Issuu

March 23rd - 28th, 2020

Follow Hinton Mills on Facebook for information & updates about Cattle Health Days and all our other events.

hintonmills.com

Week-long sale

Informational Sessions

Visit any of our five locations March 23rd-28th & SAVE on cattle de-wormers, fly tags, livestock scales, squeeze chutes, MGA cubes, select protein tubs, cattle mineral, & other health-related products.

Sessions will include about 45-50 minutes of various cattle health-related product vendors each spending 4-5 minutes discussing products they think are most advantageous to producers (scales, fly tags, squeeze chutes, Rumensin, MGA, pour-on dewormers/insecticides, etc.) Those vendors will be followed by a 20-30 minute presentation from specialists from University of Kentucky or Morehead State University.

sessions meet criteria for CAIP certification required for cost-share programs. Monday, March 23rd 11:00 a.m. Harrison Co. Extension Office, 668 New Lair Rd., Cynthiana

6:00 p.m. Fleming Co. Farm Supply 1724 Maysville Rd., Flemingsburg

Genetics of Cattle Health & how to Improve Your Herd’s Health Through Breeding

Dr. Darrh Bullock, UK Tuesday, March 24th 11:00 a.m. May’s Lick Mill 6538 U.S. 68, May’s Lick

Nutritional Needs for Beef Herds Coming Out of Winter

Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, UK

Pasture fertilization as it relates to Forage & Hay Quality

Dr. Jimmy Henning, UK

6:00 p.m. Derrickson Agricultural Complex 25 MSU Drive, Morehead Baby Calf Health including colostrum, vaccinations and developments in oral antibody supplements

Dr. Phil Prater, MSU

Frank Hinton & Son 591 Plummers Landing Rd. Plummers Landing, KY 606-876-3171 2

Jabetown Mill 99 Ewing Rd. Ewing, KY 606-267-2161 COW COUNTRY •

May’s Lick Mill 6538 U.S. Hwy. 68 May’s Lick, KY 606-763-6602 MARCH 2020

FC Farm Supply 1724 Maysville Rd. Flemingsburg, KY 606-845-1821

Hinton Mills Cynthiana 332 Lincoln Ave. Cynthiana, KY 859-234-2122

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S COLUMNISTS 7 8 10 12 14 22 36 94

Steve Dunning: President’s Thoughts Ryan Quarles: Commissioner’s Corner Dave Maples: Our Team Works Baxter Black: He Wondered How He’d Tell Her Nathan Lawson: Value Added Marketing Chris Teutsch: Strategies for Reclaiming Hay Feeding Areas Dr. Michelle Arnold: What’s Next for Food Animal Antibiotics? Darrh Bullock: Timely Tips for March

FEATURE STORIE S 24 32 38 40 42 44 45 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 76 79 81

Cow-Calf Profitability Estimates for 2019 & 2020 Farmers Must Act Promptly to Recover Money for Property Damage Five Locations Chosen for 2020 Stockmanship & Stewardship Program IPM Training School Returns to Princeton NCBA Releases Consumer Research Showing Widespread Confusion About Contents of Plant-Based Fake Meat New KCA Intern Quarles Praises Passage of E-15 Bill New Ads Tackle the Topics of Health, Sustainability & Meat Sub- stitutes with the Iconic Brand’s Unique Personality & Swagger UK Researchers Advancing Cover Crop Knowledge U.S. Pork Exports Record-Large in 2019, Approaching $7 Billion; Beef Export Value Again Tops $8 Billion Are You Eating Enough Protein? Beef Quality Assurance Online Modules Updated to Boost Realism, Ease of Use Ol’ Man Winter is a Thief! Top 6 Factors Affecting Bull Fertility Understanding Soil Mechanics to Improve Beef Cattle Winter Feeding Areas & Production USDA Settles Case Against Mid-KY Livestock Market, LLC Kentucky Cattle Inventory Unchanged from 2019 NCBA Convention Review USDA to Invest $56 Million to Help Farmers Improve Water Quality Quarles Encourages Farmers to Submit Conservation Award Nominations USDA Settles Against H.D. Hume dba H&H Livestock

MID SOUTH

COMPRESSION ANALGESIC

16 County News 20 NCBA Legislative Update Economic & Policy Update 30-31 70-71 Membership 72-73 Kentucky Beef Council 74-75 Kentucky Beef Network 89 Kentucky Angus Association News 92 Calendar of Events 92 Advertisers Index 93 Market Report 93 Classifieds

SMART

Tensioned Loop for Newborns

DELAYED CASTRATION

Since 1991

Built-in Cutter Self-locking Loop

EARLY CASTRATION

PRO

800-858-5974

ON THE COVER:

CallicrateBanders.com

“CALF KISSES” was the WINNER of our 2019 Bovine Beauties contest. It was submitted by STACEY COCKRELL from Montgomery County! The photo features Jase and his big brother’s calf. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JASE!

WEE

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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OAK HOLLOW PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS CATTLE

What is Consistency Worth?

I bred 89 heifers last summer and 86 of them bred to calve this February and March. The three that didn’t breed were left on grass before going on a finishing ration late last fall. I brought them home in a freezer last week. All three heifers had industry average carcass weights and were USDA Choice Yield Grade 2 heifers with 13.5-inch ribeye areas. The story here is not about the carcass data. It is acceptable, but I am not paying for a full-page ad to brag about grading 100% choice on three heiferettes. This isn’t about my expertise as a cattle feeder. That was the largest group of fat cattle we have hauled off our property since 1986, and I was born in 1990. The take home from that set of heifers is about consistency. None of the heifers or their mothers share a common sire. They were not a bunch of three-quarter or seven-eighths sisters. They were culls that I saw the opportunity to add value by direct marketing instead of giving away profit potential at the sale barn. Finding value is something I have written about in this space many times. When cut size and quality are all the same my customers will be happy with their eating experience. It is also much easier on me to sell and distribute a uniform product. A big advantage we have in the supply chain as cow-calf producers is that we can market at several different points. We can sell at any point from weaning to hanging on the rail after harvest. One thing that is true of all those marketing points is that there is tremendous value in having a consistent product. How much more is a load of feeder cattle that are all ready to kill at the same time and grade with that level of consistency worth to the feeder? What is a calf crop that doesn’t need sorted as many ways at the sale barn worth at weaning or after preconditioning? Creating a consistent product starts by having a consistent cow herd. Our cow herd has been bred following the same philosophy since long before I was born. In short, we want a uniform product that is highly sought after down the supply chain and we want to produce that quality product and more economically than anyone else. I have used close to 50 different Oak Hollow bulls from 6-8 separate sire lines on my cow herd over the last 5 years. The consistency in philosophy over those generations preceding my time here is why we can create the uniform product we do despite the great amount of genetic variation. COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

When you view our bulls or talk to people that have, there will be one common comment. They all look exactly the same. The only difference across the group is the slight difference in EPDs and index values. Creating consistency begins with using our bulls. Few cattle breeders in the world have been breeding a population of cattle for as long and with as intense of focus. Give us a call today, and we will be happy to help you increase consistency and profitability starting with your next calf crop.

2020 FIRST CHOICE BULL SALE MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2020 - 5:30 PM CDT 400 OAK HOLLOW DR. - SMITHS GROVE, KY FREE DELIVERY ON SALE DAY PURCHASES ASK ABOUT FINANCING OPTIONS 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)

COW COUNTRY •

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 3 176 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. MARCH 2020

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PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS STEVE DUNNING Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President On February 2 the rodent weather prognosticator in Punxsutawney, PA did not see his shadow and that supposedly means an early spring. February came in like a lamb and the next two days temperatures were in the seventies in our area. I had to leave for San Antonio on Feb 5 for NCBA convention and while I was gone Christian County, along with most of the commonwealth, received our second snowfall of the year along with cold and dreary conditions. Good timing! Newly appointed National Cattlemen’s Beef Association chief executive officer Colin Woodall vows to “evolve” NCBA in searching for better markets world wide with more transparency and explaining the facts while standing up to the opposing forces in an interactive way and protecting the beef checkoff. Woodall states “we are the answer to climate change, not the cause of climate

change”. It is time to show the power of this association with respect but with a punch! With your support through the Beef Checkoff Program, U.S. Beef exports topped $8 billion for the second straight year in 2019. Export volume was 1.32 million metric tons. The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is absolutely a grass roots organization and we have a story to tell, and the stories that we have told have been heard and have made a difference in Washington D.C. At the board of directors meeting in San Antonio, I witnessed a sea of cowboy hat wearing cattlemen and women give a standing ovation to Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler following his common sense report. Under the Trump administration the newly formed Navigatable Waters Protection Rule

(NWPR), which replaces the Obama era WOTUS, is based on common sense and now the EPA is working closely with cattlemen and farmers as it recognizes the importance of cattlemen being the chief steward of their land. Down on the farm our calving season starts late February. Momma cows are in final trimester and are eating for two. Farm manager Brad Hodges is laboring some long hours trying to keep up with feed demand by grinding enough each day for some healthy appetites. We grind every mouthful of hay consumed which results in zero waste. Background calves are supplemented with rations and mixed with our hay achieving optimal growth. At the house, our two Great Pyrenees dogs, Sofie and Lilly, are typical representations of their breed. Anyone who is owned by one of this breed knows exactly what I am saying. It was a hectic

week leading up to the state convention in Owensboro. After losing a barn in a windstorm, I returned to the house greeted by the dogs and after getting out of my truck I heard the heating unit making a noise akin to an old John Deere tractor. After inspecting the unit, I turned to go inside and stepped on a concrete cover to a gray water tank. The cover slipped and flipped and one leg went down into the tank up to the hip and the concrete cover caught the other leg removing a good portion of skin from both shins. Because I was rolling around on the wet post-storm ground, Sofie concluded that it was playtime and 125 pounds of big white dog was on top of me growling, nipping and having a great time. At that moment I did not share her enthusiasm, nor see the humor. It is a good thing that becoming KCA President does not require a pretty legs contest. Cowboy up.

presents

APRIL 4, 2020  1 PM

LAUREL COUNTY CATTLEMEN SALE FACILITIES 3610 SLATE LICK CHURCH ROAD  LONDON, KY

for more information: Laurel County Extension Office......................................................................................606.864.4167 Bobby Wells, Association President ...............................................................................606.344.0417 Glenn Williams, Ag Agent...............................................................................................606.682.0665 COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER RYAN QUARLES Commissioner of Agriculture Well, the General Assembly is in full swing this session and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) continues to be a voice for you and your families in Frankfort. At the time of this writing, we have passed numerous bills this session dealing with everything from E-15 to hemp, and are working with members on our budget and new produce safety rules that will allow KDA to keep FDA off the farm. I continue to encourage you to consider inviting a member of the General Assembly to your farm for a visit, to show them what you do. In this day and age, when people are more and more removed from the family farm, that we do all we can to educate people about how policy in Frankfort can help – or harm – your ability to provide food and fiber for a growing country and world.

I’ve been thinking a lot about agriculture education lately. It is incredibly important for us as an agriculture community to continue educating consumers and the public about our industry. This month, producers of all stripes have been on the receiving end of what almost seems like a coordinated campaign to attack American agriculture. The highest profile instance came from actor Joaquin Phoenix, who won the best actor award for the movie “Joker.” In his acceptance speech, he attacked the dairy industry for “stealing milk” from the udders of cows. Now, you and I both know that kind of comment reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how American agriculture works. It just goes to show you that we have to continue educating people about how our industry works. I hope you will join me in pushing back against these efforts to undermine

the hard work of all farmers. With that in mind, you may have received word from your county clerk with a reminder to renew your farm vehicle license plates. At the clerk’s office, you may see a poster featuring our state 4-H and FFA officers asking you to make a voluntary donation of up to $10 to the Ag Tag Fund. Donations are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the KDA. Half of the 4-H and FFA funds go back to the county where the tag is purchased. These funds are critical to educating the next generation and cultivating the next generation of leaders, citizens, farmers, and agribusiness operators. Your support of the Ag Tag Fund will help us achieve that goal. Each year of my Administration, we have raised more than $600,000. With your help, I am sure we can do it again.

DON’T FALL BEHIND THE HERD!

GRASS TIME PARTNERS

19TH ANNUAL ANGUS BULL AND FEMALE SALE • FRIDAY, APRIL 3 • 7PM VAR DISCOVERY

HA COWBOY UP

KCF BENNETT FORTRESS

Featuring Progeny of: Discovery Cowboy Up Black Magic Dually Fortress Rampage

50 Bulls

35 Registered Females

Commercial Females

Commercial Females: Jack Debord TD Cattle Steve Vice Carr Lane Farm QQ Farms Green Oaks Farm

For more information or to request a catalog contact JOHN MCDONALD (859) 404-1406 or JASON CROWE (859) 582-0761

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Bull Consignors:

Morehead State University McDonald Angus Triple C Farms 4th Quarter Ranch Clairbrook Farms KW Angus Vice Farms Mt. Moriah Moss Angus

Registered Female Consignors: (all bull consignors plus)

Pelphrey Cattle Co. 4-C Livestock Several Fancy AI Fall Bred Heifers

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Stone Gate Farms Annual Production Sale

Monday, March 9th - 12:30 PM 1669 Mill Creek Rd. Flemingsburg, KY Lot 16

Lot 9

CED: +10 BW: -.2

WW: +57

YW: +109

M: +28

60 Registered Angus Bulls

CED: +7 BW: +.6

18 Cows - Most Cow/Calf Pairs

Lot 29

WW: +55

YW: +99

M: +27

YW: +74

M: +29

Lot 86

24 Bred Heifers 12 Open Heifers CED: +5 BW: +.9

WW: +62

YW: +114

M: +30

CED: +5

BW: +.6

WW: +44

The Cannons

stonegateangus@gmail.com

stonegatefarms.com COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Charles: 606.748.0747 Jere: 606.748.6306

Chris: 606.748.0407 Vicki: 606.748.5420

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FROM DAVE’S DESK

CLIFFSIDE FARMS

DAVE MAPLES Executive Vice President As I listen and read about the prognostications for the 2020 beef industry it seems to be that we could have a better year in the forecast. It looks like the cow herd numbers peaked in 2019 but we are producing way more pounds from fewer animals than any time in history. Also, you are producing a better product - over 80% of the carcasses are grading choice and prime. With genetic selections it is getting easier to produce the prime grade. It appears that a major shift is taking place that is reshaping our markets. The industry is moving from a “supply driven market to a demand driven market”. The choice and prime cattle are simply bringing more money than the lower graded carcass. Our cattle are getting better and more consistent. You are doing a better job, but you have more competition in the market. Fake meat is a huge distraction and will take market share from all the proteins, so we will have to produce a product that is superior and cost competitive. I love my job as the Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and I take the responsibility very serious. With this job I am in the position to listen to many people with many different views. The job also requires you to nearly have to have eyes all around your head. You have to look from side to side, front to back, and way out in front to formulate a strategy on how to move forward with the beef industry in Kentucky. I sometimes get accused of not being more aggressive and vocal in moving the industry forward. On the other side, sometimes I am accused of being too vocal. I work for beef and the Kentucky beef industry and the farm families that produce beef and I am very proud to represent this industry. There are things that we should be more vocal about and there are issues that YOU, not just me, need to be more clear on our positions. Kentucky is a rural state, and one third of the counties in Kentucky are in an economic depressed situation and another 13 counties are at risk. One in four rural children live in poverty and

rural job growth is less than half the nation-wide rate. We are experiencing a “brain drain” from our rural communities when we should be having a gain. Start with WHY. Why are areas of rural Kentucky in such an economic depressed situation? And better yet, what are we doing about it? Who has a plan and who has the vision? I was in hopes that Kentucky Agriculture would develop an Ag Project 2025 plan like there was when we had the Ag Project 2000 plan. If you look and pay attention to what Kentucky agriculture is doing with our precious funds, and what we are not doing, it is alarming. We just spent another 6 million dollars of Ag Development Funds at the Kentucky Exposition Center to build a new front gate. This is in addition to the several million spent on tearing down Cardinal Stadium. College athletics bringds in so much money nowadays, but they don’t have enough to tear down their old stadium when they are finished with it, but rural Kentucky does. And the hard signal for me to accept is that the University of Kentucky has spent over 2 billion dollars on athletic facilities, luxury dorms, and class rooms in the past five years but when I ask how much have you spent on agriculture facilities the answer is ZERO. I have a farm with cows and I know how hard it is. I don’t like fake meat being called meat - it is not meat. I would think Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue would not like to be called Tom Vilsack or Kroger would accept being labeled as Publix. Heck, Zaxby’s did not like Joella’s Hot Chicken in Lexington using a round logo that minutely resembled Zaxby’s logo so they sued Joella’s. You are going to get a heavy dose of fake meat riding on your coat tails and taking advantage of all the hard work and investment that you have made in brand recognition, and they will take it off the backs of rural America in a California minute. The rural farm communities continue to fall deeper in depression which is a very sad situation with all the natural resources and talented people that we have to offer. You better speak up!

50+ Spring Bred Registered Angus Cows For Sale Some with calves at side and calving through April

Outstanding cows with good strong calves coming from the heart of our herd. Cody Burke (606) 748-4641

797 Chenault Bridge Rd.

Briggs & Beth Cunningham

Lancaster, KY 40444

Farm (859) 792-4618 Beth’s Cell (859) 583-7970

Email: cliffside@windstream.net

37THANNUAL ANNUAL 37TH 37TH ANNUAL FAYETTECOUNTY COUNTYFARM FARMBUREAU BUREAU FAYETTE FAYETTE COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARM MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT AUCTION FARM MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT AUCTION

FARM MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT AUCTION WWW.FAYETTECOFARMBUREAU.COM WWW.FAYETTECOFARMBUREAU.COM

WWW.FAYETTECOFARMBUREAU.COM

ALL TYPES TYPES OF OF FARM FARM EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT ALL LAWN & & GARDEN GARDEN EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT LAWN ALL TYPES OF FARM EQUIPMENT 10% COMMISSION • $30 MINIMUM PER LOT • $500 MAXIMUM PER LOT • NO BUYERS PREMIUM 10% COMMISSION • $30 MINIMUM PER LOT • $500 MAXIMUM PER LOT • NO BUYERS PREMIUM $30 BUYBACK FEE INCL. TRACTORS • $50 BUYBACK FEE TRUCKS & BOATS $30 BUYBACK FEE INCL. TRACTORS • $50 BUYBACK FEE TRUCKS & BOATS

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT ALL TITLES MUST BE IN HAND AT CHECKIN, NO EXCEPTIONS ALL TITLES MUST BE IN HAND AT CHECKIN, NO EXCEPTIONS

10% COMMISSION • $30 MINIMUM PER LOT • $500 MAXIMUM PER LOT • NO BUYERS PREMIUM

February 29th 29th 2020 2020 || @ @ 8:30 8:30 AM AM February

$30 BUYBACK FEE INCL. TRACTORS • $50 BUYBACK FEE TRUCKS & BOATS KENTUCKYHORSE HORSEPARK PARK KENTUCKY ALL TITLES MUST BE IN HAND AT CHECKIN, NO EXCEPTIONS 4089 IRONWORKS PIKE LEXINGTON, KY 40511 4089 IRONWORKS PIKE LEXINGTON, KY 40511 EXIT 120, I-75 IRONWORKS PIKE EXIT 120, I-75 IRONWORKS PIKE $5 PARKING DAY OF SALE • FREE SHUTTLE $5 PARKING DAY OF SALE • FREE SHUTTLE

February 29th 2020 | @ 8:30 AM ACCEPTING EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT TIMES ACCEPTING EQUIPMENT Thursday, February 27th Thursday, February 27th Friday, February 28th Friday, February 28th 9 AM - 5 PM 9 AM - 5 PM

CHECKOUT TIMES

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

NO EQUIPMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF THE SALE NO EQUIPMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF THE SALE

ALL ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED NO LATER THAN NOON ON MONDAY, EXIT 120, MUST I-75 BE IRONWORKS PIKETHAN NOON ON MONDAY, ALL ITEMS REMOVED NO LATER

MARCH 2nd! MARCH 2nd! $5 PARKING DAY OF SALE • FREE SHUTTLE ASK US ABOUT DONATING YOUR EQUIPMENT ASK US ABOUT DONATING YOUR EQUIPMENT NO TOBACCO STICKS, FLOAT TRAYS, CAMPER TOPS OR JUNK. AUCTIONEER HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ITEM. NO TOBACCO STICKS, FLOAT TRAYS, CAMPER TOPS OR JUNK. AUCTIONEER HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ITEM.

ACCEPTING EQUIPMENT

CHECKOUT TIMES

SWINEBROAD-DENTON, INC. SWINEBROAD-DENTON, INC. WALT ROBERTSON, PRINCIPAL AUCTIONEER.464

AUCTIONEER.464 Thursday, February 27thWALT ROBERTSON, PRINCIPAL Saturday, February 29th | After the sale until 6pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Friday, February 28th OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Sunday, March 1st | 9am - 6pm

QUESTIONS? DROP US A LINE QUESTIONS? DROP US A LINE

9 AM - 5 PM

-CARRIE MCINTOSH—FARM BUREAU 859.253.0023 Monday, March 2nd | 8am - Noon -CARRIE MCINTOSH—FARM BUREAU 859.253.0023 TODD CLARK 859.621.6471 | BOB JAMES 859.229.4642 NO EQUIPMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED THETODD DAY CLARK OF THE859.621.6471 SALE ALL ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED NO LATER THAN NOON ON MONDAY, | BOB JAMES 859.229.4642

MARCH 2nd! ASK US ABOUT DONATING YOUR EQUIPMENT

COW COUNTRY •

M A R C H 2 0NO 2 0TOBACCO • A STICKS, P U B LFLOAT I C AT I O NCAMPER O F TTOPS H E OR KE NTU C K Y C AT L ERIGHT M E NTO ’ SREFUSE A S SANY O CITEM. I AT I O N TRAYS, JUNK. AUCTIONEER HASTTHE SWINEBROAD-DENTON, INC. WALT ROBERTSON, PRINCIPAL AUCTIONEER.464 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

QUESTIONS? DROP US A LINE

Third Annual PRODUCTION SALE

Saturday • Noon • May 2, 2020

Selling 100 Lots of elite females and “rest easy’ bulls 16 Service-Age Bulls • 20 Fall Bred Heifers • 6 Spring Yearling Heifers 18 Fall Cow/Calf Pairs • 15 Fall Calving Cows • 9 Spring Calving Cows

Third Annual PRODUCTION SALE Saturday$C 301 • Noon

$C 291

$C 324

May 2, 2020

Selling 100 Lots of elite females and “rest easy” bulls $C 291

16 ServiceAge Bulls

$C 301

18815389

This TENBred X daughter sells at Lot 7. She is 20 Fall theHeifers dam of Lot 5!

6 Spring $C 337 Yearling Heifers

18215764 The progeny of this Foundation Donor sell at Lots 6, 10, 17, 23, 41 and 74A. $C 255

18815389 This TEN X daughter sells as Lot 7. She is the dam of Lot 5!

18 Fall Cow/ Calf Pairs

$C 324

19341157 This “Knockout” EXAR Stud daughter sells at Lot 5. $C 304

18215764

The progeny of this Foundation Donor sell as Lots 6, 10, 17, 23, 41 and 74A.

$C 337

15 Fall Calving Cows 9 Spring 19354345 19249871 Calving ThisCows “Stunning” Enhance daughter sells at 19341157 Lot This “Outstanding” VAR Foreman herd bull 4.

prospect sells at Lot 15.

This “Knockout” EXAR Stud daughter sells as Lot 5.

19249871

This “Stunning” daughter For moreEnhance information or sells as Lot 4.

270-427-1410

405 Cedar Grove Road Glasgow, KY 42141

This Sydgen Express daughter sells at Lot 2.

to request a sale book contact:

Mike Elmore For more information or to request a 270-404-6589 sale book contact: Mike Elmore Bob Johnson mike@cardinalhillfarms.com

270-404-6589 mike@cardinalhillfarms.com

19354349

Bob Johnson 270-427-1410

405 Cedar Grove Road Glasgow, KY 42141 www.cardinalhillfarms.com

Put a Cardinal Hill bull in your pasture and “Rest Easy”! www.cardinalhillfarms.com Put a Cardinal Hill bull in your pasture and "Rest Easy"! COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

HE WONDERED HOW HE’D TELL HER

GLENVIEW FARMS

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

The rancher told his foreman, “Looks like things are gettin’ tough The price of calves is deadly, heck, there may not be enough

ANGUS BULLS

To pay the note this winter, I’m already overdue

What with buyin’ that new tractor, shoot, it wuddn’t even new

FOR SALE by Private Treaty

‘Course I’d bought the neighbor’s cow herd back when things were lookin’ good Then we had that bout with Anaplaz, which I never understood.

We buckled down and rode it out but luck weren’t on our side.

You’ve worked for me for twenty years, you know how hard I’ve tried.

I’m not worried for my own self, it’s mother and the kids I don’t know how they’ll take it if they put us up for bids.

The last two kids were born here in that house where you live now

We’ve raised’em right and taught ‘em all there is about a cow

And now they’re off to college to explore a new career But deep inside they’re plannin’ to come back and live right here.

But that’s never gonna happen. The writing’s on the wall.

It’s what I’ve always dreaded and today I got the call.

 12 to 18 Months Old  Breeding Soundness Examined  Complete Herd Health Program  DNA Tested  Cost-share Qualified  Come at your convenience A.I. Sires Include:

GAR Sure Fire · Mead Magnitude PA Power Tool 9108 VAR Generation 2100 · Yon Future Force Z77

Bankruptcy’s hangin’ over me. The lawyer says I’m through I’ve lost it all. A lifetime’s work. I don’t know what I’ll do.”

The cattle foreman nodded. But his mind was faraway

On doctor bills and braces, pickup payments left to pay

Danny Rankin • Cell: 502 693-4803 • Email: drankin@glenviewfarms.com

2923 Port Royal Road | Campbellsburg, KY 40011

He glanced up to his little house, his kids and wife and truck, And wondered how he’d tell her. But he said, “Boss, I wish you luck.” 12

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

ANGUS

BULL SALE

A program committed to breeding superior high quality, fault free Angus and Hereford cattle for over 100 years.

WWW.BOYDBEEF.COM

N O O N - S A T U R D A Y, M A R C H 1 4 , 2 0 2 0 M A Y S L I C K , K Y

BOYD BONANZA 8105

Breed leading growth with outcross genetics with extra maternal horsepower to provide exceptional performance – 2 flush brothers also sell. CED +5 BW +1.3 WW +91 YW +160 DOC +17 Milk +25

MB RE $M $W $B $C

9/2/18 • Reg# 19405265 Tehama Bonanza E410 x Boyd Erica Dianna 6204

This big time individual who has already been used in the Boyd program excels for multiple traits and is what we believe to be a true problem solver!

+.06 +.81 +53 +93 +140 +235

CED +13 BW -.5 WW +85 YW +141 DOC +30 Milk +29

BOYD COMMONWEALTH 9013 1/2/19 • Reg # 19419908 JVC Cavalry V3326 x Boyd Abigale 0001

One of the very best calving ease, strong maternal influenced herd sire prospects to sell this Spring. CED +14 BW -.6 WW +68 YW +117 DOC +28 Milk +23

MB RE $M $W $B $C

+.42 +.72 +74 +75 +125 +236

BOYD PLUS MATERNAL 9301

A big league herd sire in this exceptionally well made, fault free individual with a stellar pedigree and an impeccable EPD profile.

