Cow Country News - May 2020 by The Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

Kentucky Cattlemenâ€™s Association 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUISVILLE KY PERMIT #879

GREAT MEADOWS ANGUS ASSOCIATION “LOOKING TO THE FUTURE” 38TH ANNUAL SPRING SALE • JUNE 6TH AT 5:30PM AT REALITY FARMS, LLC • 794 PORT ROYAL ROAD • CAMPBELLSBURG, KENTUCKY 40011

SELLING 85 FEMALE LOTS AND 10 BULLS • OVER 90% SAFE A.I.

16 fancy spring born replacement prospects that will make outstanding cows.

4 open show prospects bred to succeed with 2 years of show eligibility

Always a highlight! Embyro’s from Charlo’s dam and full sister, plus a great daughter of Blackcap May 4136. All sexed female

17 fall pairs like this SAV Bruiser. Wait till you see the big, stout calves at side.

20+ fall bred heifers. A.I. bred to the bulls you like and awesome numbered!

Selling a family unit from JLM Lucy W333. Off the charts epd’s including top 1% WW, YW, $W, $B, and $C of 335. Enjoy!

Sponsored by: Great Meadows Angus Association

President: Paul Bradshaw • Vice President: Rob Cox Secretary: Pam Dockerey • Treasurer: Earl Lord

Internet buying provided

greatmeadowsangus.com

Matt Jackson (502) 667-0142 matt@jacksonmarketingsolutions.com www.jacksonmarketingsolutions.com

GMAA IS ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS 10 Bulls all 50K tested. Calving ease and powerful growth. Pays to wait!

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JohnDeere.com/Hay JohnDeere.ca/Hay

3/3/20 12:37 AM

West Kentuck y Select B r e d H e i fe r S a l e

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S COLUMNISTS

Selling 200 Fall Calving Bred Heifers

7 Steve Dunning: President’s Thoughts 8 Ryan Quarles: 2020: We Didn’t Expect a Year Like This 10 Dave Maples: From Dave’s Desk 12 Baxter Black: The Lone Pine 14 Nathan Lawson: What We Don’t See 22 Chris Teutsch: Garbage In, Garbage Out: Improving Hay Quality 38 Dr. Michelle Arnold: Controlling the BVD Virus in Cow- Calf Operations 62 Jeff Lehmkuhler: I Can’t Get Distillers Grains, What Else Can I Feed for Protein?

New Date

UK Forage Extension YouTube Videos Can Help Producers Work

Through Issues This Spring

In This Time of Crisis, Thank God for the American Farmer

Remote Bull Buying

Seed Certification: What Is It and What Does It Mean for You?

Beef Expo Sales Nearly Hit $1 Million

Southern Agricultural Economists Explain COVID-19 Legislation,

Offer Resources for Producers

Quarles Commends Kroger for Expanding Local Farm Options at

12:00 Noon Central Time

Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market Guthrie, Kentucky All heifers qualify for Kentucky Cost Share Program Most qualify for Tennessee Cost Share Program

FEATURE STORIES 17

Saturday, June 6, 2020

See these heifers at: www.kyheifersale.com

Off-Site Bidding Available

For more information contact: Kevin Laurent, University of Kentucky (270) 625-0994 Mark Barnett, KY-TN Livestock Market (270) 483-2504 All heifers are guaranteed bred to bulls with known EPDs and have met stringent requirements for health, quality and pelvic measurements. Sponsored by the Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Tennessee Cooperative Extension Service

Stores 31

USDA Announces Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Is Your Contract Legally Enforceable During COVID-19?

State Beef Councils Win Major Legal Victory

Land and Water Use Planning Applied to a Pasture-Based Beef

Operation 37

Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Has Third Session in Frankfort

Maybe It’s Time: Farm Emergencies and Improvements Continue

While Quarantined

COVID-19: 4 Lessons to Teach Our Young People

KFB Insurance Donates to Hunger Relief 16 20 28-29 44-45 46-47 48-49 53 60 60 61 61

Eby Aluminum Trailers

County News NCBA Legislative Update Economic & Policy Update Membership Kentucky Beef Council Kentucky Beef Network Kentucky Angus Association News Calendar of Events Advertisers Index Market Report Classifieds

Gooseneck steel and aluminum trailers

HAYES TRAILER SALES INC Russellville, Kentucky 800-766-7034 hayestrailersales.com COW COUNTRY •

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OAK HOLLOW PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS CATTLE

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO SELECT YOUR BULL? Every sector of agriculture is doing more with less than it did even five years ago. The difference between now and 30 years ago is astronomical. It doesn’t matter whether you are at a corn, soybean, pork, poultry or beef meeting, they will tell you how their production has increased with fewer acres and inputs. The achievement of American agriculture is absolutely astounding. This progress has been made through a combination of technological innovation and genetic progress. All of those sectors do one thing that the beef industry does not. Professionals and experts make the genetic decisions for the industry. Pork and poultry genetics are managed by a select few PhDs at a select few companies. The research and investment that goes into hybrid seed corn and soybeans are mind boggling. There are years of experience and billions of dollars invested in the next generation of genetics. Why do we as a beef industry not use the same level of expertise when we make breeding decisions?I have looked at the numbers of registrations and the size of the nation’s cow herd. I am willing to bet that over 50% of you reading this are using a bull with no known genetic values. You have a calf you kept out of a commercial cow or you bought your herd sire out of the sale barn weigh pen. All you can tell by just looking at a bull is if he is structurally sound and has had adequate nutrition or not. You don’t know if he is going to be easy calving, how his calves will grow or how his daughters will breed. You are just guessing. Beef is the only sector in agriculture where someone with no qualifications and using no tools for genetic evaluation is making decisions at any scale. A large percentage of you are putting crops in the ground right now and wouldn’t dream of planting bin run corn or beans. You can’t compete in the marketplace if you did, and someone else would own your farm and take over your leases. When my father started breeding cattle, the only data submitted by seedstock producers was birth, weaning and yearling weights. Only the most progressive breeders were even doing that much COW COUNTRY •

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data collection. When I look up a specific animal on my Angus Mobile App today, I can view 20 individual EPDs and 6 Economic Indexes. We have come a long way when it comes to genetic evaluation in beef cattle. Initial data for heifer fertility, foot structure and hair shed EPDs in the Angus breed included a large amount of data from our herd. We are in constant contact with the experts developing the tools we use to do more with less in the nation’s cow herd. When it comes time to breed cows this spring, make sure you are dealing with an expert. There is not another seedstock producer with as many generations of selection under commercial conditions in the southeast as we have in our cow herd. If there is, let us know and we would love to go see their cattle. Give us a call, and we would love to use our years of expertise to get you the bull you need this spring breeding season.

PRIVATE TREATY BULLS FOR SALE ASK ABOUT FINANCING OPTIONS 400 OAK HOLLOW DR. - SMITHS GROVE, KY KENNETH D. LOWE (270) 202-7186 JOE K. LOWE II (270) 202-4399 WWW.OAKHOLLOWANGUS.COM

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K E N T U C K Y CAT T L E M E N ’ S AS S O C I AT I O N 2 0 2 0 L E A D E R S H I P KCA REGIONAL DIRECTORS: REGION 1

Daniel Hayden, VP*.................(270) 570-2815 Buddy Cook.............................(270) 275-1274 Gary Woodall...........................(270) 725-0819 Ricky Haynes............................(270) 945-9057 Don Pemberton........................(270) 889-3885 Don Clements...........................(270) 389-0527 Mark Heimgartner...................(270) 875-2585 Jeremy Armstrong...................(270) 668-2056 John (JJ) Tucker....................(270) 617-0301 Dennis Wilson.........................(270) 952-1714 Caleb Jenkin............................(270) 952-0767

REGION 2

KCA 2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS: PRESIDENT

Steve Dunning 8200 Antioch Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240 (270) 498-8180

PRESIDENT ELECT Chris Cooper 2140 Tates Creek Road Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 200-7711

TREASURER

Ken Adams 90 E Horseshoe Ave. Upton, KY 42784 (270) 734-1443

PAST PRESIDENT Tim White 3664 Military Pike Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 509-5401

VICE PRESIDENT Cary King 250 Bright Leaf Drive Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859) 734-2173

KCA PROGRAM CHAIRMAN Jeff Pettit 5745 US Highway 41 S Seebree, KY 42455

(270) 836-2963

KBC CHAIRMAN

Andy Bishop 6135 High Grove Road Cox’s Creek, KY 40013 (502) 350-7609

KBN CHAIRMAN

Cary King 250 Bright Leaf Drive Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859) 734-2173

KCA’S PAST PRESIDENTS: 1972-73 1974-77 1978-79 1980-82 1983-85 1986-87 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Jere Caldwell† - Boyle Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln Larry Lovell - Union John Masters† - Mason Seldon Hail† - Laurel Bob Vickery† - Wayne Glenn Mackie - Bourbon Dale Lovell - Muhlenberg Steve Henshaw† - Union Jerry Fraim - Grayson Glen Massengale† - Wayne Dell King - Christian Kenneth Lowe - Warren Dr. J.L.Cole - Monroe Harvey Mitchell - Mercer Jim Naive† - Spencer Shelby Hughes - Logan Hoppy Lovell - Barren Charles Miller - Jessamine Larry Clay - Perry

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Jack Kimbrough† - Shelby Mark Williams - Crittenden Paul Napier - Lincoln Eddie Young - Washington Greg Ritter† - Barren Don Pemberton - Christian Billy Glenn Turpin - Madison Scotty Parsons - Christian Corinne Kephart - Shelby Greg Robey - Mercer Mike Bach - Bath Don Reynolds - Hart Steve Downs - Marion Gary Woodall - Logan David Lemaster - Clark Chuck Crutcher - Hardin Bobby Foree - Henry Tim White - Fayette

†(Deceased)

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Joe Lowe, VP*.........................(270) 202-4399 Craig Thompson......................(270) 590-5174 Trent Jones.............................(270) 590-5266 Chuck Crutcher.......................(270) 272-6269 Alison Brockman....................(270) 403-3205 Steven Green..........................(270) 528-1720 Mike Bullock..........................(270) 792-9644 Dr. Kenneth Green...............(270) 589-7175 Adam Maulden.......................(270) 590-1005 Kirk Cecil.................................(270) 692-7698 Hunter Galloway....................(731) 332-0098 Rayetta Boone..........................(270) 230-5488 Adam Estes..............................(270) 537-3761 Phyllis Gentry..........................(502) 331-1146 Don Reynolds...........................(270) 528-5239 Andy Joe Moore.......................(270) 646-2458

REGION 3

Danny Cooper, VP*...................(606) 782-4809 Wanda Hawkins.......................(502) 321-5602 Alan Bryant..............................(502) 548-1379 Maynard Stetten......................(502) 609-4986

Jerry Oak.................................(502) 525-7248 John Allison.............................(502) 220-3170 Lincoln Clifford........................(859) 954-0102 Allen Phillips............................(502) 829-5652 Phillip Douglas.........................(502) 845-4620 Amanda Hall............................(859) 333-5001 Nicole Goecke..........................(606) 782-2263

REGION 4

Randy Warner, VP*................(859) 771-5280 Lisa Baesler.............................(859) 509-5020 David Lemaster.......................(859) 749-0258 Ron Ray...................................(859) 825-8516 Donovan Pigg..........................(859) 749-9675 Danielle Harmon.....................(606) 748-8059 Ronnie Lowe...........................(606) 782-5058 Jason Crowe............................(859) 582-0761 Amy White..............................(859) 227-2552 Bruce Witt...............................(859) 585-8889 Brandon Sears.........................(502) 777-0738

REGION 5

Phillip Reese, VP*......................(859) 339-0450 Herman Benge.........................(606) 862-6451 Steve Downs...........................(859) 805-1278 Brent Woodrum......................(859) 397-1078 Anne Bays................................(615) 478-8450 Danny Ray Spalding................(859) 336-0444 Adam Chunglo.........................(859) 613-2985 C. Mike Spalding.....................(270) 669-6587 Brent Ware...............................(606) 379-5711 Gary Ford..................................(270) 402-2194 Aaron Burke..............................(859) 265-1172 Jared Foley...............................(270) 858-3900 * Denotes member of Executive committee

VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 5 176 PASADENA DRIVE • LEXINGTON, KY 40503 • PHONE: (859) 278-0899 FAX: (859) 260-2060 • WWW.KYCATTLE.ORG • INFO@KYCATTLE.ORG Executive Vice President Dave Maples

KBC Director of Consumer Affairs Anna Hawkins

Director of Kentucky Beef Council Nathan Lawson

Membership Coordinator Nikki Whitaker

Staff Accountant Kelly Tucker

Publication Coordinator Carey Brown

Director of Kentucky Beef Network Becky Thompson

Graphic Designer Todd Brown

KBN Industry Coordinator Dan Miller

Office Manager Mackenzie Miller

KBC Director of Education Niki Ellis

Video Production Specialist Danny Coy

KBC Director of Product Development Katelyn Hawkins

National Advertising Sales, Livestock Advertising Network, Debby Nichols (859) 321-8770, Cathy Campbell (609) 581-7644

COW COUNTRY NEWS 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. M AY 2 0 2 0

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PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS STEVE DUNNING Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President 2020 is not turning out to be exactly what I had anticipated. I thought I would be enjoying a weekly beef dinner in every county across the Commonwealth. Most of Kentucky’s cattlemen and women really know how to put on a spread and show their superior grilling skills. I was complaining about this recently to my wife Julie, when she stated in her matter of fact tone “somebody has to be president during this crisis”. She’s right, I will accept my fate, it could always be worse. I really need to take a deep breath and count my blessings. We are going through the typical Spring gamut of “cold snaps” and winters. Dogwood winter is always one of the longer ones with chances of frost. I am always concerned about early germinating legumes. Winter wheat that has booted is a concern also. Some of the local watermelon producers have had some major burn on their plants from the low temperatures. Hopefully the resiliency of

these hardy plants will rebound quickly. On the farm the scenery is really starting to green up... trees are budding, flowers are blooming and most important, grass is growing. We have moved momma cows to summer pastures, first going through top dressed spring paddocks supplemented with dry roughage (hay). Now is an important time to keep the mineral feeders full until the temperatures are consistantly above 70 degrees, which we keep mineral feeders full all year. I cringe to mention the cattle market this month, however, NCBA President Marty Smith sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting the government to act quickly to investigate the striking disparity between boxed beef prices and cattle prices in the futures and cash markets during the current crisis by expanding the investigation launched after the packing plant fire in Holcomb, Kansas last August. President Trump listened and less than 6 hours after

the delivery of the letter, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the USDA would be extending the investigation. NCBA commended President Trump and Secretary Perdue for their quick response. In early March at the Christian County annual spring dinner, I told those attending in my closing comments that now was a good time to get into the cattle business. Boy, was I wrong! However something good always comes out of adversity and I believe that if we can hang on until this crisis is over, we will be rewarded for our efforts. We did not choose to be stewards of this land, instead we were chosen to be His stewards of His land, and it is our duty to take good care of His animals and to provide a healthy protein option for our nation and the world through these trying times.

DON’T FALL BEHIND THE HERD!

As Woodrow Wilson once said “the world has a habit of going on”.

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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

2020: WE DIDN’T EXPECT

A YEAR LIKE THIS RYAN QUARLES Commissioner of Agriculture I think I speak for everyone in the agricultural community when I say, “We didn’t expect a year like this.” The year began bright, with a renewed sense of optimism for farmers, at least for me. It seemed like real trade progress had been made with the USMCA ratified, phase one of a trade agreement with China in place, and a new framework developed for shipping American beef to Japan. Then came the Wuhan Coronavirus, taking American lives and livelihoods along with it. While a lot of attention in the press has been to how Wall Street is reacting to this global pandemic, Main Street, especially our rural communities, is facing economic devastation the likes of which we have not seen in decades. There’s no sugar-coating it. Rural hospitals, which struggled before this crisis, are furloughing workers due to cancellations of elective surgeries. Suspect disparities have emerged between the price of beef in the grocery store and what was sold on the farm. Kentucky processing plants have not suffered any permanent or long-term closures, but we have seen processing plant closures in the Mid-West, which could potentially lead to ripple effects across the agricultural economy. It is important for you to know that while the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has limited resources as a state agency to provide economic relief for producers, I am on the phone almost daily with Secretary Sonny Perdue and his team about what USDA can do to help you and your families. This personal relationship with the Secretary is one of the benefits of my role as Vice President as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. In the month of April, I wrote Secretary Perdue and urged quick action to

provide Kentucky cattle producers with some sort of economic relief. According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the nation’s beef industry is looking at an estimated loss of $13.6 billion in total economic damage. This economic earthquake is reflected across all levels of the industry, from the producer to the processor. The NCBA also estimates an average loss of $111 per head for the nation’s cow-calf sector, which constitutes a large portion of Kentucky’s cattle industry. Seeing as Kentucky is the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, we stand to suffer significant losses because of this pandemic. I also encouraged the USDA to continue keeping a watchful eye on the price of meat at retail and losses suffered on the farm level. While our current challenge is immense, there’s part of the American farmer that could be called an eternal optimist and I share that optimism. Take a recent example, where Kentucky Farm Bureau donated half-a-million dollars to the Kentucky Hunger Initiative and Feeding Kentucky used some of those funds to purchase Kentucky ground beef from our producers. I am proud of the way that Kentucky farmers have not let this pandemic stall their work. Though the doors of many businesses are closed, the same cannot be said of Kentucky farmers, who have been used to social distancing for years. You and your families are rising to the occasion to provide food, fiber, and fuel like you have for generations. The coronavirus pandemic may test us, but it will not break the spirit of the American farmer. Ryan Quarles serves as Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner. For COVID-19 related updates from the KDA, please visit kyagr.com/covid19.

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FESCUE TOXICITY

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FROM DAVE’S DESK DAVE MAPLES Executive Vice President From one conference call to another or now Zoom calls to another this time it is different. Our office has been non stop and very emotional. We have been through the BSE crisis, the Eastern Livestock debacle, the Tyson packing plant fire last fall and several smaller crises but this one is for sure is different. Most of our work has been around three different issues this month. One being working on the CARES Act stimulus package that Congress approved where there was $9.5 billion dollars designated to livestock including dairy, specialty crops and farmers markets. The beef industry has historically not participated in the government programs so it took time to decide if the industry should even participate. A black swan event like covid-19 was real and a reason to ask for help. The beef industry not like the other segments of agriculture didn’t have a proposal or model. It was determined that a group of Ag economists would

work on this project and make a recommendation to the industry and to USDA. Knowing how things work when it comes to beef industry committees, the eastern U.S beef industry always gets left out. But this time Dr. Kenny Burdine from the University of Kentucky was selected to serve on the committee to represent our segment of the country and the cow/calf and stocker operators. As of today, I have not seen the report but I am assured that the Cow/calf producers are well represented. The second topic that has taken a great deal of time has been the conversation around the packing industry. Like with the Tyson fire the packers made a lot of money in the early weeks of the pandemic because cattle prices went down and boxed beef prices went up. There was a strong call for an investigation and we have been very engaged in that conversation. USDA Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was on

a conference call with the live cattle marketing committee where he stated, “USDA Packers and Stockyards did not have enough tools in their tool box to do a complete investigation” so they are working with the Department of Justice to do a joint comprehensive investigation. However, over the weekend several of the big packing plants have had to close for a period of time to do a deep clean of the facility and because of many illnesses and workers not coming to work. This week has a new twist and challenge because if the packing plants are either closed or are running at 50% capacity the realization of cattle backing up is real. You could see the realization in the market prices for a cow at Kentucky auction markets the day that the JBS plant in Souderton, Pennsylvania closed. Now with the plants in Nebraska and Colorado either closing or running at lower capacity you can expect lower calf prices in Kentucky. On the bright side the two plants in Kentucky that we in the office have the most contact with have been running at more capacity than they could really handle. I know that one Saturday one of the plants harvested 121 head and the other did 67 on a mid-week harvest. That

is not that many cows but it was more than the big JBS plant did that week. Before the recent production slow down, the week ending of March 28, the actual fed slaughter report, was 549k head, 7k higher than last year’s largest fed kills and the highest since 2011. The week of April 15 the number dropped dramatically with the plant closures. Carcass weights dropped 7 pounds that week too, steer carcasses weighing in at 891 pounds, still record high but the lowest since last September. Weights bottom seasonally in mid-May, though this year weights will likely bottom at the heaviest level in history. Crisis periods are hard and uncertain but they can also be a period in time for change and growth. It gives those involved an opportunity to reassess outdated practices and an opportunity to embrace new tools for restructuring a business or business models that are too often slow to change. I hope that we come out of this soon and when we are on the other side we use our resources and talent to really address our food supply chain. Especially for the beef cattle industry.

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Neal Branscum Beef Cattle, TBM Zoetis (606) 872-5395

FETAL PROTECTION IS NOTHING TO PLAY AROUND WITH. SHOULD HAVE USED C AT TLEM A STER GOLD FP ®.

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

down cow Dave climbed up to say they’d need to let some of the other cows out to give her some room. It was then he noticed the Ranger, complete with dog and calf, had disappeared! Dad was hot to catch his favorite truck when Dave pointed out that wherever it was goin’, it was already there. The down cow could use some help right away.

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

THE LONE PINE BAXTER BLACK, DVM W WW. BA X T ERBL ACK.COM

“So, how’d yer dad git that big dent on the door?” I asked Dave. Truth is, it was quite an accomplishment for one single dent to stand out from all the other wear and tear, deterioration and assorted damage that covered his 1983 Ford Ranger diesel pickup truck like elephant tracks on a styrofoam cooler. “It’s a long story,” sighed Dave. Dave went with his mom and dad to gather the last of the cows off their forest permit above Feather Falls in the Sierra Madres of northern California. Dad drove the old stock truck with racks made outta airport landing and pulled a portable Powder River loading chute with panels. Dave followed in the Ranger. It took’em a while but they finally loaded 16 head of cows and calves.

