell Hernandez, with Burkmann Feeds, spoke about the support the farming community has given them at the store and thanked everyone for their patronage throughout the years. He also touched on the hay testing and informed everyone that Burkmann has three nutritionists on staff for all your nutrition questions and needs. There were many door prizes graciously donated by numerous area businesses in Metcalfe and surrounding counties. The Metcalfe County Cattlemen's Association wants to thank each of those for their continued support. He who doesn’t regard agriculture will truly value it when food becomes scarce. ~ Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS Five $1,500 Scholarships are available through the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association and are funded by the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation. Requirements: • Must be a graduate from a Kentucky public, private, charter, or homeschool in the year of the application • Must be enrolled and attending an institute of higher education following graduation • Must be planning to major in agriculture or an agriculturally-related subject • Applicant or their parent/guardian must be an active member of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association Applications for the 2024 KCF Youth Scholarships should be submitted by March 31, 2024. For more information contact Bradon Burks at the KCA office at 859-278-0899 or visit kycattle.org/youth-scholarship 16 • Cow Country • February
MEADE COUNTY NEWS submitted by Ben Smith
The Meade County Cattlemen’s Association enjoyed a great winter tour through Tennessee and Georgia. During this tour, the group was able to visit with some wonderful cattlemen and see a number of registered seedstock operations representing several different breeds. The trip also included stops to a wood pallet manufacturer, an embryo transfer business, and a largescale commercial vegetable operation that specialized in the world-famous Vidalia onions!
February • Cow Country • 17
KCA Hosts 51st Annual Convention Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association recently held its 51st annual convention and tradeshow at the Central Bank Center and Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The two-day event featured new attractions and traditional convention favorites. Registration- Thursday began with registration. Over 400 people preregistered this year, which helped lead to a smoother registration process.
trends. The event, sponsored by the Drs. Gordon and Susan Jones Lectureship, included presentations from Scott Speidel from Colorado State University, Matt Poore from North Carolina State University and Steve Wooten, a Colorado cattleman. Speidel spoke about genetic selection tools that may help reduce the occurrence of bovine congestive heart failure. Poore presented ways UK agricultural economist Kenny Burdine provided a cattle market outlook. Burdine recapped the 2023 cattle market and also gave a forecast for 2024. Barring any unforeseen issues, Burdine expects the 2024 cattle market to be profitable for most producers. Eric Gibson from the KDA Division of Emergency Management and cattle farmer shared safety steps KDA is taking to help producers further secure their cattle, reduce disease transmission and increase disease traceability.
Trade Show- This year’s trade show featured 67 booths of ag industry partners who shared their products with KCA members. Thanks to all the industry representatives who participated in this year’s trade show, and KCA looks forward to seeing you again at the 2025 KCA Convention and Trade Show in Owensboro. More information about the trade show is available on page 28.
producers can manage tall fescue for improved efficiency. Wooten shared how his operation is incorporating sustainability measures. New to this year’s conference was a What I Heard session. Jeff Lehmkuhler from UK and Daniel Hayden, Daviess County producer, shared what they considered as the take home message from the conference presentations. Producers then got the opportunity to ask questions to the presenters. Trade Show Welcome Lunch- Attendees to Thursday’s Trade Show enjoyed a chili lunch and visited trade show exhibits.
Beef Efficiency Conference- The Beef Efficiency Conference, hosted by the Kentucky Beef Network and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service was centered on helping producers get ahead of industry 18 • Cow Country • February
Opening Session- KCA began its opening general business session with a welcome and remarks from Andy Bishop, 2023 KCA president. Jonathan Shell, the newly elected Kentucky commissioner of agriculture and Garrard County cattleman, also welcomed attendees and provided insight into himself and his goals for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Women’s Program- The Women’s Program was revamped for convention and split into two sessions. The first session on Thursday featured an etched glass craft where participants made etched glass farm-inspired images on casserole dishes under the direction of Amelia Carter, KBC director of industry relations. The women also enjoyed snacks and received a goody bag from the Kentucky Beef Council. Friday’s session featured Janine Faber,
registered dietitian. Faber discussed a healthy diet, lean beef cuts, obstacles for achieving healthier eating and ways participants could overcome those obstacles to achieve a healthier lifestyle. KCA Roundup Reception- Thursday concluded with the Roundup Reception, a new addition to the KCA Convention. The evening event gave producers the opportunity to meet, network and
connect with other producers and KCA staff members. The reception featured desserts, drinks, card games and lively discussions. County Presidents’ Breakfast- Friday’s slate of events began with the county presidents’ breakfast. Kentucky Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens talked to the presidents about ways they can leave a lasting legacy on their associations and shared personal stories from his farming operation. Givens of Greensburg is senate president pro tempore and represents Barren, Edmonson, Green and Hart counties and part of Warren County. He serves on a number of committees including the agriculture committee. County presidents were honored for increasing their membership. Presidents that had a 10-person membership increase received a red Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association jacket. Presidents
that increased their membership by the largest percentage received a cash award for their association. Counties with the most members were also honored. Barren County President Joe Mike Moore received the KCA bull, which is given to the county with the largest number of members. Bath County cattleman Randy Warner received the KCA award for his contributions to the state association. Warner has served the association in many capacities including vice president in 2023 and is 2024 president-elect. Not only has he given of his time, but he also donated the choice of two heifers from his farm to the KCA convention auction. The auction of the heifer raised $6,250 which went to the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association for future programing efforts. The group that purchased the heifer chose to give it a KJCA member that was randomly drawn by Warner at the auction. The heifer went to Kat Hudson, KJCA member from Fayette County. Kentucky-Auburn Veterinary Mentorship Program- Kentucky high school students
and their Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine student mentors were able to meet during the convention. The students also heard from Dr. Gordon Jones and Dr. Andrea Sexton of Eastern Kentucky University about opportunities available to them in veterinary medicine and other sciences. The mentorship program, which is led by Dr. Chris Young from Auburn, was recognized during the closing session.
center. Dave Maples, KCA executive vice president, gave a 2023 association recap and provided an outlook for 2024. Regional reports were given from the morning meetings and 2024 KCA officers were elected. New officers are Jeff Pettit, president, Randy Warner, president-elect, Allan Bryant, vice president, Ken Adams, secretary/treasurer and Andy Bishop, past president. Understanding Your Checkoff DollarsNew to this year’s convention was a panel discussion designed to answer producers’ questions about the Beef Checkoff and provide education on its benefits. The event was moderated by Carey Brown, KCA chief operating officer. Panelists included Joe Lowe, Warren County cattle producer and KBC Program chair, Kelly Tucker, KCA Collections and Compliance, Jennifer Nealson, NCBA senior vice president of global marketing and research and Andy Bishop, Cattlemen’s Beef Board vice chair. Forages at KCA- Forages at KCA focused on harnessing the power of soil life and was hosted by the Kentucky Forage and
Grasslands Council. Chris Teutsch, UK forage extension specialist, provided a welcome and then presented on pasture ecology and regenerative grazing. Seth Watkins, an Iowa producer, discussed the regenerative journey he has taken on C ON TIN U E D O N PAGE 2 0
Closing Session- The Closing Business Session began with a 2023 financial review by Ken Adams, KCA secretary/ treasurer. Nikki Whitaker, KCA director of operations and policy, shared the progress being made on the Livestock Innovation Center and encouraged producers to continue to contact their legislators about their support for the February • Cow Country • 19
C ON TIN U E D FRO M PA GE 1 9
his Pinhook Farm. Watkins was the first recipient of the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award in 2002. The award is given to producers who inspire others through their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management. Ray Smith, UK forage extension specialist, gave an update on UK Forage Extension programs. Evening Banquet- The evening banquet featured a steak dinner, awards and auction. Platinum event sponsors which included Blue Grass Livestock Marketing Group, Corteva Agriscience, Farm Credit Mid-America and New Hollard were recognized with awards. All other convention sponsors also received recognition during the banquet. For a complete list of sponsors, see page 29. During the banquet, five deserving individuals were inducted into KCA’s Hall of Fame. KCA and KBC also gave several awards and youth winners of Farm Credit MidAmerica’s Heifer Initiative were honored. The event concluded with a Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation auction which raised $9,500 for the foundation and the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association.
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2023 KCA president Andy Bishop was honored for his service to the association and received his photo and a gavel from Pettit. KJCA- The 85 junior cattlemen who attended convention had several opportunities to network, connect and learn. Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association programs were led by Bradon Burks, KBC director of education, and began with ice breakers. Ice breakers were followed by an educational session with Dr. Debbie Reed, director of Murray State University’s Breathitt Veterinary Center. Dr. Reed brought in a mobile diagnostic lab, which featured animal necropsy specimens for the youth to view and ask questions about. KJCA members also enjoyed lunch and fellowship time together. They heard about career opportunities in the industry during the Beef Leadership Town Hall. KJCA thanks Tim Dietrich, Renee Carrico and Ty McGuire for serving as this year’s panelists. New KJCA officers and board members were elected and will meet soon to plan programs for the year.
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2024-25 KJCA OFFICER TEAM AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Emily Tabor (Breckinridge County) Vice President: Macey Thompson (Breckinridge County) Secretary: Bryanna Smith (Russell County) Treasurer: Jake Marksbury (LaRue County) Reporter: Whitney Peck (Caldwell County) Region One: Mollie Goode (Christian County) Elly Hampton (Hopkins County) Region Two: Mollie Webb (Barren County) Ty Jones (Allen County) Region Three: Callie Derossett (Henry County) Brenna Perkins (Henry County) Region Four: Will Beckley (Estill County) JJ Jackson (Bourbon County) Region Five: Maddie Ethington (Boyle County) Joshua Kernodle (Boyle County) At Large: Samantha Pecco (Fleming County) Maggie Sparks (Bourbon County) Brooklyn Felts (Nicholas County) Kat Hudson (Fayette County) Landon Miller (Nelson County)
22 • Cow Country • February
Dear Cow Country News Reader, My name is Emily Tabor, and I am honored to be serving as the president of the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association this year. I have had the privilege of serving on the board of directors two years ago and as vice president last year. I am very excited to fulfill this role. The KJCA board of directors has been working hard over this past year to present more opportunities to all KJCA members across the state. This year, we have more events in store for the juniors across the state. The event we are most excited to host is the first annual KJCA Cattle Working Contest at the Western Kentucky University’s L.D. Brown Expo Center in Bowling Green on April 26. Registration is open on the KCA website, and it closes March 8. With it being the contest’s first year, we will be limiting the number of teams who will participate via a lottery drawing. The KJCA will also host more KJCA Academy days, bringing hands-on educational programs to our members. More information about those will
be released on a later date. We cannot forget about the annual KJCA Fall Classic, which will be held at the Western Kentucky University’s L.D. Brown Expo Center in Bowling Green again this year. Please be aware that we have changed the date this year to Oct. 4-6. This event is our biggest event of the year and is more than a cattle show. There are different contests being held that all Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association members can participate in. We will also have our KJCA Points Program submissions due in October. Be sure to check out how you can earn points and become the KJCA Member of the Year. The KJCA is starting to become one of the best junior programs in the state of Kentucky, bringing many more opportunities to the table for all members. We hope to see many of you at these upcoming events. If you have any questions about opportunities, registering for events, or how you can support the KJCA, please visit kycattle. org/kjca.
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Since 1961 February • Cow Country • 23
Nikki Whitaker, KCA director of policy and operations, Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens (R-Greensburg) and Andy Bishop, 2023 KCA president, talk before the County Presidents' Awards Banquet.
Randy Warner, Bath County cattleman, was honored for his outstanding service to the Kentucky beef industry during the event. Joe Mike Moore, Barren County Cattlemen's Association president, accepted the Big Bull Award for the largest county cattlemen's group in 2023 with 482 members.
The 2023 top three counties per division in numerical increase received a cash reward.
The 2023 county presidents who increased membership in their county by 10 or more members received a red jacket.
Top 10 counties for overall members in 2023 24 • Cow Country • February
February • Cow Country • 25
26 • Cow Country • February
FOUNDATION LIVE AUCTION ITEM
DONATED BY
PURCHASED BY
AMT
FOR
Cattle Print
Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
S&B Cattle Company
$700.00
Foundation
National Farm Machinery Show - 4 tickets
Joe Goggins & David Williams
Ayres Livestock
$500.00
Foundation
Wooden Light Up Church (made by Terry Mattingly)
"Marion County Cattlemen's Association
Circle M Farms
$250.00
Foundation
1/4 Beef from Moore's Family Farm
Joe Michael Moore & Family
Dr. Steve Webb
$1,000.00
KJCA
Water Trough Chair
Fayette County Cattlemen's Association
Farmers Stockyards
$800.00
KJCA
Choice of Heifer
Tammy & Randy Warner
Cattle Marketing Group S&B Cattle Company Peoples Bank Hardin Co. Cattlemen's Assoc James Caldwell Marion Co Cattlemen's Assoc Advanced Ag Products Rips Farm Center Montgomery Co Cattlemen's Assoc Bob Conley Brent Tolle Lewis Co Cattlemen's Assoc Danielle Harmon Branch View Angus Red Hill Implements Andy Bishop Corbin Cowles
$6,250.00
KJCA
February • Cow Country • 27
2024 Trade Show Exhibitors 10th Planet ABS Global Advanced Ag Products, LLC Agri-Test Livestock Scales Alligare American Angus Association Anderson Arkion Life Sciences Bale Insurance Group Blue Grass Livestock Marketing Boehringer-Ingelheim Branch View Angus Burkmann Nutrition Byron Seeds LLC Cargill Animal Nutrition Caudill Seed Co. Central Farm Supply of KY 28 • Cow Country • February
Central Kentucky Ag Credit Commonwealth Ag Service Corteva AgriScience: Range & Pasture CPC Feeds Division of Water Farm Credit Mid-America FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals Freedom Buildings, Inc GALLAGHER GENEX Grassworks Manufacturing H&R Agri-Power Hinton Mills Hustler Equipment Kalmbach Feeds KBN/KBC/Beef Solutions Kentucky Charolais Association
Kentucky Dept of Agriculture Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation Kentucky Forage & Grasslands Council Kubota Tractor Corporation KY Association of Conservation Districts KY Cabinet for Economic Development KY Women in Agriculture Lewis Cattle Oilers McBurney's Livestock Equipment Meade Tractor My Team Cattle & Crop Insurance Natural Resource Conservation Service NCBA Neogen New Holland Norbrook, INC
Performance Feeds LLC Protrition Raising Hope Red Barn & Associates Red Hill Farms Rip's Farm Center Select Sires Members Coop Tarter The Farmer's Pride Tusker Livestock United Producers, Inc USDA, FSA USDA, National Ag Statistics Service Vitalix, Inc Westway Feed Products Y-Tex Zoetis
The Kentucky Cattlemen's Association would like to thank all of our 2024 Convention Sponsors! The Convention would not be possible without your support. PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS Kubota Tractor Corporation McBurney's Livestock
Equipment United Producers, Inc Y-TEX
BRONZE SPONSORS Advanced Ag Products, LLC Commonwealth Ag Service
Biologicals Kalmbach Feeds
Alligare
Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts
Byron Seeds LLC
Neogen
Central Farm Supply of Kentucky
Rip's Farm Center
FERA Diagnostics &
Zoetis February • Cow Country • 29
Individuals Honored at Evening Banquet Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager Oak Hollow is the largest breeder of Registered Angus in Kentucky. They also promote and sell freezer beef under the name of Lowe’s Angus Beef. As KBC Program chair, Lowe regularly represented Kentucky cattle producers to the general public. He attended beef month signings, worked the KBC booth at numerous events, cooked on stage at the Kentucky State Fair and ran as a member of Team Beef with his wife Cassie. He was also interviewed by many in the media and made national headlines in a USA Today article on the impact of Covid-19 on the beef industry. KCA partners, staff, volunteers and youth were honored for their efforts during the Friday evening banquet at the KCA Convention and Tradeshow. These awards were given in addition to the KCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Kentucky Beef Council Beef Backer Award- Sullivan University and their College of Hospitality Studies received the Beef Backer Award for their willingness to partner with the KBC and their dedication and efforts to highlight beef education. Sullivan has participated in numerous farm tours, welcomed KBC staff for in-class presentations and shared KBC educational materials with their students.
30 • Cow Country • February
This past fall, they partnered with the KBC to host Dr. Temple Grandin, Colorado State University professor and world renown animal behaviorist on Sullivan’s Louisville campus. Dr. Grandin gave inspiring and educational lectures to Sullivan University culinary students and to producers and industry leaders. Sullivan University also prepared the meal for this event. Kentucky Beef Council Service AwardJoe Lowe, Warren County cattleman, received the KBC Service Award. Lowe served as chair of the KBC for three years. He is an 8th generation farmer in partners with his father, Kenneth, at Oak Hollow Angus. Based in Smith’s Grove,
Nationally, he served on the Checkoff Stakeholder Engagement Committee. Most recently, he was one of 10 cattlemen selected to be in NCBA’s Trailblazer Program. The program gives participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences and address and correct myths about the industry. KCA Service Awards- KCA staff members Becky Thompson and Alison Smith were honored for 20 years to the association. Thompson serves as the director of the Kentucky Beef Network, where she oversees the network’s grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and six employees. She also
oversees all programing, events and efforts at Eden Shale Farm, which is operated in partnership with the University of Kentucky. Thompson is also responsible for spearheading KCA’s annual convention. Smith recently retired after serving the Kentucky Beef Council as director of retail and foodservice. A Scott County cattle producer, Smith educated the general public by sharing her personal experience raising cattle coupled with beef ’s nutritional message. She was a critical link between KBC and partners in the food service, grocery and health care industries. Farm Credit Heifer Initiative AwardsThree young people were honored by Farm Credit Mid-America through their Heifer Initiative. Three winners representing different age groups received up to $2,000 from Farm Credit to purchase a heifer from a KCA member and either start or grow their own cattle operations. 2024 winners are : Sophia Smith, Scott County Nate Crumbley, Nelson County McKenzie Bell, Wayne County.