LD Capitalist 316 x Boyd Emblynette 4014

One of our favorites is this bold ribbed and stout made bull whose dam stacks 10Y, M326 and 54N in her pedigree. +5.9 +3.0 +67 +113 +25 +0.06 +0.60 +$365 +$109

BOYD 6035 FRONTMAN 9047 1/28/19 • Reg# 44005403 TH Frontier 174E x Boyd 32T Rachal 6035 Sale Managed Sale Managed By By

RANCELONG, LONG RANCE INC

918.510.3464 918.510.3464 cell rlong@rancelong.com rlong@rancelong.com www.rancelong.com www.rancelong.com INC PO Box 2, Adair, OK 74330

Boyd_KYCat_2_20.indd 1

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

+.40 +1.08 +81 +101 +160 +289

2/16/19 • Reg# 19419953 Connealy Confidence Plus x Boyd Forever Lady 6015

BOYD LINCOLN 9023 1/4/19 • Reg# 19419916

CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE BMI$ CHB$

MB RE $M $W $B $C

CED +9 BW +0 WW +77 YW +141 DOC +29 Milk +30

MB RE $M $W $B $C

+.70 +.83 +81 +89 +139 +261

CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE BMI$ CHB$

+9.7 +2.0 +67 +113 +27 +0.05 +0.67 +$356 +$115

BOYD BLUE POWER 9024

01/06/19 • Reg# P44004782 Boyd 31Z Blueprint 6153 x TH 329 358C Lana 76E

One of the most promising herd sire prospects we have ever produced is this big ribbed, stout and thick ended Blueprint son from a two-year old dam who is one of our young elite donors.

Call or email to request a sale book (606) 584-5194 or cboyd2@maysvilleky.net. WITH GUEST 6077 Helena Rd. • Mays Lick, KY 41055 MYERS ANGUS FARM Charlie Boyd II (606) 584-5194 Harrodsburg, KY 40330 David Myers - Colby Myers Joe Myers (859) 265-0097

www.boydbeef.com

• 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

Blake Boyd (606) 375-3718 E-mail: cboyd2@maysvilleky.net

2/14/20 8:40 AM

CHECKING ON THE CHECK-OFF

VA L U E - A D D E D M A R K E T I N G NATHAN LAWSON Director of Kentucky Beef Council Value-added marketing. It’s a phrase that grabs our attention. Why? Because it typically means more dollars at sale time. We tend to think of valueadded marketing in the context of added management tasks that provide additional value to our customers and return a premium to us. Opportunities such as CPH 45 sales to market feeder calves, Beef Solutions LLC to market open cows, or directly marketing beef off the farm to consumers are just a few examples of value-added marketing strategies we might take advantage of to increase revenue from our cow herd in Kentucky. Adding value often involves differentiating our product within the market and differentiating our product is one of the few things we have control over. We decide what will set our product apart from the competition. When it comes to proteins in the consumer market, beef is naturally set apart. Differentiated by great taste and a pleasurable eating experience, beef draws consumers to the meat case regularly and often. Interestingly, grocers and food retailers get excited over value-added marketing, just as you and I do with the marketing of our cattle! The added value of beef at the retail level can be seen in every weekly mailer from your local grocery store. Rarely do we see beef omitted from our grocer’s advertisements. Special sales of beef and in-store promotions are often used to draw consumers and drive sales. The reasons are simple, but very interesting and quite encouraging for those of us in the beef industry. Beef is a key component of a value-added marketing strategy for grocers. Beef drives sales. The checkoff funded Consumer Beef Tracker is a tool utilized by NCBA to measure consumer spending at the retail point of sale. This resource provides valuable insights into consumer purchasing and, in a sense, acts as a window into the decision-making process of grocery shoppers and subsequently helps us identify any potential shift in trends. In the cattle business we know that numbers can tell us a lot. With regard 14

to consumer spending at the check-out counter, the numbers are favorable for beef! There are some interesting insights behind what consumers are putting in their shopping carts as they make their way through the grocery store and how purchases of some products drive overall spending among those trips to the grocery. Nationally, the average sales value of shopping carts containing beef is $85.70, compared to an average sales value of $41.33 for all other shopping carts. Carts with beef drive more than twice the sales storewide, as those without beef.

followed by carts containing ground beef at $88.95, and third are carts containing poultry with an average value of $84.72. When we look at the total annual sales of carts containing protein, beef’s lead is impressive; carts containing beef have a total national value at retail of $98.8 billion, followed by carts containing chicken at $68.6 billion, while carts containing beef substitutes (fake meat) have a value of $4.6 billion. Beef brings in more dollars than any other item at retail, producing 44 percent more sales store-wide than chicken and more than 20 times the sales of beef substitutes.

If you’re like me you’re thinking, “Well sure, beef isn’t the cheapest protein in the meat case, so naturally a trip to the grocery including beef will result in a higher total purchase.” And you’d be correct, but as Paul Harvey would say… ”and now, the rest of the story.”

If someone told me that adding one item to the marketable assets of my calf crop would increase the value of those calves at sale time by 44 percent… you and I both know what we’d do. These numbers are strong evidence that the best value-added marketing strategies in the retail food business are those that draw customers to the meat case for beef. As beef producers, we might think of it as the “co-mingle” advantage of the grocery world. The great taste of beef pairs well with so many items throughout the grocery, that dollars are sure to be added at sale time. There’s no substitute for beef, even in terms of retail sales. This should be encouraging to us as beef producers and cause us to be positive about our products. Let’s focus on the good and find some value in having positive conversations about beef around the table with our friends and neighbors.

Think burgers. I’m reminded of the weekly burger night ritual at the dinner table in my own home. Our crew can put away some burgers! But, think of all the additional products we’ll purchase for our tasty cheeseburger with all the fixins’: buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, maybe mushrooms, avocado, ketchup, mayo, mustard…and depending on your preference, the list goes on and on. Grocery retailers know this well, they recognize the value beef adds to their market. Beef is the value-adding champ of the meat case! When protein products are in shopping carts, the average total value for those containing steak is $91.89, COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS Submitted by Lesley Miracle On November 1, 2019, the Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association officers and directors conducted a Pastor to Pasture Tour. This tour was to reiterate the importance of agriculture to our community and to give a small glimpse of the everyday life of our beef producers. 46 people participated. Each director and officer invited their “Pastor” to the tour. They started at the Lincoln County Extension Office with coffee and donuts then began the tour to 3 of the director’s operations in the county- Stanley Burris, Jason Elliott, and Duval Sims and toured the Bluegrass Stockyards South in Stanford. A delicious steak lunch was provided at the farm of Buddy and Melinda Pence. The program initiated much discussion about farming and economic development among members and pastors on the vans while traveling to and from farms. It was such a success that it may very well become an annual event!

TWIN LAKES NEWS Submitted by Steve Peddicord The Twin Lakes Cattlemen’s Association held it’s first quarterly meeting of the year on January 28 at the Albany 1st United Methodist church. A good crowd of over 50 attended the meeting. The meal was sponsored by People’s Bank and Trust. The program featured guest speaker Charles Embry of the Kentucky Beef Network. Embry shared with the group the benefits of grouping feeder calves to maximize profit potential. He also gave several examples of producers around the state that have developed small groups to market loads of co-mingled cattle. Various stockyards are also offering special feeder calf sales on select days each month.

Left to right, Steve Peddicord TLCA President, Colby Guffey Clinton Co Extension agent, Jim Delk TLCA Secretary, and Charles Embry of Kentucky Beef Network 16

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MARCH 2020

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S A F

Smithland Angus Farm Since 1940

24th Annual Smithland Angus Bull & Female Sale

Friday, March 13, 2020 • 6:30 p.m. (CST) Russell County Stockyard • Russell Springs, KY

SELLING:

50 PERFORMANCE ANGUS BULLS - 25 FALL YEARLINGS - 25 SPRING YEARLINGS

30 SPRING CALVING COWS 30 OPEN REGISTERED HEIFERS 12 COMMERCIAL RED ANGUS CROSS FALL CALVING HEIFERS

SIRES REPRESENTED: QUAKER HILL MANNING 4EX9 KM BROKEN BOW 002 SS NIAGARA Z29 TEHAMA TAHOE B767 BALDRIDGE BRONC PVF INSIGHT KCF BENNETT FORTRESS

Smithland Angus Farm

Call for a free catalog!

5202 East Hwy. 80 • Russell Springs, KY 42642 Charles (Bud) B. & Pam Smith 270-866-3898 • cell 270-576-2708 Henry Bryan & Melissa Smith 270-866-2311 • cell 606-271-7520 smithlan@duo-county.com

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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

Mineral & Animal Health Workshop Friday, April 3rd Bulls on display at 4:30 PM Dinner at 6 PM - Meeting will follow dinner Night before the Belles/Bulls of the Bluegrass Sale at

THE YARDS is an

Bluegrass Marketplace - Lexington, KY

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.

Sponsored By NELLIS@KYCATTLE.ORG (859) 382-4303

Door Prizes! 18

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

RSVP by calling Woodford Feed Company at 859-873-4811 or email gregdotson@hotmail.com • 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

e f i L o t e r Mo THERE IS

THAN RAISING CATTLE.

G345 1/2 SM | Homo Polled PVF Surveillance x WHF Sierra 245S

CONVENIENCE TRAITS, PHENOTYPE, SCIENCE AND COMMON SENSE!

F365

F65 PB SM | Homo Polled HPF Quantum Leap x Hook’s Bounty x WHF Sierra

PB SM | Homo Black | Homo Polled CDI Innovator x WHF Andie 365A

825F

F248 3/4 SM | Hetero Black | Homo Polled WHF Dealer x CCR Wide Range

Reliable, quality genetics will increase your profitability at weaning time or play a role in creating family memories at the latest junior show. Our sale partners combine over 100 years of breeding Simmental seedstock and understand the importance of

3/4 SM | Homo Black | Homo Polled MR CCF 20-20 x Duff Basic Instinct

C905G PB SM | Homo Black | Homo Polled SFG Cowboy Logic x Hook’s Final Analysis

045F

F138 1/2 SM | Homo Polled PVF Insight x ES Dakota NK68

904G 3/4 SM | Homo Black | Homo Polled SFG Cowboy Logic x Duff Basic Instinct

32F

PB SM | Bred to CDI Innovator PB SM | Bred to CDI Innovator W/C Relentless x LRS Turning Point x WHF Sierra HPF Quantum Leap x Hook’s Broadway x WHF Summer

F141

PB SM | Hetero Black | Polled CDI Innovator x WHF Addie 241A x JF Milestone

Sale Partners: Wayward Hill Farm, Swain Select Simmental, Three Trees Farm, Misty Meadows Farm, Kaiser Simmentals Doug & Debbie Parke • Drew & Holli Hatmaker Office 859-987-5758 • office@dpsalesllc.com

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020 / 12:00 PM EDT Bluegrass Stockyards Regional Marketplace / Lexington, KY Simmental & SimAngus Bulls, Breds, Show Heifers & Genetic Opportunities!

VIEW CATALOG ONLINE AT, WWW.DPSALESLLC.COM

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE NCBA ON NEW WATER RULE: “SOME POWER HAS BEEN PUT BACK IN HANDS OF LANDOWNERS” NCBA President Jennifer Houston today released the following statement in response to the finalization of a new water rule: “This is the last regulatory step in a long-fought battle to repeal the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule and replace it with commonsense regulation. The 2015 WOTUS rule was an illegal effort to assert control over private property - and we fought to have it repealed but it also needs to be replaced, and today’s action is the last step in that process. “President Trump, EPA Administrator Wheeler, and Assistant Secretary of the Army R.D. James deserve a lot of credit for listening to cattle producers and for working with us to get us to this point. We look forward to working with EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to successfully implement this new rule in the years to come. “NCBA relentlessly fought WOTUS on Capitol

Hill, at the Agencies, and in the Courts. Today, we can rest a little easier knowing that some power has been put back in the hands of landowners.” USMCA RATIFICATION LATEST VICTORY FOR U.S. CATTLE PRODUCERS National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston, who attended today’s White House signing ceremony for the new U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), today released the following statement: “This is a great day for America’s cattle producers and we were once again honored to participate in another great victory for our industry. Of course, the ratification of USMCA comes on the heels of a game-changing new trade deal with China, a new bilateral agreement with our largest export partners in Japan, and much-improved access to the European Union. “Add that to the new waters rule that was finalized last week, new proposed grazing regulations, and new proposed rules that

would provide much-needed relief the National Environmental Policy Act, and it’s easy to see that 2020 is off to a truly historic start for U.S. beef producers. I want to thank the President and his entire team for listening to our producers’ concerns and for working with us to find real common-sense solutions.” STATE BEEF COUNCILS WIN CRUCIAL STEP IN COURT CASE AGAINST BEEF CHECKOFF The beef industry won an important victory today helping ensure cattlemen and cattlewomen will continue to direct how checkoff investments are made at the state level. In the matter of R-CALF vs. Sonny Perdue, a magistrate judge granted summary judgment to the government and the 15 qualified state beef councils targeted by R-CALF and its activist legal partners at Public Justice. “We are pleased with today’s opinion, which allows state beef councils to continue the important work of beef promotion and research.

Although this case is far from complete, this was a crucial step toward ensuring state beef councils retain the important ability to direct their investments at the grassroots level,” said Colin Woodall, NCBA Chief Executive Officer. The decision of the magistrate judge will now be forwarded to the federal district court for a final ruling. It could continue to be appealed by either party after the district court judge issues an opinion, a process that will continue over the next several months or longer. “The beef checkoff continues to provide important benefits for cattle producers in the form of research and promotion that returns nearly $12 for every dollar invested in the program. The Beef Checkoff is weakened, and the benefits it provides our industry are put in jeopardy, by lawsuits such as this one,” said Woodall. “We’re committed to defending state beef councils from these attacks and ensuring producers at the grassroots level continue to determine how checkoff dollars are invested in their states.”

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.

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

www.pasturemgmt.com/locate

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FORAGES

S T R AT E G I E S F O R R E C L A I M I N G H AY F E E D I N G A R E A S CHRIS D. TEUTSCH UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, Princeton, Kentucky

Wet conditions this winter have resulted in almost complete disturbance in and around hay feeding areas. Even well designed hay feeding pads will have significant damage surrounding the pad where animals enter and leave. These highly disturbed areas create perfect growing conditions for summer annual weeds like spiny pigweed and cockle bur. Their growth is stimulated by lack of competition from a healthy and vigorous sod and the high fertility from the concentrated area of dung, urine and rotting hay. The objective of this article is to outline strategies for dealing with these areas. Regardless of the reclamation strategy that is employed, it’s always important to create an environment that will allow seed to germinate quickly and uniformly, and achieve rapid canopy closure. The best defense against summer annual weeds is covering the soil with a desirable forage species. This inhibits weeds from germinating and allows the desirable forage to actively compete with weeds that have germinated. Creating this environment starts with making sure that soil fertility and pH are adequate and preparing a fine, but firm seedbed. Soil test and adjusting fertility. Damaged areas should be soil tested and lime and fertilizer applied as needed. In most cases, fertility will be high in hay feeding areas due to high concentrations of dung, urine, and rotting organic material. However, a quick soil test will allow you to confirm this and tell your if lime is needed. Reseeding damaged sods. In most cases, hay feeding areas will need complete renovation. After hay feeding is completed and cattle have been moved onto pastures, reclaiming these areas can begin. In most cases, these areas will need to be harrowed to smooth and level. The goal should be to produce a fine, but firm seedbed that will enhance soil to seed contact. Good soil to seed contact is essential for rapid germination and uniform emergence of the seeded forage crop. A general rule is that if you walk across a prepared seedbed and sink in past the sole of your shoe, it needs be re-firmed by cultipacking or waiting for a

rain to settle it. Strategy I: Planting cool-season grasses and legumes The first strategy is to seed cool-season grasses or a mixture of grasses and legumes in the spring. While this is commonly done, results are usually less than spectacular in most years. This is due to several reasons. The first is that seedings are normally delayed until late spring or early summer. This does not allow adequate time for the seedlings to develop a large enough root system to sustain them through a hot and often dry summer. The second reason is that summer annual weed pressure is very high. Summer annual weeds like foxtail, crabgrass, goosegrass, spiny pigweed, cockle bur and others actively compete with cool-season seedlings for light and water, often causing stand failures. If you decide to attempt a spring planting of cool-season grasses and legumes, there are several things that you can do to enhance, but by no means guarantee success. These are listed below. Plant adapted forage species. Plant forages that are well adapted to Kentucky and the soils and drainage found on your farm. Tall fescue, red clover and ladino clover are by far are best adapted and most versatile forage species for pastures in the Commonwealth. Information on the best varieties to use can be found on the UK Forages webpage.

Figure 1. Excessive rainfall and high livestock concentration in and around hay feeding areas has resulted in almost complete disturbance. summer annuals weeds. They will also have additional time to develop a root system that can sustain the developing seeding during the summer months. Plant in two directions. If drilling, cut your seeding rate in half and plant in two directions. This will aid in obtaining quicker canopy closure and hopefully prevent and shade summer annual weeds. Check seeding depth. Small seeded cool-season forages should not be planted deeper than ½ inch. Make sure to check and recheck your seeding depth. Seeding deeper than ½ inch will delay emergence, result in uneven stands, and in many cases cause complete stand failure. Control broadleaf weeds in cool-

season grasses. Once seedling have four collared leaves, some herbicides can be applied. Always consult and follow label directions. For more information on using herbicides on new seedings, contact your local extension agent. Clip or flash graze new stands. Summer annual weeds compete very aggressively for light, water, and nutrients with cool-season grass seedlings that are trying to establish. If this competition is not controlled, it will likely result in stand failure. The most effective control for this competition is to flash graze these paddocks before weeds get too far along. Flash grazing is accomplished by placing a large number of animals in small areas for a short period of time. This reduces selective grazing and increase grazing uniformity.

Consider leaving legumes out of the mix. While legumes are an important part of grassland ecosystems, herbicide options for controlling weeds in grasslegume mixtures are limited. Leaving legumes out will allow you to apply selective herbicides to control broadleaf summer annual weeds. Use the high end of the seeding rate. Seeding rates are normally given as a range. For spring seedings, make sure and use the high end of this range. Rapid canopy closure is critical to suppressing summer annual weeds. Plant as early as possible. Spring seeded cool-season forages should be planted starting in early to mid-March. Early plantings will have more time to emerge and form a canopy that can shade COW COUNTRY •

Figure 2. Sorghum-sudangrass (left) formed a quick canopy that was able to shade out summer annual weeds compared with a mixture of forage soybeans and pearl millet (right). MARCH 2020

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Strategy II: Planting a warmseason annual grasses The second strategy involves planting a summer annual grass in late spring or early summer and has much higher probability of success. Summer annual grasses, especially sorghumsudangrass or sudangrass, have very rapid emergence and canopy closure. This will prevent summer annuals weeds from germinating and provide forage for grazing or harvesting during the summer months (Figure 2). Perennial cool-season grasses can then be reseeded under more ideal conditions in late summer or early fall.

growing annual grass that resembles sudangrass, but has coarser stems, taller growth habit, and higher yields. Like sudangrass, hybrids will regrow after grazing if growth is not limited by environmental factors. The coarse stems are difficult to cure as dry hay, therefore these grasses are best utilized for grazing, chopped silage and baleage. For more information, see AGR-234: “Sudangrass and Sorghum-sudangrass Hybrids” Pearl millet is not related to foxtail millet and is higher yielding. It will regrow

If you decide to use summer annuals grasses, there are several things that you can do to enhance your success. These are listed below. Plant adapted summer annuals species. Always plant forages that are well adapted to Kentucky and the soils and conditions on your farm. Summer annuals that can be used to reclaim hay feeding areas include sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet, and crabgrass. These species are described below and more information on their establishment and management can be found in the corresponding links. Sudangrass is a rapidly growing annual grass of the sorghum family. It is medium yielding and well suited for grazing (Fig ure 3). Sudangrass regrows quickly after

Figure 3. Sudangrass and sorghumsudangrass hybrids rapidly emerges from the soil and shade out summer annual weeds. harvest and can be grazed several times during summer and early fall. This grass has finer stems than most other summer annuals making it well suited for hay production. For more information, see AGR-234: “Sudangrass and Sorghumsudangrass Hybrids” Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are developed by crossing sorghum with true sudangrass. The result is a tall COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

restrictions prior to application. Always consult and follow label directions. For more information on using herbicides on summer annual grasses, contact your local extension agent.

Figure 5. Crabgrass is often considered a weed, but can provide high quality summer grazing. rapid canopy closure is critical for reducing summer annual weeds.

Figure 4. Pearl millet is not quite as vigorous as the sorghumsudandgrasses after harvest, does not have prussic acid potential and is not a host of the sugar cane aphid (Figure 4). Dwarf varieties are available which are leafier and better suited for grazing. Pearl millet is better adapted to more acid soils and soils with a lower water holding capacity than sorghum, sudangrass or sorghum-sudan grass hybrids. For more information, see AGR-231: “Pearl Millet” Crabgrass is sometimes considered a weed, but possesses significant potential for supplying high quality summer forage (Figure 5). Crabgrass does not have prussic acid potential and is a poor host for the sugarcane aphid. Crabgrass is the general term for many Digitaria species. Commercial seed usually contains Digitaria sanguinalis (large or hairy crabgrass) or D. ciliaris (southern crabgrass). A primary advantage of crabgrass is that it is well adapted to Kentucky and occurs naturally in most summer pastures, especially those that have been overgrazed. It is also highly palatable and a prolific reseeder. Planting an improved variety of crabgrass is recommended because the production of naturally occurring ecotypes varies greatly. Crabgrass is best utilized by grazing. For more information, see AGR232: “Crabgrass” Use the high end of the seeding rate. Seeding rates are normally given as a range. Make sure and use the high end of this range. Even with summer annuals,

Plant after soil warms. For summer annuals grasses to germinate and rapidly emerge, soil temperatures at planting should be at least 60 degrees F. As a general rule, this is about two weeks after the “ideal” corn planting date. This should allow plenty of time to let the area dry out and to get it smoothed up prior to planting. If there is a delay in planting the summer annuals after final tillage, it may be a good idea to do one more pass of light tillage to disturb any weed seedling that may have germinated. Control broadleaf weeds. Once warm-season annual grasses are established, some herbicides can be applied to control summer annual broadleaf weeds. If you plan to reseed cool season perennials in the fall, make sure and check the label for reseeding

Grazing summer annuals grasses. Allow taller growing summer annuals like sorghum-sudangrass and pearl millet to reach a height of 18-24 inches before grazing and stop grazing at 8-10 inches. Regrowth can be stimulated be applying 40-60 lb N/A after each grazing, but the last. Crabgrass can be grazed once it reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches. Cattle should be pulled off once it has been grazed to a height of 3 to 4 inches. Haying summer annual grasses. Allow taller growing to reach a height of 30 to 40 inches before mowing. This will optimize yield and forage quality. If regrowth is desired, do not mow close than 6 inches apply 40 to 60 lb N/A after each cutting, but the last. Crabgrass should be cut for hay at the late bootstage. Care should be taken to not mow crabgrass closer than 3 to 4 inches. Reseeding cool-season grasses in the fall. Pastures should be sprayed with a non-selective herbicide in late summer to control any remaining summer annual grass and any weeds that have germinated. Cool-season grasses can be no-tilled into the killed pasture area. For more information on renovating pastures and no-till seeding techniques visit UK Forage Extension website at http://forages.ca.uky.edu/ or contact your local extension office.

This month’s featured video is Assessing and Repairing Pugged Up Pastures” and can be seen here: https://youtu.be/HJAYTcQ2x9M This month’s featured upcoming event is Kentucky Fencing Schools in Glasgow, KY on April 14 and Grand Rivers, KY on April 16. More information can be found at https://forages. ca.uky.edu/Events This month’s featured publication is “Warm Season Annual Grasses in Kentucky”. By Chris Teutsch, Ray Smith, Tom Keene, and Jimmy C. Henning. You can access it at http:// bit.ly/2UfDuUv or visit your local extension office. Forage Management Tips • Interseed legumes into pastures using a no-till drill. • Continue hay feeding to allow pastures to rest and spring growth to begin. • Seed cool-season grass and legumes by mid-March. • Smooth and reseed hay feeding areas. • Graze pastures that have been overseeded with clover to control competition. • Provide free-choice high magnesium mineral to prevent grass tetany. • Make plans to attend one of the Kentucky Fencing Schools. 2020 Grazing Calendars: The 2020 Kentucky Grazing Calendars are now available from your local extension offices. These calendars have monthly tips designed to help you better manage the forage resources on you farm. They also include a monthly fencing tip and target weeds to control in your pastures. Do NOT wait to request one since limited quantities are available.

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FEATURE

C O W - C A L F P R O F I TA B I L I T Y E S T I M AT E S F O R 2 01 9 A N D 2 0 2 0 ( S P R I N G C A LV I N G H E R D ) Greg Halich, Kenny Burdine, and Jonathan Shepherd, University of Kentucky Agricultural Economists The purpose of this article is to examine cow-calf profitability for a spring calving herd that sold weaned calves in the fall of 2019, as well as estimate profitability in the upcoming year. Table 1 summarizes estimated costs for a well-managed spring-calving cowherd for 2019. Every operation is different, so producers should evaluate and modify these estimates to fit their situation. Note that in this table we are not including depreciation or interest on equipment/ fencing/facilities, labor, or land costs. Average weaning weight is assumed to be 550 lbs, and the steer / heifer average calf price for fall 2019 is assumed to be $1.30 per pound. Weaning rate is estimated at 85%, meaning that it is expected that a calf will be weaned and sold from 85% of the cows that were exposed to the bull. Based on these assumptions and adjusted for the weaning rate, calf revenue per cow is $608. The pasture stocking rate is assumed to be 2.0 acres per cow. Pasture maintenance costs are assumed to be relatively low at $20 per acre, and would include just the cash costs of pasture clipping (fuel, maintenance, repairs), and a limited amount of reseeding, fertilizer, and fencing repairs. Producers who consistently apply larger amounts of fertilizer to pasture ground would see higher pasture maintenance costs. Producers should also consider the stocking rates for their operation as this varies greatly. Stocking rate impacts the number of grazing days and winter feeding days for the operation (i.e. high stocking rates will mean more hay feeding days), which has large implications for costs on a per cow basis. These spring calving cows will use 2.5 tons of hay per cow, and the estimated cash cost of making this hay (fuel, maintenance, repairs, supplies, fertilizer, etc.) is $40 per ton. Mineral cost is $35 per cow, veterinary / medicine costs $25, trucking costs $15, machinery cash costs for winter feeding and other miscellaneous jobs is $15, and other costs

(insurance, property taxes, water, etc.) are $40. Breeding costs are $40 per cow and should include annual depreciation of the bull and bull maintenance costs, spread across the number of cows he services. Marketing costs are currently around $25 per cow, but larger operations may market cattle in larger groups and pay lower commission rates. Breeding stock depreciation and interest are major costs that are often overlooked. They are generally not cash costs that need to be paid on a yearly basis, unless you have a loan on them, but they are real costs that need to be paid at some point. As an example, assume a bred heifer is valued at $1300, has eight productive years, and has a cull cow value of $600. The average yearly depreciation is calculated as follows:

TABLE 1: ESTIMATED GROSS RETURN TO SPRING CALVING COW-CALF OPERATION REVENUES STEER / HEIFER CALF AVERAGE

550

LBS

DISCOUNT FOR OPEN COWS

15%

OPEN

$1.30

$715 -$107

TOTAL REVENUES PER COW

$608

SPECIFIED EXPENSES PASTURE MAINTENANCE (CASH COSTS)

2.0

ACRES

$20

$40

HAY (CASH COSTS)

2.5

TONS

$40

$100

MINERAL

$35

VET

$25

BREEDING

$40

MARKETING

$25

$1300 bred heifer value –$600 cull-cow value $700 total depreciation

WINTER FEEDING AND OTHER MACHINERY (CASH COSTS)

$15

TRUCKING (CALVES, SUPPLIES, ETC.)