Then Dad spotted one ol’ cow that had held back. She’d calved recently but the calf was nowhere in sight. They had spotted lion track in the vicinity. They searched till Mom, the family tracker, found the little calf under a bush.

They set up the portable chute, unloaded four cows, righted the down cow and Dave took off to find the Ranger. He met Bear comin’ back up the road at a full gallop, tail between his legs. Around the first bend Dave could see the tip of the pickup over

the side of a canyon. It had leaped off the edge and slid sideways into a lone pine. The next stop would have been 200 feet at the bottom. The calf was standin’ in the seat lookin’ out the back window. Well, everybody survived although the dog won’t git back in the pickup and Dave continues to insist he left it in gear. And Dad...Dad still takes the hammer to the side panel now and then in an attempt to make the pine tree impression blend in with the other dents. It’s useless, though, like tryin’ to make a mastodon blend in with a flotilla of Mallard ducks.

They could feel the storm comin’ and were relieved to get the last cow squeezed onto the load. They packed the loading chute and started down the mountain. Dave followed in the Ranger with the new calf in the cab beside him. Bear, the faithful cow dog, rode in the back. Next thing he knew Dad waved him to a stop. There was a cow down in the stock truck. Dave pulled ahead, stopped on the steep mountain road and went back to help. After several minutes of struggling with the

Ask for Pasture Management Fixed Knot Wire, posts, and more at your local farm store or find a dealer at

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

CHECKING ON THE CHECK-OFF

W H AT W E D O N ’ T S E E NATHAN LAWSON Director of Kentucky Beef Council Living in a COVID-19 era has changed everything. It has exposed some weaknesses, revealed some strengths and forced us to take inventory of what matters most. It’s during these times that some of the things we don’t see are the most revealing. Blame. It wasn’t so long ago that the convenient scape goat of our perceived environmental crisis was the ruminant animal? The economic shutdown and quarantine have shown us the fastest way to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases emissions is to park the vehicles and stall manufacturing, even as cattle numbers remain mostly unchanged. In the fight against a respiratory virus, air quality should be of vital importance, isn’t this news worthy? I think people are taking notice. As the meat cases emptied one thing remained, fake meat. When faced with the thought of possibly being without, we rely on what they know and trust, beef. Intentionality. We don’t see it, but it’s there. Across the country families are gathering in kitchens, pulling chairs up to the dinner table and enjoying meals together. Tables that were nothing more than a convenient place to put the daily mail are being cleaned off and covered in conversation. These are defining times, and of a kind that could have a positive

generational impact. Children are learning to follow a recipe and parents are getting to experience the joys and challenges of being Mom, Dad and educator all in one. We’re being forced to be more intentional. Just think of who you’ve talked to in the last few weeks and how… has it taken more effort? We’ve Zoomed, Facetimed, Skyped, conference called and corresponded in more ways than I knew existed. Yet, we press on. Resolve. It’s who we are. I believe cattlemen and women are among the most optimistic, determined people on the planet. When the meat case is empty and cattle prices fall it’s hard to have that positive outlook, but we must. We’re blessed to have some of the hardest working, most committed, intelligent people in the beef industry working on the challenges we face. The hard work of so many in Kentucky’s beef industry, banding together to find solutions to the challenges we face reveals our character. We’ll get through this together. There are brighter days ahead and though we may not agree on everything, the strength of the beef industry is found in our unity and our commitment to overcome adversity together. May is Beef Month in Kentucky and that gives us all something to celebrate!

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NOTE: SALE

BRIDGE VIEW ANGUS

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13th ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE • JUNE 6, 2020 • 11am AT THE FARM Guest Consigners: Triple C Farms, Ruber Farms, Hockensmith Cattle Co., and Managum

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BRIDGEVIEW ELBA 1802 Sire: Baldridge Challenger • Dam: EXAR Elba 2864 SELLS SAFE IN CALF TO ENHANCE

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Kip: (859) 608-7798 • kcspar2@uky.edu

Roger: (859) 333.2707 • rsparrow@uky.edu

COW COUNTRY •

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BRIDGEVIEW LUCY 9003 Sire: TEX Playbook 5437 • Dam: Bridgeview Lucy 1503 SELLS SAFE IN CALF TO ENHANCE

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Selling Embryos choice for Southern Charm or GAR Inertia.

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BRACKEN COUNTY NEWS

ROBERTSON COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Beth Moore

Submitted by Samantha Woerner

The Bracken County Cattlemen’s Association held their meeting on February 20, 2020 at the extension office. This month’s meeting was sponsored by Purina and Southern States, Cynthiana and both groups made a short presentation to the members about the services they can provide. A delicious meal of roast, baked potatoes and salad was served by the FFA students and enjoyed by all. Committee reports and announcements about upcoming events were given.

Right before the crazy storm of COVID-19 hit Kentucky, our local Cattlemen’s group was able to have their first meeting of the year while also having an extremely educational component. That component was a tour of David Appelman’s compost bedded pack barn. David is the Bracken County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, who originally thought of the idea due to his background in the dairy industry. This barn was built in 2018 with the intent to over winter his family’s herd of beef cattle. This barn has been a life changer for the Appelmans and those who operate ATM Farms. It houses the cattle for the entire winter months, which decreases the amount of damage done to the pastures and also keeps the cattle clean. They have developed a water saving plan and installed a cistern to store the excess water, which in turn supplies the barn with water. The barn is bedded with saw dust that is stirred twice a day with a tractor. This incorporates oxygen into the saw dust allowing it to compost, so it is heating, driving off the moisture and sterilizing the bedding that the cows lay on. This facility is truly so innovative that it is something that everyone needs to see. If there are any other groups who would like to tour this facility, they are welcome to schedule a visit as David continues to work with the On Farm Water Management Program through the GOAP.

The speakers for this meeting were Ms. Allison Tarvin, from Purina who spoke about cattle nutrition, protein tubs and intake technology. There are also trials which are provided through Purina and Southern States that local farmers can participate in when using Purina products. Dr. Darin Stanfield also spoke to the association about local nutrition issues and the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. Bracken County Dispatch announced at the meeting they have a sign-up sheet for farmers to provide contact information to Dispatch so farmers can be located quickly and notified when cattle are running at large or if there has been damage caused to a fence line. It was also announced at the meeting that Danny Cooper won an award for best hay last year and a hat was passed to help raise money for the local shelter. The meeting was fun and educational and we look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting!

BARREN COUNTY NEWS Submitted by James Bailey The Barren County Cattlemen’s meeting was held Thursday evening, February 20, at the Barren County High School Trojan Academy. During the meeting the Barren County FFA members presented a program entitled Barren County FFA SAE Spotlight, which emphasized their Supervised Agriculture Experience Programs. A delicious steak dinner was served and sponsored by C & F Farm Supply of Hiseville, KY.

Dave Maples, Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association presented the Big Bull Award to the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association for having the largest membership in the state this past year. Barren County has won this award for the 11th time out of the last 15 years. Pictured is Barren County Cattlemen’s President, Joe Moore and Dave Maples. 16

Pictured back row from left to right: Bradley Sturgeon, Joe Moore, President of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association; Gary Eudy and Jon Keightley representing C & F Farm Supply of Hiseville; Dillon Short, Kelton Wyatt and Jace Newton. Front row left to right: Mary Schalk, Bethany Schalk, Tristann Burks, Eva Bogue, Kyleigh Blackburn, Briley Burks, Payden Houchens, and Allie Mutter. COW COUNTRY •

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FEATURE

U K F O RAG E E X T E N S I O N YO U T U B E V I D E O S CA N H E L P PRODUCERS WORK THROUGH ISSUES THIS SPRING Katie Pratt, University of Kentucky

The KYForages YouTube page has more than 250 educational videos to help forage and livestock producers improve their operations, particularly during this time of social distancing.

The page features more than 250 instructional videos with numerous UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment specialists. Specialists walk producers through all aspects and issues related to livestock and forage management. Presentations from UK forage events from the past five years and virtual tours of Kentucky producers’ farms are additional features on the page.

Spring is a busy time for livestock and forage producers. Producers are turning animals onto pastures, renovating fields that need a little TLC and preparing for the first cutting of hay. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way UK forage and livestock specialists connect with producers, they are still available to serve them. “Although our delivery method may be a little different than normal, we are working closely with our county extension agents to provide relevant and timely information to producers throughout the commonwealth,” said Chris Teutsch, forage extension specialist in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and

Photo by Jimmy Henning, UK forage extension specialist

Environment. While specialists are working with their clients via phone, email and through agents, producers can find educational information to help them troubleshoot problems or just get them thinking about

new ideas for their pastures at UK forage extension’s KYForages YouTube page. The page is located at https://www.youtube. com/c/KYForages or using the search term “KYForages YouTube” through an internet browser.

“With nearly 2,000 subscribers, the KYForages YouTube page is one of the most visited forage production pages in the country,” said Ray Smith, UK forage extension specialist. “Producers who find themselves spending more time at home these days may want to check out some of the excellent presentations given at past UK forage and livestock events and view how-to videos that can help them improve their operations.”

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

IN THIS TIME OF CRISIS,

THANK GOD FOR THE

A M E R I CA N FA R M E R Jonathan Shell, Pegasus Institute The forgotten farmer has moved to the forefront of the American economy. For as long as I can remember, the role of the American farmer has taken a back seat to many industries in our modern economy. In fact, two weeks ago, many Americans would probably admit that they gave little thought to the men and women that ensured grocery store shelves remain stocked with food. One of the many outcomes of coronavirus pandemic is a rediscovered appreciation for the value of our farmers. Whether it was noticed or not, for the American farmer, this role has been a constant. From the days of mule driven plows and minimal mechanization, the industry has blazed new paths in innovation and sustainability. In Kentucky, this has developed into one of the most diverse agriculture economies in the world, from tobacco to livestock and hemp to chia. Kentucky farmers have learned to adapt to markets and produce some of the world’s most excellent products. The bluegrass state has long been the largest cattle producing state east of the Mississippi, producing 1.1 million head of cattle annually. The commonwealth has equally led the way on innovations that are valu-able in pandemics like this one. Most notably, the Kentucky BioProcessing facility in Owensboro mass-produced the Ebola vaccine during the 2015 outbreak and will likely be producing the COVID-19 vaccine when one is available.

soybean production, yielding 4.54 billion bushels of soybeans and allowing us to export nearly 2 billion bushels. Our country is first in the world in soybean production. We produce 32 million head of beef cattle, an area where Kentucky shines, ranking 8th in the nation. That allows us to provide 27.15 billion pounds of beef and export 3.02 billion pounds of beef annually. A study commissioned by 21 Agriculture and food groups across the nation, and published by Feeding the Economy, found that the food and Agriculture sectors employe nearly 47 million people, contribute wages above $2.2 trillion and that the total impact of the food and agriculture sector is above $7.6 trillion. In total, the United States exports $139 billion worth of our produced agriculture products, Kentucky exports over $2 billion. As the world grapples with an unprecedented pandemic, we are all equally dependent on the work of the American farmer. In recent months, celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix and politicians like Michael Bloomberg have gained attention for their negative comments about farmers. It is increasingly evident how out of touch both of them were. We know that our farmers are stewards of the land and the animals they raise. We know that they are passionate about conservation and have led the way in sustainable practices. All of these things should give us confidence in this time of trial.

From medicine to your kitchen table, our country has been uniquely blessed because of our robust agriculture industry. The American family only spends 11 percent of its household income on food, the lowest in the world. Most other countries are around 33 percent or higher.

This tumultuous time allows us to reflect. We can reflect on the importance of our relationships with family and friends. We can step back and think about the men and women who silently ensure that the necessities of life continue, from the truck driver to the trash collector.

So why is it that even during a global pandemic that politicians and public health officials have been able to confidently inform the public that our supply chain is stable?

It is a time to rediscover our appreciation for the American farmer. Before this crisis, we may have stopped thinking about them, but they never stopped working for us.

Kentucky agriculture is an almost $6 billion industry out of a $373 billion industry in the nation as a whole. American farmers produce 15 billion bushels of corn annuals, with Kentucky ranking 14th in corn production. We export nearly 14.3% of our output to 73 different countries around the world.The United States dedicates approximately 89 million acres to

Jonathan Shell is a former Kentucky House Majority Leader,a Farmer, and business owner in Central Kentucky. He is the Director of State Initiatives for Pegasus Institute a public policy think tank based in Louisville, Kentucky and the Owner of State Solutions LLC a consulting business that provides strategic and public policy advising for various organizations, including the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

COW COUNTRY •

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FEATURE

REMOTE BULL BUYING Darrh Bullock, Extension Professor, Beef Genetics Specialist, University of Kentucky During this time of social distancing you may want to consider alternate means for securing your bull if you haven’t already taken care of it. Bull buying is often a very social event including things like auctions, open houses or on-farm visits. All of these events require, and actually encourage, close interactions with others. Well if you haven’t heard, now is not the time to be doing these things! Many seedstock producers are already using the internet to help market their bulls and this crisis will likely push many more in that direction. If you are in the seedstock business and you do not have a website I would strongly encourage you to get one

established. Now is a great opportunity, your kids/grandkids are home from school,and this would be a good way to keep them occupied and benefit your business. Social media is also a good mechanism to get your message out, once again, consult the young folks, if needed. Trying to sell bulls via the internet or social media should be very similar to how you normally sell bulls; provide your customers with the information they need. This will include performance information, hopefully in the form of EPDs and indexes, and a way to visually evaluate the bulls. Of course, the best way to show off your stock is with good video footage, but having some still photos

could be helpful, too. It is also important to clearly state your policies, such as returns, exchanges, etc. Now maybe the time to be more flexible with some of these policies; customers are likely going to be much more willing to buy a bull without seeing him in person if they feel comfortable,they can exchange him if he is not what they expected.

interested in based on their performance information (EPDs, Indexes) and then evaluate them visually via videos and still photographs. One thing to be aware of is that disposition is going to be difficult to evaluate. This is one area you need to discuss with the seller to ensure the bull has good temperament.

For bull buyers, this may be a way to expand the population of bulls you are considering as replacements. Most farmers likely attend no more than two or three sales to buy their bull, but by shopping online your selection options are greatly expanded. I encourage you to buy bulls online the same way we advise in person; identify the bulls you are

We are in unprecedented times and everyone is having to adapt to new ways of conducting business. Although buying bulls from a distance may not be your first choice, technology has provided us with a viable means to stay safe while accomplishing this task. Who knows, you may find you like this method of bull shopping.

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NCBA COMMENDS SECRETARY PERDUE FOR SWIFT ACTION IN EXPANDING INVESTIGATION INTO CATTLE MARKETS

between boxed beef prices and cattle prices in the futures and cash markets during the current COVID-19 crisis and following the packing plant fire in Holcomb, Kan., last August.

NCBA President Marty Smith today released the following statement on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement of expanding the agency’s investigation into cattle markets:

In his letter, Smith requests President Trump to direct USDA to expand the ongoing investigation into market activity after the Holcomb fire to include current market volatility, “in the hope of identifying whether inappropriate influence occurred in the markets, and to provide our industry with recommendations on how we can update cattle markets to ensure they are equipped to function within today’s market realities.”

“I would like to thank President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for their quick response to NCBA’s request to expand the agency’s investigation into cattle markets. Secretary Perdue’s decision to examine market reactions surrounding the Holcomb fire and the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, will help restore the confidence of cattle producers in the market. We also look forward to the agency’s recommendations about improvements the industry can make to its markets, improvements that will ensure we have the fair and functioning markets that are so vital to cattle producers.”

NCBA REQUESTS PRESIDENT TRUMP EXPAND USDA MARKET INVESTIGATION, EXAMINE FUTURES MARKETS Today, NCBA President Marty Smith sent a letter to President Donald Trump, requesting the government to act quickly to investigate the striking disparity

The letter also requests the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to study the influence of speculators on live and feeder cattle futures contracts to determine whether these contracts remain a useful risk-management tool for cattle producers. “Fair and functioning cattle markets are vital to the sustainability of our industry,” Smith wrote. He also pointed out the importance of keeping the beef supply chain moving during this time of volatility and instability.

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“The market woes for cattle producers will only grow if packing plants shut down or slow down for an extended period,” Smith stated. “As cattle producers, we are the beginning of the beef supply chain, and we need continued vigilance and oversight of all cattle market participants – for the benefit of America’s cattle producers and all Americans.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

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COW COUNTRY •

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SPRING 2020

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FORAGES

G A R B AG E I N , G A R B A G E O U T : I M P R OV I N G H AY Q UA L I T Y CHRIS D. TEUTSCH UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, Princeton, Kentucky

You have probably heard the expression “garbage in garbage out”. This adage is not only true for hay and silage, but also completely appropriate. Baling or ensiling poor quality forage will NOT improve its nutritional value. How we manage hayfields this spring can have a major impact on both yield and nutritive value. Fertilization and timely cutting are even more critical when we need to refill hay barns after a long winter. The following tips will help you to optimize hay production this spring. Fertilize and lime according to soil test. A balanced fertility program is essential for optimizing hay production. Phosphorus, potassium, and lime should be applied according to soil test results. Avoid using “complete” fertilizers such as 10-10-10. These fertilizers commonly over apply phosphorus and under apply potash. Apply nitrogen early to promote rapid spring growth. Applying 80 lb N/A in mid- to late March will promote early growth in hay meadows, resulting in higher first harvest yields. Harvest at the boot stage. The single

most important factor impacting forage quality is stage of maturity at harvest. Hayfields should be mowed as soon as the grass reaches the boot-stage. By making the first cutting in a timely manner, we will have time to make a leafy second cutting just prior to the summer months. Mow early in day. Some studies have shown that sugars tend to be highest in late afternoon, making this the optimal time of day to cut. However, in high rainfall environment like Kentucky, maximizing curing time is the highest priority. Therefore, hay should be mowed in mid to late morning after the dew has dried off. Use mower-conditioner. Conditioning the stems allows for moisture to escape at a faster rate. This shortens curing time and improves your chances of avoiding rain. Conditioning is especially important on first cutting grasses, summer annual grasses, and legumes, all of which tend to have larger stems. Set swath on mower-conditioner to the widest possible setting. Maximizing the swath width decreases curing or wilting time by exposing a larger portion of the

Figure 2. This hay was baled above the 18-20% moisture range and has reached an internal temperature of more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If stored in a tightly packed hay barn, this bale could start a hay fire. forage to direct sunlight.

Figure 1. Impact of stage of maturity on the yield and digestibility of grasses and legumes. Harvest when the grass reaches the boot stage. 22

COW COUNTRY •

Rake or ted at 40-50% moisture content. Raking the forage while it is still pliable helps to reduce leaf loss and maintain forage quality. Once the moisture content is below 40%, leaf loss increases, especially in legumes such as alfalfa and clover. Bale at 18-20% moisture. Baling in this moisture range inhibits mold growth and M AY 2 0 2 0

reduces heating. Avoid baling hay that is excessively dry due to high levels of leaf loss and hay that is above 20% moisture due to heating and potential hay fires. Store under cover and off the ground. Protecting hay from weathering helps to reduce dry matter losses and maintain for quality. Much of the weathering damage is a result of the hay bale wicking moisture up from the ground. So, storing

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hay off the ground can greatly reduce deterioration. Do not cut hay fields too close. If not properly adjusted, disc mowers can cut very close to the soil surface and this can cause significant damage to cool-season grass stands. Do NOT mow perennial cool-season grass stands closer than 3-4 inches. Apply nitrogen following the first cutting. Following a timely first harvest, apply 60 lb N/A to stimulate regrowth. With adequate rainfall, a second harvest can be made approximately 30 days after the first harvest. Allow hayfields to go into summer with

some regrowth. Make sure to allow coolseason hayfields to go into summer with at least 5-6 inches of regrowth. This will shade the crown of the plant, moderating its temperature, and reduce soil moisture losses. Apply nitrogen in late summer. As the temperatures moderate in late summer and early fall, apply 60 lb N/A to stimulate fall growth. This growth can be grazed or harvested as needed. Allow plants time to replenish carbohydrates in the fall. Make sure and time fall hay cuttings to allow stand to regrow and replenish their carbohydrates prior to winter dormancy.

This month’s featured video is Summer Stockpiling: Thinking Outside the Box. This presentation was given at the 2019 Kentucky Grazing Conferences

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held in Boone and Christian Counties on October 30 and 31. https://youtu.be/FE3VPWgVqvA This month’s featured upcoming events are Kentucky Fencing Schools in Frankfort on May 19, KY and Campton, KY on May 21. More information can be found at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/Events • Western Kentucky Summer Forage Tour at Palmer Farms in Almo, KY on August 6. Details will be posted https://forages.ca.uky.edu/Events This month’s featured publication is: : “Quality Hay Production” by Garry Lacefield, Jimmy C. Henning, Mike Collins and Larry Swetnam. It can be accessed here: https://www.ryegrass.com/publications/forage-brochure.pdf or you can find it at your local extension office. Fencing Tip: Connect wires in parallel at the end of runs. A good way to increase the ability of an electric fence to carry voltage is to connect all the wires at the beginning and end of runs of multi-wire fence. This allows the multiple strands of high tensile wire to function as one large wire that is capable of carrying higher levels of voltage. Forage Management Tips •

Plant warm-season grasses once soil temperature has reached 60 F.