February • Cow Country • 31
KCA Elects 2024 Officers Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association members elected officers for 2024 during their 51st Annual Convention in January. Jeff Pettit, a Webster County cattleman, leads the 2024 officer slate as KCA president. Pettit of Sebree has years of service to the association. He has served as presidentelect, vice president, Region 1 director and vice president, Beef Solutions chair, KCA Program chair and participated in KCA’s Leadership Development Program. He was a founding member and past president of the Webster County Cattlemen’s Association. Pettit owns and operates Diamond P Cattle Company with his wife Michelle. Diamond P Cattle Company averages around 100 head of Red Angus cattle, and they sell replacement heifers and bulls. They have around 600 acres. Land that is not used for cattle or hay production is used for timber or leased for row crops. The Pettits’ children Nolan and Ashley live on the farm along with Ashley’s husband Dustin and two daughters. Others elected to officer positions include: President-Elect: Randy Warner, Sharpsburg; Vice President: Allan Bryant, Eminence; Secretary/Treasurer: Ken Adams, Upton; Past President: Andy Bishop, Cox’s Creek. Additional positions on the KCA Executive Committee include KCA Program and Beef Solutions chair: Daniel Hayden, Whitesville; KBN chairman: Allan Bryant, Eminence; and KBC chairman: Ryan Miller, Lebanon. Regional vice presidents were elected by cattlemen during the regional meetings at convention. Regional vice presidents include: Region 1- Wayne Zoglmann, Daviess County; Region 2- Phyllis Gentry, LaRue County; Region 3- Amanda Hall, Scott County; Region 4 - Amy White, Fayette County; Region 5- Adam Chunglo, Mercer County.
32 • Cow Country • February
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February • Cow Country • 33
K C A STA FF TH A N K S YOU FOR A N OTH ER SU C C ES S FU L C ON VE N TION TH IS Y E A R , WE H OPE TO S E E YOU IN 2 0 2 5 !
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February • Cow Country • 35
“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.
Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees
“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”
Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.
The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, U.S Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association, and University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for what he called “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. The application can be found OPTION 1 - BRANDON GROTESQUE at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
M
S
OSH BROTH ER NT I C
S
The application deadline date is March 31, 2024. The committee prefers application materials to be sent electronically. Applications can be emailed to colemansteve51@gmail.com or OSH BROTH ER NT postmarked by March 31, and mailed to: I C Leopold Conservation Award
M
For more information on the award, visit www. leopoldconservationaward.org.
c/o Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts P.O. Box 4027 Frankfort, KY 40604-4027
GEORGETOWN, KY
GEORGETOWN, KY
The first was presented to Sherwood Acres Farm of LaGrange in 2013. Veatch Farms of Campbellsville received the award in 2023.
M
M
H BRO Watch for our consignments HEannual Bluegrass TOS to theT3rd NProduction I Gelbvieh Alliance Sale March R 23th at the C Bluegrass Stockyards Lexington KY. For more information call William 502 867 3132 or Steve 502 868 5726.
S
36 • Cow Country • February
S
“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is proud to once again sponsor this award that honors the exceptional stewardship and conservation practices among Kentucky’s private landowners,” said Drew Graham, Kentucky Agricultural Council Chairman. O P T Iof Opast N 2 winners - M U S Eand O Sfinalists, A N S R it O is UN DED “Based on the work clear that Kentucky farmers are committed to leaving the land in better shape for generations to come. We encourage you to nominate a farmer that exemplifies this value.” OSH BROTH On behalf of conservation districts across the state NTwe are thrilled ER I C to once again be part of a great program that recognizes the best conservationists in the Commonwealth,” said Allan Bryant, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts President. “This program highlights some of the work that conservation districts strive to make available for landowners to conserve our natural GEORGETOWN, KY resources. We are proud to be a sponsor and commend the Sand County Foundation and all other sponsors for making the Leopold Conservation Award possible.”
Gelbvieh & Balancer bulls for sale GEORGETOWN, KY
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(502) 868-5726
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February • Cow Country • 37
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SAVE LABOR and REDUCE STRESS with the TURRET GATE SYSTEM Come test drive it at the National Farm Machinery Show in Booth #3390 Reduce Stress on Animals - Humans are able to stay farther from the animal’s flight zone while animals flow through the Moly FZA system without added pressure or the use of electric prods. The use of the remote control creates a low-stress area for animals and humans. Safety – Use of remote control virtually eliminates contact with cattle in high impact areas. Less Labor Required – System requires less effort. It can be operated by remote, from a distance, by one person with little training and no cattle-handling experience. Easy to Install and Use – System (including anchoring) is easily installed and ready for use in as few as 4 hours. Adjustable Hydraulic Loading Chute – Adjustable from 10” to 58”. The Easy Loading Platform remains horizontal at all times, lessening stress on animals entering or exiting trucks. A Safe Access Door includes slam-shut latch that closes off animal flow. Door latch can be reached from either side of loading chute and cannot swing out to hit operator.
(502) 845-1160 • WWW.CATTLEEQ.COM February • Cow Country • 39
Meet Jeff Pettit, 2024 KCA President Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager Kentucky Cattlemen Association’s new president Jeff Pettit has been a lifelong advocate for the cattle industry, and he hopes to share his passion with others during this next year. “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t around cattle,” said Pettit, a Webster County cattleman. “I’ve always had a passion for cattle, the cattle industry and being around cattle people.” A native of Hartselle, Alabama, Pettit grew up in agriculture. Both sets of grandparents were involved in cattle production. His maternal grandparents had a commercial beef cattle operation and also had dairy cattle for a number of years along with row crops. His paternal grandparents raised purebred Beefmaster cattle and sold seedstock throughout the southeastern United States. In 1988, Jeff met the love of his life Michelle, at a cattle sale in Selma, 40 • Cow Country • February
Alabama. They married in 1990 and lived in Alabama until they moved to Michelle’s native Webster County, Kentucky in 1992. Michelle’s family had raised and shown Red Angus cattle in the past, and in 2000, Jeff and Michelle and her parents purchased a set of commercial Red Angus cattle and re-established a beef cattle operation on the family farm. Today, Jeff and Michelle Pettit run Diamond P Cattle Company in Sebree, which is the same farm name his father and grandfather used for their operation years ago in Alabama. The Pettits average around 100 head of Red Angus cattle, and they sell replacement females and bulls to other Red Angus operations and commercial cattlemen in the eastern U.S. The family farm, which they manage, is comprised of about 600 acres. The land that is not used for cattle or hay production is either in timber or leased out for row crops. Their son Nolan, their
daughter Ashley, her husband Dustin and their family all live on the farm. Ashley’s daughters are involved in 4-H livestock programs, showing cattle, riding and showing horses, feeding chickens, gathering eggs and doing everything else that farm children do. For 25 years, Jeff and Michelle Pettit also owned and operated Noash Construction Inc., which performed construction and maintenance work on communication towers in the Midwest and Southeast. While they recently sold that company, Jeff remains involved in the day-to-day operations as the company transitions over to new ownership. He is a founding member of the Webster County Cattlemen’s Association and served as the association’s first vice president in 2009 and later served as president. His leadership role in the county association quickly led him to take on
roles within the statewide association. Pettit has served in a number of roles with KCA including KCA Leadership program participant, Region 1 director, Region 1 vice president, KCA program chair, Beef Solutions chair, vice president and president-elect. He also represented KCA on the NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference a few years ago. “I feel like you learn more by being involved,” he said. “It also gives you the opportunity to give back and grow stronger in certain aspects of the industry.” Outside of KCA, Pettit is also a board member representing Region C and the treasurer for the Red Angus Association of America. He also serves on the Webster County Farm Bureau board as well as several national committees for N.A.T.E (National Association of Tower Erectors). His family attends church at Mt. Gilead General Baptist in Slaughters, where Jeff and Michelle were married in 1990.
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During his time as KCA president, Pettit hopes to bring members together to work for the betterment of the industry. He also wants to find ways to reach Kentucky cattlemen who may not necessarily be association members. “Everybody has a stake in the industry, whether you have 10 cows or 100 cows. It takes all of us working together with our different skill sets, knowledge bases and connections to make the industry better for the next generation,” he said. “I think it’s important for cattle producers to understand how important it is for them be a part of and involved in an association that is working on our behalf.” He plans to continue to support and foster efforts by KCA that will further solidify Kentucky as regional hub of commerce within the beef industry in the eastern United States.
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AHA 4.9167x10.125 4c-Cow Country News.indd 1
8/31/23 9:00 AM February • Cow Country • 41
Winter is Here - What’s Your Action Plan? Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)
Winter presents multiple challenges for cattle and those who care for them including cold temperatures, wind, snow, freezing rain and mud. Unfortunately, drought conditions in the spring and summer significantly reduced the quality and quantity of hay available to feed this winter, exacerbating the difficult conditions. It is important for beef cattle producers to devise a “winter weather action plan” with the goal of maintaining cattle health, comfort and performance despite what Mother Nature sends to Kentucky. Many telephone conversations with veterinarians and producers confirm cattle are losing body condition this winter and some are dying of malnutrition. The cloudy, wet weather with regular bouts of rain and temperatures hovering right above freezing has resulted in muddy conditions that require diets substantially higher in energy just to maintain normal body temperature. At the UKVDL, we are beginning to see cattle cases presented to the laboratory for necropsy (an animal “autopsy”) with a total absence of fat stores and death is due to starvation. This indicates winter feeding programs on many farms this year are not adequate to support cattle in their environment, especially aged cattle, cows in late pregnancy or early lactation, or their newborn calves, even though bitter cold has not yet been a factor. The “lower critical temperature” (LCT) is the threshold temperature below which the animal’s metabolic rate must increase to maintain a stable internal body temperature. If temperatures fall below the LCT, the amount of energy necessary just to keep the animal in equilibrium, known as the “maintenance requirement”, increases; leaving less nutrients available for growth and production. If maintenance requirements for energy and protein are not met through the diet, cattle will utilize body fat stores to meet the need and lose body condition. The LCT is not the same for all cattle; what an animal can tolerate depends on her body condition score, hair coat condition (wet/ 42 • Cow Country • January
dry/muddy) and wind chill. Cattle have two important defenses against cold, the hair coat and fat cover. The hair coat grows longer in winter and offers considerable insulation to conserve heat and repel cold. Fat cover serves as insulation beneath the skin. For an animal in average body condition with a fluffed up, dry, heavy winter coat in place, the LCT may go as low as 18° F in sunny conditions without wind. However, a thin cow with the same winter hair coat in the same weather conditions may experience cold stress at 32° F. Under wet conditions, especially if an animal’s coat cover is muddy, the LCT rises dramatically, particularly if there is no protection from the wind. If the same average body condition cow with a dry hair coat and an LCT of 18° F gets wet, her hair coat no longer insulates but conducts warmth away from the body through evaporation, raising her LCT to 60° F or higher. Thinner cattle with less fat have less insulation under the skin so more heat is lost, especially when lying on wet, cold ground without bedding. If producers are not supplementing cattle with adequate energy AND protein sources, hay of poor nutritional quality will not provide sufficient nutrition to meet the animal’s basic requirements. This will result in depletion of body fat stores, followed by breakdown of muscle protein and finally death due to insufficient nutrition. The producer may first notice a cow getting weak in the rear end and may mistake this for lameness or sore hooves. Later, she is found down, unable to stand and death follows shortly after. Multiple animals may die within a short period of time during extreme weather events. At necropsy, the pathologist finds a thin animal with no body fat stores but the rumen is full of bulky, dry forage material (poor quality hay). Even the small seam of fat normally found on the surface of the heart is gone, indicating the last storage area in the body for fat has been used up. Despite having had access to free choice hay, these cattle have died from starvation. Although hay may look and
smell good, unless a producer has had the hay tested for nutritional content, he or she does not know the true feed value of that harvested forage. It is often difficult for producers to bring themselves to the realization that cattle can starve to death while consuming all the hay they can eat. The answer to poor quality hay is not just to offer more of the same! There is a limit to rumen capacity; cattle are expected to eat roughly 2% to 2.5% of their body weight in dry matter but this may fall to 1.5% on poor quality hay. Inadequate crude protein in the hay (below 7%-8%) means there is not enough nitrogen for the rumen microflora (“bugs”) to do their job of breaking down fiber and starch for energy. Digestion slows down and cattle eat less hay because there is no room for more in the rumen. Many producers purchase “protein tubs” varying from 16% to 30% protein to make up for any potential protein deficiencies but fail to address the severe lack of energy in the diet. In the last 60 days of pregnancy, an adult cow requires feedstuffs testing at least 50% to 55% TDN (energy) and 8% to 9% available crude protein while an adult beef cow’s needs in the first 60 days of lactation increase to 60% to 65% TDN and 10% to 12% available crude protein. Cold weather and mud will increase the energy requirements, especially when cattle are forced to walk in deep mud and lie on wet ground. In addition to malnutrition in adult cattle, inadequate nutrition and weight loss severely affect the developing fetus in a pregnant cow. “Fetal programming” of the immune system of the developing calf during pregnancy will not progress correctly without sufficient nutrients and trace minerals. A weak cow may experience dystocia (a slow, difficult birth) resulting in lack of oxygen to the calf during delivery, leading to a dead or weak calf. Calves born to deficient dams have less “brown fat,” so they are less able to generate body heat and are slower to stand and nurse compared to calves whose dams received adequate nutrition during the last 100 days of pregnancy.
Poor colostrum quality and quantity from protein and energy-deficient dams will not support calf survival and performance. One study looking at diets during pregnancy found at weaning, 100% of the calves from the adequate energy dams were alive compared to 71% from the energy deficient dams. The major cause of death loss from birth to weaning was scours, with a death loss of 19% due to this factor. Trace mineral supplementation is another area of concern, as copper and selenium levels in liver samples analyzed from many cases throughout Kentucky are often far below acceptable levels. Additionally, grass tetany/ hypomagnesemia cases will occur in late winter and early spring if lactating beef cattle are not offered a freechoice, high magnesium trace mineral continuously until spring. Primary copper deficiency can cause a number of disorders, including poor heart muscle function, sudden death, anemia, lameness, coarse hair coat, hair coat color changes, diarrhea and fertility problems. Low selenium concentrations can be associated with a wide variety of problems including skeletal and heart muscle abnormalities, sudden death due to heart damage, suppression of the immune system, a variety of reproductive issues and reduced growth. The absence of these vital nutrients is a major risk factor for disease development. Selenium deficiencies in adult cows will lead to later reproductive problems of delayed conception, cystic ovaries and retained placentas.
of wind chill. In times of extreme or prolonged cold, adjust feeding to provide additional energy. Remember, energy AND protein are both crucial; protein supplements will not fulfill energy requirements. Adequate nutrition and body condition are not just important today but also down the road. Milk production, the return to estrus and rebreeding, and overall herd immunity are also impacted over the long term. Cattle should also have access to a complete mineral supplement and clean drinking water at all times. A trace mineral mix high in magnesium is necessary, especially in lactating cattle, beginning in January or early February through mid-May in order to prevent hypomagnesemia or “grass tetany”.
If you have hay test results, check out the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool (Figure 1) at http://forage-supplementtool.ca.uky.edu/. Enter the values from your hay test and stage of production of your cows (gestation or lactation) to find a supplement that will work for you. The UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool was produced by faculty in the University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences and serves as a tool to estimate forage intake and supplementation rates. Remember actual feed/forage intake and body condition should be monitored throughout the winter and early spring, and each cutting of hay must be tested as values will not be the same from one cutting to the next.
Figure 1: The UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool homepage.
The best advice for producers is to be prepared for the inevitable winter weather rather than looking for answers while the snow is falling. Observe the current body condition of the herd and, if inadequate now, begin supplementing with grain to head off further weight loss. Know what you have to work with from an energy and protein perspective in your hay then supplement with enough feed to make up the deficits. Forage testing is simple, inexpensive and the results are easy to interpret. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service if you need assistance to get this accomplished. Providing shelter and windbreaks for cattle can help keep hair coats dry and limit the effects January • Cow Country • 43
2024 Brings CAIP Changes Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager When producers apply for County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) funding in 2024, they are likely to notice some changes from previous years. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) approved revisions to their CAIP guidelines during their November 2023 meeting. These changes became effective Jan. 1. These changes include a statewide tiered cost reimbursement system of eligible items for each of the program’s 11 investment areas. Eligible items can be reimbursed between 25% and 75%, depending on the item. “The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board made these changes because the KADB wants to incentivize new and innovative practices to move Kentucky agriculture forward,” said Sarah Bryant,
44 • Cow Country • February
KADF programs manager. The KADB also added the purchase of beef and dairy cattle embryos to the Large Animal Investment Area and removed lime as an eligible cost-share item from the Forage and Grain Improvement Investment Area. The KADB plans to review the tiered system each year. “More changes will be made in the future to eligible items and their level of reimbursement as the now innovative items become standardized,” Bryant said. Prior to these changes, County Agricultural Development Councils decided on reimbursement levels for eligible items, and those amounts varied among counties. The maximum amount a producer can
receive in one program year remains at $5,000. Also new this year, all applicants must be Kentucky residents and will have to provide proof of residency as part of their application. Since 2009, CAIP has provided producers more than $219 million in funding for improvements to their operations. CAIP has been administered in all Kentucky counties. Large Animal and Farm Infrastructure are two of the largest investment areas. More information about CAIP and program changes is available on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s website https://www.kyagr.com/ agpolicy/2024-Program-Guidelines-andApplications.html.
ANGUS AND HEREFORD
A program committed to breeding superior high quality, fault free Angus and Hereford cattle for over 100 years.