$15

$700 depreciation / 8 productive years = $88 cow depreciation per year. The actual depreciation will vary across farms. When buying bred replacement heifers, the initial heifer value is clear. With farm-raised replacements, this cost should be the revenue foregone had the heifer been sold with the other calves, plus all expenses incurred (feed, breeding, pasture rent, etc.) to reach the same reproductive stage as a purchased bred heifer. At an average value of $950 (bred heifer value less cull value divided by 2) over her lifespan on your farm, and assuming a 3% interest rate results in a $27/cow/year interest cost, or a total of $115/cow/year in combined depreciation and interest.

COW DEPRECIATION AND INTEREST

$115

Note that based on the assumptions in our example, total specified expenses per cow are $450, and revenues per cow are $608. Thus, the estimated gross return is $158 per cow. At first glance, this positive return looks impressive, but is also misleading. A number of costs were intentionally excluded because they vary greatly across operations. Notice that no depreciation or interest on equipment/ COW COUNTRY •

OTHER (INSURANCE, PROP TAXES, WATER, ETC.)

$40

TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES PER COW

$450

GROSS RETURN (DOESN’T INCLUDE DEPRECIATION OR INTERESTON EQUIPMENT/FENCING/FACILITIES, LAND, OR LABOR)

$158

SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL NON-CASH COSTS (EXAMPLE FARM) EQUIPMENT DEPRECIATION

$25/COW/YEAR

EQUIPMENT INTEREST

$45/COW/YEAR

FENCING-FACILITIES DEPRECIATION

$50/COW/YEAR

FENCING-FACILITIES INTEREST

$25/COW/YEAR

LAND RENT

$100/COW/YEAR

LABOR

$75/COW/YEAR

TOTAL ADDITIONAL NON-CASH COSTS

$320/COW/YEAR

MARCH 2020

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fencing/facilities was included. Notice also that labor and land costs were also not included. Thus, the gross return needs to be adjusted by these costs to come up with a true return to the farm. Since these costs vary so much from one operation to the next, it may be helpful to pick a specific sized farm and provide estimates for these costs: a 40-cow farm that is producing its own hay and has all farming operations on its own land (80 acres of pasture and 30 acres of hay).

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

If this farm has $50K in equipment, and assuming this equipment will be worth $40K after 10 years, that would amount to $1000 in depreciation per year or $25/ cow/year. At 4% interest, an additional cost of $1800 in interest per year, or $45/cow/year, would be realized. Assume this farm has another $50K in fencing, barns, working facilities, etc., and that the lifespan on all of this is 25 years. That would amount to $50/cow/ year in depreciation and $25/cow/year in interest.

If we have 2.0 acres of pasture and .75 acres of hayground per cow, and value that at a land rent of $36/acre, that would be $100/cow/year in land rent. Assume also that we have determined we have $75/cow/year in labor (this would be $3000 total per year for 40 cows). These non-cash costs add up to $320/ cow/year on our example farm: $145 per cow in depreciation/interest on equipment/fencing/facilities and $175 per cow in land rent and labor. We encourage you to estimate these for

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your own operation, but the unfortunate reality is that they quickly add up on most farms. The $158/cow/year gross return over cash costs and cow depreciation does not look quite as good now. After adjusting for these costs the net return (all costs included) is –$162 per cow per year, or –$6480 for the 40-cow farm. Another way to look at this is to just include the depreciation and interest for equipment/fencing/facilities ($145/ CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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MARCH 2020

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

cow/year), and not include land and labor ($175/cow/year). In this case, the return would increase to $13/cow/year, and would represent the farms return to land and labor. Did this farm actually lose money on a cash basis? No, not if they are using their own labor and land. But the farm also did not make a real profit. This farm essentially paid the equipment/ fencing/facilities depreciation and interest in full, but the cattle farmer and land effectively worked for free. These numbers will vary across operations, but estimating your own cost structure is extremely important. Our guess is that compared to our example farm, there are far more cow-calf operations of similar size with a higher cost structure than there are operations with a lower cost structure in Kentucky. Put simply, well-managed spring calving herds were likely covering all cash costs, breeding stock depreciation/interest, and depreciation and interest on equipment/fencing/facilities, but were not generating a return on their labor or land this last year. Readers can use Table 2 to modify the analysis based on their cost structure and expected calf prices, for both 2019 and future years. It uses all costs except for land and labor, so the table shows a return to land and labor.

As an example, we used $1.30/lb in our base example as the expected steer/heifer price for 2019. Given the cost structure we used ($0 change on the left hand side of the table), the expected return to land and labor is $13/cow/year, just as was previously described. If a cattle farmer sold their calves for an average price of $1.35/lb, and had a $50/cow/

year cheaper cost structure (-$50 change on the left hand side of the table), their expected return to land and management would be $86/cow/year. If another cattle farmer thought the $1.30/lb calf price was accurate, but had $50/cow/year more expensive cost structure (+$50 on the left hand side), their expected return to land and management would be -$37/ cow/year. In this last example, they had no return to their land and labor and were $37/cow/year short in covering all their depreciation and interest expenses.

TABLE 2: ESTIMATED RETURN TO LAND AND LABOR (PER COW) FOR SPRING CALVING COW-CALF OPERATION GIVEN CHANGES IN COST STRUCTURE AND CALF PRICES

CHANGE IN COST STRUCTURE (PER COW, PER YEAR)

There is some reason for optimism in 2020. After five years, numerous factors point to an end of the cowherd expansion. This is most likely due to low returns to cow-calf operations throughout the US as highlighted in the examples we used for Kentucky. US beef cow numbers should be flat, or even down slightly for 2020, which will help on the supply side. At the same time, export markets suggest possible improvement on the demand side. Reaching an agreement to lower tariffs on US beef going into Japan is significant, as Japan is our top export market. Passage of USMCA also has the potential to positively impact beef exports to Mexico and Canada. Finally, African Swine Fever in China appears to be impacting US exports of all meats as they deal with a protein shortage. While numerous other factors could impact the outlook for cattle prices in 2020, we do think it is very possible that fall 2019 ends up being the bottom of this price cycle.

AVG. STEER/HEIFER PRICE, 550 LBS

$1.25

$1.30

$1.35

$1.40

$1.45

-$100

$89

$113

$136

$159

$183

-$50

$39

$63

$86

$109

$133

-$11

$13

$36

$59

$83

$50

-$61

-$37

-$14

$33

$100

-$111

-$87

-$64

-$41

-$17

Note: Returns are based on costs shown in Table 1, plus $145 per cow in depreciation/interest on equipment/fencing/facilities.

would now be estimated at $83/cow/ year. We would now fully cover our labor (estimated at $75/cow/year in our example), but still have almost no return on the land. Let us hope prices increase to these levels and beyond, but in the meantime we need to do all that we can to cut costs where appropriate, and structure our operations to at least break-even over all costs at current price levels. If we can, and prices increase to $1.45/lb or more, we will make a profit. Reducing costs is one of the main focuses of the Cow-Calf Profitability Conferences that are being held throughout Kentucky during 2020. We still have seven remaining conferences and would encourage profit-driven

Given these changes in supply and demand, our best guess for fall 2020 prices with the same 550 lb steer/heifer are in the $1.40-1.45/lb range. At a $1.45/lb price, and using the same cost structure, the return to land and labor

cow-calf operators to attend of these, if possible. For more information, contact your local county extension office, one of the authors, or watch the University of Kentucky, Agricultural Economics Extension Events page at http://agecon. ca.uky.edu/ext-events. Greg Halich is an Associate Extension Professor in Farm Management Economics for both grain and cattle production and can be reached at Greg.Halich@uky.edu or 859257-8841. Kenny Burdine is an Associate Extension Professor in Livestock Marketing and Management and can be reached at kburdine@uky.edu or 859-257-7273. Jonathan Shepherd is an Extension Specialist in Farm Management and can be reached at jdshepherd@uky.edu or (859) 218-4395.

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MARCH 2020

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ECONOMIC & POLICY UPDATE

M A K I N G T H E A R C V S . P L C D E C I S I O N F O R T H E 2 019 A N D 2 0 2 0 C R O P Y E A R S

W H AT A R E T H E P OT E N T I A L M A R K E T I N G - Y E A R AV E R AG E P R I C E S ? Todd Davis, Assistant Extension Professor The 2018 Farm Bill is providing farmers great flexibility to choose the program that has the greatest potential to provide the best protection against lower price (Price Risk Coverage) or a shallow-loss to reve nue (Agricultural Risk Coverage-County). Many farmers chose the Agricultural Risk Coverage - County (ARC-CO) for their corn and soybean base under the 2014 Farm Bill. In contrast, the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program provided the potential payments for wheat base under the 2014 Farm Bill. The significant difference between the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills is the price environment for corn, soybeans, and wheat. The 2014 Farm Bill was passed as the commodity price boom was ending, and the ARC-CO program was able to capture the record prices as part of the revenue guarantee used to calculate potential payments. Hence, ARC-CO was more likely to make large payments in the first two or three years of the farm bill. The 2018 Farm Bill was passed in this period of lower commodity prices, so the payout potential for ARC-CO is reduced, and PLC may be the better alternative for some commodities. Farmers have to elect ARC or PLC by covered commodity for each FSA farm by March 15, 2020. Farmers need to develop an expectation for the 2019 and 2020 U.S. Marketing Year Average (MYA) price for each covered commodity. We can start to establish price expectations for both marketing years by studying the January 2020 WASDE and the Preliminary Baseline Projections released in November 2019. Table 1 shows the projected supply and demand for corn, soybeans, and wheat for the 2019 and 2020 marketing years. The 2019 corn crop is projected at 13.6 billion bushels, down 648 million bushels from the 2018 crop. Corn demand for 2019 is also reduced because of lower projected exports. As a result, corn stocks are expected to decline, and the 2019 U.S. MYA price is projected at $3.85/bushel. USDA’s preliminary Agricultural Baseline Projections project corn area to increase in 2020. Assuming a trend-yield, the 2020 corn crop could be 15.5 billion bushels. USDA is projecting increased demand both in the domestic and export markets. 30

CORN

SOYBEANS

WHEAT

2019-2020 (F)

2020-2021 (F)

2019-2020 (F)

2020-2021 (F)

2019-2020 (F)

2020-2021 (F)

PLANTED (MILLION ACRES)

89.7

94.5

76.1

84.0

45.2

45.0

HARVESTED (MILLION ACRES)

81.5

87.1

75.0

83.2

51.7

38.1

!YIELD (BUSHELS/ACRE)

168.0

178.5

47.4

50.5

51.7

48.2

MILLION BUSHELS BEGINNING STOCKS

2,221

1,892

909

475

1,080

974

PRODUCTION

13,692

15,545

3,558

4,200

1,920

1,836

105

140

rTOTAL SUPPLY

15,962

17,462

4,482

4,695

3,105

2,950

DOMESTIC USE

12,295

12,645

2,233

2,267

1,165

1,144

EXPORTS

1,775

2,100

1,775

1,895

975

925

rTOTAL USE

14,070

14,745

4,008

4,162

2,140

2,069

ENDING STOCKS

1,892

2,717

475

533

965

881

DAYS OF STOCKS

165

155

$3.85

$3.40

$9.00

$8.85

$4.55

$4.80

IMPORTS

US AVERAGE FARM PRICE

Source:January 2020 WASDE - USDA: WAOB. November 2019 Preliminary Baseline Projections

Table 1. Projected Consolidated Corn, Soybean and Wheat Balance Sheets for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Marketing-Years COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

ECONOMIC & POLICY UPDATE Still, 2020 corn stocks could grow to over 2.7 billion bushels and push the U.S. MYA price to $3.40/bushel. For 2019 soybeans, the 870 million bushel reduction in production partially offset the record large carry in from 2018. The lower production kept soybean stocks from swelling further because use remains stagnant until China starts to fulfill its Phase 1 commitments to increase imports. Even though the soybean market has been beaten up, the 2019 U.S. MYA price is projected at $9/bushel. USDA projects 2020 soybean increase to 84 million acres. If harvest a trend-yield crop, total supply could approach 4.7 billion

area to farmers soybean bushels.

USDA doesn’t predict impacts of policy, so total projected use remains subdued for the 2020 marketing year. The 2020 U.S. MYA soybean price is projected at $8.85/bushel. USDA projects the 2019 wheat crop at 1.9 billion bushels, which is 35 million bushels larger than the 2018 crop. The total supply for 2019 is only 14 mil lion bushels smaller than the 2018 supply. USDA is projecting 2019 wheat use to increase by 101 million bushels due to increased exports and feed use. Ending wheat stocks are expected to decline to 965 million bushels, but the U.S. MYA price is also projected lower to $4.55 per bushel. USDA preliminary projections for the 2020 wheat crop is a return to typical yields,

which implies production will decline by 84 million bushels. USDA also projects domestic and export demand to decrease by a total of 71 million bushels. The net impact is that 2020 wheat stocks will continue to decline, and the projected 2020 U.S. MYA price is pegged at $4.80/bushel. What does this mean for the ARC vs. PLC decision for 2019 and 2020? For corn, ARC or PLC may not trigger a payment for 2019, but has a greater chance of triggering a payment with PLC for 2020. Wheat has a higher probability of triggering PLC payments for the 2019 and 2020 crops given the current price projections. Soybeans are a little harder to predict. The fundamentals have been bearish for 2019

and 2020, yet the U.S. MYA price didn’t fall below the reference price to trigger a payment. If use increases, higher prices will reduce the likelihood of triggering a PLC payment.Please don’t take my word for what you should elect for the 2018 Farm Bill decisions. Use a decision tool. I’m recommending the FarmDoc Farm tor. This online, menu-driven Bill calcula calculator will incorporate 1000 price and county-yield combinations to describe better the likelihood of receiving a payment and an expected payment for the 2019 and 2020 crops. The link is https:// fdt ools.ncsa.illinois.edu/#/dashboard. Remind farmers they have until March 15, 2020, to get into their FSA office to make these elections. Don’t procrastinate!

TRADE RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GLOBAL MARKETERS Will Snell, Extension Professor Trade remains a “hot button” issue among the ag sector entering 2020. Ag exports have been chal lenged over the past four years with ample global supplies of crops and meats, a higher valued U.S. dollar, and of course, the on-going trade war. De spite these adverse factors, U.S. ag exports have been relatively stable since 2016. Trade agreements, along with income and population gains yields longterm optimism for increasing trade opportunities in international markets. Higher volume and value of U.S. trade do not alone guarantee an improvement in net farm income as some of the benefits of expanded trade accrue to ag businesses beyond the farm. However, tracking U.S. net farm income compared to the value of U.S. agricultural exports over the past five decades reveals a strong direct relationship. Comparing USDA’s farm price index versus U.S. ag exports yields an even greater positive correlation. Most of the growth in U.S. ag exports over the past five decades has been due to increasing valueadded exports. During the 1970s, bulk commodity exports accounted ports for 70% of U.S. agricultural ex

compared to around 35% during the most recent decade. Kentucky has a strong international reputation for quality farm and ag-related products such as horses, tobacco, bourbon, and timber. Other trade ad vantages our state offers include a significant num ber of international connections/ visitors, diversity of ag products, and our transportation infrastructure. Local entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of a myriad of trade resources to assist in global marketing. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) partners with the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) which provides resources pro vided by the Farm Bill to learn the fundamentals about trade, identify overseas opportunities, and promote ag/food businesses in the southern region through USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program. SUSTA offers cost share cal ag-related assistance to reimburse lo businesses (up to $300,000) for eligi ble marketing expenses which includes travel, advertising, exhibiting at trade shows, store displays, and website development. In

addition, KDA can assist with trade leads, contacts, educational/training re sources, among other services. For more details, contact Tim Hughes, Senior Trade Advisor at TimD.Hughes@ky.gov or 502-782-9265. The Kentucky Economic Development ports the Kentucky Export Cabinet, sup Initiative (KEI) which offers State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants (up to $10,000) to assist Kentucky global marketers for a variety of trade services including international trans portation, trade show fees, training, and other eligi ble businesses expenses. Contact Carol Stringer with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development at Carol.stringer@ ky.gov or 502-564-7670 for assistance. The Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet partners with the U.S. Commercial Service (the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Com merce) to provide local businesses market research and counseling, introductions to qualified buyers, along with opportunities to participate in trade events that promote U.S. products or services. The World Trade Center-KY, another partner of the Economic Development

Cabinet, offers trade education, advisory series and consulting, and opportunities to participate on inbound or outbound trade missions. For more details contact Sherry Mulkins, Interim Executive Director at she rry.mulkins@wtcky.org or 502-574-1599. The Foreign Ag Service (FAS) within USDA offers an online “Exporters Guide” which presents trade/consumption trends, demographics, businesses practices, government regulations, and other critical analysis for individual export markets, along with identifying opportunities and challenges of participating in various markets around the globe as part of their Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) . FAS also partners with over 70 commodity trade associations that can provide information and assistance in global marketing. For a list of these assoc1at1ons v1s1t, https://apps.fas.usda. gov/pcd/PartnersSearch.aspx. Plus FAS has a global network of offices in more than 170 nations that can help in analyzing foreign market opportunities and prepar ing trade forecasts. An index of these offices can be found online at https://apps.fas. usda.gov/overseas_post_directory/index. asp

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

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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LEGAL NEWS

FA R M E R S M U S T A C T P R O M P T LY T O R E C O V E R

MONEY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE CANDACE SMITH Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC

The recent case Jackson-Greenly Farm, Inc. v. United States, sheds light on when and how a landowner may try to recover money for property damage caused by the federal government. 144 Fed.Cl. 610 (2019). The Plaintiffs in that case sought to recover money for damage to their farmland, which they claimed was caused by flooding attributable to the federal government’s actions. The Plaintiffs’ land, which was located in southern Illinois, bordered by the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, had a history of flooding. Although a levee was installed to try to protect the land, floodwaters repeatedly breached and damaged the levee for nearly a century. On many occasions, the federal government provided financial assistance to repair flood damage to the levee; however, following a flood in 2016, the federal government refused to provide aid. The Plaintiffs sued the federal government claiming that river training structures that the federal government

had installed in the Mississippi River caused water levels to rise, which led to the unusual flooding of their property. They argued such flooding caused crop loss and interfered with their expected, intended use of the land, and, therefore, that the federal government had taken their property without just compensation, in violation of the Fifth Amendment Takings Clause. They sued under the Tucker Act, which requires landowners to file their lawsuit within six years after the takings claim first accrues. The Court of Federal Claims ruled that Plaintiffs’ claim “accrued” when it first became apparent that the previously intermittent flooding was permanent. The federal government argued Plaintiffs’ claims were time-barred. The Court agreed and ruled that Plaintiffs’ claims were too late because Plaintiffs knew, more than six years before they filed suit, that their property had been, and would continue to be, subject to repeated flooding, and that the flooding

could have been caused by the federal government’s river training structures. The Court rejected the Plaintiffs’ arguments that their claims should not be time-barred because the damage was caused by a gradual process and that their claim did not accrue until the federal government refused to provide financial assistance after the 2016 flood. The Court explained that if Plaintiffs had taken legal action sooner—instead of asking the federal government for financial aid to rebuild the levee— Plaintiffs may have been able to get money damages for the devaluation of their property caused by the recurrent flooding. Because the Plaintiffs waited too long, however, their claims were time-barred. While this decision depends on the specific facts at issue, it shows why farmers should take prompt, legal action if they believe the government, state or federal, has “taken” their land through actions such as depriving them of its use, interfering with “investment-backed expectations”

2018-JD 5100 E- ldr- cab-560 hrs – $52,000 2007- JD7405- canopy-4wd – $23,000 Knight 8118 manure side slinger – $11,500 Farmco 5.5 ft x 24 ft feeders – $3,800 John Deere 2440 – $11,500 Artex 200 Vertical Beater Spreader – $25,500 Leo 425 r t -side discharge TMR – $15,000 2017- Cloverdale 420 T left side discharge – $23,000 2016 Stolztfus CU 50 – $13,000 Gehl 7210 feeder wagon – $4,500 JD 3975-forage Harvestor w/processor – $23,000 JD 3950-forage Harvestor – $10,000 2019- cloverdale 420 T- right hand discharge – Call 2007- JD 6220 -2wd- 16 speed- ldr-cab – $27,000 Great Plains 7 ft drill-600 acres – $18,000 Farmco 3 ton bin on wheels – $3,600 JD 7230 premium- ldr-cab-4wd – $49,000 Horning 2/3 row headers- in stock – Call Stolztfus – NEW lime- litter- fertilizer spreader Lancaster Hammer Mills

Call 859-608-9745 www.RedBarnandAssociates.com for the property, or imposing certain conditions on use of the property, without just compensation. Lingle v. Chevron U.S.A. Inc., 544 U.S. 528, 536-40, 546-48 (2005). An attorney may be able to assist with determining if a Fifth Amendment takings claim exists and when such claim should be brought.

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.

SALERS

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MARCH 2020

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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

IS YOUR VACCINE HIDING SOMETHING?

The last thing you want is something sneaking into your herd. BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT® is the only combination vaccine that prevents three important BRD conditions while also providing the highest available protection against Mannheimia haemolytica. That’s something Pyramid® 5 + Presponse® SQ and Vista® Once SQ can’t claim. So use BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT and get complete calf protection that’s both convenient and uncompromised. Contact your Zoetis representative or visit UncompromisedProtection.com to save yourself a herd of problems. All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. Pyramid® and Presponse® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Vista® is the registered trademark of Intervet Inc. or an affiliate. © 2017 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. BSO-00025

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

W H AT ’ S N E X T F O R F O O D A N I M A L A N T I B I O T I C S ? MICHELLE ARNOLD DVM-Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, University of Kentucky

What is “antibiotic resistance”? When an antibiotic is no longer useful against an infection because the targeted bacteria changed in some way that reduced or eliminated the effectiveness of the drug (antibiotic), this is referred to as “antibiotic resistance”. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine is the government agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of animal drugs for their approved use. FDA has already restricted the use of antibiotics in feed through the Veterinary Feed Directive and now they are set to remove all “medically important” antibiotics approved for food-producing animals currently available over-thecounter within the next two years and place them under veterinary oversight. FDA has established three goals to accomplish from 2019 to 2023: 1.

Align antimicrobial drug product (antibiotic) use with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship;

2. Foster stewardship of antimicrobials in veterinary settings; 3. Enhance monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial drug use in animals. FDA is proposing a two-year implementation period to remove all dosage forms (for example, injectable drugs, boluses, intramammary preparations or “mastitis tubes”) from over-the-counter availability. “Over-thecounter” means available for purchase at any farm supply or internet retailer without the need for a prescription. This process will begin after the agency considers comments on the draft guidance #263 and issues the final guidance. In addition, the FDA plans to “engage with affected stakeholders and state partners at public events, such as meetings and conferences, to hear feedback and answer questions about the changes proposed in the draft guidance document.” The list of drugs affected by the new draft Guidance for Industry (GFI) # 263 is available at the following 36

link: http://bit.ly/329eoeV Although antibiotic resistance is a concern for the cattle industry, it is not the only reason to re-evaluate how and when antibiotics are used. There are simply no new antibiotics currently in development for future use. Given the need for antibiotics to continue to work for treatment of disease, it is important to review why disease develops, correct antibiotic usage and why antibiotics may fail. Diseases such as Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) rely on the combination of host susceptibility, pathogens (viral and bacterial) and the environment to overwhelm the immune system and cause disease. Mannheimia hemolytica (formerly known as Pasteurella hemolytica), the most commonly found bacterium in bovine pneumonia, descends into the lungs when the calf’s defenses are down, usually due to a respiratory virus and excessive stress. Weaning, commingling, transportation, castration and dehorning, bad weather, overcrowding, and poor quality air are known stressors that compromise a calf’s immune system. A deficiency in trace minerals, specifically selenium and copper, prevents proper function of immune mechanisms for protection so vaccines do not work as they should. If a high risk calf is placed in an environment where sick calves have been before, that pen is literally full of bacteria and viruses if not cleaned out between groups. Watering troughs, if not regularly drained and sanitized, are known risk factors for pneumonia as the organisms can live in the water and around the edges where calves stand and drink. A persistentlyinfected (BVD-PI) calf in a pen results in continuous exposure of the pen mates to the BVD virus and a constant reduction in their white blood cells needed to fight sickness. Recently weaned, lightweight calves that are placed on a ration of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (such as ground corn) can develop acidosis and are then at exceptionally high risk for respiratory disease and death. Many COW COUNTRY •

Figure 1: The “MIC” is the “minimum inhibitory concentration” or the minimum level of the drug needed to fight bacteria. of these “risk factors” for disease are management problems that can be addressed and changed. It is easy to see why successful treatment of diseases like pneumonia is not simply a matter of grabbing a bottle of antibiotic, drawing up a dart-full, shooting it in the sick calf and waiting for the drug to take effect. Instead, full recovery is a joint effort between the calf’s immune system and the selected drug to stop the growth of bacteria and destruction of lung tissue. Antibiotics are designed to keep bacterial growth “in check” and give the calf’s immune system time to gear up and effectively fight the disease. Treatment failure may be due to overwhelming calf stress, infection with BVD, or nutrition-related factors such as trace mineral deficiencies or subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Sound nutrition and management, especially around the time of weaning, will substantially improve the response to antibiotics. Calves vaccinated for the respiratory viruses MARCH 2020

(IBR, BVD, PI3 and BRSV) 2-3 weeks prior to weaning are known to respond faster and better to antibiotic therapy if needed. A clean environment with plenty of space and air movement, clean water and ample bunk space reduces calf stress and their exposure to contagious organisms. Identification and removal of PI calves is through a simple, inexpensive ear notch skin test. Trace mineral deficiencies can be addressed quickly through an injectable trace mineral while calves are transitioning to a trace mineral mix provided in the diet. Treatment failure due to human errors include poor timing, use of the wrong drug, improper dose or route of administration, mishandling issues or failure to recognize treatment response. Timing is crucial; if calves are treated early in the course of disease, almost any antibiotic will work. Conversely, if calves are treated late in the course of the disease, nothing will work. In addition to timing, dosage is crucial because antibiotics

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Figure 2: Drawing of a bacterium illustrating the ways different “classes” of antibiotics fight against them. By Kendrick Johnson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons work by different mechanisms. Figure 1 graphically displays the difference between antibiotics that are considered “time dependent” (effectiveness depends on exposure to the drug for a certain length of time) versus “concentration dependent” (bacteria must be exposed to a high concentration of the drug). If label directions are not followed and only a partial dose is administered or when a second dose is required but not given, the drug is unlikely to work effectively because it cannot reach the necessary minimum target concentration. Selection of the best antibiotic class or “family” is an equally important success factor. Figure 2 is an illustration of the mechanisms different antibiotic classes use against bacterial cells. Betalactams (penicillin, Excede®, Naxcel®, Excenel®) interfere with production of the bacterial cell wall that protects the cell from external threats. Aminoglycosides (gentamicin) and Tetracyclines (LA300®, Biomycin®, and many others) interfere with protein synthesis within the bacterium by grabbing on to the machinery in the ribosome (the 30S subunit) needed to build proteins. COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Macrolides (Draxxin®, Micotil®, Zactran®, Zuprevo®, Tylan®) and Chloramphenicol derivatives (Nuflor®) also interfere with protein synthesis although at a different location on the ribosome, the 50S subunit. The Fluoroquinolones (Baytril®, Advocin®) block genetic replication by interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis. Why is this information important? If an animal requires retreatment, selection of an antibiotic from a different class will attack the bacteria through a different route and often improve treatment response. Another good example is treatment for Mycoplasma bovis, a bacterium frequently found in chronic pneumonia cases. It has no cell wall so treatment with a Beta-lactam (such as penicillin or Excede®) is useless. A veterinarian is trained in antibiotic selection and is the best source of information when choosing a therapy. Another issue that may affect success is mishandling the product; an antibiotic that gets too hot or is allowed to freeze will inactivate the drug in most cases. Lastly, treatment failure is not always a “failure” but rather an inability to recognize recovery. A calf

that is eating, drinking and looks better after treatment but still has a slight fever often needs more time to fully recover since fever is one of the last clinical signs to disappear. Strategic and correct use of antibiotics will continue to be of importance for the cattle industry from this point forward. Consumers are increasingly aware and demanding reduced antimicrobial use in the production of wholesome beef. FDA is responding by decreasing antibiotic availability to the public and will soon place this responsibility in the hands of veterinarians. Careful attention to timing of treatment, drug selection, dose, and handling of the product will reduce the human factors that contribute to antibiotic failure. However, by addressing the underlying management factors that contribute to disease in the first place, including reduction of stressors, prompt removal of BVD-PI calves, and correction of environmental or nutrition-related disorders will lead to better overall health and less reliance on all medications in cattle operations.