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Clip, graze or make hay to prevent seedhead formation on cool-season grass pastures and hayfields.

•

Rotate to new pastures when grazed down to 4-5 inches.

•

Do NOT mow hayfields closer than 3-4 inches.

•

As pasture growth exceeds the needs of grazing livestock, remove some

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pastures from the rotation and allow growth to accumulate for hay or silage Alternately, as pasture growth exceeds the needs of grazing livestock,

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Use temporary fencing to subdivide larger pastures.

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Scout pastures for summer annual weeds that have germinated and con-

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COW COUNTRY •

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FEATURE

S E E D C E R T I F I C AT I O N : W H AT I S I T A N D W H AT D O E S I T M E A N F O R YO U ? Mike Trammell, Senior Plant Breeder Have you ever wondered why it is recommended to purchase certified seed? Really, what is the purpose of that blue tag that says “certified seed” sewn on the seed bag you are wanting to buy? Why is that label so important? As a farmer, rancher or frequent buyer of seed, these are all great questions to ask. So, let us get down to business and try to address these questions. After all, seeds are a basic and critical input for many agricultural enterprises to enhance their operational productivity. What Is Seed Certification? Seed certification is an internationally recognized system to preserve the genetic identity and purity of crop varieties. What Is the Purpose of Seed Certification? The purpose of seed certification is to maintain and make available to the public, high quality seed and propagating materials of adapted superior crop varieties grown and distributed to ensure varietal identity and purity. Seed certification is based on the premise that proper identification of crop varieties is essential to everyone who handles seed — from the breeder, commercial grower, seed cleaner, and seed distributor, to the farmer or rancher who purchases the seed. What Is the Importance of Seed

Certification? Certified seed is the starting point to a successful crop. In the early days of crop improvement, most varieties had easily identifiable phenotypic (visible) traits. At present, most varieties are a synthesis of many complex genotypic characteristics, many of which are not necessarily visible. It is also important to remember that certified seeds are the outcome of many years of research and development for improved traits, such as herbicide tolerance, resistance to pests or improved grazing tolerance. Thus, seed certification through field and laboratory inspections, along with continuous pedigree records, provides the most practical and reliable method of verifying genetic identity and purity for the improved varieties commercially available. How Is Seed Certified? Seed certification requires planting eligible seed stocks, field inspection of the growing crop, proper conditioning or cleaning, representative sampling, thorough laboratory analysis, and proper labeling. Certification involves the inspection of the crop in the field as well as samples of the harvested seed. If seed of a variety is produced in separate fields, each field, or “lot,” is considered independently for acceptance or rejection for certification. The field and seed inspections from each

unit or lot are made by employees of the certifying agency, such as your state crop commission. The requirements that must be met for certification, such as purity or germination percentage, differ for each crop and from state to state. Why Buy Certified Seed? Good crop production begins with planting high quality seed, and seed certification procedures provide the best possible thirdparty assurance of good quality seed. As previously stated, standards may vary from crop to crop and from state to state, but remember, a certification tag on a bag of seed is the symbol of quality. It assures you, the purchaser, that the seed inside the bag is the variety stated and it has met the required standards for germination and purity by the inspecting agency. Two More Reasons for Purchasing Certified Seed 1. Clean seed Strict production standards ensure a high purity with minimal weed seeds and other contaminants. 2. Traceability Traceability is an important consideration in today’s agricultural environment. You can only be sure of your product if you know of its origins. Using certified seed will

provide you with this traceability. What Are Certification Classes? The classes of seed in the certification programs of the United States are breeder, foundation, registered and certified. Each class of certified seed is associated with a colored seed tag. Since breeders’ seed is not available to the public, a tag is not shown for the class. Certified seed tags are blue, registered are purple and foundation tags are white. The certification class refers to the number of generations away from the original variety that was developed by the plant breeder. Breeder, the first class, is seed provided by the breeder of the new plant variety and is of the highest class of genetic purity and quality. Foundation is the second class and one generation removed (the progeny of the breeder seed). Registered is the progeny of foundation seed and two generations removed from the breeder class. Foundation and registered seed are also of premium quality, intended for commercial seed increases, and are not necessarily available for the public to purchase. The final class of seed is certified, and it may be the progeny of registered or foundation seed. Certified, or blue tagged, is generally the class of seed available to farmers for purchasing. For certification to be valid, buyers must be provided proof of certification.

Each class of certified seed is associated with a colored seed tag. Certified, or blue tagged, is the most common class of seed available to farmers for purchasing. Since breeders’ seed is not available to the public, a tag is not shown for the class. 24

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SA SoKY LE DA TE Select Gelbvieh Sale ! SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 • 1:00 PM CT

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Several Balancer bulls like this one sell. Several are heifer acceptable.

A Final Frontier daughter out of this tremendous Exclusive female sells!

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Slaughter Sale Management

(859) 278-0899 COW COUNTRY •

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David Slaughter

Phone: (270) 556-4259 For catalog or information contact: E-mail: hmslghtr@aol.com

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FEATURE

BEEF EXPO SALES N E A R LY H I T $ 1 M I L L I O N

SALES UP MORE THAN $92,000 IN 34TH ANNUAL BEEF SHOWCASE The 2020 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo finished close to the $1-million mark for total sales in the 34th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Total sales in 2020 were $988,630, an increase of $92,228 compared to last year’s sales. The average sale dropped $101 to $2,049 per lot, but 65.5 more lots (482.5) were auctioned this year. “Kentucky is the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River and each year that fact is on display at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “After the Beef Expo missed the million-dollar mark last year for the first time in eight years, I’m happy that overall sales increased. While we would all like for cattle prices to be higher than they are, events like the Beef Expo provide a critical market for our producers.”

Angus cattle brought an average of $3,013 per lot to lead all breeds. The sale topper was a $12,200 Angus cow/calf pair consigned by Burks Cattle of Park City, Kentucky. The Beef Expo welcomed 16 states and a new breed, Black Hereford, this year. In the junior show, 301 cattle passed through the show ring from 12 states, including 204 from Kentucky. The judging contest attracted 151 participants. The 2020 Beef Expo was sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Blue Grass Stockyards, Farm Credit Mid-America, Feeders Supply, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Meade Tractor, Paris Stockyard, and Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment.

Steve Downs Lebanon 270-402-3672

•

June 6th, 2020 • 1:00 PM EST

Blue Grass Stockyards • Lexington, KY

Bulls Available

• Approximately 300 head will sell from producers in Marion,

Ø Bull calves out of HCR Answer 2042 and HCR SPIRIT 4007.

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pelvic measurements.

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• Guaranteed pregnant 30 days past sale. • Some heifers are synchronized and artificially bred. • All consignors are certified Master Cattlemen.

Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available. John Allison, Owner 545 Eminence Road New Castle, KY 40050 502-220-3170

David Sandusky Lebanon 270-692-7793

Central Kentucky Premier Heifer Sale

Allison Charolais Charolais Breeder Since 1962

Todd Harned Boston 502-249-2354

David Carter, Farm Manager 502-706-0075

COW COUNTRY •

For More Information Visit www.heifersales.com or Contact: Todd Harned Boston 502-249-2354 M AY 2 0 2 0

Terry Geoghegan Bardstown 502-827-0771

David Sandusky Lebanon 270-692-7793

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FEATURE

S O U T H E R N A G R I C U LT U R A L E C O N O M I S T S E X P L A I N C O V I D - 1 9 L E G I S L AT I O N , OFFER RESOURCES FOR PRODUCERS Katie Pratt , University of Kentucky Members of the Southern Extension Economics Committee have developed a YouTube video and a PowerPoint presentation to help producers understand how recent legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic affects them. “About a week ago, committee members started receiving an overwhelming amount of calls from stakeholders about the effects of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 legislation to their operations and families,” said Jordan Shockley, committee president and agricultural economist with the University of

Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “In an effort to pool our resources together to address their questions and concerns, agricultural economists Derek Farnsworth from the University of Florida, Clemson University’s Adam Kantrovich and J.C. Hobbs from Oklahoma State University discussed labor issues, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and the CARES Act during a Zoom meeting. The recording of the meeting is available on YouTube.” During the presentation, agricultural

economists covered the latest information regarding H2A labor and labor challenges, how the COVID-19 legislation impacts U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and initiatives, and programs they may qualify for through the legislation.

Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance and whether their operation might be eligible. Both the PowerPoint and video include links to additional resources and contacts for producers as the legislation continues to evolve.

“We addressed the Payroll Protection Program basics, eligibility, challenges and remaining questions, such as what if the program runs out of money as it did on April 17,” Shockley said.

Producers can view the video at https://youtu.be/mwWrpop_Ee4. The PowerPoint presentation is available online at https://www.clemson.edu/ extension/agribusiness/files/2020/ covid19/20-4-16covidsaeupdate.pdf.

Producers can also learn about the Small

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Blue Grass South

Blue Grass Albany 1274 Hwy 90 W Albany, KY 42602 606-387-4681 Bret Carver, Manager 270-459-0724

Blue Grass East-Mt. Sterling 3025 Owingsville Road Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 859-498-9625 Tim Gayheart, Manager 859-229-4437

Blue Grass Richmond 348 K Street Richmond, KY 40475 859-623-1280 Jim Dause, Manager 859-314-7211

Blue Grass Campbellsville 265 Airport Road Campbellsville, KY 42719 270-465-4051 Ronnie Choate, Manager 270-766-8240

Blue Grass Lexington 4561 Iron Works Pike Lexington, KY 40588 859-255-7701 Jeremy Shryock, Manager 859-967-6479

Blue Grass South-Stanford 277 Cordier Lane Stanford, KY 40484 606-365-0665 David Holt, Manager 502-680-0797

Blue Grass Internet Sales 4561 Iron Works Pike Lexington, KY 40588 859-255-7701 Adam Menker, Manager 419-310-5344

Blue Grass Maysville 7124 AA Hwy E Maysville, KY 41056 606-759-7280 Corey Story, Manager 606-209-1543

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KY Certified Hereford Influence Sale Thursday, May 14 @ 10:30 AM

Blue Grass Lexington

Triple J Farms Complete Dispersal Friday, June 12 @ 6:30 PM CPH Sale Wednesday, June 17 @ 5:30 PM

Follow Blue Grass Regional Marketplace on Facebook for all upcoming events!

bgstockyards.com COW COUNTRY •

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ECONOMIC & POLICY UPDATE

AG , F O O D , & C R E D I T M A R K E T S A M I D S T T H E C OV I D - 19 C R I S I S Will Snell and Kenny Burdine EDITOR’S NOTE The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented disruptions in global markets and supply chains creating much restlessness and uncertainty for the food and agricultural sector. Recognizing that we face many unknowns on the length and severity of the outbreak, government/business/ consumer reactions, and long-term economic implications, our team of commodity specialists offer the following observations and insights to assist farmers and agribusinesses in their decision-making during this unsettling time.

M ACRO I S S U E S Will Snell The coronavirus pandemic is reducing economic output worldwide, causing many economists to predict an ensuing global recession to follow. The resulting reductions in jobs and incomes is creating mayhem for many industries, such as travel, retail, events, and restaurants. The ag/food sector, especially in higher income nations, tends to be partially shielded from an economic downturn, as food is an essential consumer item. Lower incomes shift food consumption patterns (both in terms of location and what food products are consumed), but will not have a significant negative impact on the overall demand for food relative to the anticipated demand losses from other industries, noting again that the effects will be much greater for ag in less developed/lower income nations. In the midst of this disease outbreak, global inventories reveal that food/ commodity supplies appear abundant in

most cases, but distribution bottlenecks, short-term labor challenges, and panic buying by consumers are causing shortages for some food products at the local level (e.g. meats, flour, eggs, pasta). Abundant supplies have enabled aggregate U.S. food prices to remain relatively stable in the short-run, but global food price inflation appears to be a looming concern as nations/food companies adjust their longer-term purchasing strategies to ensure food security and work through logistical challenges. Look for more price/income sensitive items such as meats and perishables to reflect greater price and quantity changes if the pandemic lingers. While U.S. food price inflation may not increase significantly in the short-term, total U.S. expenditures on food may increase for some families in response to consumers stockpiling food, purchasing whatever is available on grocery shelves, additional family members at home during the day, and increased carryout/ delivery of food. As restaurants and schools temporarily shut down across the nation, creative food delivery options are being adopted, while large-scale food processors are shifting product lines originally scheduled for away-from-home consumption to be packaged to accommodate consumers purchasing their food primarily in grocery stores. In response to this dramatic change in food purchasing patterns, local food producers are attempting to discover new opportunities to be a bigger player in the today’s food distribution system. Despite a short-term increase in food demand, many farm commodity prices have taken a significant hit for various reason as our commodity experts will

explain below. Recent dives in crop and livestock prices are happening amidst a prolonged downturn in the U.S. farm economy, which has “survived” in recent years due to government injection of significant Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payment to help offset farmer’s alleged losses due to on-going trade conflicts. In addition a large number of Kentucky farmers are part-time, depending on off-farm income that may be sacrificed in the near future with widespread layoffs. In response to this massive crisis, Congress debated various economic stimulus means this past week to provide financial aid for impacted individuals, industries, and sectors, including agriculture, food companies, and rural communities. On Wednesday, March 25th, the U.S. Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 96-0, which included a $14 billion replenishment for the Agriculture Department’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to supposedly fund another round of MFP payments, a separate $9.5 billion fund to aid livestock and specialty crop producers, and funding for a variety of other USDA programs to help farm producers and rural America. Additionally, this package calls for direct payments for most Americans, enhances unemployment benefits, and provides funding to improve food access and nutrition programs, which will affect future demand for foods and agricultural products. In addition, the legislation would extend the term of marketing assistance loans by an additional three months (from the current limit of nine months), and provide additional funding for broadband expansion in rural areas and additional rural development

initiatives to enhance rural health care and small businesses. The House is expected to take up the bill on Friday (March 27th) which is expected to pass and be signed by the President. Click here for more details on the Senate economic stimulus bill. More specific details of how the stimulus package will affect agriculture will be forthcoming. Entering planting season, farm inputs such as seed chemicals, fertilizer, veterinary supplies, livestock feed, and credit appear readily available, but labor remains a lingering concern. Labor availability is a critical issue as farmers face planting decisions and food processors, grocery stores, and food delivery systems need an increasing number of healthy workers to accommodate a short-term spike in food demand. Farmers, food companies and other ag businesses were very concerned when the State Department announced last week that in response to the COVISD-19 outbreak, it was temporarily suspending routine visa services from Mexico and several other nations important in suppling labor for U.S. agriculture. However, based on government reports and feedback from labor associations, it appears that certain returning H-2A workers will be granted an interview waiver and be allowed to enter the United States. Central banks around the world are reducing interest rates in an attempt to calm financial markets, spur the economy, and provide much needed access and potentially lower cost of capital to businesses. These monetary policy changes are also impacting exchange rate markets. Despite an anticipated major hit on the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates (both

The Agricultural Economics Department publishes the Economic and Policy Update towards the end of each month.  Each issue features articles written by extension personnel within the department and other experts across the country.  Topics will vary greatly but regularly include marketing, management, policy, natural resources, and rural development issues. If you would like to recieve this newsletter by email, please contact Kenny Burdine at kburdine@uky.edu. You can also view current and past issues online at https://bit.ly/2PoHsZj Co-editors: Kenny Burdine, Alison Davis, and Greg Halich

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ECONOMIC & POLICY UPDATE factors which would generally would cause the U.S. dollar to weaken), the U.S. dollar has been increasing in recent weeks as the dollar continues to be viewed as the world’s safest and most stable currency. This market event effectively reduces the price competitiveness of U.S. farm goods in the global economy. If persistent, this will constrain growth in U.S. farm exports, but will tend to put a cap on the prices of imported food items brought into the U.S., which comprise 15 to 20% of the nation’s food supply. Going forward, many unknowns, new production/marketing strategies, and unexpected consequences will evolve as farmers, ag businesses and consumers adjust to a “new normal” caused by this historic and monumental global event. Perhaps one positive outcome is that Americans and our world neighbors may have a greater appreciation of the importance and complexity and of our global food production and distribution system.

LIVESTOCK MARKETS Kenny Burdine COVID-19 also represents a major shock to livestock and meat markets. Short-run supply impacts are likely to be minimal as is it does not immediately change the amount of meat being produced or the quantity of livestock in the production chain. In fact, one of the challenges for the livestock sector is that COVID-19 hit at a time when production levels across all meats were relatively high. Longerterm supply impacts are possible if producers delay marketing of livestock in response to declining prices. COVID-19 primarily represents a demand shock to the livestock and meat system and that is what markets are currently trying to work through. As COVID-19 continued to spread, meat products began flying off the grocery store shelves as consumers desired to stock up on meat products to guarantee available home supplies and to minimize future trips to retailers.

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While this is significant, it is also likely a short-term impact, meaning that future purchases will be lower due to increased purchases now. The two most significant demand impacts on meat products from COVID-19 likely relate to changes in consumption patterns and the impact on the U.S. economy as a whole. While many restaurants are encouraging carryout, curbside, and other non-traditional service options, there has been as shift towards more athome consumption. Secondly, the large number of cancellations, closings, and other shutdowns will impact employment and income for a large number of people. Since the livestock and meat sector is very diverse, the impacts will differ across species. Cattle are likely to be the hardest hit meat product for two reasons. First, beef is likely the meat that is most affected by foodservice demand. Secondly, since beef is more expensive than other meats, it will also make it the most vulnerable to substitution if people look for cheaper meat products. In general, cattle closer to harvest have been hit the hardest by COVID-19. We have seen the largest impact on fed cattle and the smallest impact on calves. One interesting note is that slaughter cow and bull prices have actually increased over the last couple weeks, most likely due to rising hamburger consumption due to the increase in at-home consumption. On the other end of the spectrum, poultry prices could potentially benefit from the COVID-19 market shock. Poultry is less dependent on foodservice demand and is also a much less expensive source of protein for consumers. For this reason, it is very likely that consumption will shift towards chicken and turkey in the current environment. Responses in the pork and hog markets have lied somewhere in the middle. They have been negatively impacted, but not to the extent of cattle and beef prices. Another unique aspect of the poultry and

hog markets is that they are primarily contracted driven. By nature, producers in these environments are somewhat shielded from these market impacts. However, contract producers do want to consider potential implications of this demand shock as it can potentially impact time between placements and contract renewal. There is also the potential for markets shocks to affect the value of manure and litter, however the timing will likely keep nutrient prices stable. While dairy markets will not completely escape the wrath of COVID-19, they are likely to benefit from the fact that a large share of dairy products are consumed at home. The exception is the impact of school closures, which do account for a significant amount of fluid milk consumption. Dairy producers are also likely to be impacted by substitutions across dairy products. Higher value dairy products like yogurts and ice creams are the most likely to feel substitution effects, but in both cases, significant private label options exist. These factors combined with a smaller dairy cow herd and lower feed prices should buffer the impacts on dairy producers. The impact on equine markets is also difficult to assess. Kentucky equine receipts had been on a very solid trajectory, trending up for the last three years. However, sale values are impacted by overall economic conditions and those sale values also impact stud fees. In both cases, a significant amount of money flows into the equine sector from outside the United States. Lower crude oil prices have the potential to decrease buying power from the Middle East. This, coupled with losses from a slowing global economy and a strengthening U.S. dollar are very likely to hurt equine sales in the near future. In addition, many sales have been cancelled and a large number of races have been either cancelled or run without spectators. It is hard to imagine that this won’t have implications for the overall equine market.

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VISIT US TODAY! ALL AGES WELCOME • SCHEDULE A GROUP VISIT AND CHOOSE YOUR LESSON PLAN • CATERING IS AVAILABLE

THE YARDS is an education center focusing on the science and practices of the beef industry. Educational opportunities provide a unique learning experience based on its location in the Blue Grass Regional Stockyards Marketplace. This environment fosters complex thinking, experiential learning, and life skill application.