WWW.BOYDBEEF.COM
N O O N - S A T U R D AY M A R C H
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This exceptional SG Salvation son, along with his three flush brothers, was selected as the Grand Champion Pen of Three Bulls at the 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress – All produced from the incredible full sister to BJ Surpass! They all sell!
BOYD SEPARATION 3018
CED +8 CLAW +.43 BW +2.7 ANGLE +.36 WW +87 MB +1.19 YW +151 RE +.72 DOC +19 $M +85 Milk +32 $B +192 HS +.76 $C +334
BULL SALE
1/2/23 – Reg# +*20639623 SG Salvation x BJ Playbook 9240
This son of Ellingson Prolific is produced from a donor by Sitz Accomplishment – he offers big-time herd sire credentials with Foot EPD’S in the top 1% of the breed while also excelling for $M and $C traits!
BOYD MANDATE 3057
2/20/23 – Reg# +*20640373 Ellingson Prolific x SITZ Shauna 220H
BOYD BALANCE 3025 CED +8.2 BW +0.8 WW +66 YW +109 Milk +27 MB +0.09 RE +0.36 BMI$ +503 CHB$ +98
CED +7 CLAW +.27 BW +.3 ANGLE +.31 WW +96 MB +.85 YW +166 RE +.74 DOC +25 $M +94 Milk +24 $B +185 HS +.64 $C +334
Reg# P44452134 • 1/10/23 NJW 133A 6589 Manifest 87G ET x Boyd 9051 Rachel 1010
25 exceptional HEREFORD bulls will be selling, including this Manifest son from a dam by Journey!
WHERE MATERNAL MATTERS FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 125 YEARS!
A PROGRAM ENROLLED IN MATERNAL PLUS AND TARGETING THE BRANDS! · Focusing on a MATERNAL BASE to produce BULLS that will ADD VALUE TO OUR CUSTOMERS BOTTOM LINE – Combining Maternal with Performance and Carcass Traits! · Our Angus bulls offer a $M value among the breed’s elite 1%. · Assisting with CUSTOMER MARKETING OPTIONS! · First Breeding Season Guarantee on Every Bull!
Sale Managed Sale Managed By By
RANCELONG, LONGINC RANCE 918.510.3464 cell 918.510.3464 rlong@rancelong.com rlong@rancelong.com www.rancelong.com www.rancelong.com INC PO Box 2, Adair, OK 74330
WITH GUEST MYERS ANGUS FARM Harrodsburg, KY 40330 David Myers - Colby Myers Joe Myers (859) 265-0097
Call or email to request a sale book (606) 584-5194 or cboyd2@maysvilleky.net.
www.boydbeef.com
6077 Helena Rd. • Mays Lick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II (606) 584-5194 Blake Boyd (606) 375-3718 Logan Boyd (606) 375-3366 E-mail: cboyd2@maysvilleky.net February • Cow Country • 45
If You Build It, They Will Come: An Introduction to Pasture Ecology Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton Ecology is the relationship of organisms to one another and the environment that surrounds them. In healthy grassland ecosystems, a myriad of organisms live above, at and below the soil surface (Table 1). In fact, in one acre of well-managed pasture, there are more than 7 tons of living organisms! We should appreciate the diversity of species in healthy grassland ecosystems and the role they play in developing strong and resilient nutrient and water cycles.
ORGANISM
BIOMASS lbs/A
ABOVE GROUND BIOMASS Beef cow-calf on 3 acres of pasture
515
Pasture biomass
2,500
Total above ground
3,015
BELOW GROUND BIOMASS Pasture roots
2,500
Bacteria
2,050
Actinomycetes
2,050
Fungi
6,245
Algae
220
Protozoa
80
Nematodes
60
Mites
65
Collembola
65
Earthworms
625
Other fauna
40
Total below ground
14,000
TOTAL PASTURE BIOMASS
17,015
Table 1. A healthy pasture contains more than 7 tons of living organisms per acre.
Defining Soils Often when we discuss soils, we focus on the proportion of sand, silt and clay (Ritchey et al., 2015). However, a more comprehensive definition is “a dynamic natural body composed of mineral and organic solids, gases, liquids and LIVING organisms, which can serve as a medium for plant growth” (Weil and Brady, 2017). This definition recognizes that when properly managed, soils are not a static mixture of sand, silt and clay, but rather a dynamic 46 • Cow Country • February
Figure 1. In a well-managed pasture, soil organisms secrete compounds that bind soil particles together creating stable aggregates. Good soil structure improves aeration, root growth and soil drainage (AHBD, 2023). A healthy soil should have a well-defined structure with prolific root growth and abundant soil life. Diagram from AHDB
medium for plant growth full of life. Harnessing and managing the power of this soil life is central to developing sustainable grazing systems. Defining Regenerative Grazing Regeneration means to restore to a previous state. Regenerative grazing is defined as a series of practices that improve pasture productivity and soil health and promote healthy water cycles. The terms “regenerative grazing” and “rotational
stocking” can be used interchangeably, and both involve increasing stocking density for a short period and then allowing pastures to rest between grazing events. Regenerative/ rotational grazing improves pasture productivity, decreases erosion, increases water infiltration, improves drought tolerance, strengthens nutrient cycling and improves animal handling (Andrae, 2008). Although progressive graziers have moved toward using the term “regenerative grazing” since it is synonymous with the
buzzword “regenerative agriculture,” wellmanaged grazing is and has always been inherently regenerative.
ORGANISM Bacteria, number per g dry soil
ROW CROP SOIL
PASTURE SOIL
FOREST SOIL
100 M. TO 1 B.
100 M. TO 1 B.
100 M. TO 1 B.
2-3
10 TO 300
200 TO 1000
2000 TO 3000
200 TO 1000
Organic Matter: Food for the Soil Community
Fungi, yds per g dry soil Protozoa, number per g dry soil
2000 TO 3000
Organic matter is the energy and nutrient source for organisms living in the soil (Ingham, 2000a). It is composed of four fractions: living, fresh, decomposing and stable. The living fraction is made up of microorganisms and plant roots. Fresh organic matter is material that has been recently added to the soil and has just begun to decay. Decomposing or active organic matter are compounds that are being used as food by organisms in the soil and are no longer recognizable. The last group of organic matter is the stable portion often referred to as humus. This portion is comprised of complex, organic compounds, such as lignin, that are difficult to degrade.
Nematodes, number per g dry soil
10 TO 20
20 TO 300
200 TO 300
Arthropods, number per sq ft
0 TO 100
500 TO 2000
10000 TO 25000
Earthworms, number per sq ft
5 TO 30
10 TO 50
0 TO 50
Table 2. Types and number of organisms present in agricultural, pasture, and forest soils.
LIVING ORGANISMS: 5% FRESH RESIDUE: 10%
STABLE OM: 43% Figure 3. Bacteria living on a grain of sand.
Photo from https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2014/09/02/ the-living-soil/.
ACTIVE OM: 42%
Figure 2. Soil organic matter components (Ingham, 2000a).
Citizens of Well-Managed Pastures There are many organisms that inhabit healthy pasture soil (Table 1). They can be classified into six basic groups (Table 2) (Ingham, 2000b). Land use and management can impact the numbers and ratios of organisms present in the soil (Table 2). In general, larger quantities of fungi, insects and earthworms will be present in pasture and forest soils. Bacteria. These are microscopic, onecelled organisms. Although small, massive amounts of bacteria are present in the soil (Tables 1 and 2). Bacteria are divided into four functional groups. The first is decomposers, which are the most abundant. They break down simple carbon containing compounds and immobilize nutrients in
their structure, helping to prevent nutrient loss from the system. The second group is mutualists. This group forms mutualistic or symbiotic relationships with plants. The most widely recognized and important relationship is nitrogen fixing bacteria and legumes. After photosynthesis, this is the second most important biochemical process on Earth. The third functional group is pathogenic. These cause plant diseases. The last group is chemoautotrophs that can use compounds containing nitrogen, sulfur, iron and/or hydrogen for energy generation (Ingham, 2000c). Fungi. Can be single cell or complex multicellular organisms. In a healthy pasture, there can be more than 3 tons of fungi per acre (Table 1). They provide several vital services including the decomposition of complex organic compounds, binding of soil particles, extracting and sequestering nutrients, and enhancing plant growth through the formation of mutualistic relationships. Soil fungi can be divided into functional
Figure 4. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae is a mutualistic fungus that infects the roots of the plant. This association enhances nutrient and water uptake. Photo from https://mycorrhizas.info/ vam.html#intro
groups. The first is decomposers that break down complex organic material, such as cellulose and lignin, immobilizing the nutrients in fungal structures. The second group is mutualists that form relationships with plants that enhance nutrient uptake in low fertility environments. These can be separated into ectomycorrhiza that are most commonly associated with trees and endomycorrhiza that grow within the root cells and are most commonly associated with grasses and row crops (Ingham, 2000d). Protozoa. These are single-celled organisms that feed primarily on bacteria (Tugel et al., 2000). As they consume bacteria, they release immobilized nitrogen that can then be taken up by plants and other organisms in the soil-food web. As they consume bacteria, they stimulate the growth of bacterial populations, and in turn, decomposition rates and soil aggregation (Ingham, 2000e). C ON TIN U E D O N PAGE 4 8 February • Cow Country • 47
C ON TIN U ED FROM PA GE 4 7
Figure 5. Ciliate protozoa with bacteria in background. Photo from https://ohioline.osu.edu/ factsheet/anr-36.
plant residue so that other decomposers can begin their work. Arthropods can be grouped into four general categories according to their function in the soil. They include shredders, predators, herbivores and fungal feeders (Moldenke, 2000)
they pull into their burrows that may extend more than 6 feet into the soil. Earthworm populations tend to increase with plant residue levels and decrease with soil disturbance (Edwards, 2000.)
Shredders reduce the particle size of dead plant tissue as they eat bacteria and fungi on the plant material. They include millipedes, sow bugs, termites and roaches. Predators feed on other arthropods. They include centipedes, ground beetles, spiders, scorpions and pseudoscorpions. Herbivores feed on living plant tissue and include cicadas, mole crickets and root worms. These can at times become pest problems in crops. The last group are fungal feeders that graze on fungi and sometimes bacteria. They include springtails, silverfish and some mites that consume bacteria and fungi on plant roots. This feeding releases nutrients contained in microbes allowing them to be used for plant growth (Moldenke, 2000).
A hallmark of healthy, sustainable grassland ecosystems is the development and maintenance of strong, robust nutrient cycles (Scott and Prater, 2018). These cycles involve graziers, grazing animals, pasture plants and all the other citizens of the soil community. In healthy pastures, grazing animals consume and trample grasses, legumes, and weedy forbs and deposit nutrients and organic material in the form of dung and urine back onto the pasture. The grazier is perhaps the most important part of this entire system since he is responsible for managing its components in a way that balances pasture growth, animal production and soil health.
Earthworms. Earthworms are invertebrates that shred organic material at the soil surface making it more susceptible to microbial degradation (Edwards, 2000). They also mix and aggregate soil, increase water infiltration, form channels in the soil for root growth and bury and mix plant residue (Edwards, 2000).
Figure 6. Free-living soil nematodes can be beneficial. This nematode feeds on insects. Photo by David Cappaert, Bugwood.org.
Soil nematodes. Nematodes are small non-segmented worms. There are an incredible variety of nematodes. Some feed on plants, others on bacteria and fungi, and yet others on other nematodes. Although plant parasitic nematodes have received considerable attention, there are free-living nematodes that play an important role in nutrient cycling, dispersal of microbes and disease suppression (Ingham, 2000f). Arthropods. Pastures are home to a vast array of arthropods (insects). A single square yard can contain as many as 200,000! These can range from microscopic springtails that feed on fungi to dung beetles that incorporate manure into the soil. Many arthropods start the decomposition process by shredding 48 • Cow Country • February
Earthworms can be divided into three ecological groupings based on their burrowing habits. The first is the species that live on or near the soil surface. These worms thrive in high residue environments. The second grouping lives in the upper soil strata with limited burrowing capacity. They feed on soil and associated organic matter. The last group is a deep burrowing species. These feed on plant residue that
Nutrient Cycling in Grassland Ecosystems
Nurturing Citizens of the Soil Community One the primary roles of the grazier is to create an environment that encourages the growth and maintenance of healthy, robust soil communities. Since organic material provides the energy/food source for this system (Ingham, 2000a), it is crucial to ensure that there is a base level of soil fertility to support desired plant growth. This is easily accomplished by soil testing (Teutsch and Ritchey, 2020) and application of lime and fertilizer to increase the soil pH to 6.4 and phosphorus and potassium levels to the medium range (Ritchey and McGrath, 2020). Stocking rate. Stocking rate is defined as the number of animal units for a given land area for a specified period of time (Allen et
Figure 7. Earthworm populations tend to increase with plant residue levels and decrease with soil disturbance (Edwards, 2000).
al., 2011). It is one of the most important decisions that graziers must make. Stocking too low will result in economic losses due to limited animal production per unit land area. Stocking too high will result in the entire system collapsing (Figure 8). In general, as stocking rate is increased, individual animal performance decreases and output per unit land area increases. Where these two lines cross is a sustainable stocking rate (Figure 8). Increasing stocking rate past this point result in decreases in both individual animal performance and animal output per unit area and the entire system becomes unsustainable (Figure 8). A sustainable stocking rate will depend on forage and soil resources, grazing management and long-term weather trends. In Kentucky, sustainable stocking rates will likely range between two acres per cow-calf pair for deep and fertile soils with good grazing management to four acres per cowcalf pair for shallow soils with lower fertility and minimal grazing management. Rotational stocking. Rotational stocking is a method of grazing that utilizes multiple paddocks that are grazed followed by a period of rest (Allen et al., 2011). This method allows for the management of residual leaf area and stored carbohydrates, both of which are crucial for maintaining
OUTPUT PER UNIT LAND AREA OUTPUT PER INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL
Increasing Risk Unstable (overgrazed)
Uneconomical (undergrazed)
Optimal Zone
Stocking Rate, Animals per acre Figure 8. As stocking rate increases, individual animal performance decreases. In contrast, animal output per acre increases until pasture resources can no longer sustain additional stock.
a healthy and vigorous sod. Rotational stocking is a powerful tool for not only increasing pasture productivity, but also managing species composition, strengthening nutrient cycles, enhancing drought tolerance and improving animal handling. Summary “If you build it, they will come.” You will probably remember this quote from the
movie, “Field of Dreams.” The same holds true for your pastures. If you manage your pastures to create habitat for the citizens of the soil community, they will come, and when they do, they will enhance nutrient cycling, improve water infiltration and increase pasture productivity. The single most important part of healthy and sustainable grassland ecosystems is you and the decisions that you make!
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Daniel Reynolds • 308-249-7836 • dreynolds@vitalix.com February • Cow Country • 49
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52 • Cow Country • February
NEED A GOOD ANGUS BULL? WE HAVE ONE FOR YOU. Bridgeview Angus Bulls For Sale
570 Snavely Road • Stamping Ground, Kentucky 40379
50 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS: 18 MONTHS OLD, BSE CHECKED • LOW BIRTH WEIGHT HEIFER ACCEPTABLE WITH EXPLOSIVE GROWTH HERE IS A SAMPLE OF BRIDGEVIEW ANGUS BULLS OFFERED PRIVATE TREATY TATTOO
CED
BW
WW
YW
AI SIRED
212
11
1.4
217
9
0.7
79
131
SURPASS
84
151
NO SUBS
222
9
0.6
78
134
DYNAMIC
224
9
0.9
75
129
NORTH STAR
226
16
-2
72
135
RAWHIDE
236
7
1.7
77
127
ASHLAND
237
10
2.1
94
167
BLACK ONYX 918
241
7
1.0
83
148
DYNAMIC
243
10
0.6
70
124
FIREBALL
244
10
1.2
82
142
NO SUBS
245
5
1.9
88
153
THEDFORD
246
8
1.3
83
143
STASH
All bulls subject to first 90 day breeding season guarantee!
570 Snavely Road • Stamping Ground, Kentucky 40379 FOR INFO CALL OR TEXT
CORY 859-338-5826
KIP 859-608-7798
KYLE 502-682-7442
ROGER 859-333-2707 February • Cow Country • 53
bull sale
Simmental & SimAngus breeding-Age Bulls
Mar c h 9 , 2 02 4
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FOR A PARTICIPATING LOCATION NEAR YOU GO TO
SOUTHERNSTATES.COM/MINERALMADNESS
©2023 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
February • Cow Country • 55
USDA to kick off the National Agricultural Classification Survey WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2024 – Already preparing for the 2027 Census of Agriculture, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) starting Jan. 24. The survey, an important step in determining who should receive a 2027 Census of Agriculture questionnaire, will go to approximately 250,000 recipients to ask if they conduct agricultural activity. The results of the survey will ensure that every U.S. producer, no matter how large or small their operation, has a voice and is counted in the highly anticipated and influential agricultural census data. “This survey helps illustrate the breadth of American agriculture and enables USDA to get a complete count of all farmers and ranchers,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “Every response matters. Even if a recipient believes that the survey does not apply to them, we ask that they respond to the few screening questions.”