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Tim Dievert 478 Dry Fork Rd. • Danville, KY 40422 Office:859/236-4591 (C)859/238-3195 • tdievert@dievertsales.com www.dievertsales.com Catalogs or more information available by contacting Tim Dievert.

KENTUCKY ANGUS SWEEPSTAKES 64TH ANNUAL SHOW & SALE March 6-7, 2020 Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY BRANCH VIEW ANGUS SALE April 11, 2020 At the farm, Hustonville, KY 55TH ANNUAL SPRING CKAA SALE April 18, 2020 CKAA Sale Pavilion, Danville, KY Call Tim about entries for the CKAA April Sale!

FEATURE

Angus. America’s Breed.

FIVE LOCATIONS CHOSEN FOR 2020 STOCKMANSHIP & STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM Locations have been identified for five events on the Stockmanship & Stewardship Regional Tour, with the next stop in Ontario, Ore. Dates for that session and sessions in Bowling Green, Ky., Durango, Colo., Danville, Ind., and Elko, Nev. have not yet been determined. Stockmanship & Stewardship is a unique two-day educational experience featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) educational sessions, facility design sessions to fit your operation and industry updates. The program is sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program.

The tour features events to be led by stockmanship experts Curt Pate, Ron Gill and Dean Fish. By attending a Stockmanship & Stewardship event, producers may also become BQA certified, network with fellow producers, be involved in hands-on demonstrations from the stockmanship experts and learn cutting-edge operation techniques. “These sessions will provide important tips and recommendations from industry experts that attendees will be able to put to work immediately in their operations,” said Chase DeCoite, NCBA director of Beef Quality Assurance. “At the same time, cattlemen and women who attend will be able to share valuable information with fellow producers to expand the universe of knowledge about successful

Alex Tolbert,

Regional Manager

Kentucky Ohio Tennessee

stewardship practices.” “Merck Animal Health is honored to be the premier sponsor of this initiative, which very much complements our efforts to promote proper animal handling, animal welfare and beef quality assurance,” according to Kevin Mobley, executive director U.S. Cattle Sales and Marketing for Merck Animal Health. “Working with the NCBA and state cattle associations is another way that Merck Animal Health works for our beef producing customers.” To learn more about Stockmanship & Stewardship events, including seeing videos and photos from previous events and obtaining dates for programs in your area, or to register for an upcoming event. visit www.StockmanshipAndStewardship. org.

A reliable business partner is difficult to come by. Contact Alex Tolbert to locate Angus genetics, select marketing options tailored to your needs, and to access American Angus Association® programs and services. Put the business breed to work for you.

Contact Regional Manager Alex Tolbert: Cell: 706-338-8733 atolbert@angus.org

Livestock Marketing Group

UPCOMING SALES Lexington—CPH Sale—Wed, March 11 5:30 PM Lexington—Ward Ratliff 1st Annual Spring Sale—Fri, March 27 5:30 PM Lexington—Bulls of the Blue Grass—Sat, April 4 1:00 PM Lexington—Turnout Classic—Tues, April 11 11:00 AM South—Spring Holstein Sale—Mon, April 13 11:00 AM South—KY Cert Hereford Influence Sale—Thurs, May 14 10:30 AM Lexington—Longhorn Heifer Sale—Fri, May 22 7:00 PM Lexington—Longhorn Cow Sale—Sat, May 23 6:00 PM Lexington—CPH Sale—Wed, June 17 5:30 PM For Regular Schedule and Barn information visit bgstockyards.com!

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

IPM TRAINING SCHOOL RETURNS TO PRINCETON

Free is Better.

Especially endophyte-free.

Katie Pratt, University of Kentucky The University of Kentucky’s IPM Training School is scheduled for March 12 at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton. During the daylong event, UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment specialists will discuss the latest research and integrated pest management techniques to manage field crops. UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence researchers will present information on the latest and greatest in corn disease management, weed control in an era of expanding herbicide-resistant crops, precision agricultural practices, managing nutrients for high yield crops, maximizing soybean profitability through management and the results of 2019 UK insect research in corn and soybeans. The program is approved for continuing education units for pesticide applicators.

They can receive four general and two specific hours in categories 1A, 10 and 12. Certified Crop Advisers can receive six continuing education units from the event including three in integrated pest management and one each in nutrient management, crop management and precision agriculture. Preregistration is encouraged to this free event and is available through March 9. Participants can preregister at http://2020ipmtrainingschool. eventbrite.com/ or by contacting a local office of the UK Cooperative Extension Service for a registration form. Participants can email completed registration forms to Zenaida Viloria at zenaida.viloria@uky.edu or mail the form to Attn: Zenaida Viloria, UK Research and Education Center, 348 University Drive, Princeton, KY 42445. Lunch will be provided at the event.

Unlike toxic KY-31 tall fescue, Cajun II is endophyte-free. Free of toxins that rob each animal’s average daily gain, reduce your cow’s reproductivity and create serious herd health problems. KY-31 may be cheap to buy, but it is costly to own. Trial data from around the country shows Cajun II maintaining 97% stands after four years of rotational grazing and providing hay yields that match or exceed both KY-31 and novel endophyte tall fescues. Cajun II is aaordable to purchase and valuable to own. Expect abundant hay production, high animal gains, and increased animal reproductivity. Cajun II is also an eeective option for repairing or reseeding both toxic fescue and novel-endophyte pastures. This season, spend your seed money wisely. Choose Cajun II endophyte-free tall fescue.

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A brown marmorated stink bug feeds on soybeans. Photo by Ric Bessin, UK extension entomologist. 40

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MARCH 2020

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FIRST ANNUAL SPRING SALE

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COW COUNTRY •

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FEATURE

NCBA RELEASES CONSUMER RESEARCH SHOWING WIDESPREAD CONFUSION ABOUT CONTENTS OF PLANT-BASED FAKE MEAT The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released survey results that show widespread consumer confusion regarding the ingredient composition and purported benefits of plant-based fake meat products. In an online survey of more than 1,800 consumers, less than half of the respondents understood the labeling term “plant-based beef” was intended to describe an entirely vegetarian or vegan food product. One major source of confusion uncovered by NCBA’s research is that approximately one third of surveyed consumers believed that plant-based fake meat products contained at least some real beef in them. When asked to evaluate specific product labels and marketing materials from some of the leading plantbased fake beef products currently on the market, the results were astonishing: •

Nearly two-thirds of respondents believed the fake meat products produced by Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods and LightLife contained real beef or some form of animal byproduct;

•

32 percent of consumers who were shown a package of Beyond Meat’s “Beyond Burger” plant-based patties (which features a cow icon) told researchers that they thought the patties contained at least small amounts of real meat; 37 percent of consumers who were shown a package of Lightlife’s “Gimme Lean”, which features the word “Beef” highlighted in a red box, said the product contained at least some real beef. Neither product contains any real beef.

“The fact that so many consumers look at these labels and think that the products include meat or other animal by-products is a clear sign that the misleading labeling and deceptive marketing practices of plant-based fake meat companies has caused real consumer confusion,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “Many of these fake-meat products purposely use graphics and words that trade on beef’s good name, and it needs to stop immediately. Consumers rely on names and product packaging to inform

their purchasing decisions, and they have a right to know that this information is accurate and not misleading.” When asked to rank plant-based fake meat versus beef on a host of food attributes, the results were even more startling. For example: •

44 percent of consumers believed plant-based products were lower in sodium, when leading plant-based fake beef is anywhere between 220 to 620 percent higher in sodium than the same size serving of real ground beef. A mere 24 percent of respondents correctly identified beef as being lower in sodium.

•

Scientifically speaking, beef is considered to be an unprocessed or minimally processed food, whereas plant-based fake meat products are classified as an ultra-processed food product. Unfortunately, 34 percent of respondents believed plant-based fake meat to be less processed and another 34 percent believed fake and real beef products were equivalent on the food processing scale.

•

On the broad category of healthfulness, more than half of consumers believed plant-based meat was better.

“This research is a wake-up call for our industry, the news media, and for federal regulators,” Houston said. “We in the beef industry need to do a better job educating consumers about the fact that beef is a nutrient-rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients that can play a key role in any healthy lifestyle. We also need reporters and regulators to understand how many consumers are confused and/or misinformed about exactly what’s in these new plant-based alternatives.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the power to prevent this sort of consumer confusion. In 2020, NCBA said it hopes there will be an opportunity to work with the Agency to end inappropriate use of the word “beef” on all non-meat product labels. For more detailed information about the survey methodology and results, click here.

@kycattlemensbeef for more information, visit kentuckycattlemensbeef.com

Available at Kroger!

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FROM THE

Bluegrass to

THE BACKDROP

RFSS RAMBO Our Senior herd sire, sexed and conventional semen available RFSS RAMBOS ROAN BELLE 142G Selling in the Kentucky Beef Expo Sale

ONLINE SALE APRIL 7, 2020 Extended bidding begins 8 PM EST

Hosted by DP Online Sales dponlinesales.com

RFSS OH BABY 126F

RFSS MOMENTUM

Selling in the Roan for the Roses Online Sale

VISITORS WELCOME! Mike Cavey | 859-621-8932 Shelby Jones, Herdsman | 217-799-5291 1040 Hume Bedford Rd, Paris, KY 40361 sugarbirdshorthorns.com Follow our website and Facebook pages for more information.

THE HAY AND FORAGE TOOL SPECIALISTS

(Shown: SR 300 Speedrake ® )

Mower Conditioners

Tedders

Rotary Rakes

Harvesting high-quality hay and forage is the focus of KUHN's hay tool innovation. Our commitment is to help you gain a maximum return on investment by providing products INVEST IN QUALITY known for performance, reliability, and longevity. www.kuhn.com COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Rose Farm Supply Flemingsburg

Holbrook Implement Campton

Pleasureville

J & J Sales Glasgow Sanford and Sons Sales & Service Bowling Green Wright Implement 1 Glasgow Hardinsburg Meade Tractor Owensboro Campbellsville Corydon, IN Danville Orleans, IN DeMossville Seymour, IN Elizabethtown Florence Lawson Tractor Georgetown & Implement Harlan Lebanon London Mt. Sterling McKeel Equipment Paris Murray Richmond Shelbyville L. A. Yount Haying Somerset Equipment

Wheel Rakes

Mowers

Riverside Tractor & Equipment Augusta

• 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

Siler Implement Corbin

Bridgeport Equipment & Tool Wurtland

FEATURE

NEW KCA INTERN

Sarah Bryant of Eminence, Kentucky has been selected as the 2020 Spring Intern for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Sarah grew up on a beef cattle and tobacco farm with her parents and sister where she found her passion for agriculture. The Bryant’s have a cow/calf operation where Sarah spent most of her time “building character,” as her father, Allan Bryant, called it. Sarah is currently in her third year at the University of Kentucky where she will earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She is active in many organizations at UK including, Sigma Alpha Sorority where she serves as the 2019-2020 Scholarship Committee Chair and Secretary/Reporter of the Agribusiness Club. She is also a team member of the University of Kentucky Agricultural Economics Quiz Bowl Team. This past summer Sarah worked as the Commodity Intern with Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation. Sarah has stated that she has learned valuable industry knowledge while working at KYFB and she is excited to expand her knowledge at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association.

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

SoKY Select Gelbvieh Sale SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 • 1:00 PM CT United Producers • Bowling Green, KY

Selling 40 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Females Selling 30 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls

Young cow/calf pairs like this one sell!

Fall, AI bred heifers like this one sell!

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

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

Slaughter Sale Management

David Slaughter

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

Like us on Facebook at Slaughter Sale Management

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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QUARLES PRAISES PASSAGE OF E-15 BILL LEGISLATION ALLOWS SALE OF E-15 YEAR-ROUND

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles praised the Kentucky General Assembly for passing Senate Bill 94, an act to expand the sale of gasoline with up to 15 percent of corn-based ethanol. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association led efforts to pass the bill with sponsor Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Paul Hornback. The legislation now goes to the Governor’s desk for signature. “I applaud the Kentucky General Assembly for passing Senate Bill 94, a major priority for my Administration and for the Kentucky Corn Growers Association,” Commissioner Quarles said. “This bill will expand the amount of time that E-15 gasoline can be sold, to year-round, and has the potential to expand market access for Kentucky corn growers. Thanks to the strong leadership of Senate Agriculture Chairman Paul Hornback and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Richard Heath, we were able to build an overwhelming bipartisan supermajority for this legislation.” “The Kentucky Corn Growers Association is grateful for the hard work by Commissioner Quarles, Chairman Hornback, and Chairman Heath to expand the sale of E-15 gasoline in Kentucky,” Laura Knoth, executive director for the Kentucky Corn Growers Association said. “We have a strong proagriculture team in Frankfort, responsive to the needs of our corn growers and all of agriculture.” 45

FEATURE

N E W A D S TA C K L E T H E T O P I C S O F H E A LT H , S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y A N D M E AT S U B S T I T U T E S WITH THE ICONIC BRAND’S UNIQUE P E R S O N A L I T Y A N D S WAG G E R Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is addressing common questions and hot topics in the beef industry head-on with the launch of new digital and social media ads. The ads focus on the topics of sustainability, health and meat substitutes. Staying true to the brand’s notable swagger, the ads leverage the popular “Nicely done, beef” creative wrapper to directly address misinformation while highlighting beef’s strongest attributes – taste, quality, health sustainable production. Examples of some current ads in market include: “This year the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Checkoff-funded programs are focused on continuing to drive demand for beef by re-enforcing that real beef’s great taste and nutrition that cannot be replicated and directly addressing myths that may affect consumer decisions to choose beef,” said Laurie Munns, a cattle rancher from Hansel Valley, Utah and federation division chairman, at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association “To achieve this, we are leaning on checkoff funded technical research and

focusing on the real facts about real beef.” The new series of ads are currently running on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will continue to roll out additional creative elements such as video, programmatic and native advertising in the weeks ahead. The ads directly target older millennial consumers, especially parents, directing them back to BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com where they can learn about beef’s powerful nutrition and sustainability stories, and find beefy mealtime inspiration. “As a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, we are using the dollars of beef farmers and ranchers to ensure consumers, media, chefs, dietitians and food service and retail partners have the facts when it comes to beef,” Alisa Harrison, senior vice president, Global Marketing & Research. “It’s important to keep in mind that consumers crave real beef and meat alternatives represent less than 1 percent market share, while real beef represents more than 99% market share or sales at retail and foodservice. While these products aren’t replacing beef, we still want to ensure people are choosing their

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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proteins based on facts and not fearbased misinformation.” These ads are just latest in the “Nicely done, beef.” series, which were first released in early 2018. One of the original, “Nicely done, beef.” ads, which says “Nicely done, beef. You prove that meat substitutes are just that. Substitutes.” has more than 53 million impressions since it was launched and has resulted in more than 286,000 clicks back to the BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com website. In 2019 alone, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. marketing efforts, including the Nicely done ads, have reached consumers more than 1 billion times. “As consumers have an increasing interest in where their food comes, the nutrients it provides and how to prepare it in new and innovative ways, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand will continue to serve as an informative, convenient and mouthwatering resource,” said Season Solorio, senior executive director, Brand Marketing and Communications. “Thanks to these ongoing efforts, consumers can continue to feel good about choosing beef for the center of their plates.”

To see more of the latest content and delicious mealtime inspiration from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. In Case You Missed It: Ads aren’t the only thing Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is serving up. In late November one of the newer meat substitute companies that manufacturers a soy-based burger, commented on a Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Twitter post, which featured the Beef Holiday Drool Log. The meat substitutes company commented “Okay, boomers,” on the post. “Ok, boomers,” is a social media insult that millennials use to call out older generations for being “out of touch.” Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. took this as an opportunity to defend the brand that farmers and ranchers are behind, and responded with, “Don’t be so salty… oh, wait….”. Twitter users took notice. In fact, this response had a reach of more than 160,000 with 24,000 impressions and more than 70 retweets and 400 likes. The meat substitutes company has yet to respond to this clever comeback.

Middle Tennessee Hereford Association

Annual Sale

Saturday • April 25, 2020 • 11:30 am CT KY/TN Livestock Market • Cross Plains, TN Exit 112, I-65 North of Nashville

Selling Registered Horned and Polled Breeding Stock

• Registered Females: Spring and Fall calving pairs, bred and open heifers • Registered Service Age Bulls • Hereford Influenced Commercial Cattle For more information or catalogs contact: Dale Stith 918-760-1550 • Billy Jackson 615-478-4483 COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

UK RESEARCHERS A D VA N C I N G C OV E R C RO P K N OW L E D G E University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers Erin Haramoto and Hanna Poffenbarger are part of an international group of scientists working to enhance the effectiveness of cover crop-based conservation tillage systems to create more sustainable agriculture production. The five-year, $10 million project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative and led by North Carolina State University. The project aims to show how cover crops increase crop profitability, resilience and sustainability for corn, soybeans and cotton and increase cover crop adoption by farmers. While not typically harvested for income, farmers use cover crops in their production rotations to protect and regenerate the soil and improve soil, water and pest management. By using both cover crops and reduced tillage, producers increase carbon sequestration in their soil, improve their soil health and allow for a more climate-resilient production of food and fiber. Haramoto and Poffenbarger, assistant professors in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, received more than $425,000 for their portion of the project. They will study how cover crops contribute to nutrient cycling and pest management in Kentucky as part of a coordinated effort with 14 other locations across the U.S. “We aim to determine how nitrogen inputs to corn should be adjusted following winter cover crops such as cereal rye and crimson clover,” Poffenbarger said. “The coordinated effort of researchers at 15

18th Annual Union County Bull Sale March 14, 2020

locations across the country will provide a unique dataset to understand how cover crops function in different environments.”

30 BULLS

In the common pest management experiment, also conducted at 15 locations, the UK team is studying how cover crop termination time affects complex pest dynamics in corn, including diseases, pest and beneficial insects, and weeds.

All bulls have passed a Breeding Soundness Evaluation within 45 days of the sale

“This information will help producers make more informed decisions on pest management inputs in cover crop systems,” Haramoto said.

COME VISIT OUR TRADE SHOW

In addition to these common experiments, they will also develop a new multiinstitution undergraduate course to foster better understanding of regional cover crop use and adaptation. This course will use cutting-edge teaching tools and techniques to provide students with a better understanding of the ways cover crops can contribute to agricultural systems. The coalition of scientists, known as the Precision Sustainable Agriculture team, have expertise in crop management, systems modeling, social science, technology and human-centered design. They will use the latest technology, including real-time data flow and cloudbased platforms, to measure the benefits of cover crops across different climates, locations and soil types. They will use the results from their experiments to develop decision-making tools for farmers to help them determine which cover crop is best for their area and production system. More information about the group is available online at http://precisionsustainableag. org/.

COW COUNTRY •

All Bulls have been DNA tested / Genomic Enhanced EPDs

Breeds Represented: Angus / Simmental

$50 Credits for bull purchases to given away prior to sale ***LARGEST TRADE SHOW TO DATE***

LOCATION Union County Fairgrounds - Inside the John A. Arnold Arena - Sturgis, KY 1 Mile West of Sturgis on Hwy 60 • 125 Pryor Boulevard, Sturgis, KY 42459

CONTACTS Caleb Jenkin, Sale Manager (270-952-0767) Ben Lloyd, Kentucky Beef Network (270-993-1074)

SALE INFORMATION Bulls and Trade Show will be on display at 10:00 A.M. Lunch Served at 12:00 P.M. • Bulls will sell at 1:00 P.M.

Meal Sponsored By: Livingston County Livestock, INC Check out our Facebook Page for Images of Bulls in the Sale Search – “Union County Bull Sale”

MARCH 2020

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ROCK RIDGE FARMS 2020 SPRING PRODUCTION SALE

“ T H E F R O N T PA S T U R E K I N D ” SAT U R DAY, A P R I L 4 • 5 : 3 0 P M • L AW R E N C E B U R G, K E N T U C K Y LOT 1

LOT 63B

LOT 3

ROCK RIDGE MAY C102

18506869

EXAR Denver x SAV Blackcap May 1805. A.I. to Connealy Mainstay, She sells along with a stunning ET daughter of Deer Valley Growth Fund.

LOT 4

SAV MADAME PRIDE 5803

18204667

Daughter of SAV Madame Pride 0075 and Maternal sister to SAV America and SAV Supercharger. A.I. to LD Capitalist 316

LOT 50

WF//RCC HENRIETTA PRIDE 2251 WF

17903114

Proven producer and a sight to see! From the Henrietta Pride 643T Family. A.I. to Musgrave 316 Stunner

ROCK RIDGE REIGN F107

19441375

SAV Reign x SAV Emblynetts 5479. One of two full brothers Top 10% $W, 20% WW, and 25% YW and Milk

LOT 74

PF1111 MADAME PRIDE 4324

17891896

ROCK RIDGE INSIGHT G13

VAR Reserve x Rito 707. Awesome good looks! Due in February to Plattemere Weigh Up K360

19507404

PVF Insight x Champion Hill Elba 5677. Stout and good looking Top 3% RE, and 25% WW

ROCK RIDGE FARMS Kerry and Lou Smith, owners 1939 Graefenburg Road • Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 Codee Guffey: (502) 598-6355 • Brandon Mitchell: (502) 680-0532 www.rockridgefarmsky.com• rockridge@sci82.com

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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(502) 667-0142

jacksonmarketingsolutions.com

FEATURE

U.S. PORK EXPORTS RECORD-LARGE IN 2019, APPROACHING $7 BILLION; BEEF EXPORT VALUE AGAIN TOPS $8 BILLION U.S. pork exports posted new volume and value records in 2019, reaching nearly $7 billion, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Exports of U.S. beef were below the previous year’s record levels, while lamb export volume was the second largest on record. Pork exports soared to 282,145 metric tons (mt) in December, up 34% year-overyear and surpassing the previous high (set in November 2019) by 9%. Export value was $760 million, up a remarkable 44% from a year ago and breaking the previous record (also from November 2019) by 7%. These results pushed 2019 exports 10% above the previous year in volume (2.67 million mt) and 9% higher in value ($6.95 billion), breaking previous records for both volume (2.45 million mt in 2017) and value ($6.65 billion in 2014). Pork export value per head slaughtered was $66.70 in December, nearly one-third higher than a year ago and the highest monthly average since 2014. For 2019, per-head value averaged $53.51, up 4% year-over-year. The percentage of pork production exported also set new records in December, as exports accounted for 32.1% of total pork production and 29.3% for muscle cuts only, up substantially from a year ago (26.1% and 23.6%, respectively). In 2019, exports accounted for 26.9% of total pork production, up from 25.7% and the highest since 2012. For muscle cuts only, the ratio was 23.6%, up from 22.5% in 2018. December beef exports totaled 111,315 mt, down 1% from a year ago, valued at $682 million (down 3%). 2019 exports totaled 1.32 million mt, 2.5% below the previous year’s record volume. After increasing by more than $1 billion in 2018, beef export value eased by 3% to $8.1 billion. Beef export value per head of fed slaughter was $321.21 in December, down 9% from a year ago. The 2019 average was $309.75, down 4%. December exports accounted for 14.3% of total beef production and 11.6% for muscle cuts only, down from 15.5% and 12.6%, respectively, a year ago. 2019 exports accounted for 14.1% of total 50

beef production and 11.4% for muscle cuts, down from the previous year’s record-high percentages (14.6% and 12.1%, respectively). December pork demand surges in China/Hong Kong; exports to Mexico rebound Following a record performance in November, China/Hong Kong’s demand for U.S. pork climbed even higher in December at 110,876 mt - more than quadruple the year-ago volume - while value was nearly six times higher at $274.9 million. For 2019, pork exports to China/Hong Kong were up 89% to 665,665 mt, valued at $1.45 billion (up 71%). China/Hong Kong’s pork imports from all suppliers in 2019 reached a record 3.45 million mt, up 40% year-overyear, and accelerated into December after China’s hog prices peaked in November. “Despite retaliatory duties and the other barriers U.S. pork faces in China, exports to the China/Hong Kong region closed 2019 with tremendous momentum,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF President and CEO. “We look forward to continued success in 2020, especially if U.S.-China trade relations continue to trend in a positive direction. The coronavirus situation is certainly concerning and disruptive, but it hasn’t dampened our enthusiasm for the potential this market holds for U.S. red meat.” Pork exports to Mexico also closed 2019 on a high note as December volume reached 66,181 mt, up 10% from a year ago, and export value surged 46% to $137.6 million, the highest in two years. Saddled by Mexico’s retaliatory duties for the first five months of the year, 2019 exports to Mexico were down 9% from a year ago in volume at 708,133 mt, but recovered to finish just 2% lower in value at $1.28 billion. December pork exports to leading value market Japan trailed the previous year by 3% in volume at 29,323 mt, but value increased 3% to $121.6 million. Full-year exports to Japan were down 6% from a year ago in both volume (369,891 mt)

COW COUNTRY •

and value ($1.52 billion). Much of this decline was ground seasoned pork, which fell by $86 million due to a wide tariff rate disadvantage compared to European and Canadian product. Beginning Jan. 1, Japan’s tariff rates on U.S. pork and pork products were lowered to match those imposed on major competitors, with the rate for U.S. ground seasoned pork falling from 20 to 13.3%. Other 2019 highlights for U.S. pork exports include: •

•

Led by substantial growth in Chile and Peru and an increase in shipments to mainstay market Colombia, exports to South America set new records in both volume (152,125 mt, up 12% year-over-year) and value ($382.3 million, up 16%). Strong growth in Panama, Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica drove pork exports to Central America to new record highs in volume (98,182 mt, up 14% from a year ago) and value ($239.5 million, up 19%).

•

In Oceania, a key destination for U.S. hams and other muscle cuts used for further processing, strong demand in both Australia and New Zealand pushed exports 31% above the previous year in volume (116,113 mt) and 34% higher in value ($339.2 million), setting new records.

•

Exports to Canada increased 4% from a year ago in volume (214,703 mt, the largest since 2013) and were 5% higher in value ($801.7 million, the highest since 2014).

•

Exports to South Korea slowed from the 2018 records, with volume down 14% to 207,650 mt and value falling 12% to $593 million. But U.S. share of Korea’s imports increased modestly to 36%, as overall import volume also declined from 2018.