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FEATURE

QUA R L E S C O M M E N D S K RO G E R F O R

E X PA N D I N G L O C A L FA R M O P T I O N S AT S T O R E S K E N T U C K Y P R O U D G R O U N D B E E F, L A M B , A N D P O R K P R O D U C T S AVA I L A B L E AT K R O G E R Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles is praising the nation’s largest supermarket chain for its increased commitment to selling Kentucky Proud farm food. “As Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner, my administration is focused on increasing the amount of Kentucky Proud foods on grocery shelves across the Commonwealth and the nation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles. “Due to the hard work of our administration, Kentucky farm families, and Kroger, Kentuckians can now find more local protein products than ever before. On behalf of our family farms, I want to commend Kroger for their commitment to supporting Kentucky agriculture, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Kroger began selling Freedom Run Farm ground lamb in 25 Kentucky stores on March 31. Greg Osborn, meat and seafood merchandiser for Kroger’s Louisville Division, said sales got off to a good start. Racks of lamb and porterhouse loin chops are also available in select stores. “Buying local is important to our customers, and several years ago, we began working on sourcing products from our family farmers in the Commonwealth,” said Osborn. “The sales show the support people have for local food, and we are thrilled to be introducing lamb just in time for Easter.” Freedom Run Farm is a consortium of shepherds across Kentucky who work together to bring pasture-raised lamb to market under one brand. The breed of lamb is classified as Katahdin lamb, an Appalachian heritage breed, known for its mild flavor quality. “I would like to thank Kroger and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for their tireless work supporting local producers and agribusinesses like myself,” said Valerie Samutin of Freedom Run Farm. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Kentucky shepherds are concerned by a sudden loss of market access. The fact that the Kroger family and Commissioner 30

Quarles and his team stepped up to the plate to make this happen is welcome news for all the producers Freedom Run Farms represents.” Kroger’s debut of Freedom Run Farm’s ground lamb builds on previous Kentucky Proud protein product partnerships between the grocer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. In 2018, Kroger began selling Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef in Kentucky and has since expanded the product line to Tennessee. Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef is fresh, natural beef raised by Kentucky farm families. The beef is ground and packaged by Creation Gardens of Louisville. The ground beef is a product of Beef Solutions, a limited liability company owned by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association who has worked with over 123 farmers from 44 counties across the Commonwealth. “The numbers speak for themselves: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef is an overwhelming success,” said Beef Solutions Chairman and cattleman Jeff Pettit. “Since beginning production in March 2018, our producers have seen more than $1.2 million in farm gate sales from this product, and that number is only going to go up. I thank Kroger, Commissioner Quarles, and the entire Kentucky Department of Agriculture for their commitment to Kentucky cattle producers.” In November 2019, Kroger launched pasture-raised pork sausage products in select stores from central Kentucky-based Marksbury Farms. Locations were quickly expanded, and now Marksbury’s breakfast sausage, bratwursts, Italian sausage, and ground chorizo is sold in Lexington, Louisville, Danville, Nicholasville, Somerset, Richmond, Winchester, Mount Sterling, Shelbyville, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Georgetown, Versailles, and Bardstown. Marksbury Farms opened in 2010 in Lancaster with a vision to maximize the value of Kentucky’s pasture land by producing high quality local, grass-fed meat through a partnership of family farms that all comply with the COW COUNTRY •

company’s strict production standards.

ClickList.

“Kroger has opened up doors for us and our partners that were previously closed,” said Cliff Swaim of Marksbury Farm. “We are so grateful to them, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Commissioner Quarles for putting a spotlight on local food, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope many consumers will make a habit out of buying local, and of course, we hope they consider picking up Marksbury Farm products in select Kroger stores around the state.”

“We are grateful to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund for continuing to support the Kentucky Proud brand,” said Commissioner Quarles. “We thank Kroger for their commitment to Kentucky Proud. We have other projects in the works and we hope Kentucky consumers will stay tuned for the next big Kentucky Proud food item.”

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and Marksbury chorizo are currently available to preorder on Kroger’s ClickList pick-up service, and Osborn expects Kroger to add Freedom Run ground lamb as well as Marksbury sausage and brats soon. Once a store sells the product, he said it should be available to order from that store on

For more information about Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef, go to www. KentuckyCattlemensBeef.com.

For more information about Freedom Run Farm’s ground lamb product, go to www.FreedomRunFarm.org.

For more information about Marksbury Farm’s pork products, visit www. MarksburyFarm.com

BULLS & CALF CATCHERS FOR SALE RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: 2 years old, registered, A.I., and have been semen checked. LEASING PROGRAM FOR BULLS: 2 yr. old bulls for lease, semen checked, and have all shots $1,050 per bull for 90 days. Also, if you want to see a video of calf catcher, go to safetyzonecalfcatchers.com digital scales also available. Robert Burry of PA says, “I am 63 years old, work alone, and I wouldn’t be calving without it.”

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FEATURE

U S DA A N N O U N C E S C O R O N AV I R U S F O O D A S S I S TA N C E P R O G R A M U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. President Trump directed USDA to craft this $19 billion immediate relief program to provide critical support to our farmers and ranchers, maintain the integrity of our food supply chain, and ensure every American continues to receive and have access to the food they need. “During this time of national crisis, President Trump and USDA are standing with our farmers, ranchers, and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of,” Secretary Perdue said. “The American food supply chain had to adapt, and it remains safe, secure, and strong, and we all know that starts with America’s farmers and ranchers. This program will not only provide immediate relief for our farmers and ranchers, but it will also allow for the purchase and distribution of our agricultural abundance to help our fellow Americans in need.” CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals. 1. Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19. 2. USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of COW COUNTRY •

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many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need. • USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs. • The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability. Further details regarding eligibility, rates, and other implementation will be released at a later date. Additional Background: USDA has taken action during the COVID-19 national emergency to make sure children and families are fed during a time of school closures and job losses, as well as increase flexibilities and extensions in USDA’s farm programs to ensure the U.S. food supply chain remains safe and secure. Feeding Kids and Families • USDA

expanded

flexibilities

waivers in all 50 states and territories to ensure kids and families who need food can get it during this national emergency.

• USDA announced farm loan flexibilities, deferrals, and maturity extensions.

• USDA is partnering with the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, McLane Global, PepsiCo, and others to deliver more than 1,000,000 meals a week to students in a limited number of rural schools closed due to COVID-19.

• USDA released The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide, a first-of-itskind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

• USDA authorized Pandemic EBT in Michigan and Rhode Island, a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. • USDA expanded an innovative SNAP online grocery purchase pilot program in Arizona and California, Florida and Idaho, and DC and North Carolina, in addition to Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Oregon and Washington. Actions to Ensure a Strong Food Supply Chain • USDA is working to ensure the food supply remains safe and secure. • USDA announced flexibilities to ensure food distribution for certain food products like dairy and eggs reach retail settings.

Whole of Government Response in Rural America

• USDA opened a second application window (April 14, 2020 to July 13, 2020) for $72 million of funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. • USDA Rural Development lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals without prior agency approval for Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees. • USDA will use the $100 million provided for the ReConnect Program in the CARES Act to invest in qualified 100 percent grant projects. For all the information on USDA’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic and resources available, please visit https:// www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

USDA will provide $16 billion in direct payments to farmers & ranchers including:

• • • •

$9.6 billion for the livestock industry • $5.1 billion for cattle • $2.9 billion for dairy • $1.6 billion for hogs $3.9 billion for row crop producers $2.1 billion for specialty crops producers $500 million for others crops

Producers will receive a single payment determined using two calculations: • Price losses that occurred January 1-April 15, 2020. Producers will be compensated for 85% of price loss during that period. • Second part of the payment will be expected losses from April 15 through the next two quarters, and will cover 30% of expected losses. The payment limit is $125,000 per commodity with an overall limit of $250,000 per individual or entity. Qualified commodities must have experienced a 5% price decrease between January and April. USDA is expediting the rule making process for the direct payment program and expects to begin sign-up for the new program in early May and to get payments out to producers by the end of May or early June.

and

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LEGAL NEWS

I S YO U R CONTRACT L E G A L LY ENFORCEABLE DURING C OV I D - 19 ?

HERITAGE FARM REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE 5 16-18 MONTH OLD • 5 YEARLINGS CALVING EASE WITH EXCELLENT GROWTH NUMBERS

CANDACE SMITH

100% GUARANTEED

Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC

Businesses across Kentucky are being impacted by the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, and farms are no exception. Even if your business has not experienced a direct impact from COVID-19, it is likely that others you have contracted with will be impacted. The good news is that you may have legal options available to minimize your potential loss during these uncertain times. Because the economy and governmental regulations are changing quickly, it is important to be proactive and know your options sooner rather than later. Initially, as an agricultural business, you should identify the ways that your business is being, or may be, impacted by the COVID-19 situation, both internally and externally. Although you cannot predict the future, you can identify your company’s contracts and consider whether your company, or those you have contracted with, may have trouble meeting the contract requirements. For example, your company may find itself suddenly trying to avoid lease payments on equipment, trying to get out of a supply contract, or trying to enforce a land lease with your tenant. The terms of your contracts will likely dictate what

options you have. If your business will be negatively impacted by COVID-19, you may want to seek legal advice about how to move forward. Depending on the terms of your contracts, there may be several ways your business can avoid (or enforce) its contractual requirements during the COVID-19 situation. You may be able to use a force majeure clause to avoid a contract obligation. A force majeure clause is generally a contract provision used to protect the parties when certain circumstances arise. Kentucky Utilities Co. v. S. E. Coal Co., 836 S.W.2d 392, 399 (Ky. 1992), as modified on denial of reh’g (Aug. 25, 1992). A “force majeure event” is typically considered to be an event “caused by overpowering, superior, or irresistible force, such as an act of God, which is beyond the reasonable control of the parties and cannot be avoided by the exercise of due care.” Id. at 400. Your contract may specifically define the types of events that qualify and what your business must do to enforce such a provision. You may also be able to avoid performing under the contract by arguing the COVID-19 situation, possibly including government regulations in response to

COVID-19, has frustrated the purpose of the contract or made your performance impracticable or impossible. Id. at 39798; Wickliffe Farms, Inc. v. Owensboro Grain Co., 684 S.W.2d 17, 19 (Ky. App. 1984); Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 355.2-615 (West 2020); Frazier v. Collins, 187 S.W.2d 816, 817-18 (Ky. 1945). On the other hand, someone that you have contracted with may try to use these same tools to get out of a contract that you want to enforce.

FOR FIRST BREEDING SEASON Call Tom McGinnis

502-655-0164

1024 HINKLE LANE • SHELBYVILLE, KY

All, some, or none of these options may be available, depending on the terms of your company’s contract. You may need to identify the relevant contract terms and look for any exceptions to those terms. You may also want to review your insurance contracts and request coverage that may apply to your situation. Additionally, you may decide that your best option is to try to negotiate and reach a solution with the other side. An attorney can assist you with each of these steps and help you decide which option is best for your business. If you are concerned that your business has already missed payment or supply deadlines, an attorney can still advise you about ways to minimize your potential loss moving forward.

These materials are public information and have been prepared solely for educational purposes. These materials reflect only the personal views of the authors and are not individualized legal advice. It is understood that each case is fact-specific, and that the appropriate solution in any case will vary. Therefore, these materials may or may not be relevant to any particular situation. Thus, the authors and Steptoe & Johnson PLLC cannot be bound either philosophically or as representatives of their various present and future clients to the comments expressed in these materials. The presentation of these materials does not establish any form of attorney-client relationship with the authors or Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. While every attempt was made to ensure that these materials are accurate, errors or omissions may be contained therein, for which any liability is disclaimed.

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FEATURE

7th Annual Spring

S TAT E BEEF COUNCILS WIN MAJOR LEGAL V I C TO RY

Production Sale

May 16, 2020 • 11 a.m. Michie, Tennessee Crazy K Rita 4291

CED +5 BW +2.3 WW +66 YW +128 MILK +32 CW +60 MARB +1.08 RE +.82 $M +40 $W +70 $F+119 $G +78 $B +197 $C +296

Selling progeny sired by EWA High Weigh and SS Niagara from the $260,000 valued Crazy K donor Rita 4291, who is a daughter of AAR Ten X 7008 SA from SJH Complete of 6108 1564.

The Beef Checkoff program and fifteen grassroots-led state beef councils won a major court victory today when the United States District Court of Montana ruled in favor of USDA and the Montana Beef Council in the matter of R-CALF vs. Sonny Perdue and USDA. NCBA praised the court’s decision, which ends a legal battle that has spanned more than three years and interrupted beef promotion functions in Montana. The case had threatened local input and promotion efforts at the state level across the country. “The foundation of the Beef Checkoff has always been state beef councils that collect checkoff funds and determine how those investments are used for research, marketing and promotion efforts in individual states. Those efforts are directed by the same cattlemen and cattlewomen who pay the checkoff, so this victory goes a long way toward ensuring they continue to direct those investments,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. Woodall emphasized that NCBA will continue to stand with state beef councils whose work is crucial to maintaining beef demand throughout the nation. The court ruling can be accessed at https:// bit.ly/2RJ5DV2

HR Ruby 7099 CED +10 BW +2.3 WW +85 YW +157 MILK +18 CW +83 MARB +.65 RE +.88 $M +45 $W +72 $F+143 $G +58 $B +201 $C +306

Selling full interest in this donor sired by EXAR Hi-Tech 4769B from 44 Ruby 2357, the all-time income producing leader in the 44 Farms program and $500,000 foundation High Roller Angus donor. Progeny by Southern Charm and EWA West Point also sell.

Selling:

Donors • Heifer Pregnancies • Fall & Spring Pairs Bred Heifers • ET Heifers

CRAZY K RANCH

Sale Managed by:

517.546.6374 www.cotton-associates.com

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Sammy and Sherry Kiser, Owners • 833 North Prather Road • Michie, TN 38357 Charlie Adkins, Manager • Phone 731-439-7350 • crazykranch@hotmail.com

www.crazykranch.com

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L A N D A N D WAT E R U S E P L A N N I N G A P P L I E D T O A PA S T U R E - B A S E D B E E F O P E R AT I O N Steve Higgins, Director of Animal and Environmental Compliance A typical cow-calf grazing operation needs to feed and water cattle on a daily basis. Ideally, this is accomplished by rotating cattle from field to field and providing them with a convenient source of water to drink. Cattle operations can better manage cattle when facilities are designed to meet the needs of cattle and the producer. Land use-planning can increase production and reduce production costs. Land and water use planning is a systems approach to solving production problems through developing or improving an agricultural operation. This process questions the technological validity and biological necessity of every feature of an operation or area of interest. The process systematically addresses the problems located within a defined area, the way the problems could be solved, the plan for solving the problem, and weighs the options to develop economical and optimal resource use. The objectives of land and water use planning are to increase production and reduce production costs. This is accomplished by critically evaluating the type, scale, timing, sequence, nature, and purpose of every element of every process. The ultimate goal is to bring all of the farm’s

resources (soil, water, air, machinery, shape and condition of all field and structures, livestock, and labor) into a condition of better balance or harmony. To be successful, this approach should improve water, soil and air qualities, and thereby improve animal performance. It accomplishes this by evaluating space that includes access, location, shape and dimensions of watering stations, building layout, barn function, structures, pastures, feeding structures, and lanes/ alleyways/roadways to improve efficiency for the producer. A demonstration of land and water use planning is this example from a working farm. The Eden Shale Farm, in Owen County KY, has an old structure that was once used as the sheep barn. (Fig. 1). An abandoned silo bisects the open, southwestern side of the structure. Animals get into the structure by ascending a slope at its southern end. Several pastures and a city-fed water fountain (Figs. 1 and 2) are adjacent to the structure. Many pastures are in a rotational grazing schedule, which incorporates these four pastures. The structure is used to house feed or provide shade to groups of cattle during the rotation, depending on the group and the

Figure 2. Entrance ramp and automatic watering fountain before renovating the southern end of the structure. time of the year. This rotational schedule has the cattle grazing the pastures for ten days and leaving the area for about 30 days to allow the pastures to recover. Land and water use planning for this farm had specific objectives: to improve cattle surfaces; the space provided for them to move, eat, and drink; the air they breathe; and the means by which they were confined. Creating plans, maps, sketches, and calculations cost very little

to do and guided the planning group’s decisions. Mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Earth Pro, Arc Map, etc. were very useful for creating maps and measuring distances. The planning process also clarified options for solving problems. An economic analysis of the materials needed to implement a plan could be determined from the plan. A cost-benefit analysis could also be conducted to justify the expense of the

Figure 1. Old Sheep Barn on the Eden Shale Farm in Owen County, KY. There are adjacent pastures just beyond the edges of this picture.

Figure 3. Heavy-use area being installed in the gateway into the pasture and ramp into the structure.

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Figure 4. The backside of the structure before removing sheet metal to improve ventilation. project. To improve surfaces for cattle traffic, a heavy-use area was created using geotextile fabric and rock starting at the gateway of the main pasture, up the ramp, and into the structure. This was created to provide an all-weather surface to improve the surfaces, control mud, and provide drainage (Fig. 3). To improve air quality, the top section of the northeast wall was removed (Figs. 4 and 5). Opening this area under the eave allowed prevailing winds to pass through the narrow side of the structure. The air movement helps keep the barn air fresh, while moving moisture and contaminants out of the structure. Dry manure creates

less odor and attracts fewer flies than wet manure. Drinking water was improved by creating a water-harvesting system with improved access to a watering station. Rainfall harvested from the roof provides the drinking water for stock, when they are in this area. The 40 by 60 structure captures approximately 1,500 gallons of rainwater with each inch of rainfall. To create the system, the downspouts from the southwest were routed into two - 2,000 gallon cisterns, which were placed on the southwest side of the structure. The downspouts from the northeast side were routed through the structure to also drain into these cisterns (Fig. 6). Water captured in the cisterns

Figure 5. The backside of the structure after sheet metal was removed to improve airflow.

Fig. 6. The water harvesting system consists of collection, conveyance, storage, distribution, and power. Downspouts from the entire roof discharge into two 2,000 gallon cisterns. The storage area and maximum height of the water in the silo is represented by the painted area. is pumped into the silo, which was sealed with hydraulic cement to store water. The total volume of the system is approximately 6,000 gallons. This volume matches the requirements for 30 cow-calf pairs, or approximately 5,300 gallons, with a buffer of 700 gallons. Assuming Kentucky averages four inches of precipitation per month, the system has time to recharge while the cattle are rotated to another pasture for 30 days. The water pump and controller were purchased as a unit. A 12-volt solar panel and pump controller powers the system from the cisterns to the silo. A series of float switches turns the pump on and off automatically, as needed, to keep the silo filled and empty the cisterns. Once in the silo, the water can be distributed to the waterer using head pressure or gravity and controlled by the float valve in the tire waterer. The water supply to the tire waterer is a hybrid system. In winter, the system is drained and the water supply is switched to city water. The size of the pastures at this site allowed 31 cow-calf pairs to graze for 10 days. The water requirement for the cattle was estimated to be 17 gallons per cow-calf pair. The total requirement, for the 10 days, was estimated to be 5,270 gallons, whereas the water harvesting system provided approximately 5,538. One method to justify the expense of the water harvesting system is to consider water not being available. The grazing plan for this farm utilized this paddock

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system approximately six times per year. Thirty-one cows grazing for ten days, six times per year would equal 1,860 grazing days per year. In the absence of water, cattle would have to be fed with harvested and conserved forages costing approximately $2.00 per day. The economic benefit of the water harvesting system for a year would be approximately $3,720. Land and water use planning considers spatial parameters that include access, location, shape and dimensions. Figure 7 shows a diagram of the watering station that was installed on the Eden Shale Farm. Drinking water is piped to a circular tire waterer at the intersection of four fields. The location is a summit position that allows cattle to stand flat when drinking, which is what they prefer. Installing the circular waterer using a recycled tire in a fence-line increases efficiency by creating a hub. A concrete pad was installed around the tire to provide firm, flat footing for the animals. A geotextile fabric and rock heavy use area was created on the remaining surface of the hub and into the gateways. Opening the cross gates allows the producer to use the entire area to water a herd; gates can be closed so the waterer serves two separate cattle groups simultaneously. Having four gates from the hub lead into four different pastures facilitates rotational grazing. Viewed from the pasture side, the gates going into CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Figure 7. Diagram of the four-way waterer at the Eden Shale Farm, in Owen County, Ky. the hub are located in the corner of each pasture, which facilitates cattle transfer and circulation. The proximity of the hub gates allows a producer to move cattle from any field to any of the three other fields with a maximum travel distance of approximately 45 feet. Relocating the water source from its original location to further into the field reduced the one-way cattle travel distance by 500 feet and created a centralized location between the four pastures. Installing the tire at a height equal to or less than 22-inches lets calves drink. This will allow them to get on forage sooner and increase gains compared to calves on

milk alone. In addition to providing water, this centralized, hub design can be used for mineral, concentrate diets in portable bunkers, and as a catch pen. An insecticide rope can be placed across the gateway to provide control of face flies. The greatest advantage of this structure is that it performs its main function of providing water, while improving and simplifying the cattle management. Figure 8 is a current aerial view of the project area. Comparing this image with the images in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, demonstrates the repositioned waterer in relation to the heifer barn and rotating pastures.

Summary A typical cow-calf operation needs to feed and water cattle on a daily basis. This is accomplished by rotating cattle from field to field and providing them with a convenient water source. Cattle operations can manage cattle better when facilities are designed to meet the needs of cattle and the producer. At Eden Shale, an existing structure, a used construction tire, and surrounding pastures were used to reduce capital costs and create an automated system. This system implemented as part of this case study used free energy in the form

of prevailing winds, gravity, solar energy, and precipitation. Installing a watering station that served four pastures allowed the producer to easily move cattle from field to field and saved time. In this way, land use-planning can increase production and reduce production costs. Shape, dimension, location, and access play a crucial role in land and water use planning. A large circular waterer split between two pastures provided space for animals to drink. The harvested water source was automatic, except for seasonal maintenance. Soil, water, and air conditions were improved for animal health. Mud around the waterer, ramp, gateways, and structure was reduced by creating heavy-use areas for cattle to eat, drink, and lie on. Ventilation was improved in the structure to increase clean air and reduce odor. Approaching cattle management from a land and water-use planning perspective encourages producers to build a productive environment for cattle, which promotes good animal health, rapid growth, and efficient feed use. The planning part of the land and water use process requires maps and documentation. Google Earth images and cost benefit analysis are some of the tools that can be used in the planning process. Once a system is installed, it should reduce production costs while optimizing cattle performance, which improves farm profits and function. References CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering. 1999. International Commission of Agricultural Engineering. The future of the land: mobilizing and integrating knowledge for land use options. 1994. Edited by Fresco, L. O. Stroosnijder, L., Bouma, J., and Van Keulen, H. Published by John Wiley and Sons.