29th Annual Bulls & More Sale 12:30 p.m. • March 2, 2024 • Bradford, TN
NASS encourages recipients to respond securely online at www.agcounts.usda.gov, using the unique survey code mailed with the survey. Completed questionnaires may also be mailed back in the prepaid envelope provided. NASS requests that each person who receives the survey respond promptly. “The NACS ensures that everyone who produces and sells, or normally would sell, $1000 or more of agricultural products in a calendar year are represented in these vital data," said Hamer. Referenced by countless national, state, and local decisionmakers, researchers, farm organizations, and more, the once-every-five-year Census of Agriculture remains the most comprehensive source of data on American agriculture. The data tell the story of American farmers, ranchers, and growers over time, and inform agricultural policies and programs that impact operations across America. USDA will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data in February 2024. 56 • Cow Country • February
BW +1.1 WW +59 YW +121 Milk +46 $B +192 $C +325
BoPat Exclusive 323
Sire: Musgrave 316 Exclusive • MGS: War Party 2417
Selling 50 Angus Bulls 35 Registered Angus Females
BW -1.3 WW +68 YW +115 Milk +40 $B +154 $C +245
BoPat Cavalry 2131
BW +1.9 WW +66 YW +115 Milk +27 $B +178 $C +290
Sire: T/D Cavalry 761 • MGS: 44 Boomer 3078
BoPat Farms
140 Milan Hwy • Bradford, TN 38316 Larry Patterson • 731-420-2697 Peyton Pruett • 731-988-8470 BoPat Doc Ryan 324 e-mail: bopat@tennesseetel.net Sire: T/D Doc Ryan 049 • MGS: B/R New Frontier 095
MarCH 2, 2024 11:00 AM Kentucky Fair & Expo Center New Market Hall, Louisville, KY
Friday, March 1ST I 4:00 pm
10L Wood Fully Loaded x S&R Roundtable
K098
L335 TRCC Pandemic x STF Dominance x HPF Desa Rae
109L Wood Fully Loaded x Broker
JSUL Something About Mary x KOCH Big Timber bred to CCS/JS Doc 48H
9K GEFF County O x NJC Jewell
Exit 44 x PVF Insight x Built To Love A021
20K
372L Harkers Unleashed x JF Milestone
350K
132J
Offering embryos out of this headturning County O daughter
Offering Embryos by Reckoning out of this Executive Order x Ditto Female DOUG & DEBBIE PARKE 859.421.6100
DREW & HOLLI HATMAKER 423.506.8844
office@dpsalesllc.com
WWW.DPSALESLLC.COM February • Cow Country • 57
WE’LL TRADE FOR IT, EVEN IF IT EATS!
LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS • HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS • AGRICULTURE REBATES www.PogueChevrolet.com • 270-641-0300 www.PogueChrysler.net • 270-641-0400
58 • Cow Country • February
2250 West Everly Brothers Blvd. Powderly, KY 42367
EVEN THE MOST RESILIENT NEED AN ALLY ON THEIR SIDE
INCREASE POUNDS. INCREASE PROFIT.
10TH ANNUAL
PRODUCTION SALE
MARCH 10, 2024 Sale at 1:00pm Lunch at 11:30am //
SALE LOCATION: Flickerwood Arena // 3019 Larch Lane, Jackson, MO PREVIEW: Sat., March 9 , 2024, 8am -4pm // Sun., March 10, 2024, 8am -1pm Prior to sale by appointment
SELLING
38
18 MONTH OLD BULLS
All bulls fertility tested, with genomically enhanced EPDs
35
FALL BRED PAIRS 3 in 1 pairs and choice lots
SIRES REPRESENTED
Ranching isn’t for the weak of heart. Partner with products proven to be consistent, efficient, and developed for the challenge. Alligare’s Range & Pasture solutions combat competitive, undesirable species while allowing quality forage to thrive.
Connealy Craftsman, Deer Valley Growth Fund, LAR Man In Black, BJ Surpass, TAR Dominance 0031, Sterling Pacific 904, Basin Jameson 1076, Ellingson Deep River, K C F Bennett Exponential, SydGen KCF Gavel 8361, Hoffman Thedford CONTACT INFO
Kadin Boardman 573-225-8583 // Mark Boardman 573-382-1064 Jordan Hunter 417-224-6296 AUCTIONEER
Col Clint Hunter 417-860-1624 SALE MANAGED BY
JDH Auction Enterprises Jordan Hunter 417-224-6296 Videos can be viewed on our website. @Alligare.IVM
@Alligare, LLC
Alligare.com
For more information or to request a sale book, visit www.flickerwoodangus.com
GROW MORE GRASS. GROW MORE POUNDS. GROW MORE PROFIT. February • Cow Country • 59
THE KBHA PRESENTS
TheSHOWS Kentucky&Black Hereford Association Presents: BREED SALE MARCH 1ST - MARCH 3RD 2024
Breed Shows & Sale MARCH 2 - MARCH 5
ND GROUNDS • LOUISVILLE, TH KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU BEEF EXPO | KENTUCKY STATE FAIR KY
SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 2 • 4PM EST| KENTUCKY • Loose Penned Animals Haltered Animals 2023 KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU BEEF EXPO STATE FAIRAnd GROUNDS • LOUISVILLE, KY Selling Open Heifers Bred Heifers And Bred Cows • Show Prospects
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: ABHA junior members will receive a $100 discount off the purchase price of an animal
FRIDAY, March 3 - SATURDAY, March 4 - Junior show animal check in and registration No pre-registration required, can register for show upon arrival *Must be registered and checked in by NOON on Saturday, March 4th SATURDAY, March 4 - 12PM EST - Sale animal show SATURDAY, March 4 - 4pm - Sale SUNDAY, March 5 - 8AM EST - Junior open show 3 divisions: F1 | % | PUREBREDS *Only % and purebred champion will participate in the all-breeds final drive Cattle consignment for sale cattle is open to all ABHA members accepting both loose and haltered animals. SHOW PREMIUMS PAID IN JUNIOR SHOW | PREMIUMS DISCOUNTS & INCENTIVES FOR JUNIORS PURCHASING A HEIFER AT THE SALE
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION VISIT: https://kentuckyblackhereford.org/ CONTACT: Tim Tarter, sales manager, 606-305-2289 tripleblackherefords@gmail.com
presents
APRIL 27, 2024 1 PM
LAUREL COUNTY CATTLEMEN SALE FACILITIES 3610 SLATE LICK CHURCH ROAD LONDON, KY
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laurel County Extension Office............................................. 606.864.4167 Mike Calebs, Association President ...................................... 606.813.4490 Glenn Williams, Ag Agent...................................................... 606.682.0665 60 • Cow Country • February
66th kentucky national hereford show and sale 38th annual farm bureau beef expo march 1-3, 2024 • kentucky fair & expo center • west wing • louisville, kentucky
selling 41 lots: heifers & bulls Hereford Show March 1, 2024; 1:00pm
Hereford sale March 2, 2024; 1:00pm
junior Show March 3, 2024; 8:00am
Catalog Information: Suzanne Matheny 606-584-0577 • suzannebmatheny@gmail.com auctioneer: dale stith 918-760-1550 show & sale co-sponsored by the kentucky hereford association, kentucky department of agriculture, commissioner jonathan shell, and the kentucky farm bureaeu
Kentucky Farm Bureau BEEF EXPO Kentucky Fair & Expo Center • Louisville, KY • March 1-3, 2024 OTHER EVENTS: ANGUS Show: 10 AM, Friday Sale: 12 PM, Saturday Wes Womack, 270-4840556 BLACK HEREFORD Show: 12 PM, Saturday Sale: 4 PM, Saturday Tim Tarter 606-305-2289 GELBVIEH Show: 1 PM, Friday Sale: 11:30 AM, Saturday David Slaughter, 270-556-4259
HEREFORD Show: 1 PM, Friday Sale: 1 PM, Saturday Suzanne Matheny 606-5840572 PEN HEIFER Show: 2 PM, Friday Sale: 2 PM, Saturday JWC Marketing LLC 859-229-1767 RED ANGUS Show: 10 AM, Friday Sale: 10 AM, Saturday John Ethington, 859-5331301 606-636-6896 (Work)
Major Co-Sponsors: Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
RED POLL Show: 2:30 PM, Friday Sale: 9:30 AM, Saturday Kyle Young, 502-321-9892 (Cell) SHORTHORN Show: 10 AM, Saturday Sale: 1 PM, Saturday Cindy Cagwin Johnston - 217-3706034 SIMMENTAL Show: 4 PM, Friday Sale: 11 AM, Saturday Doug Parke, 859-987-5758 859-421-6100 (Cell)
Kentucky Junior Heifer Show Saturday, Check In Show: 4:30 PM Junior Steer Show Saturday, Check In Sunday, Show: 8:00 AM Open Junior Heifer Show Saturday, Check In Sunday, Show: 8:00 AM Trade Show Brandy Graves, 502-229-2747 *Kentucky heifer exhibitors will show separately Saturday, March 2 at 4:30 PM and may choose to show in the Open Junior Heifer Show, Sunday, March 3 at 8:00 AM.
DON’T MISS THESE OTHER EXPO EVENTS!! Junior Heifer, Steer, and Market Heifer Jackpot Shows More information available at www.kybeefexpo.com
February • Cow Country • 61
MEMBERSHIP McCreary County Cattlemen'sAssociation
Congratulations to
winner of this year's SQUEEZE CHUTE sponsored by Priefert Ranch Equipment! DIVISION 3
2024
2023
Russell
64
65
-1
Out of State
56
66
-10
Woodford
54
64
-10
Campbell
52
74
-22
Taylor
45
59
-14
Whitley
44
49
-5
Rockcastle
44
66
-22
Grant
43
74
-31
Montgomery
41
54
-13 -20
(UP TO 75 MEMBERS)
DIVISION 1
2024
203
Diff
Barren
308
482
-174
Adair
287
326
-39
(151+ MEMBERS)
DIVISION 2
Diff
2024
2023
Diff
Pulaski
97
146
-49
Oldham
41
61
Monroe
96
128
-32
Estill
41
53
-12
Mason
38
70
-32
Ohio
32
50
-18
McCreary
32
38
-6
Wayne
32
41
-9
Todd
31
58
-27 -16
(76-150 MEMBERS)
Shelby
275
378
-103
Garrard
93
109
-16
Marion
264
301
-37
Northeast Area
91
103
-12
Daviess
89
121
-32
Fleming
88
127
-39
Trigg
83
104
-21
Carroll
29
45
Anderson
81
109
-28
Hancock
28
36
-8
27
43
-16
Christian Breckinridge
255 234
333 269
-78 -35
Lincoln
233
227
6
Madison
217
307
-90
Hart
199
244
-45
Grayson
186
237
-51
Washington
184
221
-37
Scott
73
121
-48
Nicholas
Webster
73
79
-6
Union
27
63
-36
72
118
-46
Highlands
26
38
-12
Simpson
25
41
-16
Calloway
25
55
-30
Butler
24
35
-11
Hopkins
20
23
-3
Bath
169
348
-179
Jackson
Edmonson
165
204
-39
Caldwell/Lyon
71
119
-48
Franklin
159
167
-8
Trimble
68
110
-42
Henry
153
192
-39
Owen
68
90
-22
Metcalfe
151
151
0
Lewis
66
78
-12
Clay
19
29
-10
Mercer
146
192
-46
Boyle
64
101
-37
McLean
18
22
-4
Logan
141
206
-65
Robertson
63
77
-14
Crittenden
17
26
-9
Meade
140
167
-27
Mountain
63
97
-34
Livingston
15
17
-2
Larue
135
157
-22
Knox
15
30
-15
Green
125
160
-35
Bullitt
15
30
-15
Jessamine
124
218
-94
Menifee
12
21
-9
Bracken
123
188
-65
Henderson
9
9
0
Clark
121
185
-64
Gallatin
7
8
-1
Hardin
118
160
-42
Powell
5
7
-2
Casey
114
172
-58
Magoffin
5
6
-1
Northern Kentucky
111
168
Pike
3
5
-2
Laurel
97
Warren Harrison
Purchase Area
62
83
-21
Louisville Area
57
75
-18
Bourbon
56
97
-41
Muhlenberg
54
78
-24
Fayette
48
83
-35
Clinton-Cumberland
45
63
-18
-57
Nelson
44
76
-32
151
-54
Pendleton
39
90
-51
Eastern Foothills
2
7
-5
89
159
-70
Allen
29
112
-83
Harlan
0
1
-1
62
153
-91
Twin Lakes
29
58
-29
Bell
0
0
0
If you need anything for membership, please contact
Rachel Cain at (859) 278-0899 or rcain@kycattle.org
Totals as of: Januaryy 15, 2024
2024
2023
Difference
8,010
11,114
-3,104
2023-24 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION * MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/23– 9/30/24
NAME
SPOUSE NAME
FARM NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
COUNTY
RECRUITED BY
PHONE
FAX
*Payments of KCA membership dues are tax deductible for most members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. However, charitable contributions of gifts to KCA are not tax deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. Due to new IRS regulations, $2.24 of your dues would not be deductible. Approximately $12 of your dues will go towards the monthly publication Cow Country. PLEASE CHECK THE MEMBERSHIP(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN: KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below
NEW
RENEWAL
KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP To add your spouse, please add $15 to your KCA Membership KENTUCKY JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ($10/YR)
NEW
RENEWAL
I WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE YOUNG PRODUCER’S COUNCIL
COUNTY DUES Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below. Allen...............................$40 Anderson........................$25 Bourbon.........................$20 Boyle ..............................$35 Bullitt..............................$20 Butler..............................$25 Franklin ..........................$25 Highlands .......................$20 (Boyd, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence, & Martin)
Hopkins ..........................$35 Laurel.............................$35 Louisville Area ................$20 (Jefferson, & Spencer)
Magoffin .........................$20 Menifee ..........................$25 Mountain........................$25 (Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Morgan, Owsley, Perry & Wolfe)
Oldham ..........................$35 Taylor..............................$20 Twin Lakes ......................$20 Warren ...........................$40 Wayne ............................$25 Whitley ...........................$25 Woodford......................$25
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: KCA
KJCA
$
$
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)
$
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
$
IF YOU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO JOIN THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION The NCBA is now a State Marketing Partner with the KCA. You can pay your dues to both organizations with one check, at the same time. # HEAD
DUES
1-100
$160
1,001-1,250
$1,227
101-250
$320
1,251-1,500
$1,493
251-500
$480
1,501-1,750
$1,760
501-750
$693
1,751-2,000
$2,027
751-1000
$960
> 2,000
$2,027 + $0.4053/HD
# HEAD
DUES
Complete and return to: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association 176 Pasadena Drive • Suite 4 • Lexington, KY 40503 Join online at www.kycattle.org or call (859) 278-0899
January • Cow Country • 63
Kelly Baird Director of Communications and Events
KICK OFF 2024 WITH NEW GADGETS TO MEET YOUR GOALS There is no better time than the beginning of the year to set goals and New Year’s resolutions. One of your resolutions could be trying something different, and there are many new, easy and popular ways to fix beef. Whether it is a new appliance you received this holiday season and can’t wait to try, or new health goals you hope to achieve, there is a Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner recipe ready for you. Utilizing new appliances can change the way you experience beef in your meals. Air fryers, pressure cookers, sous vide, cast iron and pizza ovens are just a few different cooking methods that can be innovative, health conscious and used to meet your goals. But you may be curious how beef could be prepared with these tools. Air fryers have been popular for many years and are a consistent way to have fryer-like results quickly without oil, and are perfect for many recipes, even meatloaf. Cast iron is not a new tool but can guarantee a perfect sear whether you’re at home or over a fire. Pizza ovens aren’t just for pizza, steak-lovers can get in on the fun too. Many pizza ovens can combine your use of cast iron pans and deliver a perfectly cooked steak. Sous vide, although seemingly daunting, is the exact way to ensure an evenly cooked steak. And finally, pressure cookers have you covered. There are easy recipes, big on flavor, that deliver a delicious meal in no time at all, just like this shredded Beef-Stuffed Chile Relleno with Guajillo pictured on page 65. For more recipes that help put your favorite kitchen appliances into action, visit kybeef.com or BeefItsWhatForDinner.com. WAVE 3 Do you watch WAVE 3 news? Look out for some familiar faces. You may have most recently seen our own Carey Brown cooking with the sous vide method, our partners Bluegrass Hospitality Group and Malone’s speaking over wine and beef pairings, and Kelly Baird discussing meeting your health goals with beef this new year. Each month, the Kentucky Beef Council is on WAVE 3 Listens Live to share about the beef industry and recommend certain beef options for consumers. KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
64 • Cow Country • February
ASSOCIATION (KHSAA) At the beginning of December, Kentucky Beef Council staff were on-site at the KHSAA Football State Championships. Fans and supporters were able to show off their team spirit and their muscles that are packed with protein. Many meaningful conversations on how athletes can utilize the many nutrients of beef in their training and performance took place. Keep an eye out for KBC staff if you find yourself supporting an athlete at the KHSAA Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16 tournaments in March. Fuel your mind and body with beef, and remember: Beef. It’s What’s for Winners.
KBC Welcomes
SHREDDED BEEF-STUFFED CHILE
RELLENO WITH GUAJILLO CHILE SAUCE Shredded beef turns this Mexican favorite into a big meal for your hungry family. A dried chili sauce adds color and deep smoky flavor. INGREDIENTS: 1 beef Blade Chuck Roast Boneless, about 2-1/2 pounds • 15 dried Guajillo chile peppers, divided • 8-1/2 cups boiling water, divided • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided • 1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper • 6 fresh large green Anaheim peppers • 1 large ear fresh corn • 1-1/2 cup reduced-fat • shredded pepper jack or Mexican cheese blend • 1/2 cup shredded carrot • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro GARNISH: Sliced ripe olives COOKING: Remove stems from guajillo peppers; discard seeds. Reserve 3 peppers. Place remaining 12 guajillo peppers in large bowl; cover with 8 cups boiling water. Place bowl or plate on peppers to keep them submerged. Cover; soak at least 30 minutes to rehydrate. Season beef roast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Place roast in 6-quart electric pressure cooker; add reserved 3 guajillo peppers and 1/2 cup boiling water. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program for 90 minutes on pressure cooker timer, following manufacturer's instructions as needed. Use natural release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid. Cook's Tip: This recipe was developed in an electric pressure cooker at high altitude. Cooking at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet may require a slightly shorter cooking time. Place Anaheim peppers on grid over medium, ash-covered coals; grill peppers, uncovered 6 to 8 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered 10 to 12 minutes) until pepper skins are charred and blistered. Grill corn, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Place peppers in large food-safe plastic bag. Close bag; let stand 10 to 12 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard skins from peppers. Carefully cut 1 slit lengthwise in pepper, leaving top intact and discarding seeds. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place roast in medium bowl; shred beef using two forks, discarding pockets of fat as desired. Add 1/3 cup cooking liquid; mix well. Set aside. Coat 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cut corn from cob (about 1 cup). Combine cheese, corn, carrot and cilantro in medium bowl; mix well. Divide shredded beef among 6 Anaheim peppers; top with cheese filling. Fold pepper around filling. Place stuffed chiles, side by side in prepared baking dish, nesting chiles together as needed. Bake in 400°F oven 10 to 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and cheese is melted. Meanwhile, to prepare Guajillo Chile Sauce, drain soaking water from rehydrated guajillo peppers, reserving 1/2 cup water. Place peppers in blender or food processor container. Add reserved 1/2 cup soaking water and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover; pulse on and off until mixture is smooth. Process 1 minute more. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Divide guajillo sauce among 6 plates. Top sauce with stuffed peppers. Garnish with black olives, if desired.