New beef export records for Korea and Taiwan; strong year for beef variety meat The decline in U.S. beef exports from MARCH 2020

the record levels of 2018 was partially attributable to lower shipments to Japan, which were down 6% in both volume (311,146 mt) and value ($1.95 billion). Similar to pork, Japan’s tariff rates for U.S. beef were lowered on Jan. 1 to match those of major competitors, with rate for U.S. beef muscle cuts dropping from 38.5 to 26.6%. Another tariff rate cut will come April 1, when the Japanese fiscal year begins. December exports to Japan were slightly above year-ago levels in both volume (24,056 mt) and value ($144.6 million). “It was gratifying to see beef exports to Japan perform so well in December, given that the first tariff rate cut was pending and set to take effect Jan. 1,” Halstrom observed. “Buyers in Japan have been waiting a very long time for tariff relief and have already responded enthusiastically. We look forward to solid growth in 2020 and beyond.” South Korea made a strong push to become the leading value market for U.S. beef in 2019, finishing a close second to Japan at a record $1.84 billion (up 5% from a year ago). Korea was also the second largest volume market for U.S. beef at 255,758 mt (up 7%, also a new record). The United States captured a larger share of Korea’s chilled beef imports in 2019 at 62%, up from 58% the previous year. U.S. beef accounted for 51.5% of Korea’s total beef and beef variety meat imports and more than one-third of Korea’s total beef consumption. “U.S. beef is achieving remarkable success in Korea’s traditional retail and foodservice sectors and is well-positioned to capitalize on growth in e-commerce, the institutional sector and other emerging sales channels,” Halstrom said. “As U.S. beef moves steadily toward duty-free status in Korea, it becomes accessible and affordable for a wider range of customers whose appetite for U.S. beef continues to grow. We are seeing many new menu concepts in this dynamic market and continued excitement about U.S. beef.” Beef exports to Taiwan were record-large for the fourth consecutive year in 2019,

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climbing 6% from a year ago in volume (63,538 mt) and 3% in value ($567.1 million). This growth is also driven by success at foodservice and retail as Taiwan continues to embrace alternative cuts and U.S. beef is underpinning overall consumption growth. The United States dominates Taiwan’s chilled beef market, capturing approximately 75% of its chilled imports - the highest share of any Asian destination. Other 2019 highlights for U.S. beef exports include: •

•

In Mexico, the third largest market for U.S. beef behind Japan and Korea, export value increased 5% from a year ago to $1.1 billion despite a 1% decline in volume (236,707 mt). This was largely due to strong demand for beef variety meat, especially tripe. Variety meat exports to Mexico increased 4% year-over-year in volume (100,645 mt) and surged 21% in value to $276.9 million. This included $111.7 million in tripe exports, up 30% from a year ago. The largest decline in U.S. beef exports in 2019 was to China/ Hong Kong (103,220 mt, down

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

21%, with value down 19% to $830 million). Retaliatory duties and other restrictions limited U.S. exports to China, but the Phase One trade agreement includes significant breakthroughs in market access that should allow a much larger share of U.S. beef production to be eligible for China. Although China’s beef demand has recently slowed, its overall beef imports reached a staggering $8.4 billion in 2019, a 70% increase over the 2018 record. •

•

Led by strong demand in Indonesia, beef exports to the ASEAN region increased 23% from a year ago in volume (60,790 mt) and were 8% higher in value ($295.5 million). Exports to Indonesia reached record heights, climbing 67% from a year ago in volume (23,591 mt) and 37% higher in value ($85.1 million). This included a near doubling of variety meat volume (to 12,688 mt) along with substantial growth in muscle cuts. Despite a slowdown in December, exports to the Dominican Republic easily surpassed the previous year’s record in both volume (8,034 mt, up

18%) and value ($65.8 million, up 13%). •

•

Fueled by outstanding demand in Panama, exports to Central America increased 3% from a year ago in volume (15,156 mt) and 7% in value ($86 million). Exports to Panama surged 33% to 2,278 mt valued at $14.7 million (up 30%). Mexico was one of several markets driving strong demand for U.S. beef variety meat in 2019. Global variety exports increased 4% from a year ago in volume (322,529 mt) and 9% in value ($972.9 million). Exports to Japan, which largely consist of tongues and skirts, totaled 62,948 mt, up 19% from a year ago, valued at $387 million (up 13%). Prospects for further growth are very strong in Japan, with beef from cattle of all ages now eligible and lower tariff rates under the U.S.-Japan trade agreement (Japan’s tariff rate for U.S. tongues will phase to zero by 2028 and for other variety meat by 2030). Egypt, the largest destination for U.S. beef livers, saw a 3% increase in variety meat volume (63,449 mt) while export value climbed 15% to

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$73.7 million. Beef variety meat exports also posted substantial yearover-year gains in Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Angola, Gabon, Trinidad and Tobago, Mozambique and Nicaragua. Lamb export volume largest since 2011 December exports of U.S. lamb were 1,225 mt, up 9% from a year ago, while value jumped 24% to $2.36 million. For 2019, lamb export volume increased 22% from a year ago to 15,732 mt, valued at $26.1 million (up 12%). Led by strong demand in Mexico, export volume was the second highest on record behind 2011 and export value was the highest since 2014. In addition to Mexico, strong growth markets included Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Guatemala and the Philippines. Complete January-November export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb are available from USMEF’s statistics Web page. Monthly charts for U.S. pork and beef exports are also available online. If you have questions, please contact Joe Schuele at jschuele@usmef.org or call 303-547-0030.

Amburgey Charolais Farm

WHAT DID THE DOCTOR SAY? DR. KEN GREEN Family Medicine Doctor and Cattleman

Annual Bull & Female Sale Saturday, April 11, 2020 1 PM

Followed with the Commercial Cow Sale Blue Grass Stockyards East, Mt. Sterling, KY

Selling:

A R E Y O U E AT I N G ENOUGH PROTEIN? ‘Protein’ has become a buzzword in the past few years. Maybe, because of its importance to our health. We all know the importance of a balanced diet, but that’s hard to accomplish, especially with fast-food diets and few households with home-cooked meals. We need a balance of protein, carbohydrates (carbs) and fat. The amount of carbohydrates often exceed the amount recommended, to the extent that there’s an excess of calories to the point of storage in our bodies as fat, and increasing likelihood of developing or worsening illnesses such as diabetes mellitus (now affecting close to 40% of the US population). To lessen this likelihood, women can limit carb intake per day to 150 grams of carbs, and men 200 grams of carbs. ‘Concentrated’ carbs are foods like pies, cakes, candies, soft drinks, ice-cream, puddings, and syrups. Other carbs that need to be limited in diabetes are foods like pastas, spaghetti, fettucini, bread, potatoes, French fries, and corn. So, what about Protein? Protein is the basis for our physical strength (muscles) and our immunity. Inflammation is at the core of the immune process and also our day-to-day formation of antibodies as we are exposed to infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Without adequate protein, none of these processes work effectively. By the way, muscle formation (and maintenance of them) only comes about by adequate protein intake--and not by carbs. If we’re unable to get up 52

out of a chair without using our arms, it usually indicates wasting away of muscle mass or lack of exercise, or both. How much protein? By the way, protein comes from such foods as meat, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, mixed nuts, whey protein, dried beans, and tofu. An active adult needs 90-115 grams of protein per day. A pregnant female needs minimum of 71 grams/day and minimum for females, otherwise, is 46 grams and for males is 56 grams. Examples of protein sources (and amounts) are Premier Protein (30 grams per 11 oz serving), MuscleTech powder (20 grams per small cup in container, added to milk or cold water), milk (1 oz = 1 gram) and eggs (8 grams protein/egg). Four ounces of hamburger have about 2224 oz protein.

Charolais Bulls

Performance tested, good disposition, semen checked

Bred & Open Heifers For More Information Contact: Robert Amburgey Blue Grass Stockyards East 3171 Camargo Road Tim Gayheart Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 (859) 498-9625 (859) 498-2764 Home (859) 404-3751 Mobile

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What about beef as a source of protein? Excellent source! A lot of doctors may have opinions that beef contributes to heart disease, etc., but let’s remember that 35-40 years ago the American Heart Association showed that 4 oz of beef (steak) with outer fat trimmed off was equal to 4 oz of chicken with fat removed, as far as any potential health detriment. Plus, there’s no carbs in beef. Yes, some fat, but not detrimental, if not eaten in excess. Even those at the Arctic Circle that depend on caribou and walrus as their sole diet have normal blood work. And, we no longer see steak houses advertising that your meal is free if you can eat a 32-oz steak. COW COUNTRY •

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lorem,.

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE ONLINE MODULES UPDATED TO BOOST REALISM, EASE OF USE Building on its updated National Manual launched in Summer 2019, the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program has updated its online training modules to make them more realistic and useful. The new modules are now available to those who are first becoming BQA certified online and those who are getting recertified as required after three years. First launched in 2017, the online training modules have been embraced to date by more than 100,000 in the cattle industry. BQA certifications are also available at in-person training events offered through state beef councils, cattlemen’s affiliates, extension programs and other local efforts

throughout the country. Funded by the Beef Checkoff, the BQA program touches more than 85 percent of beef produced in the United States today. “The new online modules maintain the program’s integrity and make its lessons more real-life and user friendly,” says Bob Smith, DVM, chair of the BQA Advisory Board. “They incorporate a wealth of input from people who use the practices every day as well as experts in the field and share them in a way that is practical and understandable. We believe the improvements will make this successful program more enjoyable and an even better learning experience.” The online BQA experience is tailored to

each participant by industry sector and interest. After registering, participants are taken through an interactive training module that can be completed online, anytime, with participants starting and stopping training at their convenience without losing progress. Categories for training and certification include CowCalf, Stocker, and Feedyard. Online training and certification are available for free and accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days each week, making it a convenient option for busy farmers and ranchers. To find out more about BQA online certification, go to www.bqa.org/bqacertification.

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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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WE’RE CUTTING YOU A GREAT DEAL. Our tractors and hay equipment produce high-quality hay more quickly and efficiently for your cattle operation. And for a limited time, they’re available with exclusive discounts up to $2,000.* Visit one of our dealers to see the full lineup of Massey Ferguson® compact and utility tractors and Hesston® hay equipment and take advantage of these exclusive offers, for Cattlemen’s members like you!

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Learn more at www.masseyferguson.us, or visit your Massey Ferguson dealer. *Offer valid with the purchase of one of the above new Hesston by Massey Ferguson and Massey Ferguson tractors and haytools. Discount applies to members of national, regional and local cattle associations. See an authorized Massey Ferguson dealer for more details. Offer expires December 31, 2020 and may be subject to change without notice. ©2020 AGCO Corporation. Massey Ferguson is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation. Hesston is a brand of AGCO. AGCO, Massey Ferguson and Hesston are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved.

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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Green River Livestock

FEATURE

Campbellsville, KY

OL’ MAN WINTER IS A THIEF! Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

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Last winter we had a dramatic increase in the number of cattle deaths compared to previous winters. Excessive rain contributed to these losses and led to wet haircoats and mud conditions in the fields. In the midst of last year’s muddy conditions, we did a series of meetings discussing the effects of rain and mud. I discussed the impacts of wet haircoats on lower critical temperatures and increases in energy for maintenance. When I looked back over a 110-day period that spanned November into February, the local Mesonet station had recorded precipitation 50 of those days. I think Ol’ Man Winter has stolen our winter weather and your profits heading for warmer weather to relax. How big of an impact is this weather on cattle? Not much research has been conducted under the exact conditions many of you may be dealing with on your farms. We have to interpret the research that is available and make educated 56

guesses on how much the energy needs of cattle increases due to these conditions. This said, you should plan on greater energy needs of cattle outside and closely monitor cattle body condition and health. I like to show the old foot in the box research in meetings. Ag engineers published work in the 1970’s looking at the impact of mud depth and moisture on the energy needed to lift a leg. These researches obtained a cattle leg from an abattoir and fixed an eye screw to the top of the leg bone. The foot was placed into a box and surrounded by mud of varying depths and moistures. At 1” of mud depth, about five pounds of force was necessary to lift the leg. As depth increased, force required to lift the leg out of the mud increased. The force needed to lift a leg from 8” of mud ranged from approximately 25 pounds to over 105 pounds. That is a 5 to 20-fold increase in the energy needed to lift a leg to take a step. In another paper, researchers reported COW COUNTRY •

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that during the winter when forages in pastures were limited, cattle activity from traveling or walking accounted for about 20% of the daily energy expended. Collectively this would mean that walking through mud could potentially increase energy needs 100-400%. I don’t feel mud alone will increase energy needs 4-fold as cattle simply won’t walk as much through mud reducing activity. However, this research illustrates why you find it so hard to pull that boot up out of the mud.

AnnualANGUS

OPPORTUNITY SALE

At Buckner & Jeffries Angus Farm • Canmer, Kentucky Saturday • Noon •

The equation 0.077 *(shrunk body weight, kg)0.75 is assumed for cattle to determine the megacalories (mcal) of energy required for maintenance per kilogram of live body weight under thermoneutral conditons. A 1,200-pound animal would require approximately 8.4 mcal of maintenance energy daily. Feedlot researchers in Colorado followed cattle after severe weather conditions experienced during the winter of 20062007. The monitored live weights and feed intakes over this period of severe weather. Cattle performance was negatively impacted by extreme winter weather. They determined the net energy for maintenance equation that explained the observed cattle performance was 0.1919 mcal * (shrunk body

April 4, 2020 SELLING:

DBF On Point 8519

19370606

Featuring this outstanding herd sire prospect by Stevenson Turning Point. This calving ease specialist is backed by the famous TC Marcia1516, a full sibling to TC Forthwright 9284, 1516 is a direct daughter of the legendary TC Marcia 1069, dam of many great breed leading sires.

CONSIGNORS:

Canmer, KY

I+13 I-.9 I+54 I+91 I+27 I+.31 I+.43 +58 +89 +33 +122

BJF Peggy DBF 5106

18399615

CED BW WW YW $W She was Reserve Mature Cow/Calf Division $F at 2019 NJAS and Champ Cow/Calf 2019 Kentucky State Fair Junior Show.

JHL Angus

DBF Peggy JHL 8105

High Point, NC

Byron & Kay Corbett Bardstown, KY

R&K Angus

4J Farms

Horse Cave, KY

Fouts & Fouts Angus

Shaw Family Angus Hodgenville, KY

Barry Smith

Buffalo, KY

London, KY

Gordonsville, TN

Popplewell Farms Russell Springs, KY

Larry Jaggers

Kostbabde Kattle Co Henderson, KY

Bill & Marla Gardner

Glendale, KY

Munfordville, KY

Sale held at:

226 Angus Road • Canmer, KY 42722 Fax (270) 528-3315 Keith & Diana Jeffries (270) 528-3318 Tim & Leslie Jeffries (270) 528-6605

19128652

CED BW WW YW $W Featuring several members of the Peggy cow $F family including maternal sisters to the two

MARCH 2020

+14 -.6 +50 +84 +54 +79

great females pictured, one sired by Connealy Black Granite and a Rampage daughter.

Todd & Denise Jeffries (270) 528-7246 Troy & Tammy Jeffries (270) 524-3440 timothyljeffries@gmail.com

For your free reference sale booklet, contact anyone in the office of the Sale Managers, TOM BURKE/KURT SCHAFF/JEREMY HAAG, AMERICAN ANGUS HALL OF FAME at the WORLD ANGUS HEADQUARTERS, Box 660, Smithville, MO 64089-0660. Phone (816) 532-0811. Fax (816) 532-0851. E-mail: angushall@angushall.com • www.angushall.com

COW COUNTRY •

+8 +1.8 +55 +106 +49 +69

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EPDs as of 2/11/20

Davis Bend Farms

CED BW WW YW CW MB RE $W $F $G $B

Cow/Calf Pairs Bred Heifers Show Heifer Prospects Two-year-old and 18-month-old Service-Age Bulls Commercial Heifers

weight, kg)0.75 or 21 mcal/d. These cattle had a 2.5-fold increase in maintenance energy needs for that period of extreme winter weather conditions in Colorado. We may not know exactly the impact of the environmental conditions on cattle maintenance requirements, but it is safe to say that energy requirements are increased. Providing 3-4 pounds of a commodity feed would increase the energy intake of a beef cow by approximately 20%. This can help offset the increased maintenance needs during periods of time such as the past 3-4 days when it has rained constantly with daytime temperatures in the mid-30’s to low 40’s. Providing cattle the nutrients they require to maintain body condition will provide benefits in the long run whether through enhanced cow immunity, calf vigor at birth, greater passive immunity to the calf or greater conception rates early during the breeding season. I would encourage you to test your hay and work with your local county extension office or nutritionist to develop a winter feeding program. Best of luck keeping your boots out of the mud and tell Ol’ Man Winter to bring us some colder, drier weather.

FEATURE

T O P 6 FA C T O R S A F F E C T I N G B U L L F E R T I L I T Y RYON WALKER, PH.D. Livestock Consultant

Significant emphasis has been placed on the importance of fertility in the female, whether in the cow or a developing heifer. When we address fertility in one female, we are affecting one offspring. When we address fertility in one male, we could be affecting up to approximately 35 offspring, in a single year. Is this oversight on bull fertility because bulls are overlooked until it is time to turn them out for the breeding season? We know that reproductive failures can occur in any cow-calf operation and can be costly. Let’s take the bull out of that negative equation and take a look at the top 6 factors I believe affect bull fertility. 1. Disease A good herd health program is invaluable, especially for the bulls. A health program in bulls reduces or eliminates the risk of transmitting diseases that can cause reproductive failure in females at different stages of pregnancy. Conditions such as Leptospirosis, Vibriosis, Trichomoniasis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), IBR-Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (Red Nose), and internal parasites can all contribute directly or indirectly to reproductive failure in the female. Diseases such as Lepto and Vibrio (bacterial diseases) and Trich (protozoal disease) cause abortion within the first 3 months (Lepto and Trich) or during midgestation (Vibrio) after infection and is transmitted directly between animals. These diseases can be vaccinated and managed for. 2. Physical Characteristics You can identify subfertile bulls with the help of a breeding soundness exam (BSE). A BSE consists of a scrotal circumference measurement (indicator of puberty and serving capacity), physical evaluation (indicator of mating ability) and a semen exam (assessment of motility and morphology). A BSE should be conducted at 30 to 60 days prior to the first day of the breeding season to allow time for a re-test o a bull that was questionable in passing (classification deferred) or a replacement 58

if he does not pass a BSE (unsatisfactory breeder). A study conducted at Kansas State University reported that pregnancy rates were reduced more than 6% in cows serviced by bulls without a BSE conducted compared to bulls that passed a BSE prior to the breeding season. It is reported that 1 out of 5 bulls are subfertile across a random population, therefore a BSE conducted by your veterinarian is a cheap investment. 3. Nutrition Nutrition can play a big role in the health of a bull prior to the breeding season. In young developing bulls, proper development is critical to ensure the bull is ready for the breeding season and producing high quality sperm. Underdevelopment of bulls can delay puberty and potentially impair semen quality. Over-development of bulls with a high energy ration can create problems, such as excessive fat in the scrotum (increased heat stress), decrease semen production and quality, and risk of digestive issues and lameness. Bulls (young or mature) should go into the breeding season in a body condition score of 6 ± 0.5 (no skeletal structure or ribs visible with signs of some fat cover). Bulls should go into the breeding season wearing their Sunday best and come out wearing working clothes and should be evaluated at the end of each breeding season for soundness and body condition. 4. Bull-to-Cow Ratio Improper bull-to-cow ratio in a breeding pasture can result in lower pregnancy rates or too much bull power during the breeding season. Multiple factors can affect the success of proper bull-to cowratios, such as terrain, time of year, the desire of a bull to mate (libido), mating ability, semen quality, condition of the bull going into the breeding season, and bull age. Because of these factors, a range is generally used based on each producer’s breeding program. I am comfortable with ranges from 1 bull to 10 cows up to 1 bull to 40 cows. Mature bulls (4 years of age COW COUNTRY •

and older) can service 30 to 40 cows comfortably as long as all of the other factors are favorable. However, younger bulls have a lower serving capacity, thus cannot service the same number of cows. A good rule of thumb to use on younger bulls is 1 bull to his age in months. For example, a 17-month-old bull should only be expected to service at most 17 cows during his first breeding season. There is a misconception that cows synchronized for natural service will need a lower bull-tocow ratio because of the increased number of cows in heat during a shorter window at the beginning of the breeding season, compared to unsynchronized cows. Based on research in 2008, the bull-to-cow ratio can be the same as unsynchronized cows up to 30 cows. 5. Inattention to Bull Behavior Not paying attention to bull behavior during the breeding season can sometimes result in a fertility train wreck, especially in single sire pastures. Problems with the bull during the breeding season are oftentimes not detected until after the breeding season or pregnancy diagnosis at weaning, and by then it’s too late. OBSErvations leading to diagnosis of problems affecting fertility include lameness or illness. These problems negatively impact a bull’s mating ability; cause physical or internal damage to the testes, which could negatively impact semen quality and serving capacity (the ability to service several cows in a short period of time); and affect how aggressive bulls are at servicing cows (libido). Libido is a measureable trait that is positively MARCH 2020

correlated to pregnancy rate and can be oBSErved when multiple cows are in heat at the same time. We should spend more time monitoring and oBSErving our bulls for physical and behavioral issues throughout the breeding season and make sure he is getting the job done. 6. Heat Stress Exposure of bulls to increased ambient temperatures with insufficient heat loss (or evaporative cooling) can potentially reduce fertility due to heat stress. Testicular temperature of bulls must consistently be 2 to 6 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than the body temperature, and relative humidity can affect a bull’s ability to effectively dissipate heat through the skin when exposed to increased ambient temperatures. If heat stress has occurred eight weeks prior to the time bulls are exposed with cows, semen quality and motility can be reduced. Other factors such as breed type, access to shade and water, and improper handling can affect the ability of a bull to not dissipate heat effectively. Eight weeks are needed for normal semen production to return after exposure to heat stress. Final Thoughts In summary, management can have the biggest impact on reducing bull fertility issues. Keep in mind that it takes 60 days for a bull to produce sperm, so decisions should be made in advance to avoid potential negative effects on bull fertility.

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Seedstock Plus RED REWARD Bull & Heifer Sale March 14, 2020

Wheeler Livestock Auction, Osceola, MO 60 RED Gelbvieh & Balancer bulls Plus! Red Females!

• • • • • • •

Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull & Female Sale March 28, 2020

Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, MO * 125 bulls!

18 month old & yearling bulls! Gelbvieh & Balancers! ALL BLACK! Plus! Open heifers!

Guaranteed Sight-Unseen Purchases! Let us help you find the bull to fit your program and needs! Free Trucking on every bull! No fine print! Extensive Data & Genomic EPDs! All bulls are coat color & polled tested & Sire Verified! ALL SALES! All Bulls Are Semen & Trich Tested! 100+ RFI tested bulls sell in these sales! Bid & Buy at: Videos of sale bulls on website the week before each sale! www.seedstockplus.com or www.dvauction.com

CALL FOR YOUR CATALOGS! 877-486-1160 email: john@seedstockplus.com

DVAuction

‘Opportunity Knocks’ Female Sale Selling: Approximately 200 head! Featuring the Complete Dispersals of Oak Ridge Farms & Lawman Farms! Gelbvieh & Balancers! Fall Breds & Spring Pairs!

May 2, 2020 Kingsville Livestock, Kingsville MO

Open Yearling Heifers!

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

U N D E R S TA N D I N G S O I L M E C H A N I C S T O I M P R O V E B E E F C AT T L E W I N T E R - F E E D I N G A R E A S A N D P R O D U C T I O N Steve Higgins and Morgan Hayes, University of Kentucky

Soils directly affect beef and forage production, yet active soils management is limited. Understanding soil mechanics and management in winter-feeding areas could improve beef cattle production, with less effort on the producer and cattle. This publication is intended to guide evaluating soil strength for winterfeeding areas, the pollution potential of winter-feeding areas, and to provide solutions for correcting structural deficiencies and reducing mud on both the ground and on the cattle. Addressing these challenges is important because of the cyclical and repetitive nature of beef and forage production problems. Every winter and spring, beef cattle producers complain that too much hay is wasted, which requires more hay production and storage. Other common complaints include poor gains, weak calves, loss of body condition, and mortalities. In spring, technical assistance requests are often related to reducing or eliminating mud, weeds, erosion, and compaction (if the producer knows about it) due to winter hay feeding. If pasture renovation is conducted, winter-feeding areas might incur additional costs and labor for equipment, seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and fuel. Geotechnical engineers or others who study soil mechanics usually refer to soil as the soil material from the subsoil to bedrock. To them, “soil” is the building material on which the foundations of structures and buildings such as farm roads, barns, buildings, and houses, are situated. To an engineer, topsoil has an agricultural value, but it has no structural value because it essentially has no load bearing strength. That is why contractors and builders scrape off topsoil to a depth of 4 to 12 inches to get to a compactible clay layer or remove all material to bedrock. Water-soil interactions affect how soil 60

responds to winter feeding. When water in the soil is frozen, it increases the force of loads that can be handled by the soil, such as the weight of tractor tires. The frost depth represents the depth in which water in the soil is expected to freeze. In northern climates, there are expected frost depths of greater than 3 feet that can be maintained for months. Kentucky’s climate typically does not freeze topsoil for prolonged periods. For example, January is the coldest month; however, average daily temperatures in Lexington remain around 32° Fahrenheit (NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI). During winter, Kentucky does not have the intensity of sunlight and warm temperatures for evaporation or plant transpiration to dry out soils. When topsoil becomes saturated with liquid water it makes the soil particles slick. The soil moves around easily, which explains why winter feeding creates so much mud and large ruts as the tires mold, compact, and push water and soil particles away to try an achieve traction. This is one reason winter-feeding in areas with above average moisture or poorly draining soils should be avoided. Winter-feeding areas should not be placed in ditches, draws, or bottoms that receive runoff and moisture from upland areas. To choose a good winter-feeding area, a producer needs to consider all aspects of animal, soil, and land husbandry standards. Producers can determine their farm’s soil properties by using tools such as the NRCS Web Soil Survey, county soil survey manuals, databases accessed using ARCMAP, and maps supplied by the conservation district. Similarly, topographic maps can be used to identify higher and lower areas. This information is extremely useful to a beef producer because it determines best and worst locations for practices such as winter-feeding and infrastructure

COW COUNTRY •

improvements. Water content, soil texture, drainage, and landscape position, such as summits and slopes, are very important factors to consider for siting conservation practices such as sustainable winter-feeding areas for cattle. The main criteria for selecting a winter feeding area has more to do with the content and potential of soil water than anything else. The amount of water that falls on, flows over, or through the soil profile, and that is contained in a column of soil, affects many soil mechanical properties. These mechanical properties relate to the slipperiness, stickiness, plasticity, strength, trafficability, and compressibility of a soil. Using winter feeding as an example, a producer should look up the soil hydrologic grouping (A, B, C, D) to quickly and easily determine the suitability for winter feeding. Select soil hydrologic groups A and B for this kind of use because these are well-drained soils. Selection standards for winterfeeding areas require that soils have a moderately low runoff potential when thoroughly wet (hydrologic soil group B). Choose soil with a good infiltration rate, but not so great that the infiltrated water passes immediately through the soil profile. Sandy soils often demonstrate these very high infiltration rates. The goal is to filter the water as it passes through the soil profile. Inadequate infiltration is also not good, because it increases runoff potential without any filtering. Be aware when using hydrologic classifications that existing soil properties will change with time because of animal treading, tractor traffic, compaction, erosion, organic matter content, and soil phosphorus levels, etc. Long term use may require periodic re-location. Once the producer has identified possible locations for winter feeding the next step is to rule out any low-lying areas, MARCH 2020

particularly those along floodplains. Even though sites may provide well drained conditions, these areas should be avoided if flooding periodically occurs or if they are in close proximity to a water body. Also exclude areas where streams of stormwater flow through the winterfeeding area or where ephemeral ponding occurs. These areas will often collect additional water originating from upland watershed areas. Moisture levels from a rising water table and drainage can easily shift a soil from a friable (workable) to plastic (moldable) to a liquid state. Plasticity in soil refers to soil that can be formed and reformed into shapes similar to clay used in pottery. Plasticity requires moderate water content; whereas dry soils will crumble - moderately wet soil particles will adhere to other particles. The liquid state for soils occurs when the moisture content is greater than the plastic state can handle. A liquid consistency can cause soil to shift, flow, or move offsite. The soil particles become suspended in the liquid water. This liquid state causes erosion. Solar radiation should be used during winter feeding to dry and stiffen soil. Shade from buildings, structures, and trees can interfere with solar energy and lower wind speeds across the area. High humidity tends to be concentrated in low-lying areas and is most common overnight and in the morning as the sun rises. During a typical day, humidity will be lowest when high temperatures are reached in midafternoon. To leverage these trends, orienting your winterfeeding area on slopes with a southern exposure is best. If southern exposures are not easily accessible, western, then eastern aspects should be chosen over northern aspects. The slope for a winter-feeding area should be less than 4%. A vegetative buffer or area that maintains good vegetative cover should be provided downhill from

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the winter-feeding area prior to entering a water body. The vegetation can filter solids/organic matter and trap potential pathogens in the manure, while allowing nutrients to infiltrate into the soil profile and boost yields for the vegetation being grown. A standard setback minimum distance from a water body located downhill from a winter-feeding area is 100 feet. A steeper slope requires a significantly greater setback. The number of cattle being fed as a group is a criterion that also affects the setback distance. Selecting an ideal site is the first step. But even with good siting, well drained soils, with time (and depending on stocking rates) can erode, compact, and modify inherent soil properties. These conditions are predictable based on measured values applied to soil engineering concepts. To keep a winter-feeding area in the same site for a longer term might mean using an adaptive strategy such as installing an all-weather surface, which should be

designed to increase the load-bearing capacity of the surface, while reducing mud creation. Gravel and geotextile fabric, concrete, or appropriate similar structural materials are examples of allweather surfaces.