Figure 8. An aerial view of the heifer barn complex with its four-way waterer. 36

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CATTLEMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM HAS THIRD SESSION IN FRANKFORT Nikki Whitaker, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Leadership Program had their third session February 25-26 in Frankfort. This session focuses on policy within the state and gives the group a first-hand look at the legislation process. The first day began with the class meeting with Senator Paul Hornback, Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture Chair. The group was able to COW COUNTRY •

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ask many questions to the legislators and came away with a better understanding of the legislative process and how it can benefit Kentucky’s agriculture industry. The group attended both the Senate Ag Committee and House Ag Committee meetings during their session. For many, it was their first time attending a legislative committee meeting.

They also heard from Warren Beeler, Director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy and Tim Hughes, Senior Trade Advisor for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture who gave an overview of the programs each of their office manages. Other speakers included Representative Richard Heath, chair of the House Agriculture

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and Small Business Committee; Sherman Brown with McCarthy Strategic Solutions, and Dorsey Ridley, Governor Beshear’s director of legislative services. Session 3 marks the halfway point in the six session program. For more information about the KCA Leadership Development Program, visit kycattle.org 37

FEATURE

C O N T R O L L I N G T H E B V D V I R U S I N C O W - C A L F O P E R AT I O N S MICHELLE ARNOLD DVM-Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, University of Kentucky

“BVD” or “Bovine Viral Diarrhea” virus causes the most common and costliest reproductive problems in KY cow herds. Control of the BVD virus is through 3 equally important methods: 1) surveillance (testing) to detect it, 2) vaccination to keep it in check and 3) biosecurity measures to reduce entry into the herd. The following series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) are designed to help understand the way in which BVD enters a beef herd and how best to recognize and mitigate its effects. Question 1: What does disease due to BVD virus look like in a cow-calf herd? One of the main problems with this virus is its name. Although BVD stands for “Bovine Viral Diarrhea”, rarely does an animal show any symptoms of diarrhea. Instead, cow-calf producers may detect one or more of the following reproductive problems in the herd: 1. Poor reproductive performance/ more open cows despite good nutrition and fertile bulls; a. Decrease in overall pregnancy rate and % pregnant after the first service. This “delayed breeding” is often blamed on the AI technician, a dud bull, hot weather, or fescue when really it is a viral problem. b. Abortions (at any stage), stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and weak newborns. 2. Physical abnormalities (dummy calves, eye defects, cleft palate) in newborns; 3. Calf losses due to pneumonia or scours before weaning. It is important to realize that BVD virus in a herd may not have easily recognizable “classic signs” such as an increased number of abortions or birth defects. It may simply look like fewer mature cows pregnant at pregnancy check or finding cows open at calving season. Question 2: How does BVD virus get into a cow-calf herd? Research has proven that the #1 cause of BVD virus entering a herd is through the 38

purchase of pregnant females, especially first calf heifers, without proper testing for the virus. Testing must include both testing the pregnant female for BVD and testing her calf after birth for “PI” status. All newly purchased cattle, regardless of age, should be tested for presence of the virus and isolated from the herd until results are available. Other possible sources of the BVD virus in a cow/calf herd include introduction of bulls into the herd without testing for BVD, fence line contact with feeder calves or a neighboring herd, and blood borne transmission through contaminated equipment. Show cattle can bring the virus back when they return to the farm from fairs and exhibitions. A calf purchased from a sale to graft on a cow or feeder calves purchased at auction may be PI. Question 3: If I purchase a pregnant cow or heifer and she tests BVD negative, why would I need to test her calf at birth? Although the pregnant cow is negative, she may be carrying a persistently infected (“PI”) calf that will test positive. If a pregnant cow or heifer is infected with the BVD virus between 42-125 days of gestation, she will experience a “transient BVD infection” which is often mild, or she may show no symptoms at all. However, the virus will also cross the placenta, infecting her unborn calf. When this calf is born, it is “persistently infected” or “PI” and is a “carrier” and “spreader” of the virus for its lifetime. Most PIs are born to heifers who were naïve (poorly vaccinated) at the time of BVD virus exposure. The dams that experience a short, transient infection while pregnant will be negative when tested for BVD but their calves, if PI, will be positive. However, a PI dam will be positive when tested for BVD and her calf will be positive, too. Bottom line: If a calf tests positive, the dam can be either positive or negative! But, if a calf tests negative, the dam can only be negative. Talk to your vet if you need further clarification. COW COUNTRY •

Question 4: Why is it important to identify PI calves in the herd? “PI” animals are the major reservoir for the virus and the reason it continues to exist. A BVD-PI calf is born with the BVD virus and sheds virus continuously everywhere it goes throughout its life. PI animals are the primary source of virus transmission because they shed an extremely high number of virus particles throughout their lives in feces, urine, saliva, and nasal discharge. If a PI survives to adulthood, virus is also secreted in milk, semen, uterine secretions, and aborted fetal membranes. A PI cow will always have a PI calf. The virus is deposited in watering troughs, feed troughs, round bales of hay, cattle trailers-virtually everywhere the animal goes-and then picked up by the other cattle in the herd. What is largely misunderstood is the effect one BVD-PI calf in the pasture can have on mature cows during breeding and early pregnancy. The most critical 30-day timeframe in a pregnancy is at 60-90 days of gestation. If one PI calf is out in the pasture constantly shedding virus during breeding season, many (if not all) of the cows/heifers will be exposed to the virus during this high risk time, resulting in early embryonic deaths, delayed breeding, abortions, malformed calves, and development of the next generation of PI calves. In addition, calves born in the same group as the PI calf may have more sickness (scours, summer pneumonias) due to the immunosuppressive effects of constant virus exposure from the PI calf. Remember, all PI animals are born as PI calves and will remain PI for life. Question 5: How are PI calves identified? Do they look different? PI calves may appear stunted and grow poorly or may look completely normal. For example, the top bull in the 2000 Wisconsin State Fair was tested and found to be PI. Although it is often assumed PIs will die young, some survive well into adulthood and have calves or can be fed out to slaughter weight. M AY 2 0 2 0

Testing for persistently infected (PI) animals is easy and inexpensive with the BVD ELISA test. The most commonly used sample for identifying PI cattle is an ear notch. Blood (serum) can also be used but not in calves less than 3 months old. If the test result is negative, that animal is negative for life and will not need testing again. Any BVD ELISA positive test result should be confirmed by segregating the animal and retesting a second ear notch or blood sample drawn 3 weeks after the first sample. True PI animals will still be positive after 3 weeks while those animals with a short-term infection (transiently infected or “TI”) will test negative. Question 6: What is the best way to test a beef herd for PI animals? Work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan for testing and what actions will be taken with the results. To test the herd, the following steps are recommended: 1. Test all calves early- Calves should be at least 2 weeks old before taking an ear notch sample. These can be stored in the freezer if necessary. If using a controlled breeding and calving season, test all calves after the last calf is born but before placing the bull in a breeding group in order to remove PI calves from pasture before breeding begins. 2. If a calf is confirmed positive, then test the dam. Remember, a calf can be positive for PI but the dam will usually be negative (see Question 3 for the explanation). 3. Test any cow without a calf at her side. If pregnant, it is acceptable to wait and test her calf when it is born. If calf is negative, then the dam can be assumed negative and does not need to be tested. 4. Test all bulls and replacement heifers (purchased or raised). 5. Purchased Pregnant Cows-Quarantine and test purchased cow and, if negative, she can join the herd. However, bear in mind her calf could still be a PI. Test her calf when it is 2 weeks of age or older, the

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

sooner the better. 6. Remember PIs are considered defective and there is a legal, moral and ethical obligation to either feed them out for personal consumption or euthanize and dispose of these animals without sending/returning them to commerce. Animals that test positive are not to be sold, given away or transported without approval of the State Veterinarian. Question 7: Since I vaccinate my cows annually, is my herd fully protected from BVD? Unfortunately, no. Vaccination does not equal immunization nor prevention of infection! “Vaccination” is drawing up a vaccine in a syringe and injecting it into an animal. “Immunization” is the animal mounting an immune response to the vaccine. “Prevention of Infection” is the goal but is never 100% guaranteed, because there is no such thing as 100% immunity. Vaccines against BVD (including those with Fetal Protection claims or “FP” vaccines) will reduce the chance of fetal exposure but vaccines do not always prevent this from happening. The current BVD vaccines available contain

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BVD virus 1a and BVD virus 2a strains. These vaccines were more effective when strains 1a and 2a were the most prevalent types but now Type 1b is the dominant strain. Problems within the animals themselves may prevent a good immune response. Animals that are sick when vaccinated, stressed, in poor nutritional status or too young to produce antibodies will not be protected with vaccination. A PI calf within a herd will suppress the immune response from vaccine in all calves it contacts. Finally, yet importantly, management errors are an all-too-common cause of vaccine failure. These may include: • • • • • •

Not following label directions (for example, not giving 2 doses of killed vaccine) Improper mixing of vaccine (shaking violently rather than swirling) Failure to use modified live vaccine within 1 hour of mixing (VERY COMMON ERROR) Inappropriate storage either before or during use of the product (must be kept cool) Use of expired vaccine Use of soap, detergent, or disinfectants to clean the inside of

multi-dose syringes used to inject modified live vaccine (inactivates vaccine) Question 8: Which vaccine is better, modified-live or killed? When should vaccines be given for optimal protection from BVD? The highest risk for a bovine pregnancy is the 30-day timeframe from 6090 days of gestation. Therefore, the goal is to maximize immunity during the first trimester of pregnancy. Mature, breeding-age cattle should be vaccinated 4-6 weeks prior to breeding with a combination viral respiratory vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) with Campylobacter fetus (Vibriosis) and 5-way Leptospirosis included. Follow label directions carefully. The question of whether to use modified live or killed vaccine is not an easy one to answer. Many popular beef magazines offer articles concerning what types of vaccines work “the best” or are “safest” according to the latest research. The truth is, there are tradeoffs when it comes to vaccine selection. Modified live vaccines (MLVs) offer better and more effective BVD protection but can impact conception rates if given too close to

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

breeding season. If using timed artificial insemination (AI), experts recommend administering MLV vaccines 45 days prebreeding in order to allow 2 estrus cycles prior to insemination. In addition, MLV vaccines can cause abortions if given to pregnant cattle without strict adherence to label directions. Killed vaccines, on the other hand, are safer but are not nearly as good at preventing fetal BVD infection. A herd with excellent biosecurity and at very low risk can err on the side of safety and use killed vaccine. However, herds that purchase animals (including bulls) or herds in close proximity to stocker cattle, unvaccinated neighboring cattle, or other probable exposure should err on the side of efficacy and choose modified live. Another option is to administer two doses of MLV vaccine to open heifers (at weaning and a second dose 6 weeks prior to breeding) with annual revaccination using a killed vaccine. This combination stimulates excellent protection without the risk of MLVs although this protective response will diminish after several years. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, cattle herds are unique entities with different risks for disease on every farm so work with a veterinarian to choose the right vaccines for the herd.

FEATURE

M AY B E I T ’ S T I M E : FA R M E M E R G E N C I E S A N D IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE WHILE QUARANTINED Paula Ratliff, Superior Fence Systems If you have a big bull that is stomping and snorting, communicating in bull language that he would like a different pasture; this is not the time to remember that you bought a cheap gate. Because if the bull decides he wants to charge your gate, unless you have a hot-dipped galvanized gate, chances are pretty strong (no pun intended) that it is going to bend and you may have an emergency situation on your farm. There are some purchases that need to be top quality, and a strong gate is one of them. We often have farmers calling our store with emergency situations, such as a damaged gate or a tractor or renegade car just removed a few posts and some fence! Sometimes a watering device will spring a leak creating a cascade of water running into the fields. Fence chargers can take an “extra” charge during electrical storms, and will need maintenance or replaced, or else the entire herd may head in a different direction. Thunderstorms are notorious for removing metal roofing as it seems the open barn design draws

the hurling winds inside and they escape through the roof taking a few pieces of metal. Farm emergencies happen. Farmers are facing uncertain times right now with demand for many of our agricultural products greatly reduced. We have no answers as to when this quarantine will subside and what our world will look like when it does. As planting season begins for many of us, we are all anxious as we think of the harvest and the uncertainty of the future. Maybe this is the time to do what farmers do best and that is to work. Maybe it’s time to tackle some of the projects that have been on hold due to time constraints. Some households have family members that are laid-off or working from home. They too may be worried and looking for ways to ease the stress. Tackling a project together may provide an opportunity for good quality time and will be a good investment for the future of the farm. Now may be a good time to create and/or enhance your cattle working area or time to fence new pastures or reshape pastures COW COUNTRY •

to better fit your needs. Maybe it’s time to hang some new gates to give the farm an immediate face lift. Maybe it’s time to paint some barns, roofs or fences. Nothing says “new” like a fresh coat of paint. Fibered aluminum and aluminum paint do wonders for rusty roofs. Maybe it’s time to replace the metal for a new, leak-free roof. Maybe it’s the time to complete some routine and preventive maintenance on farm equipment. My husband always has one or two pieces of equipment that he would like for me to wash. Maybe it’s time to replace or install a watering device. If you do not have one, you can’t imagine how much it will change your life if you are currently hauling water or relying on pond water. A watering device will ensure that your animals enjoy clean drinking water. Maybe it’s time to update the entrance to your farm, adding columns, gates, and landscaping. Custom gates and metal medallions are very popular right now and can help your farm with product M AY 2 0 2 0

branding. Maybe it’s time to review the “honey do-list” which may be different from the “farm improvement list.” You may find that you need to add a deck or increase the size of the deck, or maybe it’s time to add a porch or porch railings, a gazebo or a dock at your pond. A fresh new paint color on the front doors can add a splash of color while keeping more traditional colors on the shutters. These are just a few things you can do to make farm improvements while quarantined. Maybe this extra time at home with family will provide a great time of bonding and a time to tackle projects that may have slipped to the level of priorities. Hopefully it will soon be time to return to life as before, maybe even better and maybe, just maybe, it’s time. Paula and her husband, J. David Pedigo are the owners of Superior Fence Systems, Inc. in Glasgow, KY and Grass Haven Farms in Merry Oaks, KY.

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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

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CITY

SELLER’S SIGNATURE

STATE

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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

STATE OF ORIGIN*

TOTAL NUMBER OF CATTLE SOLD

X X

$1.OO per Head Federal Checkoff

$1.OO per Head State Checkoff

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+ =

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*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 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 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. 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.

C O W C O U N T R Y • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N R I L2 20 02 20 0 • • AAPPUUBBL LI C I CAT ATI O I ONNOOFFTTHHEEKKEENNTTUUCCKKYYCCAT ATTTL LEEMMEENN’ S’ SAASSSSOOCCI AT I ATI O I ONN COW COUNTRY • A MPAY

45 61 7 4

FEATURE

COVID-19: 4 LESSONS TO TEACH O U R YO U N G P E O P L E Jessica Judge We all felt the pain that followed the devastating events of March 11, 2020. First it was Houston, then Austin, then the Oklahoma Youth Expo and then many other shows around the country were cancelled. In a matter of a few weeks’ time, show staff members were forced to make the impossible command to shut down all livestock shows, leaving thousands of young people and families with broken hearts and livestock that never got a chance to show. This unfortunate series of unexpected events crushed the spirits and shook the lives of so many in our industry – and that pain is still very fresh.

This happenstance is unfortunate, heartbreaking, gut wrenching and disappointing for not only our youth, but the families, the feeders, the mentors, the villages and others in the industry whose shows haven’t been cancelled but have had to watch so much heartache unfold. And it casts a dark shadow on the fate of upcoming summer shows for many.

But even during these uncertain times, we cannot be afraid to move forward, and we must realize there is always something to be learned from every experience we encounter, good or bad. There are positives in every situation if we choose to find them. This is a circumstance our industry can still CHOOSE to use for the greater good of our future and here’s why: 1. You can cancel shows, but you can’t cancel experiences It is a true test to the human spirit when you work so hard for something for so long and an outcome never comes to fruition – or in this case, the opportunity to even try for an outcome. However, there is a common saying, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey” that is applicable to our lives at this given moment. Yes, shows were cancelled – but you can’t diminish the values our youth acquired along the journey. You can’t strip them of their work ethic, sense of responsibility,

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FEATURE

competitive edge and determination to succeed. You can’t take away the hours in the barn that were spent preparing with families, most likely arguing and fighting, but also working together and growing in love. You can’t take away the friendships kindled with others who share our love for this industry. You can’t take away the mentors and the people who have impacted young lives the most as they prepared their projects. And you can’t take away the passion we ALL have in our hearts for agriculture and the livestock industry. This is something we hold near and dear to our hearts. It is a passion that will only grow brighter amid defeat. Whether our youth step foot in the ring or not, we stay grounded in our belief that this is the best arena to raise kids, and the principles behind why we do what we do won’t change. 2. Disappointments teach us to RISE Disappointment is one of the most challenging emotions to work through. In this case, many of our young people have invested financially in their projects and devoted so many hours in preparation to compete on a large stage, especially seniors in their last year. However, in reflection of unexpected events such as this one, we must set aside the disappointment for just a moment and understand how truly unique this situation is to this generation. Our kids have already learned to set their standards high, commit to the hard work it requires to compete and how to win or lose with grace and integrity. But now they face the biggest test of all, learning to accept disappointment and endure it with patience with factors that are out of their control. This is a lesson that our world fails to prepare young people for more times than not, and ultimately, we set them up with unrealistic expectations for what is to come. The cancellation of major shows is a barrier unprecedented to our industry and one that very few kids will experience in their lifetime. And as sad as it may be, we can choose to utilize this

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as a tool to teach our kids that life doesn’t guarantee anything; a livestock show, getting into the school you want, getting that job you desired or getting another day here on earth. Life will be hard, you will be challenged and you won’t always come out on top – but how you handle those valleys and heartbreaking moments will say more about you as a person in the end. The way we react as an industry while “our sport” is being challenged will tell of the character we possess. The way our industry has shone through this lapse of darkness has proven that. I hope we can use these experiences to teach our kids that rejection, failure, unfair circumstances and bitter disappointments can make us all stronger, better people. For it is in times of true upset that true colors come out and we see what people, and our industry is truly made of. 3. Our legacy lives on OUTSIDE of the ring Being told you are unable to exhibit at the 11th hour is never easy. For seniors – you are missing out on your last chance to set foot in the ring, a place that played a huge role in your development. For others, you might have a once in a lifetime animal that never got a chance for consideration to compete. No matter what the circumstance may be, we have to realize that our success in the bigger picture is NOT defined by what we do in the show ring. In time, winners will be forgotten and accolades will fade, but our character and the way we influence others will shine through until the end of time. So, maybe you don’t get to show anymore - use it as a chance to mentor a new showman who does have the chance to grow and succeed. You say you won’t feel the rush of the showring anymore try feeling the rush of playing a part in watching someone else’s success. We have to know that a missed opportunity in the ring today is a temporary pain; it is not something that will impact our future success. The way we choose to impact others, serve those around us and give back to our industry will

ultimately define our legacy, and that reaches far beyond our time in the ring. 4. Families become more resilient in challenge Of all the lessons learned, the challenges we are faced with today prove that we CAN and WILL rise up amidst adversity. We are a true livestock FAMILY. We are a unique community who will come together, adapt and overcome roadblocks together. We are descendants of generations of agriculturists and livestock producers who would be proud to know we are coming together to protect the tradition of showing livestock, proving we can stand up for the agriculture industry on the largest platforms as we continue to be tested. The generous acts that have been put into motion because of this outbreak, such as putting on shows in a matter of days, supporting kids who can’t sell their projects, creating scholarships and much more, are setting an example for our youth and will carry on far after this outbreak. We are getting back to the basics, back to the roots of what this is all about – the youth. Our young people are witnessing industry leaders, organizations, ag teachers, parents and volunteers commit their time to selflessly provide opportunities for those youth to rise up. Through this example we cultivate generations of young people who know how to be gritty and tough when faced with obstacles. We are showing our young people how to be generous and willing to step up and get involved when it matters most. We are showing our kids how to stand up for what they believe in and stand up for the future of our industry. The efforts brought about by this outbreak prove that as our livelihoods continue to be challenged, we have the basic tools to make a united stand together and fight back. This timeout from livestock shows is hard on all of us, but maybe it is a chance to pump the breaks, take a deep breath and remember the real reason behind why we do what we do. While it

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

is unfortunate to witness opportunities to show and sell livestock be taken from our young people – those are not the real reasons we are invested in this industry. We are in this for the lessons raising livestock teaches our youth. We are in this for the relationships and the networking that come with showing and raising livestock. We are in this, because it is a passion that gets us out of bed every morning. At the end of the day, the banner and the paycheck aren’t the true payoff for our kids. It is the lessons, skills and values they take with them that truly pay off. And while we all face the uncertainty of summer shows and question whether or not we should invest in new animals that may never be shown, we must remember that whether or not they make it to the showring, this investment is more than just investing in an animal. This is an investment in our youth and their development. That is what this should be all about. We must face the unknown with hope knowing we are investing in the bigger picture. So now we have a choice. We can choose to dwell and let rough waves shake us, or we take the challenge head on and focus on how it can make us better. The hearts of our livestock youth and families are still breaking and the future is unknown, but we will recover and bind together to elevate UNITED and STRONG. About BioZyme® Inc. BioZyme Inc., founded in 1951, develops and manufactures natural, proprietary products focused on animal nutrition, health and microbiology. With a continued commitment to research, BioZyme offers a complete line of feed additives and high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and protein supplements for a variety of animals including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses and dogs. BioZyme brands include Amaferm®, AO-Biotics®, VitaFerm®, Vita Charge®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, and DuraFerm®. Headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri, BioZyme reaches a global market of customers throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For more information about BioZyme, visit www. biozymeinc.com.