Alex Scott, RD Hello, my name is Alex Scott, and I am the new director of nutrition at the Kentucky Beef Council. Although I grew up in Lexington, I spent a lot of my childhood with my grandparents in rural areas of Kentucky. From a young age, I was able to observe the differences in availability, affordability and quality of foods in different areas of the state. My curiosity about food systems ultimately led me to dietetics, and I completed all my schooling at the University of Kentucky. During my master’s, I was given the opportunity to expand on my childhood experiences and curiosities about the unique challenges to obtaining food in rural Appalachian communities. My thesis project used the knowledge of community health workers in rural Appalachian communities of Kentucky to better understand factors influencing food insecurity and identify unique solutions to hunger in these communities. Food has always been an important part of my story. Food has the power to bring together diverse groups of people, enrich our celebrations, and provide our bodies with the energy we need to grow and be active. For cattle producers, it provides a means to livelihood and fulfills the needs of a community. I believe that beef not only plays an important role in supporting a healthful diet, but also in supporting the people of the commonwealth. In my new role, I will represent the Kentucky Beef Council and Tennessee Beef Council in all aspects involving nutrition to ultimately increase beef consumption and educate individuals on the role of beef in a healthful diet. February • Cow Country • 65
Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association Cattle Working Contest The Kentucky Beef Network and the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association are pleased to announce that the Kentucky Junior Cattleman’s Cattle Working contest which will take place on Friday, April 26 at the Western Kentucky University’s L. D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center. The KJCA Cattle Working Contest is designed for KJCA members who want to develop their skills in animal management and handling. Working as a team, members must efficiently process three head using Beef Quality Care and Assurance guidelines. They are also responsible for accurately completing a processing plan and team problem. Each team will be comprised of three members and one optional alternate. Team members must be a KJCA member, have a current BQCA number and are a high school student. Teams may represent county 4-H programs, FFA chapters, county cattlemen’s groups or comprised of individuals from different counties. Beef Quality and Care Assurance certifications must be completed/verified and submitted no later than April 12 to participate. Each team will be required to work three head of cattle through a holding pen into a chute and properly catch each animal’s neck in a head gate. All products and equipment will be provided to each team at the contest. Before the cattle processing begins, each team will receive the products along with a cattle processing plan and form. Team members must complete the cattle processing plan form. Information included on the processing plan includes procedures completed, products used, route of administration, location on animal for application, dosage and pre-slaughter withdrawal time. 66 • Cow Country • February
Each team is responsible for the preparation and administration of each animal health product/procedure which can include the following: • Vaccines • 7-way clostridial • Respiratory complex (intranasal or subcutaneous) • Ear tags, removal/administration (visual, EID tags, or insecticide) • Dewormer (pour-on, injectable or drench) • One practice/procedure of the following: • Ear notching • Hair DNA sample • Implanting In addition to the cattle processing plan and cattle handling activities, each team will be required to complete a team problem addressing quality assurance with regards to product selection, administration, and withdrawal times or cost benefits of an animal health program. All team entries received will be placed into a random draw lottery to determine 10 teams and two alternate teams to compete in the state contest. All teams will be notified of their status in the competition by Friday, March 29. Entry Deadline is Wednesday, March 8 at 11:59 PM EST – no exceptions. If you have any questions, please contact: Bradon Burks: bburks@kycattle.org or 859-278-0899.
Eden Shale Update Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network There is an unsung hero in the agriculture world. A hero that we all rely on, but who does not get the credit they deserve. That hero is the farm store. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and most every small, farming community has one. As an oasis of commerce, they serve as a vital hub of booth supplies and knowledge for local producers. Owen County is blessed to have an excellent Southern States Co-op. Located on 7 acres at the north end of Owenton sits “our” farm store. This Southern States location was established in 1949 and has been continually serving its customers for the past 75 years. For half of its existence, it was managed by John Layton. After 39 years of service, John retired at the end of January. John has been a wonderful person to do business with. Besides being attentive to our ever-changing needs, he has always been helpful, kind and smiling. I know that his leadership and service to the agriculture community will continue to have impacts for years to come. John is leaving the reins to a very capable team. Waiting to greet you at the “back counter” is Jeff Satchwell, assistant manager, and Ken Gaines, department manager. These gentlemen assist the 4,000+ producers the store serves in getting products and services to their farm in a timely manner. These men provide the knowledge to ensure that producers are using the correct products and rates on everything from row crop inputs, livestock nutrition or fertilizer recommendations for either. Without the Owenton Southern States, we would not be able to efficiently run the Eden Shale Farm. They have been serving the Eden Shale Farm since our inception in the mid 1950’s, and still today, they are pivotal in our daily operations. When asked what the most rewarding part of his job has been, John replied without hesitation through his always present smile, “The people. I have always enjoyed serving our customers.”
K E N T U C K Y B E E F N E T W O R K F I E L D A S S O C I AT E S
Ben Lloyd
Whitesville, KY (270) 993-1074 benlloyd0223@gmail.com
Ron Shrout
Winchester, KY (606) 205-6143 ronshrout@bellsouth.net
Charles Embry
Cave City, KY (270) 646-5939 dale.embry@yahoo.com
Jacob Settles
Springfield, KY (859) 805-0724 jacob.settles4@yahoo.com February • Cow Country • 67
J A N U A R Y
2 0 2 4
DrivingDemandForBeef.com
THE RIGHT WAY THE ONLY WAY IS
B E E F Q U A L I T Y A S S U R A N C E A D VA N C E S TO MEET PRODUCER AND CONSUMER NEEDS Most cattle producers agree that the Beef Quality Assurance Program (BQA) is just a part of good business. And not only is it good for business, but it’s also the right thing to do. The program’s support is apparent today, with approximately 85 percent of U.S. beef coming from BQA-certified producers. S T O RY C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PAG E
68 • Cow Country • February
The Right Way Is the Only Way CONTINUED FROM COVER
In the late 1970s, the precursor
If your BQA certification has expired, or
to BQA, "Beef Safety Assurance,"
you haven’t yet made the leap to get your
originally emphasized targeting real
certification, here are four reasons why
and perceived beef safety issues. The
getting your free BQA certification is
program successfully implemented
the right choice:
various initiatives, including educating
1
stakeholders about the proper use of pharmaceutical products and the honoring
3
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC IMAGE OF THE BEEF INDUSTRY.
Consumers can see beef producers’ collective efforts toward better beef safety and quality. Showing them how beef
BQA CERTIFICATION BOLSTERS CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN BEEF.
products are made with animal welfare and environmental stewardship at the forefront
of withdrawal times. In 1991, following the
When it comes to making a meal
can alleviate their concerns and turn them
first Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef
decision, many factors are top of mind
into advocates.
Quality Audit, the program expanded to
for consumers. Of those consumers with
improve cutability, palatability, bruising,
questions about cattle production, 32
dark cutters and so much more, changing
percent are concerned about animal
the beef industry’s trajectory. Now, thirty years later, BQA has grown far beyond its original expectations. BQA provides beef producers with the information and tools they need to incorporate safe and effective cattle management practices. As
welfare1. Becoming BQA certified demonstrates an industry-wide commitment to best management practices, increasing the program’s credibility in the more validity it has with consumers.
2
their cattle and instill consumer confidence in the beef industry.
This ensures producers are educated on the most up-to-date best practices around cattle handling, facility management, cattle transportation, good record-keeping and protecting herd health.
IMPROVE THE SALE OF MARKETED BEEF CATTLE.
Research shows a significant premium for calves and feeder cattle sold through video auction markets when BQA was mentioned in the lot description2.
consumers’ eyes. The more robust BQA is,
a result, they can capture more value from
Since the BQA program constantly evolves and updates its curriculums, certifications are only valid for three years.
4
YOU CAN ENHANCE HERD PROFITABILITY THROUGH BETTER MANAGEMENT.
BQA practices, like good record-keeping and protecting herd health, can result in more profits for producers. When better-
With BQA, you can add value to your operation and help all beef consumers feel confident in their beef purchases. For more information about the Beef Quality Assurance program and to get certified, visit BQA.ORG.
quality cows leave the farm and reach the marketplace, the producer, packer and consumer all benefit. When better quality beef reaches the supermarket, consumers are more confident in the beef they buy, increasing beef demand.
Did You Know? Recent BQA Program Updates
Sources:
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Consumer Beef Tracker, 2019 2 “Effect of Mentioning BQA in Lot Descriptions of Beef Calves and Feeder Cattle Sold Through Video-Based Auctions on Sale Price.” Colorado State University, July, 2019 1
The CCQA program is a joint initiative led by BQA and the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program, managed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) with support from the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, and the Beef Checkoff-funded Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program. A reference manual and producer-focused training modules certify producers in
BQA MODULES NOW OFFERED IN SPANISH
the principles of excellent calf care.
BQA’s modules and materials are now being created in
BIOSECURITY EDUCATION MODULE
Spanish for even more accessibility to a large, integral management and workforce in the cattle industry. With this expansion, a broader audience can now benefit from the program’s knowledge and best management practices. CALF CARE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM The U.S. calf-raising sector now has a program to help ensure optimal calf health and welfare via the Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) program. CCQA is the first collaborative educational tool that provides guidelines for calf raisers.
This advanced education module focuses on biosecurity and the basics of disease transmission and prevention. This resource was developed so anyone who is involved in raising cattle has the opportunity to understand how biosecurity principles are integrated into their farm or ranch and plan for continuous improvement in the future. Interactive and real-world best practice examples are provided for a variety of topics, such as new bull or replacement purchases and manure management to reduce feed contamination, among others. These resources can be found at BQA.org
February • Cow Country • 69
Chef’s Night In
BEEF CHECKOFF H I G H L I G H T S
“Chef’s Night In” is reaching consumers in a new way.
This latest digital video series features professional chefs cooking and enjoying their favorite beef dishes with friends and family–all from the comfort of their own homes. While we often see these chefs in their professional environments, we rarely see them quite like this. Watch the videos:
News and Social Media Mentions About Sustainability and Cattle More Than Doubled In the Last Year In 2023, stories about beef/cattle & sustainability increased by
164 percent
https://swn.sn/chefs-night-in
in traditional news and social media.1
Source:
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. (2023). Traditional and social media listening dashboards. Retrieved from Meltwater: www.meltwater.com
1
Beef & Climate: Sustainability Spotlight at NYC Climate Week New York City’s Climate Week, September 17-24, provided an opportunity to share beef’s sustainability story and its role in the climate solution. Climate Week is a banner event for the Checkoff-funded Issues Management & Public Relations team to share positive information about beef’s role in sustainable diets. This year, all media coverage around Climate Week reached people 39 billion times.1
Source:
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. (2023). Traditional and social media listening dashboards. Retrieved from Meltwater: www.meltwater.com
1
Jet Tila
70 • Cow Country • February
PATHWAY TO A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE NATIONAL BEEF QUALITY AUDIT HELPS THE BEEF INDUSTRY MEASURE, ANALYZE AND RESPOND Three decades ago, with consumer beef demand low, the
Now conducted every five years, the Beef Checkoff-funded
beef industry needed the ability to remain competitive with
National Beef Quality Audits have significantly influenced
other proteins. That desire is what initiated the landmark
the cattle industry and how producers raise cattle. The NBQA
1991 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA). The audit provided
ultimately advises the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program.
an honest snapshot of the beef industry and the needed
BQA grows and changes with the audit data, and that data is
improvements. The 1991 NBQA was revolutionary because it
disseminated to the producers who make production changes
changed the industry's system management to act and think
that address consumer needs and preferences. The NBQA
like product manufacturers and improve the desirability and
helps ensure beef farmers and ranchers produce a product
conformity of beef to restore consumer demand.
that consumers want to buy, improving bottom lines.
AUDIT EXECUTION
Key Findings
To complete the NBQA, researchers and industry
When comparing 2016 and 2022 NBQAs, the largest improvement was
professionals execute three phases: PHASE 1: Individual Interviews – Face-to-face interviews with representatives of the different market sectors (packers, retailers, foodservice operators, further processors and government/trade organizations). PHASE 2: In-Plant Research – Visits to packing facilities to execute audits, starting from unloading to slaughter to the sales cooler, collecting information from the carcasses. PHASE 3: Strategy Session – A strategic workshop with researchers and industry leaders to evaluate the information, identify problem areas and set key industry objectives. The NBQA is a labor-intensive, collaborative aff air that includes professors, graduate students and industry professionals from 14 universities across the U.S. and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
overall increased efficiency across the beef supply chain. Market sectors indicated their companies strive to increase their sustainability and work with the entire beef supply chain to do so. Market segments no longer consider food safety as a purchasing criterion, but an expectation. The entire industry felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, consumers chose beef, and the industry persevered to provide products. The beef industry’s image improved within fed cattle market sectors. Foreign materials continue to present a problem, but the industry is making strides to decrease incidence. There was an increase in the frequency of Prime and Choice quality grades, while Select decreased drastically. The industry is improving quality, but it is accompanied by an increase in carcass weight and fat thickness, as well as large increases in
2022 NBQA Results Recently, the 2022 NBQA was released, which delivered many encouraging messages about beef’s improvement over the years while also identifying issues that need further attention. “The 2022 NBQA showed how the beef industry is strong and resilient, with data clearly showing progress has been made in areas such as efficiency, the quality of beef produced, a lower incidence of carcass lesions and a better focus on food safety,” Dr. Trey Patterson, BQA Advisory Group chair and CEO/President of the Padlock Ranch in Wyoming and Montana said. “The data also shows that there are areas for
percentages of Yield Grade 4 and 5 carcasses. Nearly 93% of transportation service providers interviewed were familiar with the Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) program, and 91% are BQAT certified. Nearly 92% of cattle received a mobility score of 1, with the animal walking easily and normally. That’s a decrease from 97% in 2016 and is attributed to larger cattle and longer transport times. The NBQA remains an important measure for the beef industry as it strives to improve quality and consumer demand. All segments of beef production can utilize results from the 2022 NBQA to improve upon current management practices and implement innovative techniques.
improvement, such as minimizing bruising, better mobility scores in fed cattle and eliminating any foreign objects found
To view the full 2022 National
in beef. The results also revealed the need for a continued
Beef Quality Audit, visit:
focus on disease traceability and systems to improve animal
https://swn.sn/beef-quality-2022
health and well-being.” February • Cow Country • 71
Industry Priorities, Ranked by importance, 1991 VS. 2022
1
1991
2022
External Fat
Food Safety
Seam Fat
Cattle Genetics
Overall Palatability
Eating Satisfaction
Tenderness
Weight and Size
Overall Cutability
Visual Characteristics
Marbling
Lean, Fat and Bone
H I G H L I G H T S
S TATE PROGR A M FE ATUR E : WI SCON S IN
Mobility Score of Fed Cattle Entering Packing Plants
1
1%
7%
Mobility Score 1: Normal, walks easily with no
Connecting Farms to School Foodservice Professionals The Wisconsin Beef Council developed
apparent lameness or change in gait.
92%
BEEF CHECKOFF
a new resource guide that helps school
Mobility Score 2: Exhibits minor stiffness, shortness
foodservice staff find new, inventive ways
of stride or slight limp but keeps up with normal cattle
to feature beef on their lunch trays. The
in the group.
guide encompasses beef’s nutritional
Mobility Score 3: Exhibits obvious stiffness, difficulty
benefits for adolescents, different ways to
taking steps, an obvious limp or obvious discomfort
incorporate various cuts of beef in recipes,
and lags behind normal cattle walking as a group.
how to source local beef, safety tips and tricks when working with raw products
Presence and Types of cattle identification (%) 2005 100
2011
2016
1
and a variety of recipes that are precredited for the directors’ ease of use. The
2022
guide was presented at the state’s School
85.7
Nutrition Association Conference where
80 63.2
60
61.5 61.3 50.6
more than 35 foodservice pros toured a
55.058.1
meat market and cattle operation.
38.7
40
29.4
20 9.7 0
20.1 16.9 2.5 4.4
6.7
15.7 11.8 9.2 11.0
3.5
No ID
Lot Tag
Individual Tag
Electronic Tag
Metal Clip
An on-farm biosecurity plan is the best
Improved record-keeping at the animal level can better track genetic
way to prevent the introduction of outside
contribution and performance throughout the life of that calf, leading to better decision-making at the cow-calf level and potential marketing benefits. As processing, treatment, and other herd health records expand at all levels of cattle production, this contributes to a continuous commitment to animal welfare, antimicrobial stewardship, and food safety, which are integral to the beef industry and its customers.