West Kentucky Select BRED HEIFER SALE

The benefits of understanding a soil’s physical properties can be invaluable to a beef producer. Engineering properties are used to determine a soil’s suitability for septic systems, manure application, burial sites, roads, the ability to corrode steel and concrete materials, and as a structural material. Engineering concepts are no less important as a critical part of the planning process for the beef producer designing infrastructure improvements like winter-feeding areas. These plans can prevent structural failure and limit future management difficulties on a farm, which means improved feeding situations, compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability for the operation.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 7:00 pm Central Time Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market

Selling 225 Fall Calving Bred Heifers

Guthrie, Kentucky

For more information contact: Kevin Laurent, University of Kentucky (270) 365-7541 ext. 226 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.

See these heifers at: www.kyheifersale.com

Useful Resources

All heifers qualify for KY Cost Share (CAIP) Most qualify for TN Cost Share (TAEP)

Web Soil Survey Available at: http://bit.ly/2Hr8MDb

Sponsored by the Univ. of Kentucky and the Univ. of Tennessee Cooperative Extension Service and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Topographic Map Available at: http://bit.ly/2OQ0rxh Typical Weather Available at: http://bit.ly/31SyI4n

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020 | 1:OO PM at the Ranch | Biscoe, NC

Spring

Bull & Female Production Sale

His Service Sells!

CCRO LEVERAGE 3214A

Selling 20 Bulls & 20 Females

CCRO BIG HARVEST 6012D

SIRES REPRESENTED INCLUDE: Leverage, Big Harvest, Hot Fudge, Alumni, Big Bounty,

High Quality Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer® Cattle COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

Exclusive & more!

DUANE & WENDY phone: 336-381-3640 STRIDER, owners cell: 336-964-6277 | fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com www.ccrosscattle.com

FEATURE

7th Annual Spring

USDA SETTLES CASE AGAINST MID-KENTUCKY LIVESTOCK MARKET, LLC As part of its commitment to ensuring fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat and poultry industries, on December 18, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with MidKentucky Livestock Market, LLC (MidKentucky Livestock) of Upton, Kentucky, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under the terms of the stipulation agreement, Mid-Kentucky Livestock waived its right to a hearing and paid a penalty of $4,000.

Production Sale April 11, 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.

An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on April 1, 2019, revealed Mid-Kentucky Livestock failed to maintain its custodial account, resulting in custodial shortages of $187,846 on January 31, 2019, and $246,998 on February 28, 2019. A custodial account is a trust account designated for shippers’ proceeds from the sale of livestock in trust for sellers. Operating with custodial account shortages is a violation of the P&S Act and places livestock sellers at risk of not being paid timely or at all. The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $28,061 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. USDA may offer alleged violators the option of waiving their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations. The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat and poultry industries. For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Stuart Frank, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (515) 323-2586, or by email at stuart.frank@ usda.gov. 62

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

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

COW COUNTRY •

www.crazykranch.com MARCH 2020

• 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

CONTACT: ZACH BURRIS 270.576.7001 COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

KENTUCKY CATTLE INVENTORY UNCHANGED FROM 2019 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the Cattle report, showing the Kentucky cattle and calf inventory for January 1, 2020 at 2.13million head, unchanged from last year. “Cattle are very important for Kentucky’s agricultural economy and this report indicates this sector remains strong,”said David Knopf, director of the NASS Eastern Mountain Regional Office in Kentucky. “In recent years cattle contribute $700 million to one billion dollars annually to farms in the Commonwealth.” Cows and heifers that have calved were estimated at 1.07million head, unchanged from the 1.07million for 2019. Beef cow

inventory was estimated at 1.02million head and milk cows were estimated at 49,000head.

The 2019 calf crop was estimated at 980,000 head, up 10,000 head from the previous year’s estimate.

Heifers 500 lbs. and over were estimated at 280,000 head, down 15,000 headfrom last year’s estimate. Beef replacement heifers totaled 125,000 head, up 5,000; dairy heifers, at 40,000 head, down 5,000; and other heifers, at 115,000 head, down 15,000 from the previous year. Steers 500 lbs. and over numbered 220,000 head, down 5,000 from 2019. Bulls 500 lbs. and over were unchanged from a year ago and numbered 70,000 head. Calves less than 500 lbs. were estimated at 490,000 head, up 20,000 from the 2019 estimate. Cattle on feed were estimated at 17,000 head, up 1,000 from the previous year.

All cattle and calves in the United Statesas of January 1, 2020 totaled 94.4 million head, slightly below the 94.8 million head on January 1, 2019. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 40.7 million head, were 1 percent below the 41.0 million head on January 1, 2019. Beef cows, at 31.3 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.33 million head, were down slightly from the previous year.

COW COUNTRY •

All heifers 500 pounds and over totaled 20.1 million head, slightly below the 20.2 million head on January 1, 2019.

MARCH 2020

Beef replacement heifers, at 5.77 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.64 million head, dropped 1 percent from the previous year. Other heifers, at 9.71 million head, were 1 percent above a year earlier. Steers weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2020 totaled 16.7 million head, down 1 percent from last year. Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over totaled 2.24 million head, down 1 percent from January 1, 2019. Calves under 500 pounds totaled 14.7 million head, up 1 percent from last year. The 2019 calf crop in the United States was estimated at 36.1 million head, down 1 percent from 2018.

• 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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COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

www.barusa.com

NCBA CONVENTION

ELECTION OF NEW PRESIDENT CAPS OFF SUCCESSFUL CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION AND NCBA TRADE SHOW Fifth-generation Florida rancher Marty Smith was elected president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) at the annual Cattle Industry Convention this afternoon. He replaces Jennifer Houston of Sweetwater, Tenn., 2019 NCBA president. Smith operates Smith BrothersWacahoota, LLC, a cow-calf operation in Central Florida, that has been in continuous operation since 1852. It retains ownership through feedlots in Texas, Kansas and Iowa. Smith graduated from the University of Georgia with a BSA in Agricultural Economics and Animal Science. While at UGA, he was on the livestock judging team and served as president of Ag Hill Council. He was also active in Alpha Gamma Rho

and AGHON, the highest honor a UGA student of agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine or engineering can attain. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Law and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1984. “It’s a tremendous honor to lead the oldest and largest national organization representing America’s cattle producers,” Smith said. “We have a great product with a great story, and I’m looking forward to helping tell that story without apology during the year ahead as President of NCBA.” Smith was formally elected at a meeting of NCBA’s Board of Directors, who also set the rest of the officer team for the coming year. Jerry Bohn of Kansas was named President-elect, Don Schiefelbein

of Minnesota was elected Vice President, and Todd Wilkinson of South Dakota was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division while Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele was elected policy vice chair. Buck Wehrbein of Nebraska was elected chair of the NCBA Federation Division and Scott McGregor of Iowa was elected vice chair. NCBA’s Board of Directors meeting and the selection of a new slate of officers capped a huge week in San Antonio, where more than 8,000 people met for the annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Convention attendees heard from speakers like U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, who also greeted visitors on the sevenacre Trade Show floor on Wednesday afternoon. Participants also received updates about how their beef checkoff

dollars are being used to promote beef consumption, set public policy priorities for the coming year, and honored Blackbeard’s Ranch in Myakka, Fla., as the winner of the 2019 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The Convention ended on Friday night with the 2020 NCBA Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Invitational competition at the Alamodome. “I want to thank everyone who took time away from their operations to join us in San Antonio this week,” Smith said. “I know that getting involved in promoting our industry or pushing for better public policy is often a sacrifice, but our grassroots members of NCBA are always willing to do what it takes to get the job done. I hope to see everybody at next year’s convention in Nashville!”

CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICERS AT 2020 CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION Cattle producers Jared Brackett, Hugh Sanburg and Norman Voyles, Jr. are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2020. Brackett, Sanburg and Voyles were elected by their fellow Beef Board members during the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio on Friday, February 7, 2020. Brackett, the 2019 Vice Chair, will now serve as the CBB’s Chair, while Sanburg will transition from his role as the 2019 Secretary-Treasurer to become the 2020 Vice Chair. Voyles is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Sanburg’s former responsibilities as Secretary-Treasurer. 2020 Chairman Jared Brackett is a fifthgeneration cow/calf producer from Filer, Idaho. Brackett is a Texas A & M alumni and diehard Aggie fan with a degree in agriculture economics. A past president 66

of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association, Brackett continues to serve on a number of other livestock committees and boards in addition to his responsibilities with the Beef Checkoff. “The beef industry has been a part of my family’s livelihood for decades,” Brackett said. “While there’s no doubt that our industry has its own unique set of challenges, I believe that by working together, we can enact positive change that will continue to drive beef demand worldwide. During my tenure as the CBB’s Chair, I plan to collaborate with our officer team and the entire board to encourage checkoff advocacy and find new ways to move our industry forward.” Vice Chair Hugh Sanburg hails from Eckert, Colo., where he and his brother are managing partners of their primarily horned Hereford cow-calf operation, accompanied by a Registered Hereford operation to complement the commercial COW COUNTRY •

herd. Sanburg graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a degree in mining engineering in 1983 before moving back to the home ranch in western Colorado. For the past 30-plus years, Sanburg has been an active member of the Colorado Farm Bureau serving on various boards. He is also a member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and serves as chairman of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable. Secretary-Treasurer Norman Voyles, Jr. owns and operates a seventh-generation grain and livestock farm near Martinsville, Ind. with his brother Jim and son Kyle. Voyles received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Purdue University and a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Nebraska. Voyles is a member of the Morgan County (Ind.) Beef Cattle Association and the Indiana Cattlemen’s Association. He’s a past member of the Farm Service Agency MARCH 2020

board of directors and the Morgan County Fair board. “We’re extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced group leading the CBB throughout the coming year,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Not only are they cattle producers themselves, but they’ve also worked diligently on the beef industry’s behalf for many years. Jared, Hugh and Norman are fully aware of the challenges producers currently face, and they have what it takes to answer those challenges while also finding new opportunities. I have no doubt their leadership will help the Beef Checkoff achieve great success in 2020.” To learn more about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com

• 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

NCBA CONVENTION

NCBA UNVEILS TOP POLICY PRIORITIES FOR 2020 “America’s cattle producers have made tremendous and historic progress on the policy front over the past year,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “Now it’s time to implement and defend those gains and to keep pushing for policies that will help improve conditions for cattle producers so they can better provide the nation and the world with delicious and nutritious U.S. beef.”

This morning, the Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s top 2020 Policy Priorities. Approval came at the annual Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Like last year, NCBA’s top policy priorities include issues related to international trade, proper regulation of fake meat, and regulatory reform, although after a series of significant policy victories in 2019, this year’s priority list is focused on implementing and protecting those gains while further advancing progress into new territory. For example, after helping secure bilateral trade deals with Japan, China,

and the European Union, as well as the ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, NCBA’s focus this year will turn to implementing those deals, while still expanding access in those markets -as well as newly changed markets like the post-Brexit United Kingdom. Likewise, after securing proper regulatory oversight of fake meat by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, NCBA in the coming year will work to build on that successful regulatory framework while also advancing bipartisan legislative efforts like the Real MEAT Act in the U.S. House and Senate to end deceptive labeling of plant-based fake meat.

This year’s priorities include an issue that was a late addition to last year’s list after Congressional introduction of the so-called Green New Deal: climate policy. NCBA plans to “Continue to push back against misguided climate policies while advancing the U.S. cattle industry’s tremendous environmental record, upholding the U.S. cattle industry as the global model for sustainable beef production.” In the year ahead, NCBA also plans to prioritize the importance of cattle markets

29th Annual

— specifically promoting “policy that creates markets free from unfair practices and manipulation both in the fundamental markets and the cattle futures markets.” The association will also aggressively pursue final rules on key regulatory issues and defend victories on issues like the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) / Navigable Waters Protection Rule, 2020 Dietary Guidelines, Endangered Species Act modernization, Electronic Logging Devices, and comprehensive NEPA reform. “NCBA is a true member-driven organization, and these policy priorities reflect a lot of hard work, debate, and study by a lot of grassroots-level cattle producers who have chosen to get involved in the policy process,” Houston said. “Some folks will always be content to throw stones from the sidelines. NCBA members choose to fight - and win - on the front lines.”

SERAA

Southeast Red Angus Association

Grasstime Auction

Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Noon (Central) Cullman Stockyards, Cullman, Alabama

Selling 90+ Registered Lots… Cow/Calf Pairs | Bred Females | Heifer Calves | Excellent Bull Selection | Embryos and Semen

For more information: SERAA Grasstime Sale Chairman Jimmy Whitley: 205-359-0154

Featuring an elite set of Red Angus genetics like this sale feature…

Auction Management by: Gilchrist Auction Co. / Kyle and Lisa Gilchrist Kyle: 641-919-1077 • Lisa: 515-669-9945 redcowseller@yahoo.com Alabama Auctioneer License #1206

View catalog online at:

Watch and bid online at:

www.seraa.org or www.redcows.net COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

NCBA CONVENTION

STRONG DEMAND, LEVERAGE SHIFT ADDS OPTIMISM FOR YEAR AHEAD FOCUS ON CONSUMERS A REQUIREMENT FOR CONTINUED BEEF INDUSTRY SUCCESS Beef demand is strong and with U.S. cattle numbers plateauing, prices are likely to be stronger in the year ahead as consumers at home and abroad support industry profitability. That was the message delivered today during the popular CattleFax outlook session, held as part of the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Weather is expected to play a supporting role for agriculture during the year ahead, according to Dr. Art Douglas, professor emeritus at Creighton University. He said that following repeated El Niño events during the past five years, the U.S. will shift to a La Niña pattern, which will shift much of the nation outside of the northwest and southeastern portions of the country toward conditions slightly warmer and drier than last year, which will be favorable for planting and growing conditions during the spring and summer. CattleFax Vice President of Research and Risk Management Services Mike Murphy predicted that corn and soybean acres will increase during the year ahead, with corn plantings rising 4 million acres to 94 million acres and soybean acreage rising 7 million acres to reach 83 million acres. He predicted 2020 spot corn prices to trade in a range of $3.50 to $4.00 per bushel, down 15-20 cents per bushel from 2019, unless weather issues become a significant factor. He noted, however, that trade could present an upside to the projected prices, particularly in light of the recently signed U.S./China trade agreement. Trade also will play a significant role in beef and cattle markets, according to CattleFax Vice President of Industry Relations and Analysis Kevin Good, who said he expects higher total animal protein production to be offset by strong demand and increasing exports. During the year ahead, Good said record-large U.S. beef production will reach 27.7 billion pounds. However, he projected that increases in beef exports and decreases in beef imports will result in per-capita beef supplies of 58.4 pounds, an increase of just 0.4 pounds over 2019 levels. “With strong demand for U.S. beef at home and rising demand overseas, the modest 68

increases in supply will be more than offset by a growing consumer appetite for our product,” said Good, who projected all-fresh retail prices will rise to reach an average of $5.87 per pound during the year ahead, an increase of 5 cents per pound over 2019. “Higher wholesale beef values are a reflection of improving domestic and global beef demand,” Good noted, pointing out that CattleFax projects composite cutout prices will rise $3 during the year ahead to reach $222 per hundredweight. Growing demand and increasing beef prices at the consumer level will be supportive of cattle prices, with leverage beginning to shift away from the packing sector as more shackle space becomes available during the year ahead. Good said CattleFax projects fed steer prices to average $120 per hundredweight during 2020, an increase of $3 from the previous year. Through the year, he noted downside risk to the $108 level, with resistance at the top near the $130 level. Calf prices are also expected to move higher in the year ahead, with 550-lb. steer prices trading in a range of $155 to $180, averaging $170, up $6 per hundredweight from 2019 levels. Feeder prices will also rise, with 750-lb. steers trading from $140 to $160, with a yearly average of $150, also $6 per hundredweight higher than last year’s average. Good noted that additional supplies of utility cows, the product of several years of aggressive expansion, are likely to challenge the cull cow market. “However, increased demand for lean trim and a decline in the availability of imported grass-fed trim from Australia and New Zealand will be supportive of cow prices,” he said. He projected utility cow prices should range from the low $70 level to a fall low near $55, while averaging near $65 per hundredweight for the year, an increase of $5 per hundredweight over 2019 levels. CattleFax CEO Randy Blach closed the session highlighting the strong demand that is highly favorable to the entire industry. He noted that there is significant outside interest in U.S. protein production, which is also highly supportive and a positive sign for the future. “The days of boom and bust in our industry COW COUNTRY •

are behind us,” said Blach. “Thanks to strong demand at home and abroad, we’re likely to see far less volatility in the market during 2020 than we saw last year.” Blach noted that global demand for all proteins is strong, with beef being a major beneficiary of that demand. “Rising demand has meant more dollars flowing into the industry, which adds to the profitability of all segments of our business,” said Blach, who noted that although the leverage has been largely held by the packing sector, that too would begin to shift during the year ahead, with more dollars flowing back into the live cattle segments. “That investment should begin to incentivize increases in shackle space during the years ahead,” Blach said. “In turn, as supplies begin to flatten out, packing margins have likely peaked and we’ll begin to see margins at the packing sector begin to narrow as we move through MARCH 2020

2020.” However, Blach pointed out that although the market outlook is positive during the year ahead, the U.S. beef industry needs to be vigilant and maintain a competitive posture. “There is strong demand for our product, but that’s the result of the fact that our business has paid attention to market signals and we’ve been producing a consistent, quality product that has gained a greater piece of that retail dollar. We need to protect that,” said Blach. “Cattle must continue to be better over time. We must pay attention to what the consumer is telling us. That means conversations about topics like traceability and sustainability only become more important as time goes on. We have to listen to the consumer and respond with action to meet their needs and demands if we’re going to continue to be successful in a hypercompetitive global protein market.”

• 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

NCBA CONVENTION

THOUSANDS GATHER IN SAN ANTONIO FOR ANNUAL CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION AND NCBA TRADE SHOW The largest annual gathering of the beef industry began today in San Antonio, where more than 9,000 cattle producers, industry partners, and stakeholders gathered for the first day of the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. The event, which continues through February 7, provides a platform for education, policy development, and networking. “This week is about serving America’s cattlemen and women,” NCBA President Jennifer Houston said. “Our goal is to fill the convention with opportunities that add value to our attendees by delivering critical information about the state of our industry, as well as providing a platform to discuss important issues impacting individual ranchers.” The convention will deliver an impressive speaker lineup which includes U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Kelly will also discuss his

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record-breaking year in space aboard the International Space Station. Educational opportunities are available throughout the convention, including through Cattlemen’s College, which presents cutting-edge curriculum to ranchers that helps improve returns for cattle operations.

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Convention-goers may also find time to visit the seven-acre tradeshow floor that contains an educational learning lounge, policy roundtables, live cattle handing demonstrations, and horse health sessions. NCBA’s top-tier entertainment has attendees excited as well. Thursday’s Sunset Music Festival and Friday’s 2020 Professional Bull Rider Invitational allow ample networking opportunities.

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“I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and engaging with attendees as we come together over the next three days to celebrate America’s premiere protein – beef,” Houston added.

SECRETARY PERDUE TOUTS TRADE WINS AT 2020 CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION AND NCBA TRADE SHOW U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue addressed a packed crowd of beef producers today at the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show. Secretary Perdue participated in the Opening General Session of the event and spoke with NCBA President Jennifer Houston about the state of American beef production. He also highlighted some of the big wins for U.S. Beef in the last year: “Japan’s a big deal, they are a huge consumer and huge lover of our U.S. Beef... What we have done with Japan obviously, is open that market up again in a bilateral relationship,” Secretary Perdue COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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said. “We were excited about getting beef back into China... I think we will see that market grow with the Phase One agreement.” “I want to thank Secretary Perdue for speaking at our convention for a second straight year and for being such a strong advocate for our country’s ranchers and farmers, “ added NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “We have seen great progress in the beef industry during the Secretary’s tenure and part of that is because we have these important conversations to let him and other policymakers in Washington know what our producers are facing every day on the ground.”

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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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MEMBERSHIP DIVISION 3 (UP TO 75 MEMBERS)

2020 MEMBERSHIP MADNESS YOUR COUNTY ASSOCIATION COULD WIN FOR MEMBERSHIP GROWTH Counties per Division in Numerical Increase: 1st Place - $1,000 2nd Place - $500 3rd Place - $300 Plus: top ten counties overall win a cash prize and all County Presidents who exceed their membership by 10 or more will win a red jacket. Contact Nikki Whitaker at 859-278-0899 or nwhitaker@kycattle.org for more information.

DIVISION 1 (151+ MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Barren

405

496

-91

Breckinridge

302

410

-108

Franklin

124

Adair

299

317

-18

Daviess

119

Shelby

279

361

-82

Marion

272

302

-30

Grayson

269

250

Bath

267

277

-10

Madison

254

265

-11

Lincoln

205

249

-44

Hart

206

263

-57

Christian

202

178

Clark

198

Washington

2020

2019

Difference

Muhlenberg

Mountain

-4

Twin Lakes

Webster

-6

Grant

-8

Taylor

-15

Pendleton

-8

Out of State

-10

Woodford

Mason

Nelson

-10

Oldham

-4

Hancock

-6

Whitley

-3

Montgomery

Robertson

Todd

-19

DIVISION 2 (76-150 MEMBERS)

2020

2019

Difference

Metcalfe

135

136

-1

Rockcastle

-9

128

-4

Ohio

-21

136

-17

Carroll

-4

-1

Pulaski

111

101

Lewis

Scott

105

Highlands

-7

Simpson

Estill

-14

Union

-26

Wayne

-6

McCreary

-1

Knox

-34

Trimble

108

-13

Garrard

Fleming

122

-35

Edmonson

-7

Louisville Area

251

-53

Trigg

104

-20

Clay

-5

185

193

-8

Caldwell-Lyon

117

-33

Nicholas

-12

Casey

178

187

-9

Northeast Area

113

-31

Butler

Jessamine

164

215

-51

Jackson

112

-33

Calloway

Hardin

164

195

-31

Boyle

-16

Hopkins

-5

Bracken

152

193

-41

Fayette

Bullitt

-15

Northern Kentucky

150

153

-3

Bourbon

Livingston

-3

Harrison

147

152

-5

McLean

-10

Larue

146

172

-26

Green

148

151

-3

Warren

150

168

-18

Mercer

143

165

-22

Allen

134

132

Monroe

136

157

-21

Logan

181

248

-67

Laurel

132

149

-17

Henry

131

157

-26

Meade

140

193

-53

Purchase Area

-6

Anderson

-25

Russell

-8

Campbell

-9

Clinton-Cumberland

-18

Owen

-37

2020

Totals as of: February 7, 2020

9,408

2019

10,775

Difference

-1,367

If you need anything for membership, please contact Nikki Whitaker at (859) 278-0899 or nwhitaker@kycattle.org 70

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Menifee

Crittenden

-6

Henderson

-1

Magoffin

-2

River Hills

Powell

-1

Gallatin

Eastern Foothills

-1

Pike

-2

Bell

Harlan

• 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

2019-20 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION * MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/19– 9/30/20

NAME

SPOUSE NAME

FARM NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

COUNTY

RECRUITED BY

PHONE

FAX

ZIP

*Payments of KCA membership dues are tax deductible for most members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. However, charitable contributions of gifts to KCA are not tax deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. Due to new IRS regulations, $2.24 of your dues would not be deductible. Approximately $12 of your dues will go towards the monthly publication Cow Country News. PLEASE CHECK THE MEMBERSHIP(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN: KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below

NEW

RENEWAL

NEW

RENEWAL

KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP To add your spouse, please add $15 to your KCA Membership KENTUCKY JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ($10/YR)

I WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE YOUNG PRODUCER’S COUNCIL TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: KCA

KJCA

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

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. # HEAD 1-100

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

• 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

KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL

FINDING BALANCE FROM A BROOM AND COZY FIRE ALISON SMITH Retail and Food Service In looking for inspiration to write my article this month, I would have to say I struggled. I loved last month’s article about our strength campaign and Beef’s Top Ten, but I couldn’t repeat it. Quick! I can’t resist! Pop Quiz! What are the Top Ten? I will send a beefy prize to the first person who emails me at asmith@kycattle.org with the correct answers. So, that meant I needed to come up with something different, something inspiring! What better place to be inspired than sitting next to a cozy fireplace? That’s when it hit me! A broom! No, a broom didn’t really hit me. What I meant was the broom inspired me for this month’s topic. Okay, I know what you’re thinking! This chick has lost her mind! I just might have! Trying to juggle being a follower, mom, teacher, wife, volunteer, beef promoter, and whatever else is thrown at me that day can be quite exhausting and challenging, but a broom can really be inspirational. You see I was setting by the fire place scrolling through my social media when I came upon several people posting pictures of their free-stand brooms (hey, new marketing claim for brooms – free-standing). Being the curious person that I am, I googled the broom craze and found that a 2012 hoax had come back to life in the social media world. It mentioned something about some fake NASA comment that the gravitational pull and the location of the universe on February 10 was the only day that your broom would stand up on its own. Sorry, another google search explained that it can happen every day! You see it’s all about finding the point of balance! My inspiration! If the broom is properly propped up by its bristles, it will stand up until some little person comes rushing by and knocks it down. Anyway, how did this inspire me for 72

the article – balance. So many times, I struggle to help people understand how beef plays a role in their life because they’ve heard unbalanced news report or read someone’s social media post claiming that it’s bad for them and the environment. As beef farmers, we need to help people see that beef really brings balance to their lives. Balance through sustainability and nourishment. Q: Is beef sustainable? A. Yes! And U.S. beef farmers and ranchers are leaders in sustainable beef production. For example, the U.S. beef industry carbon footprint is 10 to 50 times lower than other regions of the world, due to things like better cattle genetics and better animal nutrition. If the rest of the world were as efficient as the U.S., global beef production could double while cutting the global cattle herd by 25 percent. This would result in more human nourishment with less strain on natural resources and fewer environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Beef farmers and ranchers will continue to work hard, as they have always done, to care for cattle, protect the land, and preserve natural resources, while raising a naturally wholesome and delicious food. Q: Is beef healthy? A. Yes! Beef is both nourishing and sustainable. Decades of research shows that beef promotes health and helps prevent human nutrient deficiencies. The nutrients in beef promote health throughout life. Protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins in beef help ensure young children start life strong, building healthy bodies and brains. Protein is also critical as we age. After 50 years of COW COUNTRY •

age, adults are at risk for losing muscle mass, leading to falls and frailty that affect their ability to age independently.

is more readily absorbed by the body to help your body use oxygen and support improved energy.