MEMBERSHIP DIVISION 3 (UP TO 75 MEMBERS)

“As a first generation farmer, KCA has been STRONG instrumental - the assistance, theSTAY networking, the STAYcompare.” UNITED educational opportunities - just beyond JOIN KCA TODAY!

Jon Bednarski Oldham County

DIVISION 1 (151+ MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Barren

518

496

Shelby

331

361

-30

2020

2019

Difference

Muhlenberg

Mountain

Webster

-1

Twin Lakes

Grant

-4

Pendleton

-1

Taylor

-15

Woodford

Out of State

-9

Mason

Nelson

-7

Rockcastle

Robertson

Oldham

Lewis

Whitley

Hancock

-6

DIVISION 2 (76-150 MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Metcalfe

140

136

Ohio

-14

Todd

-15

Montgomery

Simpson

Carroll

-3

Wayne

-2

Highlands

-6

Estill

-11

Franklin

133

128

Daviess

126

136

-10

Pulaski

123

101

Scott

112

105

Trimble

107

108

-1

Garrard

106

Breckinridge

321

410

-89

Adair

310

317

-7

Marion

294

302

-8

Bath

290

277

Grayson

278

250

Madison

266

265

Lincoln

228

249

-21

Anderson

105

Union

-24

Hart

227

263

-36

Fleming

122

-24

Knox

-30

Christian

216

178

Caldwell/Lyon

117

-20

Nicholas

-5

Clark

208

251

-43

Edmonson

-1

McCreary

Logan

201

248

-47

Jackson

112

-22

Clay

-4

Jessamine

198

215

-17

Trigg

104

-14

Butler

Washington

194

193

Louisville Area

Calloway

Casey

189

187

Boyle

-8

Hopkins

-3

Hardin

183

195

-12

Bullitt

-12

Bracken

177

193

-16

McLean

-6

Warren

164

168

-4

Livingston

Meade

164

193

-29

Crittenden

-5

Northern Kentucky

159

153

Menifee

Larue

158

172

-14

Henderson

Green

156

151

Magoffin

-2

Harrison

156

Powell

Mercer

River Hills

Gallatin

Eastern Foothills

-1

Pike

-2

Bell

Harlan

Northeast Area

113

-28

Bourbon

Fayette

Purchase Area

-4

Campbell

-5

Russell

-6

152

Owen

-30

151

165

-14

Clinton-Cumberland

-14

Monroe

148

157

-9

Laurel

148

149

-1

Allen

144

132

Henry

144

157

-13

2020

Totals as of: April 13, 2020

10328

2019 10775

Difference -447

If you need anything for membership, please contact Nikki Whitaker at (859) 278-0899 or nwhitaker@kycattle.org 44

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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 Lewis ..............................$35 Lincoln ............................$25 Louisville Area ................$20 (Jefferson, & Spencer) McCreary ........................$25 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

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.

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

COUNTY DUES Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.

DUES $150

# HEAD 1,001-1,250

DUES $1,150

101-250

$300

1,251-1,500

$1,400

251-500

$450

1,501-1,750

$1,650

501-750

$650

1,751-2,000

$1,900

751-1000

$650

> 2,000

$1,900 + .38/HD

Complete and return to: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association 176 Pasadena Drive • Suite 4 • Lexington, KY 40503 For faster service, join online at www.kycattle.org

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KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL

UNITED WE STEAK:

BEEF MONTH 2020

#BeefBrag Campaign We appreciate all of those in our community making sure even in a time of uncertainty, our communities have access to the high-quality protein in beef. In an effort to show our appreciation we are encouraging people to make a post on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #beefbrag to nominate your local restaurants, grocery stores, or local beef producers so we can send them a beef swag bag. This initiative will run from April 13th to May 18th, 2020.

ANNA HAWKINS KBC Director of Consumer Affairs

Growing up in Kentucky, I think it would be hard pressed to find another group of people who have as much state pride as Kentuckians. In times of need, I have seen my community come together and celebrate one another. As we adjust our lives to a new normal, Beef Month this year is also adapting. We are taking it digital! Celebrating the industry and what beef means to our families is exactly what we will be doing all of May! Recipes will be featured all month that have a Kentucky flair, many of which were developed right here in Kentucky. Each will have a full recipe and recipe video to be utilized on social media and through news outlets. Many of the in-person events, especially

media cooking demos and interviews will continue in a digital format. We will be utilizing the pre-taped segments above and video streaming methods. If your area will be celebrating Beef Month, we want to hear about it! Please reach out to Anna, ahawkins@kycattle.org, with any event updates as they are decided. As this situation progresses we will adapt our plan as well, hopefully with a few events continuing as originally planned! In the second half of May KBC and NCBA will be unveiling their new campaign for the summer: United we Steak. If you thought you loved steak, just wait until you see this Kentucky shaped steak we have to show you! All summer long we will be pushing our campaigns geared around bringing people together around the grill.

PUB BURGERS WITH HOT BEER CHEESE ON SOFT PRETZEL ROLLS “I don’t go to pubs as much as I’d like to, but if I did, I’d want to shoot a great game of darts, then sit down with a pint of beer and eat this burger.” — Rachael Ray INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 lbs. 80% lean ground beef • 3 tbsp. finely grated white onion (grated over a bowl to catch the juices) • 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce • Salt and pepper • A drizzle of olive or canola oil • 2 tbsp. butter • 2 tbsp. flour • 1/2 cup whole milk • 1/2 cup lager beer • 1 rounded tsp. (about a squirt) Dijon or English mustard • 1 tsp. granulated garlic • 1/4 tsp. cayenne • 1 package (8 oz.) shredded sharp yellow cheddar • Pretzel hamburger rolls, split and warmed TOPPINGS • Grainy Dijon mustard • Dill or bread-and-butter pickle chips • Chopped white onion • Watercress sprigs

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PREPARATION 1. Heat a large griddle pan or large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. 2. In a medium bowl, mix the beef, grated onion and Worcestershire; season with salt and pepper. Form 4 large patties (thinner in the centers for even cooking). Drizzle the patties with the oil. Cook for 8 minutes, turning occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium; add the butter. When it melts, whisk in the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk and season with salt. Cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes; slowly whisk in the beer. Add the Dijon, granulated garlic and cayenne. Reduce the heat to low, then add the cheese, a handful at a time, whisking to melt between additions. 4. Build the burgers by spreading the bun bottoms with the grainy Dijon, then top with some pickles and chopped onion. Top with a few sprigs of watercress, the patties, some cheese sauce and the bun tops.

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KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL

BEEF TALLOW CHOCOLATE TORTES WITH BOURBON-SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE Try this flourless chocolate dessert recipe with one special ingredient, Beef tallow. Let’s not forget to mention the Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup beef tallow • 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa)

RIBEYE STEAKS WITH BLUE CHEESE BUTTER AND MUSHROOMS Ribeyes and Portobello mushrooms are grilled and served with a compound butter. Bonus recipe for sandwiches using leftovers included. INGREDIENTS • 4 beef Ribeye Steaks Boneless, cut 1 inch thick (about 12 ounces each) • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

• 1/3 cup cinnamon cream rum liqueur

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 8 medium portobello mushrooms, stems removed (about 1-3/4 pounds)

• 4 eggs • 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup olive oil • Salt

BOURBON-SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE:

• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 1 cup sugar

BLUE CHEESE BUTTER: • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese • 1/4 cup butter, softened • 3 tablespoons chopped rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 1 cup heavy cream • 3 tablespoons bourbon • 1 teaspoon sea salt, additional for garnish

PREPARATION 1. Melt beef tallow and chocolate in small sauce pan over low heat. Remove from heat; stir in rum and vanilla. Set aside 10 minutes to cool. 2. Whip eggs and sugar in stand mixer on medium high speed 5 to 7 minutes until frothy. Lower speed and slowly drizzle in warm chocolate mixture. 3. Preheat oven to 275°F. Coat eight 6-ounce silicone cups or glass baking dishes with cooking spray; evenly divide batter. Bake in preheated 275°F oven 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake middle doesn’t jiggle. Let cakes cool completely before turning out. 4. Meanwhile, heat sugar in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. When sugar edges start to turn a caramel color, slowly stir with wooden spoon for 5 to 7 minutes until all sugar has dissolved. Slowly and carefully add cream, bourbon and salt. Mixture may bubble and spit; stir until combined. Lower heat and cook an additional 10 minutes until sauce is smooth and thick. Sauce will thicken as it cools. 5. Drizzle Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce over cooled cakes. Garnish with sea salt, as desired.

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PREPARATION 1. Combine garlic, thyme and pepper; press evenly onto beef steaks. Set aside. 2. Brush mushrooms with oil. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange mushrooms around steaks. Grill steaks, covered, 10 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 9 to 14 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill mushrooms 16 to 18 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 12 to 15 minutes) or until tender, turning occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, combine Blue Cheese Butter ingredients in small bowl until well blended. 4. Cover and refrigerate 2 steaks, 4 mushrooms and 1/2 cup Blue Cheese Butter to use in Ribeye Steak Sandwiches. Spread remaining Blue Cheese Butter over remaining 2 steaks. Coarsely chop remaining 4 mushrooms; divide evenly among 4 plates. Carve steaks into slices; arrange evenly over mushrooms. Season with salt, as desired. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

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KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK

RESOURCES BECKY THOMPSON KBN Director

In times of uncertainty I wanted to take a moment and remind you of some resources and services available to you. Beef Quality Assurance certification options Producers have many training options that enable them to choose the best one for them. In lieu of in person Beef Quality and Care Assurance in person training at your extension office, producers may also obtain one of the following online certifications: Youth, Dairy Animal Care and Quality Assurance or in Kentucky the Beef Quality and Care Assurance program. Option 1: National Beef Quality Assurance The national BQA program is an online training platform that can be accessed at www.bqa.org/certification and is

tailored to each segment of the industry. After registering, participants are taken through an online interactive training module. Participants will receive a training certificate, valid for three years. Option 2: Kentucky Beef Quality and Care Assurance In Kentucky we have taken the BQA practices one step further and added a cattle handling and care component to our training model. Educational modules have been developed to educate farmers on best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being while also training on the core principles of BQA. Upon completion of the program participants will receive the option of a farm gate sign and a training card valid for three years. The KBN/UK Beef Team will be rolling out an online

training platform in the upcoming weeks allowing you to complete the same modules as before. Beef Efficiency Conference Videos The 2020 Beef Efficiency Conference is a co-production of the University Of Kentucky College Of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, the Kentucky Beef Network, and Drs. Gordon & Susan Jones Lectureship Fund. The Conference offers beef producers the opportunity to interact with leading experts on new management strategies that can improve production efficiency. We will be releasing Q&A sessions with each of the speakers Dr. Dan Givens, Dr. David Smith, & Dr. Jason Smith across the KBN & UK Beef Team social media pages. Eden Shale resources

on our Eden Shale platforms on forages, facilities design, and other farm related activities. Please visit our blog at www. edenshalefarm.com and sign up for our newsletters or on our Facebook and YouTube pages, Eden Shale Farm. We may not be hosting in person tours but we are putting some things together to bring the farm to you in new ways so let us know if you have things you want to see more of! I hope this article finds you and your family healthy and that in the face of uncertain times we can take this opportunity to slow down a moment and appreciate this “slower” pace to hug our kids and spend time with our families which still playing an essential role for raising beef and supplying protein to our Kentucky and United States consumers!

We continue to put out new resources

S A L E D AT E S : April 30: Owensboro June 17: Lexington June 25: Springfield July 14: Guthrie August 13: Owensboro December 3: Owensboro

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KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK

EDEN SHALE FARM UPDATE DAN MILLER KBN Industry Coordinator

May is one of the busiest months on the farm. There are fields full of new calves, the first crop of hay is getting very close to being cut, and for spring calving herds, it is breeding season. This year at Eden Shale our calving season went relatively smoothly. Our heifers started calving first (February 14th) and the cows followed behind two weeks later. Our AI conception rates were not as good this year as they had been in years past. The heifers had exactly 50% AI conception rate and the cows were lower at only 45%. I’m not exactly sure what caused this decline in the AI conception rates. The weather was a bit warmer than previous years, but not enough that I would have expected these declines. I also do not think that the winter weather was a factor as it was milder than normal and we had plenty of high quality hay on hand.

Our calving window this year is still tight as we had 50% of the calves born in the first 30 days of the calving season, and 72% were born in the first 45 days of the calving window. This year we have pulled out our second calf heifers and are feeding them along with the first calf heifers during calving and up until we breed them. This is to try to ensure we get more of the second calf heifers rebred on the AI heat cycle. In April we had our vet, Dr. Matt Parker, to the farm to pelvic measure our replacement heifers and to perform a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) on our herd bulls. In early May we will work all the cows and give them their prebreeding vaccinations and deworming, at least two weeks before we start the AI synchronization process. This means that every cow will go through the chute four times in the month of May.

The 36 steers that had been in the barn for 90 days on the feeding trial ended late March. Unfortunately, due to the global coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent decline in feeder cattle prices we lost $6,600 in the value of the calves from the start of the project (December 19th) to the end of it (March 22nd). However, we were able to capture a lot of interesting data from the project. The self feeder group used 157 bales of straw vs the bucket fed group only used 98 bales. The self feeder group ate 12 bales of hay vs the bucket fed group ate

17 bales. And the self feeder group ate 6 bags of mineral vs the bucket fed group at 8 bags of mineral. All of the data is still being analyzed and I will present the final report here once it is released. As for the pen flooring, the pens have not been scrapped out yet and that also will be shared in a future article. For the time being all our events and tours are still cancelled. Once things open back up we will share event dates and agendas. As always you can stay up to date with what’s happening at the farm on our website at www.edenshalefarm.com

K E N T U C K Y B E E F N E T W O R K FA C I L I TAT O R S

Ben Lloyd

Whitesville, KY (270) 993-1074 strridge@aol.com COW COUNTRY •

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Charles Embry

Cave City, KY (270) 646-5939 dale.embry@yahoo.com

Jacob Settles

Springfield, KY (859) 805-0724 jacob.settles4@yahoo.com

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Ron Shrout

Winchester, KY (606) 205-6143 ronshrout@bellsouth.net

Jeff Stephens

Ewing, KY (606) 782-7640 stephensbeef@gmail.com 49

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HERITAGE FARM RAGS ANGUS FARM Tom McGinnis Richard and Glenda Stallons 1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY 1240 Dogwood Kelly Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240 (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work 2018-2019 KAA Officers Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) 839-2442 (502) 655-0164, cell rstallons@bellsouth.net President: President: Jason Crowe, KY 859.582.0761 GilIrvine, Ray Cowles, Rockfield, KY

ANGUS ANGUS

) 375-3718

Vice President: Henry B. Smith, Russell Springs, KY 606.271.7520 Vice President: Jason Crowe, Irvine, KY Secretary/Treasurer: Anne DeMott, Lexington, KY 606.782.1118 SHAW FAMILY KY ANGUS Secretary/Treasurer: Anne DeMott, Lexington, Past President: Gil Cowles 270.791.3526 Jim & Cathy Shaw

HIGHVIEW FARMS

West T HEE BBUUS827 IN SBSR B TH ISN EMain SESStreet E ERDE E D Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718

935 Miller Road • Hodgenville, KY 42748 HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS 64TH SWEEPSTAKES SHOW & (270) SALE • MARCH 6th & 7th, 2020 769-8260 Ben T. Cox DVMKENTUCKY ANGUS RAGS ANGUS FARM Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road www.shawfamilyangus.com Richard and Glenda Stallons Science Hill, KY 42553 1240 Dogwood Kelly Road KY 42240 HERITAGE FARM RAGS ANGUS FARM Quality Registered Angus Cattle sinceHopkinsville, 1975 edjohami@aol.com

BOYD BEEF CATTLE (270) 469-5517 6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY CATTLE 41055 BOYD BEEF Registered Angus Cattle Charlie BoydRoad II: (606) 584-5195 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 6077 Helena www.boydbeef.com Mayslick, KY 41055 • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net HILL VIEW FARMS Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5195 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net Jimmy Gilles BRANCH VIEW ANGUS

927 Old Liberty Pike • Hustonville, KY 40437 5160 Lee Rudy Road (859) 238-0771 • www.branchviewangus.com Owensboro, KY 42301 BRANCH VIEW ANGUS James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey 927 Old Production Liberty PikeSale• Hustonville, KY 40437 (270) 686-8876 Annual 2nd Saturday in April (859) 238-0771 • www.branchviewangus.com (270) 929-537 James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey BURKSProduction CATTLE CO. Annual Sale- 2nd Saturday in April 531 Rick Rd. Park City, KY 42160 JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Ridgeview Angus Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 BURKS CATTLE CO. Angus Bulls & Females www.burkscattle.com 531 Rick Rd. Slaughters, KY Park City, KY 42160 BURTON Eddie Burks&•SONS (270) ANGUS 991-6398 Keith: (270) 635-0723 Joe D. or Karen Burton • Bryan Carman, Partner, Ridgeview Angus www.burkscattle.com 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy,Reese: KY 42544 (270) 635-1137 Joe: (606) 305-3081 • Bryan: (606) 875-3453 only what weBURTON would15 buy. Located West of Somerset &miles SONS ANGUS klburton01@windstream.net Joe D. or Karen Burton • Bryan Carman, Partner, Ridgeview Angus Bulls & females sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy,LEGACY KY 42544 FARMS Joe: (606) 305-3081 • Bryan:Daniel (606) 875-3453 and Lindsey Reynolds CARDINAL HILL FARMS Located 15 miles West of Somerset 405 Cedar Grove Rd. • Glasgow, 42141 Jackson Highway 1709KYSouth klburton01@windstream.net Mike Elmore: (270) 404-6589

k.com

Tom McGinnis 1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY HIGHVIEW FARMS (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work 827 West Main Street (502) 655-0164,Kentucky cell Campbellsville, 42718 Ben T. Cox DVM HIGHVIEW (270) 469-5517FARMS 827 West Main Street Registered Angus Cattle Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718 Ben T. Cox DVM HILL VIEW FARMS (270) 469-5517 Jimmy Gilles Registered Angus Cattle 5160 Lee Rudy Road Owensboro, 42301 HILL VIEWKY FARMS (270) Jimmy686-8876 Gilles (270) 929-537 5160 Lee Rudy Road

Bulls & females sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. only what we would buy. Hardyville, KYSell42746

Bob Johnson: (270) 427-1410 (270) 528-6275/(270) 528-6120 cardinalhillfarms.com • mike@cardinalhillfarms.com CARDINAL HILL FARMS www.legacyfarmsangus.com 405 CedarANGUS Grove Rd. • Glasgow, KY 42141 COFFEY FARMS Mike Elmore: (270) 404-6589 661 Hopewell Road Bob Johnson: (270) 427-1410 MILLERS RUN FARM Liberty, KY 42539 cardinalhillfarms.com • mike@cardinalhillfarms.com Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 William N. Offutt IV Dewey Coffey: (606) 787-2620 3790 Paris Road Georgetown, KY Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984 COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) 839-2442 Richard and Glenda Stallons rstallons@bellsouth.net 1240 Dogwood Kelly Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240 Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) 839-2442 SHAW FAMILY ANGUS rstallons@bellsouth.net SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM Jim & Cathy Shaw 5202 East Hwy 80, Springs, KY 42642 935Russell Miller Road • Hodgenville, KY 42748 FAMILY ANGUS (270) Charles “Bud” & SHAW Pam769-8260 Smith: (270) 866-3898 Jim & Cathy Shaw www.shawfamilyangus.com Henry & Melissa935 Smith: (270) 866-2311KY 42748 Miller Road • Hodgenville, Quality Registered Angus Cattle since 1975 (270) 769-8260 www.shawfamilyangus.com SMITHLAND ANGUS Quality Registered AngusFARM Cattle since 1975 5202 REGISTERED East Hwy 80, Russell ANGUS Springs, KY 42642 ST. CLAIR FARMS Charles “Bud” & Pam Smith: (270) 866-3898 Eric & Sherry St. Henry Clair& Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311 SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM 13433 Falls of Rough Road Falls ofSprings, Rough, 40119 5202 East Hwy•80, Russell KYKY 42642 Charles “Bud” & Pam Smith: (270) 866-3898 Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS Henry Melissa Eric & & Sherry St. Smith: Clair (270) 866-2311

Tom (606)McGinnis 271-1286 1024 Lane •for Shelbyville, KY Bulls Hinkle and Females Sale (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) 655-0164, cell HERITAGE FARM

www.stclairangus.com 13433 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2016 Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079

Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 686-8876 JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS (270) 929-537 Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Keith: (270) 635-0723 Angus Bulls & Females Reese: (270) 635-1137 Slaughters, KY Keith: (270) 635-0723 Reese: (270) 635-1137 LEGACY FARMS

ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS www.stclairangus.com Performance Bull & Female Sale April 2020 Eric & SherryTested St. Clair 13433 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 TAMME VALLEY FARM Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 TAMME VALLEY FARM Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator www.stclairangus.com (859) 583-7134 Performance (859) 583-7134 Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2016 jacob.tamme@gmail.com jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook! www.tammevalley.com & FindFARM us on Facebook! TAMME VALLEY Jacob TWINTamme, CREEKOwner-Operator FARM (859) 583-7134 Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson jacob.tamme@gmail.com TWIN CREEK FARM (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook! Dennis &&Emily Shawn, Melissa, Devin Dylan Gibson 270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338 (270) 337-3072 orWatch (270) 692-5304 us in FARM Branch View Production Sale in April TWIN for CREEK