Changes in quality grade over time (%) Prime
Choice
60
52.7
50
46.5
40 30
48.2
36.9
49.1 42.3
51.9
10 0
32.6
23.2
2.0
2.6
2.1
3.8
1991
1995
2000
2005
2011
2016
2022 National Beef Quality Audit
72 • Cow Country • February
their cattle operations. The plan covers everything from animal movement to Get the custom Biosecurity Plan:
2.0
1
68.3
worker training.
2.6
Sources:
funded Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention? This template was specifically producers flexibility in determining
58.9
40.2
20
Did you know there’s a Beef Checkoff-
management practices that work best for 67.3
70
diseases that could devastate a herd.
designed to be customizable, giving
1
Select
80
Biosecurity on the Ranch
16.4 7.5
2022
https://swn.sn/biosecurity-on-ranch
Program Evaluation: Maximizing Impact and Efficiency
BEEF CHECKOFF PLANNING, EXECUTION AND IMPROVEMENT
How effective are Checkoff-funded programs
CHECKOFF EVALUATION COMMITTEE
at increasing the demand for beef? Program
Now, who reviews program evaluation metrics? Together, the CBB and the Federation of State Beef Councils appoint producers, importers and ex-officio state beef council representatives to serve on the Checkoff Evaluation Committee. Throughout the year, this 14-member committee reviews the internal, quarterly program updates. These quarterly reports outline program activities, target audiences, program changes, context to the outcomes, opportunities for growth, etc. Where possible, contractors also include higherlevel metrics such as changes in perception, behaviors, sales data and economic impacts.
evaluation is how the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) assesses program implementation, results, and areas of growth and improvement. The Beef Checkoff’s program evaluation process consists of both internal and external reviews. Internally, Checkoff contractors establish qualitative and quantitative program goals that are tracked quarterly throughout the fiscal year. These metrics help establish benchmarks that provide short- and long-term
The Checkoff Evaluation Committee also conducts annual external program reviews. To gain greater insights into program effectiveness and synergies, the committee reviews programs with similarities, such as producer- or consumer-facing audiences, promotional content or educational components.
insights into a program’s performance and
ENSURING EFFICIENT INVESTMENTS
effectiveness. To complement the internal
There are times when Beef Checkoff program goals and objectives are not met or achieved as planned. When this occurs, the Checkoff Evaluation Committee does not view this negatively but rather as an opportunity to learn and adjust programs to ensure the effective use of Checkoff investments. Such was the case during the pandemic when programs continually adapted to ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions. This scenario showcased the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Checkoff contractors and their ability to implement alternative plans to meet programs’ intended goals and objectives.
process, third party research firm consultants conduct in-depth reviews that provide unbiased insights and recommendations for program improvement. These external reviews also enhance transparency and accountability of how Checkoff dollars are spent.
February • Cow Country • 73
BEEF CHECKOFF H IG H L IG H T S
Updated Antibiotic Guidelines Many producers are aware of the recent change in antibiotic guidelines implemented by the Food and Drug Administration. This change impacted the over-the-counter availability of medically important antibiotics, giving them a prescription-only status. Certain medications will require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian for legal use, and livestock producers will need an established veterinarianclient-patient relationship (VCPR) before purchasing prescription antibiotics. WHAT TO DO NOW?
1 “There does need to be accountability for how Beef Checkoff funds are spent, but when program evaluation is viewed as an audit vs. a learning tool, it can have unintended consequences such as hampering program innovation or a contractor’s willingness to try a new approach,” said Beka Wall, senior director of evaluation and outreach at the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Whether a contractor’s goals are exceeded or not met, all information is considered knowledge that can be applied back to improving Beef Checkoff-funded programs.” Overall, the tracking of qualitative and quantitative metics yields beneficial information for the contractors and the CBB. “There is a well-known saying that states, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,’” Wall said. “If you don’t measure and evaluate programs, you can’t determine what is or is not working. Therefore, evaluation data is essential to providing insights that improve Beef Checkoff program efficiencies and maximize producers’ investment.” PROGRAM EVALUATION REPORTING Reporting program evaluation information is arguably one of the most important functions of the Checkoff Evaluation Committee. The committee presents program evaluation information back to beef producers and stakeholders in various ways, like the Annual Report, The Drive, social media and so much more, so they can experience the wins and successes of their Beef Checkoff investments. 74 • Cow Country • February
Talk to a veterinarian.
2 Build a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).
3 Schedule routine visits.
4 Set treatment protocols and on-farm training for employees.
5 Download and read the Checkoff-funded BQA Antibiotic Stewardship for Cattle Producers. Get the resources:
https://swn.sn/antibiotic-guidelines
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
See The Top 10 Stories From
The Drive in 2023 https://swn.sn/fy23-top
Subscribe to The Drive at DrivingDemandForBeef.com
@BeefCheckoff
@BeefCheckoff
@BeefCheckoff February • Cow Country • 75
ANGUS ANGUS THE BUSINESS BREED THE BUSINESS BREED
BOYD BEEF CATTLE 6077 Helena Road BOYD BEEF CATTLE Mayslick, KY 41055 6077 Helena Road Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 Mayslick, KY 41055 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net
BRANCH VIEW ANGUS BOYD BEEF CATTLE 927 OldVIEW Liberty PikeRoad • Hustonville, KY 40437 BRANCH ANGUS 6077 Helena (859) 238-0771 •KY www.branchviewangus.com Mayslick, 927 Old Liberty Pike • 41055 Hustonville, KY 40437 James S.Charlie & LuAnn Coffey, & Donna Coffey(606) 375-3718 II: (606)Donald 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (859) 238-0771 •Boyd www.branchviewangus.com www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net Annual Sale- Donald 2nd Saturday in April James S.Production & LuAnn Coffey, & Donna Coffey Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April BRANCH VIEW ANGUS
BURKS CATTLE CO. 927 Old Liberty Pike • Hustonville, KY 40437 531 Rick Rd. 238-0771 BURKS CATTLE CO. (859) • www.branchviewangus.com Park City, KY 42160 531 Rick Rd. James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April Park City,Annual KY 42160 www.burkscattle.com Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 www.burkscattle.com BURKS CATTLE CO.
BURTON531 & SONS ANGUS Rick Rd. Joe D. or & Karen Burton Park City, KY 42160 BURTON SONS ANGUS
480 Hill Rd. Nancy, KY991-6398 42544 Eddie Burks • (270) Joe D.Hominy or Karen Burton Joe: (606)www.burkscattle.com 305-3081 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544 Located miles West of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net Joe: (606) 15 305-3081 Bulls &15 females treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. Located milessold Westprivate of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net Data&driven since Bulls females sold1981. private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. BURTON Data driven since 1981.& SONS ANGUS
Joe D. or Karen Burton 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544 COFFEYJoe: ANGUS FARMS (606) 305-3081 Located Road 15 miles West of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net COFFEY ANGUS FARMS 661 Hopewell Bulls & females 661 Hopewell Road sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. Liberty, KY 42539 Data driven since 1981.
Liberty, KY 42539 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699 Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699 COFFEY ANGUS FARMS Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984 Genetics for Profitability since 1984 661Maximum Hopewell Road
Liberty, KY 42539 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 DAVIS BEND FARMS Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699 DAVIS FARMS 2315 BEND Davis BendforRoad Genetics Maximum Profitability since 1984 2315 Davis Bend Road
Canmer, KY 42722 Canmer, KY 42722 timmothyljeffries@gmail.com timmothyljeffries@gmail.com www.davisbendfarms.com DAVIS BEND FARMS www.davisbendfarms.com 2315 Davis Bend Road (270) 528-6435 Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: Tim: (270)Canmer, 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435 KY 42722
timmothyljeffries@gmail.com www.davisbendfarms.com FALL CREEK ANGUS Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435
FALL CREEK ANGUS 448 Corder Farm Road 448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633 Monticello, KY 42633 Ronnie Corder FALL CREEK ANGUS Ronnie Corder 448 Corder Farm Road (606) 348-6588 (606) 348-6588 Monticello, KY 42633 Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588
HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road ScienceHill, Hill,KYKY42553 42553 HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS Science edjohami@aol.com Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road edjohami@aol.com (606) 271-1286 Science Hill, KY 42553 (606) 271-1286 Bullsand andedjohami@aol.com FemalesforforSale Sale Bulls Females (606) 271-1286 Bulls and Females for Sale
HERITAGEFARM FARM HERITAGE TomMcGinnis McGinnis HERITAGE FARM Tom 1024Hinkle Hinkle Lane• Shelbyville, • Shelbyville, TomLane McGinnis 1024 KYKY (502)633-1634, 633-1634, home •• (502) 633-5100, work 1024 Hinkle Lane Shelbyville, KY work (502) home • (502) 633-5100, (502) 633-1634, (502)655-0164, 655-0164, cell home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) cell (502) 655-0164, cell
HILL VIEW FARMS Jimmy Gilles HILL VIEW FARMS 5160 Lee Rudy Road Jimmy Gilles Owensboro, KY 42301 5160 Lee Rudy Road (270) 929-5370 Owensboro, KY 42301 jcgilles86@gmail.com (270) 929-5370 THE BUSINESS BREED jcgilles86@gmail.com
ANGUS
HILL VIEW FARMS JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Jimmy Gilles Angus Bulls & Females JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS 5160 Lee Rudy Road Slaughters, KYFemales Angus Bulls & Owensboro, KY 42301 Keith: (270) 635-0723 Slaughters, KY (270) 929-5370 Reese:(270) (270)635-0723 635-1137 Keith: jcgilles86@gmail.com Reese: (270) 635-1137
ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS
SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM Eric & 80, Sherry St. REGISTERED Clair KY 42642 ST. CLAIR FARMS ANGUS 5202 East Hwy Russell Springs, 13433 Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 & Sherry St. Clair(270) CharlesEric “Bud” &Falls Pam of Smith: 866-3898 (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 Henry 13433 &Home: Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311
www.stclairangus.com Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020 www.stclairangus.com Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020
LYNN CREEK FARMS
MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS Kris and Sara Lynn 2184MORIAH Bardstown Rdand FARMS Bob, Kathy, Rob, Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 MT. ANGUS Springfield KY 40069 1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Bob, Kathy, Rob, and Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 573-721-6663 1446 Kennedy Bridge •Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Bob: (859)339-2610 Rob: (859)612-1594 Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com www.mtmoriahangus.com MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS www.mtmoriahangus.com
Bob, Kathy, Rob, and Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 FOUR KINGS ANGUS Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 FOUR KINGS ANGUS mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 www.mtmoriahangus.com 250 Bright Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Cary & KimLeaf King
ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS Eric & Sherry St. Clair 13433 Falls of Rough Road FARM • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 TAMME VALLEY Home:TAMME (270) 257-2965 (270) 617-1079 Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator VALLEY• Cell: FARM www.stclairangus.com Jacob Owner-Operator (859)Tamme, 583-7134 Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020 (859) 583-7134 jacob.tamme@gmail.com
jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook! www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!
TAMME VALLEY FARM Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134 TRIPLE D ANGUS jacob.tamme@gmail.com TRIPLE D ANGUS Nathaniel & Darla Denham www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!
Nathaniel & Darla Denham Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham Cary & Kim King Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com Cary Cell: (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager tripledangus.com Cary (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager TRIPLEtripledangus.com FOURCell: KINGS ANGUS D ANGUS 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Cary & Kim King Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com Cary Cell: 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager OLD BARK(859) FARM
OLD BARK Hill, FARM 370 Ferrill Buffalo, KY 42716 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825 Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825 Registered Angus Cattle Registered Angus Cattle OLD BARK FARM 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825 Registered Angus Cattle 4040 Taylorsville Rd 4040 Taylorsville Rd Taylorsville, KY 40071 Taylorsville, KY 40071 Gordon Schubert Gordon Schubert 502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440 4040 Taylorsville• 502-548-8440 Rd 502-477-2637 Anne Patton Schubert Taylorsville, 40071 Anne PattonKY Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359 Gordon Schubert
Nathaniel & Darla Denham Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 TWIN CREEK FARM tripledangus.com TWIN CREEK FARM
Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 (270) 337-3072 Dennis & Emilyor (270) 692-5304 Dennis & Emily or 270/402-4338 TWIN CREEK FARM 270/337-2128 270/402-4338 Shawn,270/337-2128 Melissa, Devin or & Dylan Gibson (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 Dennis & Emily WHITEorFARM 270/337-2128 270/402-4338
WHITE FARM Tim and Amy White Tim and Amy White 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 Home: (859)223-0326 WHITE FARM Home: (859)223-0326 (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 Tim and Tim: Amy White Tim: (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 whitefarm4@twc.com Home:whitefarm4@twc.com (859)223-0326
502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359 502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440 Anne Patton Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359
Tim: (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 whitefarm4@twc.com
KENTUCKYANGUS ANGUSASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION KENTUCKY
NAME
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION
NAME
Returnto:to:Shayna ShaynaGibson Gibson1535 1535 Fallen Timber Road MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Return Fallen Timber Road NewCastle, Castle, 40050 •Timber Annual Dues $35 New KYKY 40050 • Annual Dues $35 Return to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Road
FARM NAME FARM NAME
New Castle, KY 40050 • Annual Dues $35
ADDRESS ADDRESS
CITY CITY
KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION
76 • Cow Country • January
bmsmith@duo-county.com
JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS
PHONE 1
to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen TimberRoad Road ReturnReturn to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Timber New Castle, KY 40050 • AnnualDues Dues$35 $35 New Castle, KY 40050 • Annual
PLEASANT HILL FARMS Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles PLEASANT HILL FARMS 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Henry B. Smith President: Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles Rockfield, 42274 ViceKY President: Anne Patton Schubert 500 Rockfield Richpond Road (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 Rockfield, Secretary/Treasurer: KY 42274 Shayna Gibson Located 7 miles west(270) of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80 (270) 843-9021 • Fax 843-9005 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80 PLEASANT HILL FARMS SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles SMITHLAND ANGUS 5202 Richpond East Hwy 80, FARM Russell Springs, KY 42642 500 Rockfield Road 4437 East“Bud” Hwy 80, Russell Springs, 42642 Charles & Pam Smith: (270)KY 866-3898 Rockfield, KY 42274 Henry Melissa, Bryanna Blane Smith HenryBryan, &• Fax Melissa (270)and 866-2311 (270) 843-9021 (270) Smith: 843-9005 606-271-7520 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80
LYNN CREEK FARMS Angus Bulls & Females Kris and Sara Lynn LYNN CREEK Slaughters, KYFARMS 2184 Bardstown Kris and Sara LynnRd Keith: (270) 635-0723 Springfield 40069 Reese:Bardstown (270)KY 635-1137 2184 Rd 573-721-6663 Springfield KY 40069 573-721-6663
PHONE 1
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
President: Henry B. Smith Vice President: Anne Patton President: Henry B. Schubert Smith Shayna Gibson Vice Secretary/Treasurer: President: Anne Patton Schubert Secretary/Treasurer: Shayna Gibson
EMAIL EMAIL
STATE STATE
ZIP ZIP
PHONE 2
PHONE 2
68
th
Kentucky
February • Cow Country • 77
KENTUCKY
GELBVIEH GELBVIEH KENTUCKY
A S S O C I AT I O N
David Slaughter, President.......................(270) 556-4259 JoeA Piles, President...........................(502) 507-3845 S SVice OC I AT I O N PatTilghman,Secretary/Treasurer..............(270) 670-8449
AA Joe LAND & CATTLE Piles, President............................................................................................................................(502) 507-3845 LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC
Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Johnnie Moore, Vice President...........................................................................................................(270) 670-7814 Cynthiana, KY 106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743 Tilghman, Secretary/Treasurer.......................................................................................................(270) 670-8449 LukePat Arthur (859) 298-8323 Larry Clark, Owner & Operator luke.arthur93@gmail.com (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848 Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos Lpclarkandsons@msn.com BRIAN W. DYER, DVM Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects
ASHWOOD SPRING GENETICS
& Lindsay Arthur BARLuke IV LIVESTOCK
Cynthiana, Barry, Beth & BenKY Racke • Brad Racke
7416859-298-8323 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076 Phone (859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com
BAR IV LIVESTOCK
BEEBarry, LICK Beth GELBVIEHS & Ben Racke • Brad Racke
Eddie Reynolds 7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076 277 Phone Old Bee(859) Lick 635-3832 Rd. • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 CrabBrad Orchard, KY 40419 cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C) Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com Bulls & Females for sale
BEE LICK GELBVIEHS
Eddie Reynolds 277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C) Bulls & Females for sale
CD FARMS
BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE Clayton & Debbie Cash & School Betty KRoad Bray 1214Niles Ottawa Brodhead, KY 40409 1568 Bray Ridge Road (606)-308-3247 Bedford, KY• (606)-758-8994 40006 Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers (502) 255-3584 For Sale by Private Treaty
Owner/Manager GELBVIEH/BALANCERS CLIFFORD FARMS 2050 Glasgow Road 3459 KY HWY 1284E Burkesville, KY 42717 Cynthiana, KY 41031 Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia Since 1937 (270) 864-5909 Cattle for sale at all times. (859) 234-6956
FULL CIRCLE FARMS
BRIAN W. DYER, DVM Registered Gelbvieh Cattle
Owner/Manager Brad Burke GELBVIEH/BALANCERS 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 2050 Glasgow Road (H) 606-267-5609 Burkesville, KY 42717 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909
FULL CIRCLE RICH HILLFARMS GELBVIEH
Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Frank McAninch Brad Burke 1341 Iven Godby Road 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 KY 42539 (H)Liberty, 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 606-787-0120 gbb789@windstream.net
richhillfarm@windstream.net
KILBOURNE GELBVIEH
East Bernstadt, KY 606-843-6583 cell 606-309-4662 Black Replacement Heifers & Bulls Available Embryo transplant & AI sired calves
MOCKINGBIRD HILL FARMS
CD FARMSUPCOMING EVENTS
Clayton & Debbie Cash Saturday May 15 1214 Ottawa School Road Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Show & Learning Clinic Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994 McIntosh Brothers Farm • 3348 Frankfort Road • Georgetown
Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Shane Wells 10172 Provo Rd. Rochester, KY H: 270-934-2198 C: 270-791-8196 swells@logantele.com
Burley Fields Livestock Center • 709 Oil Fields Road • Horse Cave Cynthiana, KY 41031 Call Carrie Derossett for more information. (270) 404-0828 Since 1937 Bradbury Farms Entry and room information available at www.gelbvieh.org (859) 234-6956 Gelbvieh/Balancer Females (Juniors/Regional Shows/AGJA Eastern Regional) Tom Bradbury Fisherville, KY (502) 817-2869
BRADBURY FARMS Taylor Bradbury
American Gelbvieh Association 303-465-2333 | www.gelbvieh.org JOIN KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION Mail to: 690 Lick Branch Road, Glasgow, Kentucky 42141 FARM NAME
YOUR NAME
Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls &Clinic Heifers 10AM Learning • 12:30PM Show For Sale by Private Treaty Call William McIntosh for more information. (502) 867-3132
Friday May 28 - May 30 CLIFFORD FARMS AGJA Eastern Regional Junior Show “Run for the Roses” 3459 KY HWY 1284E
Meeting modern industry demands: • Added Fertility • Increased Efficiency • More pounds of calf weaned
ADRESS
PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM
Gary & Pat Tilghman Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family Lindsey & Garland Gilliam Family PLEASANT FARM 690 LickMEADOWS Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 Gary & Pat Tilghman 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com Lindsey Tilghman Jones Family Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family 690 Lick Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com
(502) 817-4421 BRADBURY Gelbvieh/Balancer Females Hay and Straw FARMS Tom Bradbury • Fisherville, KYAvailable (502) 817-2869 Taylor Bradbury (502) 817-4421 Hay and Straw Available
2024 Annual Kentucky Gebvieh Association Membership Meeting Saturday, January 27, 2024 • Nelson County Extension Office 317 S Third Street • Bardstown, KY 40004 11:30 am (EST) • Lunch will be provided.