It’s also important to keep in mind that plant-based protein products are often highly processed with added fat, sodium and other potentially unhealthy or unsustainable ingredients, which can reinforce unhealthy dietary patterns.

Environmentally, cattle do more than recycle – they upcycle inedible plants into high-quality protein. Cattle graze on land that can’t be used to grow crops, meaning they expand the land available for human food production and do it while coexisting with natural ecosystems. For example, they reduce the risk of wildfires, while providing people with high-quality protein, something plant-based proteins can’t replicate.

Q: Why not choose other animal protein sources that are perceived to be more sustainable than beef? A. No other protein source offers the same nutrient mix as beef. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides 10 essential nutrients in about 170 calories, including high-quality protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins. Environmentally, cattle do more than recycle – they upcycle inedible plants into high-quality protein. In the face of a growing global population, we need ruminant animals, like beef cattle, to help make more protein for less. Cattle generate more protein for the human food supply than would exist without them because their unique digestive system allows them to convert humaninedible plants into high-quality protein.

You see, it really is about balance! Now if you will excuse me, I am off to have some good, clean fun with my kids and our broom. This information was adapted from www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

Q: Would eating less beef be better for my health and the environment? A. A balanced diet, which includes nutrient-rich foods from all food groups, including plant and animal foods, is important, as recommended by MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Most people are already eating beef within global dietary guidelines.15 Opportunities for a healthy sustainable diet will come from reducing food waste, including beef, eating fewer empty calories and enjoying more balanced meals. And, in fact, eating less nutrient-rich meat may put your health and the planet’s health at risk – today and in the future. Malnutrition is a significant global public health issue, and data shows that countries with the lowest meat access have some of the highest rates of malnutrition. Further, iron deficiency is a U.S. public health concern among adolescent girls and women. Unlike plant foods, beef is a source of high-quality heme iron that MARCH 2020

• 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

KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL

CREOLE STEAK WITH JAMBALAYA RICE

This recipe is a gift from New Orleans. The rice starts with onion, green bell pepper and celery, and the steak gets a touch of spice. If you haven’t tried down home Cajun food, now is the time. This Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. recipe is certified by the American Heart Association®.

TELLING THE NUTRITION STORY One of the many ways KBC is spreading the word about the health benefits of beef is through their nutrition influencer program. The Beef Council began working with Janine when she served as a healthy living advisor for a large mid-western retailer. She attended numerous beef trainings and you might have seen her as co-host of a FOX56 TV segment with KBC called What’s for Dinner Wednesdays. Now, as part of the team, Janine Faber of Janine Faber Nutrition, speaks on behalf of KBC to dieticians, dietetic interns, physicians, consumers and other influencers during conferences, in class, and even through media outlets. Her expertise brings additional credibility to the science-based information KBC shares with consumers as well as relationships with nutrition professionals. Janine has a wealth of media relations experience, so she can also serve as a third-party expert on television, radio, and social media.

• • • •

30 min 4 Servings 340 Cal 29 g Protein

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • •

4 beef Sirloin Tip Steaks, cut 1/4 inch thick (about 1 pound) 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped green bell pepper 2-1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, divided 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) no-salt added diced tomatoes 1-1/2 cups cooked brown rice

COOKING: 1.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat in 3-quart saucepan until hot. Add onion, celery, bell pepper and 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, press remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning evenly onto beef Sirloin Tip Steaks. Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cooking in batches, place steaks in skillet (do not overcrowd) and cook 1 to 3 minutes for medium rare (145°F) doneness, turning once. (Do not overcook.) Remove from skillet; keep warm. Repeat with remaining steaks and oil. 3. Stir tomatoes and rice into saucepan with vegetables. Cover and continue cooking 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Keep warm. 4. Serve steaks topped with rice mixture. 5. Nutrition information per serving, using Choice grade beef: 338 Calories; 117 Calories from fat; 13g Total Fat (2.85 g Saturated Fat; 4.05 g Monounsaturated Fat;) 69 mg Cholesterol; 490 mg Sodium; 28 g Total Carbohydrate; 4.7 g Dietary Fiber; 29 g Protein; 3.4 mg Iron; 6.5 mg Niacin; 0.8 mg Vitamin B6; 3.2 mcg Vitamin B12; 6.9 mg Zinc; 29.6 mcg Selenium; 104.1 mg Choline. This recipe is an excellent source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Iron, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Selenium, and Choline.

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK BECKY THOMPSON Director of Kentucky Beef Network

I lost my Grandpa Bennett in January and it was so good to go home and celebrate his 96 years with all of our friends and family. I shared a special bond with my Grandpa, and he taught me many things through the years but his patience is what sticks out the most, although in the moment we maybe didn’t see it as patience.

2020

COW-CALF CONFERENCES

FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED PRODUCERS! Join us for a day dedicated to improving the profitability of beef cow-calf operations at one of a dozen cow-calf profitability conferences across Kentucky. Conferences are one day, intensive seminars focusing on key topics for cow-calf producers.

Patience with the weather - The weather plays into so many things that we do in agriculture and it affects so many things yet it is something we have no control over. We take what Mother Nature gives us for moisture, sunlight, and a growing season and it is our job to work with it and around it. Grandpa farmed his way through many major weather events in central Nebraska and always seemed to push through to the other side. One of my most vivid memories as a child was waking up in the middle of the night to the loudest noise I had ever heard, it was golf ball sized hail that was destroying our corn crop that was getting ready to tassel. I can’t remember a more helpless feeling then watching my Dad and Grandpa inspecting all of the damage the next day and knowing there wasn’t anything we could do but wait and see if the corn would recover or if it was a loss.

• CONTROLLING PRODUCTION COSTS • IMPROVING WINTER FEEDING PRACTICES • OPTIMIZING STOCKING RATES • MANAGING THE COWHERD WITH PROFIT IN MIND • GENERAL FARM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES MAR 13

Richmond

MAR 16

Monticello

MAR 17

Campbellsville

MAR 18

Bowling Green

MAR 19

Elizabethtown

Fall*

Burlington

Fall*

Danville

*dates to be announced

Patience with the family - I grew up on our family farm where we raised corn, alfalfa, and finished cattle, during that time I spent a lot of time in Dad and Grandpa’s shadow. As a kid we were always included in the daily chores or tasks, they may not have always been fun but I can see now he was patiently teaching us the right way to do things. Grandpa’s greatest gift was to teach us how to care for the people, land, water, and animals in a way that they would always give back to you. As a Mom raising two daughters I share this love and passion for agriculture with my daughters differently than I was taught but the meaning is still the same.

Patience with the Livestock - I always admired Grandpa’s way with animals. He was quiet, deliberate with his movements, and you could tell the animals respected him by how they responded, both cattle and horses. I’m not going to say he didn’t have a group of calves blow by him, or a horse not listen to what he was asking but he would start the process over and try again. Grandpa and I share a passion for horses, he always had a team of Clydesdales that he could take the grandkids or kids from town for a ride in the wagon. After he passed away this was one of the most shared memories I received from friends and family was the wagon rides. Patience with the growing season - Waiting is hard, whether you are waiting for a calf to be born, crops to grow, kids to grow, or a steer to finish their last phase of feeding, it all takes time. Living and working on a farm allows for a slower way of life even though sometimes it may not feel like it. It’s slower because nature asks it to be, good things take time and while we are waiting we need to pause to push the kids on the swings, cultivate the crops, teach the kids to drive the tractor, clean the water tanks, or finish the never ending list of things to do. Grandpa may not have always made the time to be patient with us or not be frustrated with the things he couldn’t control when he was actively farming but it was after he retired from the farm when his patience for the little things showed. My girls are so lucky to say they were able to have a relationship with their great grandpa and he always looked forward to seeing them when we were back for a visit. He took great joy in watching them have those new farm experiences, and helping teach them the same way he taught me for all of those years.

Delivered by University of Kentucky Agricultural Economics Extension through the Kentucky Beef Network funded by the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board.

For questions, times, or to register, contact your local extension agent. Details may vary by location.

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK

EDEN SHALE FARM UPDATE DAN MILLER KBN Industry Coordinator

For me, the first two months of the year are defined by travelling. It is known as the convention and seminar season. This year I started that season off with our KCA convention in Owensboro. This year’s convention went well and I enjoyed getting to visit with all the producers that attended. Shortly after returning from western Kentucky I departed for Florida for a session of the Kentucky Ag Leadership Program (KALP). The next week I flew to San Antonio, Texas to attend Cattlemen’s College at the NCBA Convention. The convention was well attended and I got the opportunity to meet producers and counterparts from all over the country.

THANK YOU, GREG!

As good as it is to attend these events, our absence from the farm doesn’t make it any easier on those that have to stay behind to look after things. For Eden Shale Farm, the person that makes all this possible, is our Farm Manager, Greg Cole. Greg is in charge of the daily operations of the farm and is certainly busy in my absence. This time of year there are plenty of menial chores that have to be completed, all while fighting the mud. Checking cows, feeding hay, putting out mineral, feeding the steers, keeping water tanks thawed, etc. Someone has to do these chores, day in and day out, and Greg does a wonderful job of operating the farm. Besides the daily chores Greg also oversees the construction projects going on at the farm. If you have ever been to a field day or tour of Eden Shale you would have noticed Greg working behind the scenes, parking cars or driving the tractor and trolley. But most importantly Greg is the caretaker of our animals at the farm. By early March we will be in full swing of calving season and there won’t be a spare minute that Greg isn’t watching the herd carefully. Every farm has that person that takes care of things when we’re away. For Eden Shale, it’s Greg Cole. So I want to say thank you Greg, for all your work and dedication, I certainly appreciate it.

K E N T U CK Y B E E F N E T W O R K F ACI L I T AT O R S

Ben Lloyd

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

MARCH 2020

Charles Embry

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

Jacob Settles

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

• 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

Ron Shrout

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

Jeff Stephens

Ewing, KY (606) 782-7640 stephensbeef@gmail.com 75

FEATURE

USDA TO INVEST $56 MILLION IN 2020 TO HELP FARMERS IMPROVE WATER QUALITY The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $56 million this year to help agricultural producers improve water quality in more than 300 highpriority watersheds across the country. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is continuing two of its successful landscape-level water quality efforts, the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) and National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). “We’ve learned that when we partner with producers to deliver conservation practices to critical watersheds, we see a positive impact,” said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr, who made the announcement at the Hypoxia Task Force meeting today. “Through these partnerships we maximize the delivery of our conservation efforts which yields greater results to water quality and benefits the public, our natural resources and farmers’ bottom lines.” NRCS launched MRBI in 2009, focusing on watersheds in the Mississippi River Basin, then took the concept nationwide in 2012 with the launch of NWQI. Since then, priority watersheds across the country have seen improvements, including the delisting of once impaired streams.

Watersheds Initiative This year, NRCS will make available $17.5 million to producers in 13 states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. MRBI supports each state’s nutrient loss reduction strategy with overall goals of improving water quality, restoring wetlands and enhancing wildlife habitat while ensuring economic viability of agricultural lands along the nation’s largest river. The nation’s largest hypoxic zone, or low-oxygen area, sits at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Since its launch, MRBI has: • • •

Helped producers implement conservation on nearly 1.5 million acres Reduced sediment loss by 2.1 million tons Reduced phosphorous loss by 4.1 million pounds

•

Reduced nitrogen loss by 16 million pounds.

National Water Quality Initiative Additionally, NRCS will make available $38.9 million this year through NWQI. The Initiative is a partnership among NRCS, state water quality agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify and address impaired water bodies through voluntary conservation. Through the Initiative, NRCS provides targeted funding for financial and technical assistance in small watersheds most in need and where farmers can use conservation practices to address impaired surface water. In 2019, NWQI was expanded to include protection of both surface and ground sources of drinking water. Water quality is improving in NWQI watersheds. State water quality agency partners report that 27% of NWQI monitoring watersheds show an improvement in water quality in at least

one of the NWQI-monitored pollutants (based on 2016 data). Further, 81% of these improvements can be attributed to or associated with agricultural conservation practices implemented by farmers and ranchers. Since its launch, NWQI has: • • • •

Helped producers implement conservation on 825,000 acres Reduced sediment loss by 850,000 tons Reduced phosphorous loss by 2 million pounds Reduced nitrogen loss by 9.6 million pounds

Participating in MRBI and NWQI NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but applications are ranked and funded by enrollment periods that are set locally. Producers interested in technical and financial assistance should contact their local NRCS field office.

Through these initiatives, NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers to implement practices that avoid, control and trap nutrients and sediment, which in high quantities negatively impact water quality. Practices include filter strips, cover crops and manure management, which promote soil health, reduce erosion and lesson nutrient runoff. NRCS has strengthened focus on watershed assessment and partner engagement in priority small watersheds in fiscal 2020. NRCS will soon solicit state partners for new MRBI and NWQI watersheds and source water protection areas for fiscal 2021. See NRCS website for a list of the watersheds for MRBI and for NWQI. Mississippi River Basin Healthy 76

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

3.28.20

Selling

40+ Simmental & Sim-Angus Breeding-Age Bulls & 20+ bred heifers

G005

G015

G019

664F

672F

679F

STEPHENS BEEF CATTLE 606.782.7640

COW COUNTRY •

Sale will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Paris Stockyards in Paris, KY in conjunction with a Special Cow Sale

MARCH 2020

ROCKING P LIVESTOCK, LLC 606.584.5626 | 606.584.7581

• 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

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) has been a long time supporter of youth across the state through FFA, 4-H and scholarships. KCA has a youth scholarship available funded by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation (KCF). The KCF Youth Scholarship started in 1991 and has provided $125,000 in scholarship funds to students across Kentucky. Five $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors from each of the five KCA regions who plan to major in Agriculture or an Agriculturally-related subject, with the possibility of two $1,500 additional scholarships from any region. Deadline for submission of the KCF Youth Scholarship is March 31, 2020 to the KCA Office at 176 Pasadena Drive, Lexington, KY 40503. To download an application, view the requirements, or for more information, please visit KCA online at www.kycattle.org under Youth Activities. The Mission of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation is to pursue opportunities that promote the profitability of the cattle industry in Kentucky through educational and philanthropic endeavors.

Bowling Green Location

Smiths Grove Location

739 Kelly Road

150 Sunset Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Smiths Grove, KY 42171

(270) 781-9799

(270) 563-2277

Now Proudly Carrying Southern States Branded Feeds Introducing Farmers Fertilizer as your new dealer for Southern States Branded beef products and Ranger Limiter® in Warren County. Farmers Fertilizer has two convenient locations to better serve you. Stop in today for more information. **Please Join us for the Warren County Cattlemen’s meeting on Thursday evening, March 19th for special pricing on Southern States branded beef minerals.

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

bull sale

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 1:00 PM EST • MILAN, IN Selling 60 Simmental & SimAngus Bulls 20 Simmental & Sim-Influenced Pairs & Bred Females

G509 - PB WS All Around x W/C Executive Order

G627 - PB

F5105Y- 3/4

F457A - 3/4

G54 - PB

CDI AUTHORITY X SFG COWBOY LOGIC JF EBONYS JOY 5105R X W/C RELENTLESS HILB ORACLE X MISS BF BASIC LOOK 457W TRIPLE C SINGLETARY X CDI INNOVATOR

G5105F - PB

F302A - PB

G69A - PB

G5105K - 3/4

CLRWTR LADY LUCK X HPF QUANTUM LEAP SVF STAR POWER X W/C RELENTLESS SS MAGNIFICENT DREAMS X CDI INNOVATOR CLRWTR LADY LUCK X W/C RELENTLESS

F52 - PB

G71A - PB

GCF MISS ELSA X JS REVOLVER

HPF MISS KNOCKOUT X HPF/HILL UPRISING

DOUG & DEBBIE PARKE • DREW & HOLLI HATMAKER OFFICE@DPSALESLLC.COM • OFFICE • 859-987-5758 WWW.DPSALESLLC.COM Sale facility has hard surface parking and is handicap accessible.

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

G760B - PB

G38 - PB

RED JEWEL X CDI INNOVATOR

HILB ORACLE X ANTOINETTES STAR

JEFF & LEAH MEINDERS • 812-498-2840 3687 N. CO. RD. 500 E • MILAN, IN 47031 WWW.CLEARWATERSIMMENTALS.COM GUEST CONSIGNORS: B&K FARMS, BESHEARS SIMMENTALS, LUCKY PENNY CATTLE CO., NEAL BROTHERS, WESNER LIVESTOCK

• 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

QUARLES ENCOURAGES FARMERS TO SUBMIT CONSERVATION AWARD NOMINATIONS Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles is encouraging Kentucky farm families to consider submitting nominations for the Leopold Conservation Award by April 1, 2020. “Kentucky agriculture has a long history of being responsible with the earth’s natural resources,” Commissioner Quarles said. “The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes a Kentucky farmer or forester who is a great steward of the land. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is proud to partner with the Sand County Foundation, the Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts to support this important award.” The $10,000 award honors Kentucky farmers and other private landowners who voluntarily demonstrate outstanding stewardship and management of natural resources. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture contributes $3,000 toward the award with money from the Ag Tag Fund, which is funded by voluntary donations from farmers when they buy or renew their farm vehicle license plates. Nominations must be postmarked by April 1 and mailed to Leopold Conservation Award, c/o Franklin County Conservation District, 103 Lakeview Court, Frankfort, KY 40601. Electronic nominations and supporting materials are preferred and may be submitted to colemansteve51@ gmail.com on or before the deadline. The award will be presented at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts Convention on July 7 in Lexington. The award is presented by the Sand County Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization, in partnership with the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts and the Kentucky Agricultural Council. For more information, including award criteria and honorees from previous years, go to leopoldconservationaward.org. 79

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

USDA SETTLES AGAINST H.D. HUME DBA H&H LIVESTOCK As part of its commitment to ensuring fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat and poultry industries, on Dec. 20, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with H.D. Hume doing business as H&H Livestock (Hume) of Taylorsville, Ky., for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under the terms of the stipulation agreement, Hume waived his rights to a hearing and agreed to pay a civil penalty of $3,500.

An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed Hume failed to pay timely for six livestock transactions totaling $90,625 from January through June 2019. In addition, Hume issued two insufficient funds checks that were subsequently paid. The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to timely pay for livestock purchases

and issuing payment from accounts with insufficient funds is a violation of the P&S Act. The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $28,061 per violation against any person after the notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. USDA may offer alleged violators the option of waiving their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.

The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat and poultry industries. For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Stuart Frank, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (515) 323-2586, or by email at stuart.frank@ usda.gov.

CMF 10Z AFFINITY 102F

CMF 330D FORTRESS 45F

127 HEAD SELL 49 BULLS 26 Angus 16 Hereford 7 Charolais

45 FEMALES 17 Angus Pairs 22 Hereford Pairs 6 Commercial Bred Heifers CMF 297D FLAT BED 405F Rob Helms (731) 571-8213 Heath Helms (731) 614-3979 Steve or Hayden Helms (731) 968-2012 Email: candymeadowfarms@hotmail.com

Request your sale book today! www.simsplusllc.com Auctioneer: Eddie Burks TFL # 4123, TAL # 4990

To view sale book online go to www.simsplusllc.com

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

565 CANDY MEADOW FARM ROAD • LEXINGTON, TENNESSEE 38351

• 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

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

IN ET T

GS 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

MARCH 2020

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

• 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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REACHES OVER KENTUCKY CATTLE FARMERS REACHES OVER KENTUCKY CATTLE FARM OUR APRIL AND AUGUST BONUS ISSUES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO OVER OUR APRIL AND AUGUST BONUS ISSUES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO OVER

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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

FARM ACCOUNTS

CALL US TODAY! (859) 278-0899 CALL US TODAY! (859) 278-0899

CCOOW A BPLU LIC AT OHFET K HE E NKTEUNCTKUYCC K AT Y C E NA’SSSAOSCSI O AT W CCOOUUNNTTRRYY •• NMOAVRECMHB 2E0R2 02 0 1• 9 A •P U I CBAT IO NI O ON F T T AT L ET MLEENM’ S ATCIIO NI O N

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Kentucky Hereford Association KHA Invites any Hereford Breeder to Become a Member! Dues are $25. Send to 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 2020 Beef Expo KY State Fair & Expo Center March 6th at 1 • March 7th at 1

KY Certified Hereford Influence Sale May 14, 2020, 10:30 AM Blue Grass Stockyards South Stanford, KY Contact: Lowell Atwood, 606-669-1455

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

MPH Farms

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

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

6077 Helena Road • Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II · 606-584-5194 Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

Victor- influenced cattle bred for performance on grass.

“Black cows need a good Hereford Bull”

Jackson Farms

WCN Polled Herefords Since 1961

Registered Polled Herefords

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

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

BECKLEY HEREFORDS

859-588-4531

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

Pile Stock Farm

Windy Hills Farm

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

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

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

Old Fall Creek Farms AHA & KHA member • Proven bloodlines

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 •

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

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

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

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS KYLE BUSH

Registered Polled Herefords

Boyd Beef Cattle

TK4 Herefords Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-6956 Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

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

LINEBRED VICTOR DOMINO CATTLE LINEBRED VICTOR DOMINO CATTLE

Multi-Trait Selection Multi-Trait Selection Fertility Disposition

Danny Miller

Fertility Calving Ease Disposition Milking Ability

Calving Ease Milking Ability

www.jmsvictordomino.com 4850Rd. Caldwell Ridge Rd. 4850 Caldwell Ridge Knifley, KY 42753 Knifley, KY 42753 270-465-6984 270-465-6984

270-465-6984 • 270-566-2694

MARCH 2020

• 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

S A L E D AT E S : M a r c h 1 1 : L e x i n g t o n • A p r i l 3 0 : O w e n s b o r o • J u n e 1 7 : L e x i n g t o n June 25: Springfield • August 13: Owensboro • December 3: Owensboro

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

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

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

A S S O C I AT I O N

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

KILBOURNE GELBVIEH

KENTUCKY BEEF EXPO GELBVIEH SHOW AND SALE Show - Friday, March 6 - 1 PM Sale - Saturday, March 7 - 11:30 AM Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center Louisville, KY JOIN KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION Mail to: 690 Lick Branch Road, Glasgow, Kentucky 42141 FARM NAME

East Bernstadt, KY 606-843-6583 cell 606-309-4662 Black Replacement Heifers & Bulls Available Embryo transplant & AI sired calves

YOUR NAME

MOCKINGBIRD HILL FARMS

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

ADRESS

CITY, STATE

ZIP

Meeting modern industry demands: • Added Fertility • Increased Efficiency • More pounds of calf weaned American Gelbvieh Association 303-465-2333 | www.gelbvieh.org 86

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

PHONE

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

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

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 HOODIE (NAVY BLUE)

$25/20

$27

$28

ADULT

YOUTH

QTY $25

S QTY

$27

$29

$31

IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD

DELIVERY INFORMATION NAME

Visa

NAME ON CARD

MasterCard Discover American Express

+ SHIPPING & HANDLING

ADDRESS

CREDIT CARD NO.

CITY

EXPIRATION DATE

$7.00 = TOTAL ENCLOSED

Cash

STATE

ZIP

PHONE

CVC

SIGNATURE

Check Credit Card

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 •

MARCH 2020

• 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

GUS

President: Gil Ray Cowles, Rockfield, KY Vice President: Jason Crowe, Irvine, KY Secretary/Treasurer: Anne Lexington, KY President: Gil DeMott, Ray Cowles, Rockfield, KY

ANGUS

SS BREED

Vice President: Jason Crowe, Irvine, KY Secretary/Treasurer: Anne DeMott, Lexington, KY

KENTUCKY ANGUS SWEEPSTAKES SHOW & SALE • MARCH 6th & 7th, 2020

)

THE BUSINESS BREED

64TH KENTUCKY ANGUS SWEEPSTAKES SHOW & SALE • MARCH 6th & 7th, 2020

HERITAGE FARM

RAGS ANGUS FARM OLDStallons BARK FARM Richard and Glenda 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 1240 Dogwood Kelly KY 42240 KenleyRoad ConnerHopkinsville, 270/358-8057 Registered Angus Cattle839-2442 Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) rstallons@bellsouth.net

BOYD BEEF CATTLE HAINES ANGUS FARMS Tom McGinnis 6077 Helena Road 5294 Park City- Glasgow Rd. Mayslick, KY 41055 1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY Park City, KY 42160 Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5195 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 375-3718www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100,Kenneth work Haines, Jr.: (270) 749-8862

Ridgeview

(502) 655-0164, cell

BRANCH VIEW ANGUS 927 Old Liberty Pike • Hustonville, KY 40437 HIGHVIEW FARMS (859) 238-0771 • www.branchviewangus.com James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey 827 West Main Street Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April

HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road Science Hill, KY 42553 edjohami@aol.com (606) 271-1286 Bulls and Females for Sale

BURKS CATTLE CO. 531 Rick Rd. Park City, KY 42160 Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 www.burkscattle.com

HERITAGE FARM Tom McGinnis 1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) 655-0164, cell

BURTON & SONS ANGUSJimmy Gilles Joe D. or Karen Burton • Bryan Carman, Partner, Ridgeview Angus Lee Rudy Road 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy,5160 KY 42544 Joe: (606) 305-3081 • Bryan:Owensboro, (606) 875-3453 KY 42301 Located 15 miles West of Somerset klburton01@windstream.net(270) 686-8876

HIGHVIEW FARMS 827 West Main Street Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718 Ben T. Cox DVM (270) 469-5517 Registered Angus Cattle

Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718 Ben T. Cox DVM (270) 469-5517 Registered Angus Cattle

HILL VIEW FARMS

Bulls & females sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy.

(270) 929-537

Slaughters, KY

k.com

www.legacyfarmsangus.com

D&D LONGVIEW ANGUS Danny & Debbie Burris MILLERS RUN FARM 550 Willie Nell Road William N. Offutt IV Columbia, KY 42728 (270) 348-5766 • (270) 250-3701 3790• (270) Paris250-1277 Road Georgetown,

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM

5202 REGISTERED East Hwy 80, Russell ANGUS Springs, KY 42642 ST. CLAIR FARMS Eric & Sherry St. Charles Clair “Bud” & Pam Smith: (270) 866-3898 Henry & Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311 13433 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS www.stclairangus.com Eric & Sherry St. Clair 13433Bull Falls& of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, Performance Tested Female Sale April 2016KY 40119 Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 www.stclairangus.com Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020

TAMME VALLEY FARM TAMME VALLEY FARM Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134 (859) 583-7134 jacob.tamme@gmail.com jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook! www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!

MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS Bob, Kathy, and Rob Clark (859) 748-5558 1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 40324mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com www.mtmoriahangus.com

KY (859) 533-2020 • millersrunfarm@aol.com MILLERS RUN FARM www.millersrunfarm.com William N. Offutt IV 3790 Paris Road Georgetown, KY 40324 Heifers for sale

DAVIS BEND FARMS 2315 Davis Bend Road Canmer, KY 42722 timmothyljeffries@gmail.com www.davisbendfarms.com Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435

(859) 533-2020 • millersrunfarm@aol.com www.millersrunfarm.com Heifers for sale

FALL CREEK ANGUS 448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633 Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

MUD RIVER ANGUS 10 Oak Hill Drive Russellville, KY 42276 Wayne Johnson: (270) 303-6354 Gary Johnson: (270) 498-7208

GREAT MEADOWS ANGUS ASSOCIATION 38th Annual Sale • April 25,FOUR 2020 KINGS ANGUS www.greatmeadowsangus.com 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, Paul Bradshaw (502) 817-7502 Cary & Kim King

Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) 839-2442 rstallons@bellsouth.net

Quality Registered Angus Cattle since 1975

LEGACY FARMS Daniel and Lindsey Reynolds 1709 South Jackson Highway Hardyville, KY 42746 (270) 528-6275/(270) 528-6120 www.legacyfarmsangus.com

MUD RIVER ANGUS 10 Oak Hill Drive Russellville, KY 42276 Wayne Johnson: (270) 303-6354 Gary Johnson: (270) 498-7208

(270) 769-8260 RAGS ANGUS FARM www.shawfamilyangus.com Richard and Glenda Stallons 1240 Dogwood Kelly Road KY 42240 Quality Registered Angus Cattle sinceHopkinsville, 1975 SHAW FAMILY ANGUS SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM Jim & Cathy Shaw 5202 East Hwy 80, Russell Springs, KY 42642 935 Miller Road • Hodgenville, KY 42748 Charles “Bud” & (270) Pam769-8260 Smith: (270) 866-3898 Henry & Melissa www.shawfamilyangus.com Smith: (270) 866-2311

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY Keith: (270) 635-0723 Reese: (270) 635-1137

COOL SPRINGS CREEK FARM Daniel and Lindsey Reynolds Guy & Aline Babin 1709 South Jackson Highway 269 Paul Coomer Rd Hardyville, KY 42746 Gradyville, KY 42742 (270) 205-1669 (270) 528-6275/(270) 528-6120 www.coolspringscreekfarm.com • gdbabin@outlook.com

TWIN CREEK FARM Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson TWIN CREEK FARM (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 Dennis &&Emily Shawn, Melissa, Devin Dylan Gibson or 270/402-4338 (270) 337-3072 or270/337-2128 (270) 692-5304 Watch for us in Branch View Production Sale in April

Dennis & Emily WHITE FARM 270/337-2128 or Tim 270/402-4338 and Amy White 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 Watch for us in Branch View Production Sale in April Home: (859)223-0326 Tim: (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 whitefarm4@twc.com

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION NAME

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

Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com Cary Cell: (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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 CITY

OLD BARK FARM 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716

HILL VIEW FARMS Jimmy Gilles 5160 Lee Rudy Road Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 686-8876 (270) 929-537

CARDINAL HILL FARMS 405 Cedar Grove Rd. • Glasgow, KY 42141 Mike Elmore: (270) 404-6589 JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Angus Bob Johnson: (270) 427-1410 Angus Bulls & Females cardinalhillfarms.com • mike@cardinalhillfarms.com

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS Keith: (270) 635-0723 661 Hopewell Road Reese: (270) 635-1137 Liberty, KY 42539 only what weMatt would buy.(270) 799-6288 Coffey: Dewey Coffey: (606) 787-2620 Genetics for Maximum Profitability since FARMS 1984 LEGACY

PLEASANT HILL FARMS Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles Rockfield Richpond Road SHAW FAMILY 500 ANGUS ASANT HILL PLE Rockfield, KY 42274 Jim & Cathy Shaw(270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 f a r m s 7 miles westKY of Bowling 935 Miller Road •Located Hodgenville, 42748Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80

STATE

ZIP

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

To say the least it has been an interesting muddy beginning to 2020! It seems like the majority of the conversations involve a discussion about which had the most mud, 2019 or 2020! Nevertheless, cows had to be taken care of and many beef producers have been calving. What a resilient group of people beef cattle producers are! By nature beef cattle producers face the triumphs and challenges, the highs and lows, the ups and downs and the surprises and know facts with the same degree of resolve! This is one of the traits that sets up apart. A trait that distinguishes those in this profession. March is a very active month for Kentucky Angus Breeders and all beef cattle producers. The first week of the month offers The Kentucky Beef Expo. Make sure and attend if at all possible. It is a great time to learn, visit, establish new relationships and enjoy beef cattle in Kentucky! Calving is kicking in to a higher gear throughout The Commonwealth in March. We are all preparing for pasture readiness and making sure that our forage situation continues to improve. Warmer temperatures and the promise of green grass begin to show signs of reality! On behalf of The Kentucky Angus Association I want to encourage you to attend as many sales and events that our Breeders have scheduled this spring. There is tremendous work, effort, thought, energy and commitment that go into these events. It is an excellent way to see genetics at work, build your network and make additions to your own program. Please feel free to reach out to any KY Angus Association Officer or Board Member at anytime to answer any questions or provide any information about the association.

@kyangusassoc •

@kyangusassociation

Thank you to the producers and organizations who donated items for the KAA giveaway at the KCA Convention Central KY Angus Association: $100 sale credits (2) Grass Time Partners: $100 sale credits (2) KY Angus Association: Kentucky barrel head KY Angus Association: 2 annual banquet tickets KY Angus Association: 1 annual membership Tom McGinnis: Hardee’s gift certificates (2) White Farms: $250 sale credit

And congratulations to our winners! Adam Chunglo Christine Downs Meghan Helmer

Paul Jarboe Nancy Kloentrup Nela Marshall

Terry Mattingly Eleanor Sims Kevin Stith

Clay Wills

Here’s to a spectacular 2020 spring! Gil Cowles, KAA PresidentPresident, Kentucky Angus Association KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION NAME

FARM NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

PHONE 1

PHONE 2

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

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Kostbade Yosemite 7078 won reserve intermediate champion bull at the 2020 National Western Stock Show’s Super Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Jan 16-17 in Denver Colo. Katey Kostbade, Henderson, KY, owns the winning bull. Photo by Karen Hiltbrand, American Angus 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

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

• 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

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201. Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.

TODAY’S DATE

ID NUMBER (IF KNOWN)

SELLER’S NAME

BUYER’S NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

CITY

SELLER’S SIGNATURE

STATE

ZIP

BUYER’S SIGNATURE

Both the seller and the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Kentucky Beef Council. DATE OF SALE

STATE OF ORIGIN*

TOTAL NUMBER OF CATTLE SOLD

X X

$1.OO per Head Federal Checkoff

$1.OO per Head State Checkoff

Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State

PERSON REMITTING FORM

+ =

BUYER

SELLER

PHONE

*If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.

Send Report and Remittance to: Kentucky Beef Council 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503 For additional information: call 859-278-0899 or email beef@kycattle.org 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 C O W C O U N T R Y • M A R C H 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

45 91

CALENDAR OF EVENTS General February 29 Fayette Co. Farm Bureau 27th An. Farm Machinery Consignment Auct., Lexington, KY (pg. 11) March 6-8 KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo, Louisville, KY March 19 Novel Tall Fescue Renovation Workshops for Cattle Producers, Lexington, KY March 23-28 Hinton Mills Cattle Health Days (pg. 2) April 3 Woodford Feed Company Mineral & Animal Health Workshop, Lexington, KY (pg. 18) Angus February 28 Bridgeview Angus Bull Sale, Lexington, KY February 29 Pleasant Hill Farms Early March Madness Bull & Heifer Sale, Bowling Green, KY March 7 BoPat Farms 25th An. Bulls & More Sale, Bradford, TN March 7 KY Angus Sweepstakes 64th An. Sale, Louisville, KY March 9 Stone Gate Farms An. Production Sale, Flemingsburg, KY (pg. 9) March 13 Smithland Angus 24th An. Bull & Female Sale, Russell Springs, KY (pg. 17) March 14 Boyd Beef Cattle Angus Bull Sale, Mays Lick, KY (pg. 13) March 27 Ward Ratliff Cattle Co. First An. Spring Sale, Lexington, KY (pg. 41) March 30 Oak Hollow 41st An. First Choice Bull Sale, Smiths Grove, KY (pg. 5) March 31 St. Clair Farms 11th An. Bull & Female Sale, Falls of Rough, KY (pg. 51) April 3 Grass Time Partners 19th An. Angus Bull & Female Sale, Mt. Sterling, KY (pg. 8) April 4 Buckner & Jeffries Angus Farm 31st An. Angus Opportunity Sale, Canmer, KY (pg. 57) April 4 Rock Ridge Farms The Front Pasture Kind Sale, Lawrenceburg, KY (pg. 49) April 11 Branch View Angus Sale, Hustonville, KY (pg. 96) April 11 Crazy K Ranch 7th An. Spring Production Sale, Michie, TN (pg. 62) April 25 Great Meadows Angus Association Sale, Campbellsburg, KY May 2 Cardinal Hill Farms Third An. Production Sale, Glasgow, KY (pg. 11) May 3 Bridgeview Angus Sale, Stamping Ground, KY (pg. 26) Black Hereford March 7 KY Beef Expo Black Hereford Sale, Louisville, KY March 21 Triple T Farms 6th An. Production Sale, Bowling Green, KY (pg. 25) Charolais March 7 KY Beef Expo Charolais Sale, Louisville, KY April 11 Amburgey Charolais Farm An. Bull & Female Sale, Mt. Sterling, KY (pg. 52) Gelbvieh March 7 KY Beef Expo Gelbvieh/Balancer Sale, Louisville, KY March 7 Seedstock Plus Arkansas Bull & Female Sale, Hope, AR March 14 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Bull & Female Sale, Osceola, MO (pg. 59) March 28 Bluegrass Gelbvieh Invitational, Mount Sterling, KY (pg. 29) March 28 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, MO (pg. 59) April 18 SoKY Select Gelbvieh Sale, Bowling Green, KY (pg. 45) May 2 Opportunity Knocks Female Sale, Kingsville, MO (pg. 59)

AD INDEX Hereford February 29 Burns Farms Spring Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Pikeville, TN March 7 KY Beef Expo Hereford Sale, Louisville, KY April 18 Clifford Farms & Guests Hereford Production Sale, Mt. Sterling, KY (pg. 15) April 25 Middle Tennessee Hereford Association An. Sale, Cross Plains, TN (pg. 47) May 14 KY Certified Hereford Influence Sale, Stanford, KY Multi-Breed March 7 KY Beef Expo Pen Heifer Sale, Louisville, KY March 11 CPH Sale, Lexington, KY March 14 Union Co. Cattlemen’s 18th An. Union Co. Bull Sale, Sturgis, KY (pg. 48) March 21 C-Cross Cattle Company Spring Bull & Female Production Sale, Biscoe, NC (pg. 61) March 21 Red Hill Farms More than a Bull Sale, Lafayette, TN (pg. 15) March 21 White Farm Profit Thru Performance Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Lexington, KY (pg. 27) March 28 Candy Meadows Farms Bull & Female Sale, Lexington, IN (pg. 81) April 4 Laurel Co. Cattlemen’s 8th An. Commercial Open Heifer Sale, London, KY (pg. 7) April 11 Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Concord, VA (pg. 39) April 25 Pleasant Hill Farms Building for the Future Spring Production Sale, Rockfield, KY (pg. 3) April 30 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY May 19 West KY Select Bred Heifer Sale, Guthrie, KY (pg. 61) June 17 CPH Sale, Lexington, KY June 25 CPH Sale, Springfield, KY August 13 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY December 3 CPH Sale, Owensboro, KY Red Angus March 7 KY Beef Expo Red Angus Sale, Louisville, KY April 4 The Andras Kind Red Angus Bull Sale, Manchester, IL (pg. 26) April 4 Southeast Red Angus Association 27th An. Grasstime Auct., Cullman, AL (pg. 67) September 26 Shady Bottom Ranch An. Production Sale, Crossville, TN (pg. 33) Red Poll March 7 KY Beef Expo Red Poll Sale, Louisville, KY Simmental March 7 KY Beef Expo Simmental Sale, Louisville, KY March 28 Clear Water Simmentals The Clear Choice Bull Sale, Milan, IN (pg. 79) March 28 Genetic Advantage Bull Sale, Paris, KY (pg. 77) April 4 Belles & Bulls of the Bluegrass Sale, Lexington, KY (pg. 19) Shorthorn March 7 KY Beef Expo Shorthorn Sale, Louisville, KY March 21 Waukaru Farms The Gathering Sale,

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

AgCentral Co-Op....................................................... 63 AGCO......................................................................55 Amburgey Charolais Farm........................................52 American Angus Association................................... 38 Andras Stock Farm................................................... 26 Belles & Bulls of the Bluegrass..................................19 Bluegrass Gelbvieh Invitational............................... 29 Blue Grass Stockyards.............................................. 38 Boyd Beef Cattle.........................................................13 Branch View Angus................................................... 96 Bridgeview Angus..................................................... 26 Buckner & Jeffries Angus Farm................................57 Burkmann Nutrition..................................................52 Byron Seeds................................................................47 Candy Meadow Farms...............................................81 Cardinal Hill Farms................................................... 11 Caudill Seed................................................................65 C-Cross Cattle Company........................................... 61 Central Farm Supply.....................................34, 40, 69 Clear Water Simmentals............................................79 Clifford Farms............................................................15 Cliffside Farms...........................................................10 CPH 45.......................................................................85 Crazy K Ranch........................................................... 62 Dievert Sales Service.................................................37 DuraCast................................................................26 Farmers Fertilizer..................................................... 78 Fayette Co. Farm Bureau...........................................10 Gilchrist Auct. Co.....................................................67 Glenview Farms..........................................................12 Grass Time Partners................................................... 8 Green River Livestock................................................56 Hayes Trailer Sales.....................................................56 Hinton Mills..................................................................2 Jackson Marketing Solutions....................................37 Joe B. Houchens Auctioneers, Inc..............................15 John Deere..................................................................95 KY Angus Assoc...................................................88, 89 KY Charolais Assoc................................................... 90 KY Gelbvieh Assoc.................................................... 86 KY Hereford Assoc.................................................... 84 KY Salers Assoc......................................................... 32 KY Simmental Assoc................................................. 80 Knoll Crest Farm....................................................... 39 Kuhn North America................................................ 43 Laurel Co. Cattlemen’s Assoc......................................7 Limousin Breeders of the Bluegrass........................ 82 Middle Tennessee Hereford Association..................47 Mid South Ag...............................................................4 MultiMin USA ............................................................21 No Bull Enterprises......................................................4 Oak Hollow...................................................................5 Pasture Management Systems, Inc......................20 P.H. White.................................................................. 64 Pleasant Hill Farms......................................................3 Reality Farms LLC...................................................54 Red Barn & Associates.............................................. 32 Red Hill Farms...........................................................15 Roan for the Roses.................................................... 43 Rock Ridge Farms..................................................... 49 Seedstock Plus..........................................................59 Shady Bottom Ranch................................................ 33 Smithland Angus Farm............................................. 17 SoKY Select Gelbvieh Sale....................................45 St. Clair Farms............................................................ 51 Stephens Beef Cattle..................................................77 Stone Gate Farms.........................................................9 Triple T Farms............................................................25 Union Co. Cattlemen’s Association.......................... 48 Walters Buildings...................................................... 46 Ward Ratliff Cattle Company....................................41 Waukaru Polled Shorthorns..................................... 44 West KY Select Bred Heifer Sale..........................61 White Farm.................................................................27 Woodford Feed Co.....................................................18 WM. E. Fagaly & Son Inc........................................35 Y Tex..........................................................................53 Zoetis...........................................................................35

• 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

19-20 MONTH OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE Good selection. Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available. JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000

SORTING POLES - PADDLES - FLAGS Poles with your 8” decal. $6.20 each per 50. Sorting flag, $11.25. Sorting paddles $9. Ear tag cutters, buckets, grain scoops. Kerndt Livestock Products 800-207-3115 ANGUS BULLS: REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL Great EPDs & genetics. Nice selection. Rand Angus Farms. Milton, KY 502-552-1164 or 502-639-4085

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

9 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS 18-20 Months Old. From Skean Angus. Will sell @ Farmers Regional Livestock Market; Glasgow, KY on March 30, 2020 @ 12 PM • BVD PI free, vet checked, genomic tested. See bulls @ www.skeanangus.com or call Tim Skean @ 270.535.4123 or Ryne Towe @ 270.590.4752

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

REGISTERED PUREBRED SANTA GERTRUDIS BULLS Two 18-month old, one 1-year old. Polled and Scurred available. Leitchfield, KY Contact John @ 270-287-8629 or Nolan @ 270-589-9046 SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS. 18 MONTHS OLD. BSE TESTED. Quality backed by 35 years of AI breeding. Excellent bulls for a crossbreeding program. 502-604-1757 or 502-839-6651

ANGUS HEIFERS Commercial. Some great genetics. Rand Angus Farms. Milton, KY 502-552-1164 or 502-639-4085

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 BLACK ANGUS BULLS Heifer acceptable and high productivity. Registered Black Angus Elite bred heifers: Bred to Beast Mode sire. CED +10. WW +80. YW +145. Docile cattle. Poe Triple P Angus 606-724-5524 or 606-407-2355

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

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

(502) 296-1044

Lost Bridge Cattle Company

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

MARKET REPORT

SOUTHEAST FEEDER CATTLE PRICES 14 FEBRUARY 2020 weights

STEER

HEIFER

KY/TN

LA/MS

9-10

123-129

125-131

118-124

121-127

124-130

123-129

8-9

126-134

127-135

120-128

121-129

125-133

127-135

7-8

132-140

135-143

127-135

130-138

131-139

6-7

139-149

143-153

131-141

135-145

5-6

155-167

163-175

150-162

4-5

167-181

177-191

191-185

weights

KY/TN

LA/MS

132-140

117-125

121-129

112-120

114-122

117-125

118-126

137-147

141-151

119-129

126-136

115-125

117-127

124-134

123-133

154-166

152-164

153-165

131-143

136-148

126-138

127-139

129-141

166-180

164-178

162-176

143-157

148-162

139-153

140-154

136-150

137-151

COWS AL

LA/MS

KY/TN

UTIL

56-65

55-64

62-71

65-74

55-64

56-65

CN/CUT

47-56

49-58

50-59

49-58

47-56

BULLS

83-91

78-86

83-91

84-92

81-89

COW COUNTRY •

MARCH 2020

Feeder cattle traded mixed from $3 higher to $5 lower. Calves ranged from steady to as much as $10 stronger on lightweights. Market cows traded steady to $3 firmer on the week.

• 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

TIMELY TIPS FOR MARCH

FEATURE

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

DARRH BULLOCK University of Kentucky

It has been another wet winter and breeding season is just around the corner. This is a good time to reflect on the CAIP Beef Genetic Improvement Program (bull cost-share) and tell you about some changes and new opportunities. The CAIP Beef Genetic Improvement Program includes cost-share for bulls, semen and heifers and it has provided tremendous benefits for beef producers across the state. The positive changes that have taken place in the Kentucky beef herd is visible at the stockyards and noticed by backgrounders and feedlot operators in the western states. Not only has this program given producers a financial incentive to buy a bull with genetics matched to their needs, but it has included educational opportunities that will hopefully benefit your bull buying long into the future. The increased exposure to genetics educational programs has hopefully improved your ability to buy the right bull that fits your management and takes advantage of the benefits of crossbreeding. The program has remained fairly consistent from the beginning, utilizing the principle of identifying the type of bull that is needed and then selecting a bull to meet the specified criteria, however, there have been changes to the program. The biggest change was that we started with three basic sire types and expanded to six. Even though change causes some initial confusion, in the long run I think most would agree it is for the betterment of the program. This year we have made a significant change in how we determine a Carcass Merit bull and have added an additional option for Balanced Trait for some breeds. Determining carcass merit in a bull is very complex and involves many traits. The best way to handle these situation is by using selection indices, which are values that are calculated by including the economic merit of multiple traits. Therefore, to qualify for Carcass Merit the bull must meet the minimum index value for their breed and a minimum calving ease direct value. This is not only a better way to determine good carcass

bulls it is also much easier for producers to identify the right bull. We have also included indices as an option for some breeds in the Balanced Trait category. A bull can still qualify for Balanced Trait using the longstanding method of CED, WW or YW, and Milk. However, there is now an option for some breeds to simply use the calving ease direct and the appropriate index for that breed. Both are now available in the EPD Guidelines for the CAIP program. Another exciting edition to this year’s CAIP Beef Genetic Improvement Program is the development of an online tool to assist producers in determining if a prospective bull qualifies in their designated category. The website can be found at: http://afs. ca.uky.edu/beef/KBAT. When you go to this landing page there are two options, Calculator for Buyers and Calculator for Sellers. For those of you trying to determine if a bull qualifies you can go to the Calculator for Buyers page and plug in your bull’s information and it will indicate if he qualifies or not; it is a very straightforward, user friendly calculator. For seedstock producers that would like to know all of the categories their bulls qualify for they can use the Calculator for Sellers page. Here you plug in all of the information on a bull and it will indicate in each category whether he qualifies or not. This can be very useful in putting together sale catalogs or supplemental sheets indicating which categories a bull qualifies for. The last thing to be aware of is a significant change that is coming in 2021. Starting next years all bulls will have to be genomically tested or have an accuracy value for Calving Ease Direct of .30 or higher. This will improve the reliability of the EPDs which reduces the risk of buying a bull that does not meet his expected potential. This is an added cost for seedstock producers and I want to stress that there is added value to commercial producers when buying higher accuracy bulls so you can afford to buy more for these bulls. We hope that with forewarning this transition will be smooth. If you would like additional information on genomics please see the COW COUNTRY •

Observe spring-calving cows closely. Check cows at least twice daily and first-calf heifers more frequently than that. Be ready to assist those not making progress after 1 to 2 hours of hard labor. Chilled calves should be dried and warmed as soon as possible. See that each calf gets colostrum within an hour of birth, or administer colostrum (or a commercial colostrum replacement) with an esophageal feeder, if needed. Identify calves with eartags and/or tattoos while calves are young and easy to handle and record birthdate and Dam ID. Commercial male calves should be castrated and implanted as soon as possible. Registered calves should be weighed in the first 24 hours. Separate cows that have calved and increase their feed. Energy supplementation to cows receiving hay is necessary to prepare them for rebreeding. For example, a 1250 lb cow giving 25 lb/day of milk would need about 25 lb of fescue hay and 5 lb of concentrate daily to maintain condition. If you need to go from a condition score of 4 to 5, you will need to add about 2 more lb of concentrate. Cows must be in good condition to conceive early in the upcoming breeding season. Watch for calf scours! If scours become a problem, move cows that have not calved to a clean pasture. Be prepared to give fluids to scouring calves that become dehydrated. Consult your veterinarian for advice and send fecal samples to diagnostic lab to determine which drug therapy will be most effective. Try to avoid feeding hay in excessively muddy areas to avoid contamination of the dams’ udders. Continue grass tetany prevention. Be sure that the mineral mix contains high levels (~15%) of magnesium and that cows consume adequate amounts. You can feed the UK Beef IRM High Magnesium mineral. Plan to vaccinate calves for clostridial diseases (Blackleg, Malignant Edema) as soon as possible. You might choose to do this at the prebreeding working in late April or early May. Obtain yearling measurements on bulls and

article in the January issue of CCN (page 65) written by one of my Beef Cattle Science students Dagan Montgomery. In closing, be sure to have a BSE done on your bulls before the breeding season and make sure he/they are in good shape and ready to work. You can always go to the breed association website for the breed of your bull and view his current EPDs by MARCH 2020

heifers this month (weight, height, pelvic area, scrotal circumference, ultrasound data, etc.) if needed for special sales. Heifers should be on target to be cycling by the start of the breeding season. Prepare bulls for the breeding season. Increase feed if necessary to have bulls in adequate condition for breeding. Obtain Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) on bulls, even if they were checked last breeding season. Finalize plans for your spring breeding program. Purchase new bulls at least 30 days before the breeding. Order semen now, if using artificial insemination. Fall-Calving Cow Herd Bull(s) should be away from the cows now! Plan to pregnancy check cows soon. You can also blood test for pregnancy as early as 30 days after bull removal. Creep feed calves with grain, by-products or high quality forage. Calves will not make satisfactory gains on the dam’s milk alone after about 4 mos. of age – since there isn’t much pasture in March, fall calves need supplemental nutrition. Consider creep grazing on wheat pasture, if available. Calves can also be early-weaned. Be sure that feed bunks are low enough that calves can eat with the cows. Calves intended for feeders should be implanted. Consider adding weight and selling your fall calves as “heavy” feeder calves. Keep them gaining! General Repair fences, equipment and handling facilities. If you have a dry, sunny day, use chain-link harrow to spread manure in areas where cattle have overwintered. This may be done in conjunction with renovation. Renovation and fertilization of pastures should be completed. Start thistle control. They can be a severe problem in Kentucky pastures. Chemical control must be done early to be effective. Watch for lice and treat if needed.

entering his registration number in the animal search section. EPDs on young bulls don’t often change drastically from year to year, but additional information could have resulted in a change for your bull. It is better to know this now, and make a change if necessary, than wasting an entire calf crop on an undesirable bull. I hope you all have a great breeding season and get the calf crop you desire.

• 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

YOU’RE ONLY AS HEALTHY AS YOUR HERD

The health and wellness of your animals is top of mind, and that all starts with their feed. Available on our Zero Series round balers, the MegaWide™ HC2 precutter puts what’s in the windrow into the bale. That means your herd gets leafy, nutritious feed, cut down to a size that they can easily eat without a lot of waste. With the MegaWide HC2 precutter, you’ll INCREASE TONNAGE PER HOUR BY 80%*

Talk with your John Deere dealer and learn why you now have zero reasons to use any other baler.

AND CUT MIXING TIMES AS MUCH AS 58%.* That’s an efficient feed system for you, and nutrient-rich feed for them. * Tonnage per hour estimates compared to competitive models. Mixing time estimate compared to bales that do not contain precut crop.

COW COUNTRY • 74637-13_9.5x9.5.indd 1

MARCH 2020

• 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

JohnDeere.com/Hay

4/3/19 3:30 AM

260 Females sell 100 bulls 200 commercials 60 registered

Largest Angus Sale in Kentucky 41 bulls sell with top 10% WW

April 11, 2020 • Hustonville, KY 8552 | Reg# 19415959 • Powerful HA Cowboy Up 5405 son descending from a Pathfinder second dam. 8552 recorded ratios of WW 113, YW 111, ADG 108. He shows top 1% WW, 2% YW, and 10% $W. • Second dam shows progeny ratios of BW 5/100, WW 5/109, YW 5/110, IMF 6/126, and RE 7/102.

EPD % Rank

CED

8 35

3.7 95

84 1

140 2

54 15

79 10

69 75

118 65

205 75

8535 | Reg# 19419344 • High performance son of HA Cowboy Up 5405. 8535 recorded ratios of WW 111, YW 113, ADG 115 and IMF 112. He shows top 1% WW, YW. • Dam shows calving interval of 2@366 with progeny ratios of BW 2/96, WW 2/101, YW 2/110, IMF 2/109. Second dam was one of the best cows we owned she showed progeny ratios of WW 3/107, YW 3/103, IMF 26/102, and RE 26/103. EPD % Rank

CED

1 90

4.2 95

84 1

143 1

8604 | Reg# 19415935 • Add pounds to your calf crop with this MGR Treasure son. 8604 rang all the performance bells. He recorded ratios of WW 118, YW 111, ADG 102, IMF 113 and RE 103. • 8604 shows top 3% WW, YW, 4% $W and 15% $F.

EPD % Rank

CED

6 55

1.4 55

76 3

136 5

57 15

82 4

97 15

146 25

277 10

55 15

70 20

87 35

134 40

231 45

8558 | Reg# 19415920 • Whether you sell your calves at weaning or background, this Woodside Rito 4P26 son will add value to your calves. 8558 rings the index bells with top 3% $F, 4% $W, 5% $B with top 5% WW and 10% YW. • Dam is the great Basin Lucy 262S who shows progeny ratios of BW 6/99, WW 6/102, YW 6/101, IMF 96/101, RE 97/102.

EPD % Rank

CED

3 75

2.1 70

73 5

128 10

78 1

82 4

115 3

170 5

281 5

Sale book available now: branchviewangus.com

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Parentage verified & EPDs enhanced by

Danny Smith 606-706-0355 John Ethington 859-533-1301

James S. Coffey 859-238-0771 james@branchviewangus.com Donald S. Coffey