Daniel and Lindsey Reynolds MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS 1709 South Jackson Highway Bob, Kathy,KY and42746 Rob Clark (859) 748-5558 Hardyville, 1446 Kennedy Bridge 528-6120 Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (270) 528-6275/(270) Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 www.legacyfarmsangus.com mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com 40324www.mtmoriahangus.com MILLERS RUN FARM

(859) 533-2020 • millersrunfarm@aol.com 661 Hopewell Road William N.RUN OffuttFARM IV MILLERS D&D LONGVIEW Liberty, KY 42539 ANGUSwww.millersrunfarm.com 3790 Paris Georgetown, KY 40324 William N.Road Offutt IV Danny & Debbie Matt Coffey: (270)Burris 799-6288Heifers for sale (859) 533-2020 millersrunfarm@aol.com 3790 Paris Road• Georgetown, KY 40324 550 Willie Nell(606) Road 787-2620 Dewey Coffey: www.millersrunfarm.com (859) 533-2020 • millersrunfarm@aol.com Columbia, KY 42728 Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984 Heifers for sale www.millersrunfarm.com (270) 348-5766 • (270) 250-3701 • (270) 250-1277 Heifers for sale MUD RIVER ANGUS COOL SPRINGS CREEK FARM MUD RIVER ANGUS DAVIS BEND FARMS Guy & Aline Babin 10 Oak Hill Drive MUD ANGUS 10 OakRIVER Hill Drive 2315Paul Davis Bend Road 269 Coomer Rd 10 Oak Hill KY Drive Russellville, KY 42276 Russellville, 42276 Canmer, KYKY 42722 Gradyville, 42742 Russellville, KY 42276 Wayne Johnson: (270) 303-6354 timmothyljeffries@gmail.com Wayne Johnson: (270) 303-6354 (270) 205-1669 Wayne Johnson: (270) 303-6354 Gary Johnson: (270) 498-7208 www.davisbendfarms.com www.coolspringscreekfarm.com • gdbabin@outlook.com Gary Johnson: (270) 498-7208 Gary Johnson: (270) 498-7208 Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435 D&D ANGUS FALL LONGVIEW CREEK ANGUS Danny & Debbie 448 Corder FarmBurris Road FOUR KINGS ANGUS 550 Willie Nell Monticello, KYRoad 42633 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, Columbia, KY 42728 Ronnie Corder (270) 250-1277 (606) 348-5766 348-6588 • (270) 250-3701 Cary• (270) & Kim King

Dennis & Emily Shawn, WHITEMelissa, FARM Devin & Dylan Gibson 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 270/337-2128 or (270) 270/402-4338 Tim and Amy White Dennis &View Emily 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 Watch for us in Branch Production Sale in April

270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338 Home: (859)223-0326 Watch for us509-5401 in Branch View(859)227-2552 Production Sale in April Tim: (859) • Amy whitefarm4@twc.com

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME

FARM NAME

FARM NAME FOUR FOUR KINGS KINGS ANGUS ANGUS 250 250 Bright Bright Leaf Leaf Dr. Dr. •• Harrodsburg, Harrodsburg, KY KY 40330 40330 Cary Cary & & Kim Kim King King KY Carymking@yahoo.com 40330 Carymking@yahoo.com •• fourkingsangus.com fourkingsangus.com Cary Cary Cell: Cell: (859) (859) 613-3734 613-3734 •• Colby Colby Myers Myers -- Purebred Purebred Manager Manager ADDRESS

ADDRESS

Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com • Colby Myers - BARK Purebred OLD BARK FARM FARMManager OLD

GREAT MEADOWS ANGUS ASSOCIATION FALL CREEK ANGUS Cary Cell: (859) 613-3734 38thCorder AnnualFarm Sale Road • [postponed to JUNE 6, 2020] 448 www.greatmeadowsangus.com Monticello, KY 42633 Paul Bradshaw Ronnie Corder (502) 348-6588 817-7502 (606)

OLD BARK FARM 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 HAINES ANGUS FARMS HAINES FARMSRd.Kenley Conner 270/358-8057 5294 ParkANGUS City- Glasgow 5294 Glasgow Rd.Registered Angus Cattle Park Park City, CityKY 42160 Park City,Haines, KY 42160 Kenneth Jr.: (270) 749-8862 Kenneth Haines, Jr.: (270) 749-8862

CITY

370 Ferrill Ferrill Hill, Hill, Buffalo, Buffalo, KY KY 42716 42716 370 Kenley Conner Conner 270/358-8057 270/358-8057 Kenley Registered Angus Cattle Registered Angus Cattle

CITY

PHONE 1

PLEASANT HILL FARMS PLEASANT HILL Caroline, FARMS and Catherine Cowles Gil, Mary, Corbin, Gil, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles A N T 1H I L 500 Mary, Rockfield Richpond Road A SPHONE L PLE 500 Rockfield Road Rockfield, KY Richpond 42274 f a r m s Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 (270) 843-9021 Fax (270) 843-9005 Located 7 miles•west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80

PLEASANT HILL FARMS Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles COW COUNTRY 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80

STATE

ZIP

PHONE 2

ZIP

PHONE 2 Return to: Anne DeMott • 1220 Angus Trail • Lexington, Kentucky 40509 • Annaul Dues $35

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

Return to: Anne DeMott • 1220 Angus Trail • Lexington, Kentucky 40509 • Annaul Dues $35

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION NEWS Anne Stewart DeMott, Secretary/Treasurer www.kentuckyangus.org • kyangusassociation@gmail.com •

@kyangusassoc •

I pray that as we move past this and find our new normal that there will be a greater appreciation for what we do every day in agriculture. The consumers have had to think about things they never have before. They worried over empty shelves at the grocery or how they would afford essentials. Hopefully some perspective was gained about the things that are most important in life. Agriculture has provided and will continue to do so just like we always have. I hope that we can work to sell our story to our consumers better than ever before. They are and will be listening right now because they realize the importance. Let’s work to inform them about what we do everyday on their behalf. Hopefully that can help to strengthen our industry even more. Angus sales have still been continuing on in many places in the Commonwealth. There are quite a few changes to dates and locations to others. Please check the Kentucky Angus and American Angus websites for the most current listing of sale dates and locations. Most all sales have an online bidding option to facilitate everyone’s participation. We are doing our best to have that information out there to keep you informed. The sales that have happened so far have been good. Demand for the cattle was high and prices have been solid. I hope you seize the opportunity to participate either in person or online in the remaining sales this spring. Optimism is still out there we may just have to look a little harder than we did a few weeks ago! If myself or any of the other officers and directors can be of assistance feel free to let us know. We’re here to help you in any way we can if you have concerns or ideas. Praying you all stay safe while continuing to feed the world. See you down the road. Jason Crowe President, Kentucky Angus Association

COW COUNTRY •

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@kyangusassociation

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE LIST 2020-21

Greetings from the Kentucky Angus Association and the Board of Directors. Wow, how things have changed all around us in the last month because of COVID-19. Many Kentuckians sit idle at home as their place of work is closed or they have learned to work remotely in some cases. One of the things that is relatively unchanged is our industry of AGRICULTURE. We may conduct business 6 feet from each other now but we still have daily chores…..cows to be fed, crops to plant, crops to harvest and a world to feed. In the midst of all this we have been labeled as essential even though we have known that to be the case since the beginning of time.

@kyangusassoc •

These men and women were elected to serve on the Kentucky Angus Association board of directors and are pictured at the 2020 Kentucky Angus Association Annual Meeting and Banquet, March 6 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured seated front row from left are Colby Myers, Harrodsburg, director; Anne Patton Schubert, Taylorsville, director; Henry Smith, Russell Springs, vice president; Jason Crowe, Irvine, president; Anne Stewart DeMott, Lexington, secretary-treasurer; Gil Cowles, Rockfield, past president; Blake Boyd, May’s Lick, director; and Wesley Womack, Pembroke, director. Directors pictured back from left are Keith Johnson, Slaughters; Tom McGinnis, Shelbyville; Sam Fouts, London; Jim Shaw, Hodgenville; Kris Lynn, Springfield; Kelly Flanders, Buffalo; and Bob Clark, Harrodsburg. Photo by Alex Tolbert, American Angus Association.

These young individuals were elected to serve on the Kentucky Junior Angus Association board of directors and are pictured at the 2020 Kentucky Angus Association Annual Meeting and Banquet, March 6 in Louisville, Ky. Officers seated front row from left are Bradon Burks, Park City, president; Josh Jasper, Nicholasville, vice president; Kalli Flanders, Buffalo, second vice president; Lily Jeffries, Canmer, reporter; Bryanna Smith, Russell Springs, secretary; and Mayson Toll, Lawrenceburg, treasurer. Standing back row from left are Jamie Gray, Buffalo, advisor; and Taylor Jeffries and Lucy Jeffries, both of Canmer, directors; Jacob Marksbury, Buffalo, director; Emily Caffee, Bonnieville, director; and Paula Boyd, May’s Lick, advisor. Photo by Alex Tolbert, American Angus Association.

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Activities Chair – Colby Myers Members – Blake Boyd, Kris Lynn, Ben Conner, Logan Goggin, Kip Sparrow, Willie Baker, Adam Chunglo Beef Expo Chair – Jim Shaw Members – Daniel Reynolds, Bobby Bell, John Chism, Tim Dievert Directory Chair – Keith Johnson Members – Anne Patton Schubert, Todd Jeffries, Eddie Burks Angus Marketing Chair – Gil Cowles Members – Tim White, Eric St Clair, Sam Fouts Finance Chair – Bob Clark Members – Charlie Boyd, Joe Goggin, Tom McGinnis, Joe Myers Junior Activities Co-Chair – Paula Boyd Co-Chair – Jamie Gray Members – Henry & Melissa Smith, Kelly & Missy Flanders, Maggie Jasper, Kaitlyn Fouts, Reece & Christine Johnson, Tim & Leslie Jeffries, Tim & Amy White Legislative Rules Chair – Kelly Flanders Members – Kenley Conner, Charles B Smith, Keith Jeffries, Keith Johnson Membership Chair – Tom McGinnis Members – Adam Chunglo, Gary Woodall, Charles Toll, Larry Jaggers, Alex Popplewell Preview Chair – Henry Smith Members – Scott & Allison Bowman, Rooter & Jamie Gray, Wesley Womack, Anne Patton Schubert, Josh Nunn, Dan Craig Promotion Chair – Blake Boyd Members – Beth Cunningham, Billy & Susie Fryer, Joe & Toni Myers Queen Chair – Diana Jeffries Members – Stephanie Fouts, Paula Boyd, Melissa Smith, Hannah Tolbert, Ali Myers Scholarship Chair – Judy Rowland Members – Anne Patton Schubert, Missy Flanders, Kaitlyn Fouts Sweepstakes Chair – Kris Lynn Members – Willie Baker, Eddie Burks, Kelly Flanders, Tim Jeffries, Keith Johnson, Tom McGinnis, Daniel Reynolds, Jim Shaw, Henry Smith, Wesley Womack Foundation Chair – Sam Fouts Members – Anne Patton Schubert, Bob Clark, Gil Cowles, Tom McGinnis Nominating Chair – Anne Patton Schubert Members – Keith Johnson, Blake Boyd 53

KENTUCKY

GELBVIEH

AA LAND & CATTLE

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers Cynthiana, KY Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323 luke.arthur93@gmail.com Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke • Brad Racke

7416 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

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

A S S O C I AT I O N

David Slaughter, President.......................(270) 556-4259 Joe Piles, Vice President...........................(502) 507-3845 PatTilghman,Secretary/Treasurer..............(270) 670-8449

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle 106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743 Larry Clark, Owner & Operator (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848 Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

CLIFFORD FARMS

3459 KY HWY 1284E Cynthiana, KY 41031 Since 1937 (859) 234-6956

Cattle for sale at all times.

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

Owner/Manager GELBVIEH/BALANCERS 2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717 Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909

FULL CIRCLE FARMS

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Brad Burke 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net

CD FARMS

Clayton & Debbie Cash 1214 Ottawa School Road Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994 Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty

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

Meeting modern industry demands: • Added Fertility • Increased Efficiency • More pounds of calf weaned American Gelbvieh Association 303-465-2333 | www.gelbvieh.org JOIN KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Shane Wells 10172 Provo Rd. Rochester, KY H: 270-934-2198 C: 270-791-8196 swells@logantele.com

Mail to: 690 Lick Branch Road, Glasgow, Kentucky 42141 FARM NAME

YOUR NAME

ADRESS

CITY, STATE

PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM

Gary & Pat Tilghman Lindsey Tilghman Jones Family Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family 690 Lick Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com

COW COUNTRY •

ZIP

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PHONE

Dues are $25/year, payable to Kentucky Gelbvieh Association

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

K F B I N S U R A N C E D O N AT E S T O H U N G E R R E L I E F K E N T U C K Y A G R I C U LT U R E C O M M I S S I O N E R P R A I S E S C O M PA N Y F O R C O M M I T M E N T D U R I N G PA N D E M I C The KFB Insurance Foundation raised $125,000 for Clays for a Cause by sponsors and participants, and the organization tripled that amount with resources from KFB Insurance for a total donation of $500,000. The funds will be divided into sizable donations to three local non-profit organizations – Feeding Kentucky, Glean Kentucky, and Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry – as part of the Kentucky Hunger Initiative. (Courtesy of Kentucky Department of Agriculture)

event that we quickly established bigger plans for 2020. We wanted Clays for a Cause to be a real difference maker,” said John Sparrow, executive vice president and chief executive officer of KFB Insurance. “Little did we know that we would not only be fighting food insecurity this year, but also a global pandemic. Event or no event, we clearly understood that too many of our fellow

40-percent increase in need for food assistance. This incredible donation from Farm Bureau will enable our organization to reach more Kentuckians at a critical time.” “This donation from Kentucky Farm Bureau as part of Commissioner Quarles’ Hunger Initiative is an absolute game-changer for Kentucky Hunters

distribution capacity so that more hungry Kentuckians can enjoy fresh Kentucky fruits and vegetables all year long.” The six-figure donation comes in advance of the company’s postponed annual Clays for a Cause fundraising event, originally scheduled for April 22-23. Last year, 191 participants attended the sporting clays event at Elk Creek Hunt Club in

In response to rising food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Mutual Insurance Company and the Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Foundation will donate a total of $500,000 to hunger relief charities as part of Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles’ Kentucky Hunger Initiative. The donation is the largest single private donation made as part of the Kentucky Hunger Initiative since Commissioner Quarles launched the effort in 2016. “When we started the Kentucky Hunger Initiative, I knew the ag community would step up to fight hunger like we never had before, but I could not have imagined a half-million-dollar donation from Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance,” Commissioner Quarles said. “This donation, in this time, demonstrates how Kentucky agriculture is not only committed to growing food and fiber during a pandemic, but also to marshaling funds to feed vulnerable Kentuckians affected by it. I cannot thank Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance enough, and I look forward to thanking them in person once our time of social distancing has passed.” “The coronavirus pandemic is impacting people of every socioeconomic status, but we know those who were already living in food insecure conditions are at an even greater risk right now,” said Mark Haney, president of KFB. “We couldn’t turn our backs on our fellow Kentuckians simply because our fundraising event was postponed. If anything, it encouraged us to do more.” “We experienced such an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s inaugural COW COUNTRY •

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(Left to right) KFB president, Mark Haney, KFB second vice president, Sharon Furches, CEO of KFB Insurance, John Sparrow, and KFB first vice president, Eddie Melton, are joined by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, Ryan Quarles (center), during Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance’s inaugural Clays for a Cause event at Elk Creek Hunt Club in Owenton, Ky., on April 24, 2019. Kentuckians were in a position of need, and we were in a position to help.” The KFB Insurance Foundation raised $125,000 for Clays for a Cause by sponsors and participants, and the organization tripled that amount with resources from KFB Insurance for a total donation of $500,000. The funds will be divided into sizable donations to three local non-profit organizations – Feeding Kentucky, Glean Kentucky, and Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry – as part of the Kentucky Hunger Initiative.

for the Hungry,” said Roger LaPointe, executive director of Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry. “Our members are responsible sportsmen and women, conservationists dedicated to providing a healthy source of protein to needy Kentuckians. These funds will expand the reach of our organization in a time when we feared donations would dry up. We are grateful to Kentucky Farm Bureau and Commissioner Ryan Quarles for including us in this remarkable donation.”

“Feeding Kentucky is thrilled by this historic announcement from Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance,” said Tamara Sandberg, executive director of Feeding Kentucky. “I wish to express my gratitude to Farm Bureau and Commissioner Ryan Quarles, whose visionary leadership on hunger relief has ignited Kentucky’s agriculture community to take action in amazing ways. During the coronavirus pandemic, our food banks have seen a

“Glean Kentucky has spent much of the last several weeks expanding to meet the need during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stephanie Wooten, executive director of Glean Kentucky. “We decided to act first and worry about money later. Thanks to Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance and Commissioner Ryan Quarles, now we don’t have to worry. This significant contribution will allow us to expand our gleaning and

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

Owenton, Kentucky. The 2019 event was sponsored by 37 companies and raised $115,950 in support of local hunger relief efforts in Kentucky. KFB Insurance will reschedule Clays for a Cause to a later date and continue to host the charitable fundraising event on an annual basis. Clays for a Cause is a sporting clays event produced and underwritten as a charitable fundraiser by Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Every dollar raised from the event through sponsorships, donations and participant entry fees is given to a charity or cause designated by KFB. The Kentucky Hunger Initiative was launched in 2016 by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles to bring together farmers, charitable organizations, faith groups, community leaders, and government entities to reduce hunger in Kentucky.

Kentucky Hereford Association KHA Invites any Hereford Breeder to Become a Member! Dues are $25. Send to 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 If you would like your farm to be added to this page, please contact: KY Hereford Association Earlene Thomas, 859-623-5734

Wells Farm

KHA Officers

President: Tim Wolf Secretary/ Treasurer: Earlene Thomas 859-623-5734 thomasep@roadrunner.com

-HEREFORDS -

Codee Guffey • 1815 Grassy Springs Road Versailles, Kentucky 40383 Phone: 502-598-6355 Email: rockridgeherefords@gmail.com www.rockridgeherefords.com

www.dogwoodherefords.com

Boyd Beef Cattle

Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-6956 Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

Thomas Farm

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”

WOLF FARM

Registered Polled Herefords Bulls & Females for sale Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Rd. Alexandria, KY 41001 Home: 859-635-0899 Cell: 859-991-3484

Peyton’s Well Polled Herefords The Lowell Atwood Family 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”

MPH Farms Paul L. Hancock 8559 KY 56 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-771-4194

Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

Tony & Kathy Staples 992 Knotts Road Brandenburg, KY 40108 270-422-4220 tstaples@bbtel.com

Windy Hills Farm Jackie D. Perkins II 367 Mt. Pisgah Rd. • Bremen, KY 42325 270-543-3586 Breeding to produce good cows since 1981.

Jackson Farms

Pile Stock Farm

WCN Polled Herefords Since 1961

Hansell Pile, Jr. 12045 St. John Rd. Cecilia, KY 42724 270-735-5192•270-862-4462 12 miles West of Elizabethtown

Bill & Libby Norris 2220 Celina Road Burkesville, KY 42717 Phone (270) 433-7256 Cell (270) 433-1525 “Every calf needs a white face”

TS TS Tucker Stock Farms F F

“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”

TUCKER STOCK FARMS TUCKER STOCK FARMS

TUCKER STOCK FARMS

“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” John Tucker “Registered Angus and Polled “Registered AngusHerefords” andIIPolled Herefords” 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Breeding cattle for sale at all times. John A. Tucker II John A. Tucker II Hudson, KY 40145 HiddenHerefords” Valley Lane 1999 Walnut Hill Rd. • Lexington, KY “Registered 40515 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Angus and 1790 Polled 270-617-0301 Hudson, KY 40145 Hudson, KY 40145 (859) 271-9086 • cell (859)533-3790 (270) 257-8548 (270) 257-8548 Offi 257-8167 Office for (270) 257-8167 John A. Tucker IIce (270) “Bulls always Sale”

1790 Hidden18-month-old Valley 18-month-old AngusLane & Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale Hudson, KY 40145 (270) 257-8548 Office (270) 257-8167

Private treaty sales • Visitors always welcome

GET YOUR AD HERE! CONTACT EARLENE FOR MORE INFO

18-month-old Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale

1874 Old Fall Creek Road • Monticello, KY 42633

COW COUNTRY •

859-588-4531

Registered Polled Herefords 8103 Bill Moss Road White House, TN 37188 Home/Fax: 615-672-4483 Cell: 615-478-4483 billymjackson@aol.com “Farming the Same Land Since 1834”

Registered Polled Herefords

Old Fall Creek Farms AHA & KHA member • Proven bloodlines

Reed Bertram 606-348-7486 David Bertram 606-278-3630 www.ofcfarms.com

K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM

198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031

Chambliss Hereford Farms Brad, Carla, Clay and Clint Chambliss 916 Winchester Blvd. Elizabethtown, KY 42701 Home (270) 982-3905 • Cell (270) 668-7126 fax 270-735-9922 www.chamblissherefordfarms.com

BECKLEY HEREFORDS L.W. Beckley D.V.M L. Wayne Beckley 284 Pyrse Lane 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Irvine, KY 40336 Ravenna, KY 40472 Cell: 859-779-1419 Home: 606-723-3021 Clinic: 606-726-0000 Cell: 859-779-0962 www.beckleyherefords.com

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS KYLE BUSH

Registered Polled Herefords

6077 Helena Road • Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II · 606-584-5194

TK4 Herefords

Contact Earlene Thomas for more information: 859-623-5734 www.kentuckyhereford.org

Polled Herefords 439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Road • Corbin, KY 40701 Kevin, Angela, Bobby & Brenda Wells Kenlea & Kyler Murray 606-523-0569 - Home 606-528-1691 - Home 606-344-0417 - Cell 606-682-8143 - Cell wells_farm@yahoo.com

Danny Miller

www.jmsvictordomino.com 270-465-6984 • 270-566-2694

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• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

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JACOB REDWAY CAREY BROWN cbrown@kycattle.org CAREY BROWNjredway@kycattle.orgJACOB REDWAY cbrown@kycattle.org FARM ACCOUNTS jredway@kycattle.org BUSINESS OR NATIONAL ACCOUNTS BUSINESS OR NATIONAL ACCOUNTS

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COW COUNTRY • NO ALPI C UAT B LIIO C AT I O NH O F T H E K E N T U CAT K YT C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S OIC AT I O N PV RE I L2M02B20E02R0 •2 •0A1A9P U P•U B AT OIN N CCOOWWCCOOUUNNTTRRYY • • MAAY BL I C AT I O NNOO F FT T H EEKKEENNTTUUCCKKYY CCAT T LLEEMMEENN’ ’SS AASSSSOOCCIIAT IO

8613 57

LIMOUSIN

Breeders of the Bluegrass

B.F. Evans Cattle Company Byron Evans

P.O. Box 1509 599 Ray Allen Lane Versailles, KY 40383 Byron 859-509-8046 Rose Ann 270-543-1960 bfevanscattlecompany@gmail.com byron.evans59@yahoo.com byron.evans59@yahoo.co m

Fullblood & Purebred Embryos & Semen Stephen: 270-799-8685 760 Emily Court Bowling Green, KY 42101

achhlimousin@twc.com Facebook: ACHH Limousin

CUMMINS POLLED LIMOUSIN David & Donald P. Cummins 4312 Willow-Lenoxburg Rd. Foster, KY 41043 David: 606-747-5886 (C) 606.782.7003 Email: cumminsd@windstream.net

ING ET T

S LAND & C AT T

Daniel Gettings

Elbow Bend & Center Point Rd. Tompkinsville, KY 42167

(270) 487-9454 or (270) 202-7755 “Registered Limousin - LimFlex - Angus Genetics”

LBB Buck’s Limousin Farm

“The Best Kept Secret in Eastern Kentucky” John Buck: (606) 474-7451 • (606) 922-8174 2494 South St. Hwy. 7, Grayson, KY. 41143 johnbuck474@windstream.net “cattle for sale - private treaty”

Tom & Chris Daniel 5171 Camargo-Levee Rd. • Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 859-498-0030 859-585-1785 859-585-8388 “Your source of purebred homopolled/homoblack.”