CITY, STATE
ZIP
PHONE
Dues are $25/year, payable to Kentucky Gelbvieh Association
For information on joining the Kentucky Gelbvieh Association or to advertise in this ad, please contact Pat Tilghman at 270-670-8449 or send an email to pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com
Dues are $25/year, payable to Kentucky Gelbvieh Association
Kentucky Hereford Association Kentucky Beef Expo Schedule Friday March 1st - Hereford Show - 1pm Saturday March 2nd - Hereford Sale - 1pm Sunday March 3rd - Open Junior Show - 8am WELLS FARM Polled Herefords
Toby & Debby Dulworth 2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 dogwood@brtc.net Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com
439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701 Bobby & Brenda Wells (606) 523-0569 or (606) 344-0417 wells_farm@yahoo.com Kevin, Angela, Kenlea & Kyler Murray (606) 528-1691 or (606) 682-8413
KHA OFFICERS President: Chris Hopper 606-584-7842 Secretary/ Treasurer: Melinda Watson 859-625-8660 melindawatson8660@gmail.com
NJB Limited Dale Stith
5239 Old Sardis Pike Mays Lick, KY 41055 dalestith@yahoo.com (918) 760-1550
TK4 Herefords
K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS 6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194
Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls
MPH Farms
Registered Polled Herefords PAUL L. HANCOCK 8559 KY 56 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-771-4194
Chambliss Hereford Farms
THOMAS FARM
Brad, Carla, Clay & Clint Chambliss
1101 Driftwood Lane Elizabethtown, KY 42701 Home (270) 982-3905 Cell (270) 668-7126 fax 270-735-9922 www.chamblissherefordfarms.com
KYLE BUSH K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM 859-588-4531 198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031
Jackson Farms
Registered Polled Herefords PO Box 215 Cross Plains, TN 37049 615-478-4483 billymjackson@aol.com “Farming the Same Land Since 1834”
Eric & Ronnie Thomas 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 623-5734 Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256
“Cattle for sale at all times”
WCN Polled Herefords Since 1961 Bill Norris
2220 Celina Road Burkesville, KY 42717
Phone (270) 433-7256 Cell (270) 433-1525 “Every calf needs a white face”
Bulls & Females for sale
Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Road Alexandria, KY 41001 Home: 859-635-0899 Cell: 859-991-3484
Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031
Tony & Kathy Staples 992 Knotts Road
(859) 234-6956
Brandenburg, KY 40108 (270) 422-4220 tstaples@bbtel.com
Windy Hills Farm
Registered Polled Herefords
Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln
Jackie D. Perkins II 367 Mt. Pisgah Rd. Bremen, KY 42325 (270) 543-3586
Breeding to produce good cows since 1981
PILE STOCK FARM HANSELL PILE, JR.
12045 St. John Rd. Cecilia, KY 42724 270-735-5192 270-862-4462 12 miles West of Elizabethtown
TS
WOLF FARM
Registered Polled Herefords
HEREFORDS
Codee Guffey • 1815 Grassy Springs Road Versailles, Kentucky 40383 (502) 598-6355 rockridgeherefords@gmail.com www.rockridgeherefords.com
BECKLEY HEREFORDS L. Wayne Beckley • 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Ravenna, KY 40472 • 606-723-3021 Cell: 859-779-0962 L.W. Beckley D.V.M 284 Pyrse Lane • Irvine, KY 40336 Cell: 859-779-1419 • Clinic: 606-726-0000
www.beckleyherefords.com
F
TUCKER STOCK Tucker Stock Farms FAR
“Breeding Polled Herefords “Registered Angus and Polled Herefords” “Registered Angus for over 58 Years” and PolledA.Herefords” John Tucker II Breeding cattle for sale at all times.
1790 Hidden Valley Lane John Tucker II Hudson, KY 40145
1999 Walnut Hill Rd. 1790 Hidden Valley Lane (270) 257-8548 Hudson, KY257-8167 40145 Lexington, KY 40515 Office (270) 270-617-0301 (859) 271-9086 18-month-old Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls F “Bulls always for Sale” cell (859)533-3790
WATSON LAND & CATTLE Peyton’s Well Polled Herefords The Lowell Atwood Family
Shannon, Kerry, Emily, Will & Ellie Morgan
13095 Scottsville Rd, Alvaton, Kentucky 42122 www.morganandmorganpolledherefords.com
Shannon: (270) 320-2389
133 Edgewood Drive • Stanford, KY (606) 365-2520 home/fax (606) 669-1455 cell
Victor- influenced cattle bred for performance on grass.
“Black cows need a good Hereford Bull”
LINEBRED VICTOR DOMINO CATTLE
Multi-Trait Selection
Fertility Calving Ease Danny Miller Disposition Milking Ability jmspolledherefords.com 4850 Caldwell Ridge Rd. 270-465-6984 Knifley, KY 42753 270-465-6984 270-566-2694
Matt, Melinda, Harlee, & Wyatt Watson 6196 Mount Sterling Rd Flemingsburg, Kentucky melindawatson8660@gmail.com Matt - 606-748-1600 Melinda - 859-625-8660
CATTLE FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES
February • Cow Country • 79
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?
pays
$2
SELLER However, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for seeing that the Checkoff is collected and paid.
to
50¢
THROUGHOUT THE CATTLE PRODUCTION CYCLE LIVESTOCK MARKET - When cattle are sold through a livestock market or video market, the Market collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.
or BUYER Generally the Buyer is responsible for collecting the Beef Checkoff assessment from the Seller.
BEEF CHECKOFF COLLECTION
QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL
$1.50
Cattlemen’s Beef Board invests in national Checkoff programs, while Kentucky Beef Council invests in state programs. If you are a producer from one of these seven states - Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island - you will remit directly to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. If you have any questions regarding who is responsible for remitting the Checkoff assessment or how to remit payment, please contact your State Beef Council or the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at (303) 867-6304. 3 Exceptions to Beef Checkoff Collection: 1. Non-producer status: If a person (or company) owns cattle for 10 days or less, purchases the cattle to facilitate the transfer of ownership to a third party, and certifies that any Checkoff dollars due from the previous owner have been collected, then that person qualifies as a “Non-Producer” and the Checkoff assessment is not due when qualified cattle are resold. 2. Organic Exemption: In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress created a process exemptiing organic producers from paying Checkoff program assessments. 3. Pre-Payment: Producers can also choose to “prepay” the Checkoff assessment when shipping cattle out of state for feeding and still retain ownership on the cattle. This allows the producer to direct half of the $1-per-head national Checkoff assessment to the beef council in the state where the cattle were raised, rather than the state where the cattle will be fed. Note: To claim any of these exemptions, the person selling the cattle must provide the proper ‘document’ to show that the Checkoff assessment is not due at the time of sale. Thus, the rule of thumb for all cattle sales is that the person paying the producer should collect either a “Dollar or a Document.”
CATTLE DEALER/ORDER BUYER - When cattle are sold to a Cattle Dealer or Order Buyer, the Dealer/Order Buyer collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. ANOTHER PRODUCER - Both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility. VEAL GROWER - When dairy calves are sold to a Veal Grower, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility. CATTLE SHOWS AND FAIRS - When producers sell their animals at fairs or cattle shows (4H/FFA shows, Purebred cattle shows, etc.), the Organization that runs the sale collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. FEEDLOT - When cattle are sold directy to a feedlot, the Feedlot collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. PACKING PLANT - When cattle are sold to a packing plant, the Packing Plant collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BEEF SALES - When producers market their cattle as beef, the Producer is responsible for remitting the Beef Checkoff assessment.
PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201. Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203. TODAY’S DATE
ID NUMBER (IF KNOWN)
SELLER’S NAME
BUYER’S NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
CITY
SELLER’S SIGNATURE
STATE
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average one hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
ZIP
BUYER’S SIGNATURE
Both the seller and the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Kentucky Beef Council. DATE OF SALE
TOTAL NUMBER OF CATTLE SOLD
STATE OF ORIGIN*
per X $1.OO Head Feder-
$
+
al Checkoff
X
$1.OO per Head State Checkoff
Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State
PERSON REMITTING FORM
BUYER
SELLER
PHONE
$
=
*If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.
$
Send Report and Remittance to: Kentucky Beef Council 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503 For additional information: call 859-278-0899 or email beef@kycattle.org 80 • Cow Country • February
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
AMERICA’S
COW The Simmental cow can handle any environment.
She’s built to last in heat, fescue or high altitudes. And thanks to the breed’s built-in adaptability, you can match Simmental genetics to your environment – SimAngus,™ SimAngus HT, Simbrah or proven Simmental genetics. Meet America’s all-purpose cow – gentle and consistent, with calves that give the heterosis boost commercial cattlemen need to stay profitable.
STAND STRONG
SIMMENTAL
SIMMENTAL KEVIN AND RACHEL BARRON Crestwood, Ky (502) 905-5851 rkbarron812@gmail.com SWAIN SELECT SIMMENTAL 12113 Green Valley Dr. Louisville, KY 40243 swainselect.com swainselect@gmail.com facebook.com/swainselectsimmental Fred & Phyllis: 502-599-4560 Chi & Angie: 502-287-2116
JUDY AND RONDAL DAWSON 1156 Buzzard Roost Road Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-593-5136 • jrdawson22@outlook.com
ROCKING P LIVESTOCK 8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056 Chan: 606-584-7581 Keith: 606-584-5626 rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net BRIAN & HEATHER SWAIN 3906 Pottertown Road Murray, KY 42071 • 270-293-4440 wksbswain@murray-ky.net SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE 1939 Huntertown Road Versailles, KY 40383 BULLS FOR SALE Chris Allen 859-351-4486 callenuky@hotmail.com Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755
BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200 BILL KAISER • Shelbyville, KY • 502.639.4337
406-587-4531 • simmental.org
JOIN KENTUCKY SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION Mail to: Laura Jackson 1254 Cynthiana Road Paris, KY 40361 FARM NAME
YOUR NAME
ADRESS
CITY, STATE
ZIP
WORK PHONE
HOME PHONE
Call or visit one of these Simmental breeders for cattle that work!
www.kysimmental.com Membership Fee is $25.00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
Jan 31Feb. 2
NCBA Cattle Con
3-Feb
AD
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
AD
Orlando, FL
4-Mar
Stone Gate Farms Annual Spring Sale
Flemingsburg, KY
9
JM Cattle Company and Blazer Farms Sale
Lawrenceburg, TN
8-Mar
Smithland Angus Bull and Female Sale
Russell Springs, KY
21
16-Feb
White Hawk Ranch Beef Maker Bull Sale
Buchanan, GA
9-Mar
Paternal Power Bull Sale
Paris, KY
54
17-Feb
BG Lexington Horse Sale
Lexington, KY
34
9-Mar
Red Reward Bull and Female Sale
Osceola, MO
51
17-Feb
Yon Family Farms Sale
Ridge Spring, SC
37
24-Feb
North Missouri Bull Sale
Kingsville, MO
51
10-Mar
Flickerwood Angus Production Sale
Jackson, MO
59
24-Feb
Pleasant Hill Farms Spring Production Sale
Rockfield, KY
3
14-Mar
Cannon Angus Annual Production Sale
Flemingsburg, KY
86
26-Feb
Woodall 29th Annual Spring Production Sale
Quality, KY
87
16-Mar
Red Hill Farms More than a Bull Sale
LaFayette, TN
4
26-Feb
Robert Elliott and Sons Production Sale
Adams, TN
31
16-Mar
White Farm Production Sale
Lexington, KY
11
23-Mar
Bluegrass Gelbvieh Alliance Sale Lexington, KY
2-Mar
BoPat Farms Bulls and More Sale
Bradford, TN
56
2-Mar
KY Beef Expo Black Hereford Sale
Louisville, KY
60
2-Mar
KY Beef Expo Gelbvieh/Balancer Sale
Louisville, KY
17
2-Mar
KY Beef Expo- Kentucky National Hereford Sale
Louisville, KY
61
2-Mar
KY Beef Expo Pen Heifer Sale
Louisville, KY
20
2-Mar
KY Beef Expo Simmental Sale
Louisville, KY
57
2-Mar
Kentucky Angus Sweepstakes Sale
Louisville, KY
77
2-Mar
Gibbs Farms Inaugural Spring Sale
Ranburne, AL
23
2-Mar
Arkansas Bull Sale
Hope, AR
51
2-Mar
Judd 46th Gelbvieh, Balancer &Red Angus Bull Sale
Pomona, KS
SALERS T H E
82 • Cow Country • February
B A L A N C E D
B R E E D
23-Mar
Elite Breeder's Showcase Sale
Bowling Green, KY
39
23-Mar
South Missouri Bull and Female Sale
Carthage, MO
51
25-Mar
Oak Hollow First Choice Bull Sale
Smiths Grove, KY
5
6-Apr
Belles and Bulls of the Bluegrass
Lexington, KY
15
13-Apr
Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull and Female Sale
Red House, VA
2
13-Apr
Branch View Angus Sale
Hustonville, KY
88
15-Apr
Grass Time Pastures Sale
Paris, KY
27-Apr
Laurel Co. Cattlemen's Association Open Heifer Sale
London, KY
60
5/5/24
Bridgeview Angus Spring Production Sale
Stamping Ground, KY
53
16-May
Charolais Influenced Feeder Calf Alliance Sale
Stanford, KY
DIAMOND J SALERS
Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-379-1558
WILLIS FARMS
Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 • 502-803-5011 drwc21@aol.com
DEL-SU FARM
Howard & Sue Edwards • 420 Rose Rd • Somerset, KY 42501 606-679-1675 • Jeriah Privett • 606-416-1154
CLA SSI FI ED S
REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE * FREE DELIVERY* FOUR WINDS FARM New Castle, Kentucky
(502) 296-1044
PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability. POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE 19–20-month-old Polled Hereford bulls. Good selection. Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available. JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000 RED FULLBLOOD LIMOUSIN BLACK PUREBRED LIMOUSIN For sale year-round at farms Cows, bulls, heifers and semen A C H Holdings, Bowling Green, KY Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685 REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS Many blaze faced. Excellent EPD’s. Semen Tested. Delivery Available. Maximize your profit with proven performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP cost-share. Adam Wheatley 502-3492665 BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times. Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126
ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS $15 FOR FIVE LINES OR GET A BOX THIS SIZE FOR $105 CALL KATIE PRATT
(859) 278-0899
AD INDEX RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098 Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663 Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net Contact us for cattle and semen availability. Annual Production Sales: More Than a Bull Sale – 3rd Saturday in March Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October Meyer 510 t m r mixer Cloverdale 420 used right drop discharge $23,500 IH 766-966-1066-1086 New Idea- single axle spreaders for sale John Deere 35 mini ex Kubota 90- open station track loader-$$ Horning 1403-used - option on j d or new holland mounts New Holland 790- choppers- base units-3 Artex SB 200/500/600 spreader Farmco feeder wagons- TMR style Used Dion-3 row corn header 2014-NH 240 CHOPPER- HORNING PROCESSOR John Deere 8300 Drill - two innstock ESCH 5612-$48,000 no till drill New Holland 790- chopper Used Dion-3 row corn header John Deere 6300-2 wd- cab and loader John Deere 6400- 4wd- loader John Deere- 3975 chopper- with deere processor HORNING CORN 1402/03 headers - ready to load Horning Processors- order yours today 18-22 ft Esch tedders in stock Tye 7 seeder- 800 acres John Deere- 4020- 3 to select from 15 silage wagons to select from Call Charlie today 859-608-9745 WWW.REDBARNANDASSOCIATES.COM REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS Performance Tested Prosperity, Growth Fund and Sure Fire 606-787-7307 10 OPEN HEIFERS Born Spring 2023 Sired by Sixth Sense, A powerful maternal Judd Ranch Balancer bull 270-786-1260
Alligare Allison Charolais American Angus Association American Hereford Association Barenbrug Belles of the Bluegrass Blue Grass Stockyards BoPat Farms Boyd Beef Cattle Branch View Angus Bridgeview Angus Farm Burkmann Feeds Cannon Angus Cargill Animal Nutrition Chapman Land & Cattle Dura Cast Elite Breeders Showcase Flickerwood Angus Gibbs Farm Hampton Premium Meats Hayes Trailer Sales Homerun's Friendly Yardworks Kentucky Angus Kentucky Beef Expo Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef Kentucky Gelbvieh Association Kentucky Hereford Association Kentucky Salers Association Kentucky Simmental Association Knoll Crest Farms Kuhn North America KY Beef Expo- Black Hereford KY Beef Expo- Gelbvieh/Balancer KY Beef Expo-Hereford
59 9 33 41 35 15 34 56 45 88 53 44 86 55 8 56 39 59 23 11 52 14 76,77 61 82 78 79 82 81 2 50 60 17 61
KY Beef Expo- Pen Heifer Show 20 KY Beef Expo Simmental Show & Sale 57 Laurel Co. Cattlemen's Association 60 MayHaven Farm 52 McBurney's Livestock & Equipment 38,39,50 McIntosh Brothers 36 Mid South Ag LLC 52 Oak Hollow 5 Pleasant Hill Farms 3 Pogue Chevrolet 58 Premium Supplements 7 Priefert 58 Red Barn and Associates 38 Red Hill Farms 4 Robert Elliott & Sons 31 Rocking P Livestock 54 Seedstock Plus 51 Smithland Angus Farm 21 Stone Gate Farms 9 Triple T Cattle Company 29 Vitalix 49 W/W Cattle Company 32 White Farm 11 Woodall Angus 87 Yon Family Farms 37
MULTI-ISSUE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE February • Cow Country • 83
Can We Compete? Jeff Lehmkuhler PhD, PAS, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky
40 ______________________________________________________________________________ 39 ______________________________________________________________________________
I started my professional career during the early 2000’s. At this time, I was pondering whether beef cattle systems could compete with grain production. Corn prices were $2.05 to $2.46 per bushel. Figure 2 illustrates the price per bushel and return per acre from corn production for Central Illinois as an example. The Corn Belt had state average yields between 120-165 bushels per acre. A gross value of production of 160 bushels at $2.25/bushel would be about $350/acre. I wandered if converting cropland to pasture would be economically viable; the return per acre was less than $50/acre from grain. Look at the chart closely for recent years and ponder if marginal land is profitable for grain. I had deduced that if beef production per acre could be near 1,000 pounds, the beef system could compete economically with grain production. Much of this was based on the economic conditions. Heavy feeder cattle were selling for $70-$80/cwt while light weights were near $110/cwt. Value of gain was near $0.50 so 700 pounds of gain per acre would gross $350 per 84 • Cow Country • February
______________________________________________________________________________ Fig 1. 38 US Beef Cow Inventory and Cattle Cycle Phases 1990-2023 37 ______________________________________________________________________________ EXPANSION CONTRACTION 36 ______________________________________________________________________________ 35 ______________________________________________________________________________ 34 ______________________________________________________________________________ Head (Millions)
33 ______________________________________________________________________________ 32 ______________________________________________________________________________ 31 ______________________________________________________________________________ 30 ______________________________________________________________________________ 29 ______________________________________________________________________________ 28 ______________________________________________________________________________ 27 ______________________________________________________________________________ 26 ______________________________________________________________________________ 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Do you know what it costs to produce beef per pound on your farm? How much does it cost to maintain a cow annually? How has the increase in inputs impacted your beef operation’s profitability? The old saying of, “You can only manage what you measure” still holds. One cannot control the market price. The commodity markets have trends in which prices ebb and flow. Most of us are familiar with the cattle cycle. The cattle cycle historically was a 10-year period between the peaks or valleys of cattle inventory and subsequent prices as a function of macroeconomics. This cycle can be seen in Figure 1 from USDA’s Economic Research Service. The impact of continued drought, land prices, aging farmers and other factors have resulted in the U.S. beef cow inventory being at levels similar to those of the mid1960s. This bodes well for market prices over the next couple of years as demand for beef holds steady.