Greg Blaydes 859-338-9402 James Hicks 859-227-0490

1225 E. Leestown Rd. Midway, KY 40347

Ri c c i R o l a nD Ricci & Brenda Roland 423 Lebus Lane Cynthiana, KY 41031 859-234-3986 • 859-234-7344 rolandlimousin@earthlink.net

Allen & Jon Anderson 260 Henderson Rd. Eubank, KY 42567 Allen: 606-872-8072 Jon: 606-305-8859

“Quality Limousin + LimFlex Cattle!”

WHITE LIMOUSIN & WHITE ANGUS

Donald & Mary Ann Wenzel

994 Airport Road • Falmouth, KY 41040 TOMORROW’S REGISTERED WHITE ANGUS TODAY!

LL RO

(859) 654-3612 • (859) 322-0752 maryawenz@aol.com

ING OAKS FARM

Terry W. McPhetridge 606-843-6903 Cell: 606-524-9241

COW COUNTRY •

1645 Winding Blade Rd. East Bernstadt, KY 40729

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Bob Minerich, 859-582-6888 2003 Barnes Mill Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 minegwen@aol.com “Cattle for sale private treaty”

Triple K Limousin Paul & Brad Kidd

8254 HWY 711 West Liberty, KY 41472 606-743-7349 606-738-9493 606-495-6396

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FLEECE VEST (BLACK)

HOODIE (GREY)

A P PA R E L

MENS LADIES $27

$27

$29

$31

WINDBREAKER (NAVY BLUE)

1/4 ZIP PULLOVER (BLACK)

QTY $25

$25

$27

$28

TOTAL APPAREL TOTAL

$25

$27

$28

KJCA PULLOVER (NAVY BLUE)

QTY $25

S QTY

$27

$29

$31

ADULT $27

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Mail PAYMENT and COMPLETED FORM to: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association • 176 Pasadena Drive • Lexington, Kentucky 40503 Or Fax: (859) 260-2060 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE! Visit http://bit.ly/KCAstore (case sensitive) to order and pay online!

COW COUNTRY •

M AY 2 0 2 0

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AD INDEX

DUE TO RAPI DLY CHANG I N G C I R C U M STA N C E S I N VO LV I N G C OV I D - 19 , PLEASE CALL AHEAD O F THE SALE TO E N S U R E SA L E DAT E A N D LO CAT I O N A R E AC C U RAT E

AGCO......................................................................13 Allison Charolais.................................................... 26 Allflex.................................................................21 Alltech......................................................................9, 63

General October 30-31 Stockmanship & Stewardship Event, Bowling Green, KY

American Buffalo Knife and Tool.........................21 Blue Grass Stockyards............................................27

Angus May 2 Cardinal Hill Farms Third An. Production Sale, Glasgow, KY May 16 Crazy K Ranch 7th Annual Spring Production Sale, Michie, TN (pg. 33) June 6 Bridge View Angus 13th Annual Production Sale, Frankfort, KY (pg. 15) NEW DATE June 6 Great Meadows Angus Association Sale, Campbellsburg, KY (pg. 2) NEW DATE Gelbvieh May 2 Opportunity Knocks Female Sale, Kingsville, MO May 16 SoKY Select Gelbvieh Sale, Bowling Green, KY (pg. 25) NEW DATE

Bridge View Angus..................................................15 Burkmann Nutrition................................................ 8 Bush Hog.................................................................21 Cargill Animal Nutrition........................................ 17 Central Kentucky Ag Credit.................................. 64 Central Kentucky Premier Heifer Sale.................26 CPH 45....................................................................48 Crazy K Ranch........................................................ 33 Glenview Farms...................................................... 20 Great Meadows Angus Association........................ 2 Green River Livestock...............................................7 Gro-Tec Inc..............................................................21

Hereford May 9 Burns Farms Annual Female Event Sale, Pikeville, TN CANCELED May 14 KY Certified Hereford Influence Sale, Stanford, KY May 30 Middle Tennessee Hereford Association Annual Sale, Cross Plains, TN NEW DATE Limousin May 2 Ohio Valley Limousin Assoc. Spring Sale, Mineral Wells, WV ONLINE ONLY

Hayes Trailer Sales................................................... 4 Heritage Farms....................................................... 32 Jackson Marketing Solutions................................ 32 John Armes............................................................. 30 John Deere.................................................................3 Kentucky Angus Assoc.................................... 52, 53 Kentucky Gelbvieh Assoc...................................... 54 Kentucky Hereford Assoc...................................... 56 Kentucky Salers Assoc........................................... 60

Multi-Breed April 30 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY June 6 Central Kentucky Premier Heifer Sale, Lexington, KY (pg. 26) June 6 West KY Select Bred Heifer Sale, Guthrie, KY (pg. 4) NEW DATE June 17 CPH Sale, Lexington, KY June 25 CPH Sale, Springfield, KY July 14 CPH Sale, Guthrie, KY August 13 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY October 10 Pleasant Hill Farms 9th Annual Fall Production Sale, Rockfield, KY December 3 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY

Kentucky Simmental Assoc................................... 50 Kuhn North America..............................................19 Limousin Breeders of the Bluegrass..................... 58 Moly Mfg..................................................................21 New Holland............................................................21 Oak Hollow................................................................5 Pasture Management Systems, Inc......................12 P.H. White............................................................... 39 Ridley, Inc...............................................................10 SoKY Select Gelbvieh Sale....................................25 Stone Gate Farms......................................................7 Walters Buildings....................................................12 West KY Select Bred Heifer Sale...........................4

Red Angus September 26 Shady Bottom Ranch An. Production Sale, Crossville, TN

Wm. E. Fagaly & Son..............................................23 Zoetis........................................................................ 11

SALERS

The Balanced Breed STRINGER FARMS Bruce Stringer 128 Teresa Avenue Somerset, KY 42501 606-875-3553 60

DIAMOND J SALERS Donald Johnson 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-379-1558 COW COUNTRY •

M AY 2 0 2 0

WILLIS FARMS • Danny Willis 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 502-803-5011 • drwc21@aol.com Matt Craig, Farm Mgr. 502-604-0821

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

CLASSIFIEDS PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability.

OVER 15 BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Also selling 15 open and 15 bred heifers. Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126

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

ANGUS BULLS: REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL Great EPDs & genetics. Nice selection. Rand Angus Farms. Milton, KY 502-552-1164 or 502-639-4085 BULLS FOR SALE 18-20 month old. 9 purebred Angus, 4 Balancers. All with registration papers. Breeding Soundness Examinations. Complete herd health program. Cost Share Qualified. Calving Ease. Also 12 4-year-old cows, 6 with calves, 4 fall freshening, 2 late spring. All with registration papers. 24 fall freshening heifers. Bred to calving ease bulls. Shoopman Angus Valley, Jesse Shoopman, 606-7877897 or cell 606-303-2313

FOUNDATION SALE VI October 3, 2020 • United Producers, Bowling Green, KY • Selling FULLBLOOD & PUREBRED LIMOUSIN Genetics • For info call : A C H Holdings, LLC • Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685 RED ANGUS FOR SALE Bulls: Yearlings and 2-year-olds. Open Heifers. • Show Heifer Prospects. Contact: Johnnie Cundiff • 606-305-6443 or 606-871-7438

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS HD 50K Tested,18-20 months old • Western Way Angus. Georgetown, KY 859-621-6175

REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS Excellent EPD’s. Semen Tested. Delivery Available. Maximize your profit with proven performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP cost-share. Adam Wheatley 502-349-2665

John Deere 7230 premium- loader $53,000 John Deere 6400-CHA- loader 4wd- $24,000 John Deere 5083 E- cab- loader ready $24,000 Artex manure rental spreader- call Stoltzfus lime spreader- rental - call Horning 2-3 row silage header- reserve yours New Holland 513 manure spreader- $5000 John Deere 7000- 6 row- liquid - $6500 John Deere 3950- complete rebuild -$10,000 Cloverdale 420 - 2017- left discharge $21,995 Farmco feeder - in stock ESCH hay tedders in stock (859)608-9745 www.redbarnandassociates.com

SEE YOUR AD HERE! REACH OVER 10,600 CATTLEMEN EACH MONTH. ADS AS LOW AS $15 PER MONTH. FOR AD PLACEMENT CALL

859-278-0899

3 YEAR OLD, FEMALE RED HEELER needs a home and a job. Call 859-868-9640

Lost Bridge Cattle Company

Livestock Hauling Indiana Kentucky Ohio Tennessee 513-678-1042 Ryan Gries

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE * FREE DELIVERY * FOUR WINDS FARM New Castle, Kentucky

(502) 296-1044

MARKET REPORT

SOUTHEAST FEEDER CATTLE PRICES 17 APRIL 2020 weights

STEER

HEIFER

KY/TN

LA/MS

9-10

97-103

100-106

91-97

95-101

100-106

98-104

8-9

104-112

107-115

100-108

102-110

107-115

104-112

7-8

111-120

120-128

111-119

115-123

121-129

6-7

129-139

135-145

120-130

128-138

5-6

148-160

153-165

142-154

4-5

153-167

167-181

153-167

weights

KY/TN

LA/MS

131-121

101-109

105-113

98-106

100-108

104-112

99-107

134-144

124-134

110-120

120-130

102-112

111-121

115-125

114-124

142-154

148-160

138-150

123-135

128-140

109-121

118-130

126-138

121-133

159-173

157-171

154-168

135-149

140-154

124-138

131-145

132-146

136-150

COWS AL

LA/MS

KY/TN

UTIL

54-63

53-62

58-67

64-73

57-66

55-64

CN/CUT

48-57

49-58

47-56

55-64

50-59

47-56

BULLS

83-91

81-89

80-88

89-97

84-92

81-89

COW COUNTRY •

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Feeder cattle traded mixed, from $4 lower to $4 higher. Calves varied across regions from $6 lower to $5 higher. Market cows traded mostly $3 to $7 firmer, with instances of $12 higher.

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

FEATURE

TIMELY TIPS FOR MAY

I CAN’T GET DISTILLERS GRAINS, WHAT ELSE CAN I FEED FOR PROTEIN? JEFF LEHMKUHLER University of Kentucky These last few weeks have been nothing close to a normal spring. Recent events have taken their toll on the markets. The May corn CME contract was trading in the $3.80’s in early March while last week it fell to the $3.30’s. The April fed cattle contract with early March prices being in the $105$108 area and now near $90. Closing of packing plants have also played havoc on beef markets with cull cow prices tumbling. The impacts are widening as we come into April. Several fuel ethanol plants have shutdown during recent weeks amid the oil price war and COVID-19 outbreak. This will have a ripple effect as corn purchases are halted and the production of distillers grains is reduced. Dried distillers grains spot bid prices have increased nearly $30/ton since the end of March for Iowa. Availability of distillers grains may be limited or unavailable during plant shutdowns. So the question is what else can I feed in place of distillers grains? Other plant-derived protein supplements such as corn gluten feed, cottonseed meal, soybean meal, and linseed/flaxseed meal could be potential alternatives. Commercial protein supplements from feed companies are also options. When considering options, price the feedstuffs based on cost per unit or pound of protein. For most dry feeds, the moisture content will be about 10% and relatively constant. For this example, the assumption is made the feeds are similar in moisture as they are dry feeds. Dried distillers grains may have a guaranteed crude protein percentage of 28% as-fed while cottonseed meal may have the minimum crude protein listed as 41%. The two feeds are quoted at a price of $275 and $365 per ton for distillers and cottonseed meal, respectively for this example. Step 1) Determine the pounds of crude protein in a ton. (2,000 lb / ton) X (28 lb CP/100 lb feed dried distillers grains) = 560 lb CP / ton DDG (2,000 lb / ton) X (41 lb CP/100 lb feed corn gluten feed) = 820 lb CP / ton CGF Step 2) Calculate the cost per pound of CP ($275 / ton DDG) / (560 lb CP / ton DDG) = $0.49 / lb CP ($365 / ton CGF) / (820 lb CP / ton CGF) = $0.45 / lb CP Step 3) Determine the substation ratio Currently feeding 4 lbs of DDG which provides 1.12 lbs CP (4 lb X 28% CP/100) Ratio CP DDG/Cottonseed meal = 28% CP/41% CP = 0.68 4 lbs DDG X 0.68 = 2.72 lb cottonseed meal substituted for DDG Step 4) Check protein supply 2.72 lb cottonseed meal X (41% CP / 100) = 1.12 lb CP In this example, the cottonseed meal is a slightly better value on a price per pound of crude protein basis at $0.45/lb. When making the substitution, less cottonseed meal is fed due to the higher protein content. This doesn’t account for other nutrient differences such as energy content. You can search for energy (TDN, NEm, NEg) values in extension publications. If the feedstuffs in question vary greatly in energy content this needs to be taken into account. Cottonseed meal contains approximately 15% less energy than dried distillers grains based on reported book values. Assessing the feeding value is often conducted using corn and soybean meal as reference feedstuffs for energy and protein. The cost per unit of protein and energy are determined for the reference feeds. The feed in question is then valued based upon its protein and energy content. If corn was $160/ton and soybean meal was purchased for $500/ton, the value of cottonseed meal and dried distillers grains are $360 and $283, respectively. This means that if either feed can be purchased for less than these values they would be a better value than using corn and soybean meal. Therefore, in our comparison of DDG and cottonseed meal, the distillers grains has a slight advantage over cottonseed meal valuing both protein and energy. However, the prices used in the example would suggest that cottonseed meal under the assumed conditions would not greatly increase the cost of gain if distillers grains were unavailable. This same approach can be considered when we look at feed company protein products. Often the first step would be to consider source. Plant-based protein supplements will be slightly more expensive. These products often are lower in crude protein (20-38%). These would be “natural” protein supplements which simply means there is no non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source in the supplement. This would be the choice for lightweight feeders and cattle on poor quality forages. Higher crude protein commercial products (40-50% CP) would include some NPN such as urea or biuret. Feeding NPN is best done when feeding diets containing a significant amount of starch such as corn, wheat or other cereal grain. Protein tubs and molasses products containing urea can be offered

COW COUNTRY •

SPRING-CALVING COW HERD Continue supplying a high magnesium mineral until daytime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees F. Improve or maintain body condition (BCS 5) of cows before breeding season starts. If necessary, increase energy intake even on pasture. Bulls should have a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) well before the breeding season (at least 30 days). Contact your local veterinarian to schedule a BSE for your herd sires. They should also receive their annual booster vaccinations and be dewormed. Schedule spring “turn-out “working in late-April or early-May; i.e. at the end of calving season and before the start of breeding season. Consult with your veterinarian about vaccines and health products for your herd. “Turn-out” working for the cow herd may include: • Prebreeding vaccinations • Deworming • Replacing lost identification tags • Sort cows into breeding groups, if using more than one bull • Insecticide eartags (best to wait until fly population builds up) “Turn-out” working of calves may include: • Vaccinate for IBR-PI3, Clostridial diseases and Pinkeye • Dehorn, if needed (can be done with electric dehorner and fly repellent during fly season) • Castrate and implant male feeder calves (if not done at birth) • Deworm • Insecticide eartags Consider breeding yearling replacement heifers one heat cycle (about 21 days) earlier than cows for “head-start” calving. Mate to known calving-ease bulls. Record identification of all cows and bulls in each breeding group. Begin breeding cows no later than mid-May, especially if they are on high endophyte fescue. Cows should be in good condition so that conception occurs prior to periods of extreme heat. Consider synchronizing estrus in all cows. Exposing late-calving cows and first-calf heifers to a progestin (MGA feed or CIDR device) for 7 days before bull turn out increases pregnancy rates. Choose best pastures for grazing during the breeding season. Select those with the when feeding forages. Protein efficiency may be less when using NPN sources on low quality forages compared to plant-based supplements. Correcting a rumen degradable protein deficiency using either plant-based or NPN protein sources will improve forage digestion and energy availability. Cautions are warranted when using NPN sources as they can be toxic. A few feeding considerations are: not feeding with whole raw soybeans, limited feeding rates to 1/3 of the diet protein supply, limiting inclusion M AY 2 0 2 0

best stand of clover and the lowest level of the fescue endophyte, if known. Keep these pastures vegetative by grazing or clipping. High quality pastures are important for a successful breeding season. If using artificial insemination: • Use an experienced inseminator. • Make positive identification of cows and semen used. This will permit accurate records on date bred, return to heat, calving date and sire. • Good handling facilities and gentle working of the cows are essential. • Choose AI sires that will meet your goals and resist the temptation to get your cows bigger. Observe breeding pastures often to see if bulls are working. Records cows’ heat dates and then check 18-21 days later, for return to heat. FALL-CALVING HERD Pregnancy check the cow herd. Remove open cows at weaning time. Plan marketing program for calves. Consider various options, such as maintaining ownership and backgrounding in a grazing program, or precondition and sell in a CPH-45 feeder calf sale. Initiate fly control for the cows when fly population builds up. Calves may be weaned anytime now but you can take advantage of the spring grass by leaving them on the cow a while or weaning and grazing. STOCKERS Keep calves on good pasture and rotate pastures rapidly during periods of lush growth. Manage to keep pastures vegetative for best performance. Provide mineral mix with an ionophore. Implant as needed. Control internal and external parasites. GENERAL Harvest hay. Work around the weather and cut early before plants become too mature. Harvesting forage early is the key to nutritional quality. Replenish your hay supply! Rotate pastures as needed to keep them vegetative. Clip pastures to prevent seedhead formation on fescue and to control weeds. Seed warm season grasses this month. to 1.25% of diet DM or less, avoid using with other feedstuffs that contain NPN (i.e. drought stressed silages), and ensuring a thorough mix. When considering substitutions for feedstuffs that are in short supply, work with a nutritionist to develop your new rations. This will ensure the diets are balanced to meet the nutritional needs of cattle and avoid potential risks for digestive upsets. For more information, contact your local Extension office or consult your nutritionist.

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

ORKS

AT W H T E G A T AN TION ADV

0 0 0 , e 0 v a h . 0 e v 1 We e i l e b to s n o s rea C

RODU THE REP

More than 100,000 cattle are fed on our farm annually. That’s 100,000 reasons we know your herd needs the best mineral program available. CPC Reproduction minerals are fortified with key ingredients to give you the advantage for reproductive efficiency, and gives your cows the foundation they need to start their calves off right.

- Excellent source of phosphorus - More readily available organic trace minerals in the form of Alltech’s BIOPLEX® and SEL-PLEX® - Increased vitamin levels - Weatherized process to stay loose and palatable, even on the wettest days. Try CPC’s mineral program on your herd and see why we have 100,000 reasons to believe!

P rove n on ou r fa r m . M a de fo r yo urs.

9 8 C e l s o r R o a d | F o u n t a i n R u n , K Y 4 2 1 3 3 | P h o n e 2 7 0 - 6 1 8 - 6 4 5 5 | To l l F r e e 8 8 8 - 6 1 8 - 6 4 5 5 | w w w. c p c f e e d s . c o m

COW COUNTRY •

M AY 2 0 2 0

• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

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