Note: Data reflect inventory on January 1 of each year. Black vertical lines show the start of a new cattle cycle. Source: USDA, Economic Research Service using data from USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.
acre. I was accounting for a bit of market fluctuations plus 1,000 pounds of beef gain per acre was a lofty goal to shoot for in a northern grazing season of about 180 days. Some quick math means one would need just over 5 pounds of gain daily per acre to achieve the 1,000 pounds of gain per acre mark. This would require a stocking density of roughly two animals per acre that would gain 2.5 pounds/day grazing along with no grain inputs. Putting 450-pound calves out in the spring and pulling them ~ 200 days later weighing 950. An average weight of 700 pounds
from start of the grazing season to the end could be used to estimate forage production required. Assuming a dry matter intake of 2.5% of body weight, 1,400 pounds of animal weight per acre, recall two animals per acre, would be 3.5 tons of forage consumed. If one assumes a 60% forage utilization in a managed grazing system, then forage production would need to be roughly 11,700 pounds or just under six tons of dry matter per acre. This is where reality began to challenge theory. I knew that we had alfalfa yields that were in the 6-7 tons per acre range. I
Fig 2. Corn Prices in $ per bushel and Farmer Returns in $ per acre on High Productivity Farmland in Central Illinois $500
_____________________________________________________________________________ PROJECTED $9
$300
_____________________________________________________________________________ $8 $7 _____________________________________________________________________________ $6
$200
_____________________________________________________________________________ $5
$100
_____________________________________________________________________________
$400
$0
$4 $3
_____________________________________________________________________________ $2
-$100
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-$200
_____________________________________________________________________________ 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024P
also knew that forage production would not be linear over the growing season with more grass production coming in the spring and fall. From a scientific perspective, we used a put-and-take system to adjust stocking density based on available forage. We used endophytefree tall fescue or orchardgrass as the cool-season grass with or without either white or kura clover. We also were studying gains of Holstein steers in comparison to beef steers and heifers at this time.
Fig 3. Animal Gain per Acre on Different Pasture Treatments, 2005-2007 1000
2005
2006
2007
Pounds per acre
800
600
400
200
0
Can we compete with corn production on high quality soil and achieve the gain per acre needed to financially compete? Tall Fescue
Soft Leaf Fescue
Orchardgrass
T I M E L Y
Kura Clover
+Soft Leaf Fescue
T I P S
Spring-Calving Cow Herd Get ready for calving season this month! • Have calving equipment, supplies and labor ready for the spring calving season. Some supplies that may be needed are: eartags and applicator (put numbers on eartags now), tattoo pliers and ink, record book, scales for calf weights, iodine for calves' navels and colostrum supplement. Calving equipment (puller and chains, etc.) and facilities should be ready and clean. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy! • Overall condition of the cow herd should be evaluated. Cows losing weight now are more likely to have weak or dead calves. These cows will likely be a poor source of colostrum milk for the newborn calf. Feed cows, if necessary, to keep them in good body condition. Cows need to calve in a BCS of 5, minimum, to expect them to rebreed in a timely fashion. Calve your heifers a little heavier, BCS of 6. • Heifers may begin head-start calving in early February. Move them to a clean, accessible pasture, away from cow herd and near facilities so that calving assistance can be given. Cows may start calving later this month. Signs of calving are relaxation of pelvic ligaments, enlargement and swelling of the vulva, and enlargement of the udder. Expect calving difficulty if (1) calf's head and two feet are not visible, (2) only the calf's tail is visible, and (3) the cow has been in labor for 1½ hours. Be sure calf is being presented normally before using calf puller. Recognize situations that are beyond your capability and seek professional help as early as possible. Calves that aren’t breathing should receive assistance. Try sticking a straw in nostril to stimulate a reflex or try alternate pressure and release on rib cage. Commercial respirators are also available. Calves should consume colostrum within 30 minutes of birth to achieve good immunity. • Record birthdate, cow I.D., and birthweight immediately (use your Beef IRM calendar). Identify calf with an ear tag and/or tattoo. Registered calves should be weighed in the first 24 hours. Male calves in commercial herds should be castrated and implanted as soon as possible. • Separate cows that calve away from dry cows and increase their feed. Increase feed after calving to 25-27 pounds of high quality hay. Concentrate (3-4 lb. for mature cows and about 8 lb. for first-calf heifers) may be needed if you are feeding lower quality hay. Hay analysis will greatly aid any decisions regarding type and amount of supplementation. Supplementation may have a beneficial effect on date and rate of conception. It’s an important time to feed a beef cow after calving. Thin cows don't come into heat very soon after calving. We must have cows in good condition if we plan to breed them early in the season for high pregnancy rates, especially on endophyte-infected fescue pastures.
White Clover
+ Soft Leaf Fescue
F O R
C ON TIN U E D O N PAGE 8 6
F E B R U A R Y
• Sub-zero weather can mean death for newborn calves. During extremely cold spells, bring the cow(s) into a sheltered area as calving approaches to protect the calf. Be prepared to warm-up and feed newborn, chilled calves. Calving in mud can also cause problems. • Watch for scours in newborn calves. Consult your veterinarian quickly for diagnosis, cause and treatment. Avoid muddy feeding areas so that cows' udders won't become contaminated and spread scours. Don't confine cows to muddy lots. • Replacement heifers should be gaining adequately to reach target breeding weights by April 1. Be sure that their feeding program is adequate for early breeding. Target weight is about 65% of their expected mature weight. So, if your cow herd averages 1,300 pounds at a BCS of 5, then your replacement heifers need to be about 850 pounds by April 1. Consult your local extension office or nutritionist to make sure your rations will meet your gain goals. • Start looking for herd sire replacements, if needed. Fall-Calving Herd • Breeding season should end this month – maybe Valentine’s Day. Remove bulls and confine them so that they regain condition. • Consider creep feed or creep grazing (wheat, etc.) to supply extra nutrition to fall-born calves which may have to depend solely on their dam’s milk supply for growth. They are not getting much except their dam’s milk now (i.e. there is nothing to graze). February/March is the worst time of the year for fall-born calves. • Provide windbreaks or clean shelter for calves. General • Increase feed as temperature drops. When temperature falls below 15 degrees, cattle need access to windbreaks. For each 10 degree drop below 15 degrees, add three pounds of hay, two pounds of corn, or six pounds of silage to their rations. • Provide water at all times. Watch for frozen pond hazards. If cattle are watering in a pond, be sure to keep ice “chopped” to keep cattle from walking on the ice and, possibly, breaking through. Keep automatic waterers working. • You should be feeding a mineral supplement with adequate magnesium to prevent grass tetany (~ 15% Mg) now. The Hi-mag UK Beef IRM mineral can be used. • Control lice. Watch for signs such as rubbing. • Begin pasture renovation. You can overseed clover on frozen or snow-covered pastures. For more information on frost seeding clover, go to the UK Forages website, www.forages.ca.uky.edu. February • Cow Country • 85
C ON TIN U ED FROM PA GE 8 5
With regards to forage production, I would argue that soil moisture or rather precipitation received combined with temperature has more of an impact on grass growth than our corn hybrids today. In other words, researchers, through breeding and selection, have developed corn hybrids that are quite productive under marginal precipitation. Corn handles higher temperatures better than the cool-season perennial grass species that dominate the pastures in our region. In addition, animals subjected to heat stress are not going to achieve maximal performance. Internal parasites also can pose a greater detrimental impact on gains when stocking rates are higher and must be managed. So how did we fair? It took us a couple seasons to convert the fields and get decent stands for grazing. Our results are shown in Figure 3. This three-year study began in 2005, and we never quite achieved the 1,000-pound target for any of the forage systems we were studying. My colleague, Dr. Ken Albrecht, had achieved 1,000 pound/acre at the
Lancaster station grazing kura clovergrass mixture. They removed heavy animals and replaced them with lighter animals while we kept the same animals the full season. However, we did hit the 700+ pound per acre mark in several systems over a few years. The effect of drought can be seen in 2007 and the reason for such gain per acre. Do you know what your beef production per acre is in your stocker or cow-calf system? If we assume three acres to support a cowcalf pair and have an adjusted weaning weight of 450 pounds, then it is 150 pounds per acre. If a steer is grazing 0.75 acres for the season and gaining 1.5 pounds per day over 240 days (8 months), the gain per acre is 480 pounds. I also want to note that our beef cattle systems are also not going to be utilizing the most fertile soils either and there will be limits of production that can be achieved. So what’s the point? I was unsuccessful at reaching 1,000 pounds of beef gain per acre, but land availability is decreasing while land prices are increasing. How many of us think as grain producers in product production per unit of land mass like bushels per acre or pounds
C A
AAA *19515244
annon
ngus
of beef produced per acre? As the beef industry continues to be berated about greenhouse gas emissions, we can chase a lot of technology. However, let’s not overlook the tools we currently have available to us for reducing inefficiencies in the production system. For cow-calf production, pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed is a key factor in profitability but also system efficiency. Changes in forage systems or slight improvements in forage systems can yield improvements in production. Yet, we don’t even have to make changes in the forage system, just improving our management of the forages currently in the fields can have a positive impact. I have mentioned this before and will reiterate that managed grazing is recognized as a climate smart agricultural practice. Use of growth promoting implants can increase daily gains by 0.10.2 of a pound per day. Use of vaccines to keep cattle healthy and reducing abortion losses is a simple technology to improve efficiency. Spend the next few weeks before spring thinking about what small changes in your production system can be made to improve your production efficiency and profitability.
Fertility Functionality Maternal Traits
AAA *19140603
Annual Mary Jayne Cannon: 606.748.6307
Victoria Cannon: 606.748.5420
March 14th, 6:30 PM
Flemingsburg, KY With Guest Consignor
86 • Cow Country • February
Casey Story: 606.209.5566
29th ANNUAL SALE • FEBRUARY 26th, 2024 • 5:30 CDT OFFERING 65 18 MONTH OLD ANGUS - SIMANGUS - CHAROLAIS BULLS. 30 COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS, 20 3&1’S, AND 20 SPRING OPENS
WOODALL 210 001 JUS
WOODALL 266 S1092 FNS
CED +8
CED +9
WW +60
WW +68
YW +115
YW +119
MILK +30
MILK +22
MARB +0.47
MARB +0.81
RE +0.71
RE +0.24
$M +67
$M +67
$W +63
$W +61
$C +211
$C +233
WOODALL 269 7112 NIA
20715943
WOODALL 2153R1008 GF
20717877
CED +11
CED +8
WW +75
WW +84
YW +146
YW +146
MILK +29
MILK +29
MARB +0.31
MARB +0.31
RE +0.75
RE +0.75
$M +80
$M +80
$W +81
$W +81
$C +268
$C +268
20716878
WOODALL 235 033 CMS
20716907 CED +14 WW +70 YW +133 MILK +33 MARB +0.97 RE +0.75 $M +80 $W +81 $C +303
20715946
Brooklyn Graham • 812-530-0748
David Woodall • 270-847-1010 Luke Woodall • 270-889-1138 www.woodallangus.com
QUALITY values • quality cattle • quality, kentucky February • Cow Country • 87
ANNUAL SALE APRIL 13 | NOON | HUSTONVILLE, KY
Add pounds and dollars to your calf crop! BV Growth Fund 2509 | Reg# 2061663
EPD % Rank
CED
0
BW
4.2
WW
97 1
YW
178 1
• High performance bull out of one of the best cows we have owned. 2509 checked all the performance boxes: 884 WW, 1,377 YW, with ratios of ADG 115, IMF 124, RE 114. • Dam produced until she was twelve and maintained a calving interval of 10/366 with progeny ratios of WW 13/105, YW 13/108, IMF 20/103, RE 20/105 $F
140 5
$C
316 10
BV Geddes 2541 | Reg# 20616397
• Calving ease, high performance bull that checked all the performance boxes. 2541 achieved ratios of WW 114, YW 112, ADG 106, IMF 112, RE 107. • Excellent producing cow family. Dam, 7504 maintains a calving interval of 5/362 with progeny ratios of WW 4/108, YW 3/105, IMF 3/100, RE 3/104. Second dam, 3049, is still producing at ten years old with progeny ratios of WW 8/105, YW 8/108, IMF 8/101, RE 8/107.
EPD % Rank
CED
13
BW
-2.3
WW
68 40
YW
116 45
$M
75 25
$W
75 15
BV Wildcat 2517 | Reg# 20616365
EPD % Rank
CED
15
BW
0.1
WW
80 10
• Son the highly sought after Genex sire, E&B Wildcat 9402. Calving ease bull that checks all the performance boxes. Top 1% $F, 2% $C, $B, CW, 10% WW, YW, RE. Ratios of WW 107, YW 108, ADG 106, and RE 115. • Second dam produced until she was twelve and maintained a calving interval of 10/366 with progeny ratios of WW 13/105, BW 13/108, IMF 20/103, RE 20/105. YW
136 15
BV Growth Fund 2613 | Reg# 20616586
EPD % Rank
CED
7
BW
-0.8
WW
79 15
YW
141 10
$W
80 5
$C
323 5
• High growth bull that achieved ratios of WW 105, YW 105, ADG 117, RE 102. Top 10% $C, WW, YW. • Dam has been a solid producer. 8514 maintains a calving interval of 4/367 with progeny ratios of WW 2/104, YW 2/101, IMF 2/100, RE 2/103.
$W
83 3
$C
316 10
100 Bulls & 310 Females sell branchviewangus.com For sale book, call or text 573-721-6660 • 606-706-0355 • 859-619-0342 • james@branchviewangus.com James S. Coffey • Danny Smith • Donald S. Coffey • Danny Lynn • Tim Dietrich
88 • Cow Country • February