Bottom Line Limousin’s Commercial Connection
Fall 2012
Volume 14, Issue 2
Inside... Challenges The Beef Industry Is Facing Strategies to overcome them
Management Focus Pfizer offers quick tips
All-Natural Beef How Cross Four Ranch does business
Marketing Drought may dictate changes
New Products Pfizer launches two new products.
Government Drought, the farm bill and election day.
Challenges The Beef Industry Is Facing And Strategies To Overcome Them by Joe Epperly Assistant Executive Director North American Limousin Foundation
Bottom Line is published four times per year by the North American Limousin Foundation 6 Inverness Court East, Suite 260 Englewood, CO 80112-5595 (303) 220-1693; Fax (303) 220-1884
www.nalf.org Executive Director - Mark Anderson, Ext. 51 Dir. of Communications - Brooke Bennett, Ext. 49 Assistant Executive Director - Joe Epperly, Ext. 47
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n recent months, there have been many challenges facing the beef industry over lean, finely-textured beef (LFTB or “pink slime”), transgluterase, EPA fly-overs, antibiotic use, and animal rights activists’ attacks both in the legislature and on the farm (Harris Ranch). This is a function of the today’s media and social networks, and has led to the American consumer becoming more concerned about how their food is raised than ever before. These concerns do not fall on deaf ears as technology use and animal welfare have been at the heart of industry efforts for decades. The question becomes not only what technologies and techniques to use, but also how best to showcase
to consumers that the best management practices are being used. Survey information compiled by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), shows that concerns over production practices are especially prevalent in the Millennial generation (ages 18-32). This is an age group that is important for the beef industry to capture to ensure future domestic markets, though current market conditions make it difficult as beef prices rise. The Millennial generation is starting to graduate from college, begin their professional careers and start families. This is a generation that is highly affected by price but is also more likely to be influenced by production practices. They are a generation that has grown up on continued on Page 2
To view the current and past issues of Bottom Line, or if you’re not already on the mailing list, visit the North American Limousin Foundation website: North American Limousin Foundation 6 Inverness Court East, Suite 260 Englewood, CO 80112-5595
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the internet and in social media and are highly influenced by sensational headlines regarding LFTB, mad cow disease, antibiotics or Clenbuterol. Millennials are also a main target for animal rights organizations, such as Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), who are focusing on this generation when promoting their vegan agenda. In order to win the battle for consumers and secure beef ’s future on the center of America’s plate, our industry needs to focus on using management practices that are not only science-based, but also accepted by the consumer. This might seem to be a daunting task, but it really isn’t as difficult as the face value. Global Animal Partnership (GAP) is one of largest humane handling programs and audits in the United States, with products going to retailers such as Whole Foods and restaurants like Chipotle. GAP has representatives from both HSUS and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who serve on their standards board. The GAP program is predominately composed of practices that a majority of producers are using along with almost all-natural beef producers. As an industry, we are using practices that even our greatest critics approve of, but unfortunately folks don’t believe it without the third-party audit. The management practices consumers are most interested in (aside from their ideas of enough food, water and
sunshine) is the use of antibiotics, growth promotants and animal handling. Issues such as LFTB and transgluterase are of interest to them, but those are more processor and retailer related matters, which by all means cow/calf producers should be educated enough to speak about, but they have little control over the processes. These practices are more related to the rancher or feedlot operator. The use of antibiotics on farms is a hot button issue with the American public due to the perception they are overused and causes antibiotic resistant bacteria that will affect human medicine, and this in turn is coupled with worries about residues in the meat supply. As producers, we are responsible for ensuring safety and minimizing residues by adhering to withdrawal periods and label instructions. This involves following Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) protocols for drug administration. It remains important to always give injections in the neck, at prescribed levels and subcutaneously if possible. Anti-microbials, such as ionophores, are also thrown into this category for their sub-therapeutic use. Part of the solution to this issue is education from the grassroots level in how these drugs are used and the safety behind the research and the responsible use by ranchers. Growth promotants are typically lumped in with antibiotics in the belief that we “pump our cattle full of hormones and have to give them antibiotics to keep them healthy.” While this idea might seem silly and
unfounded to a producer, according to NCBA research over 18 percent of Millennials believe just that. Growth promotants mainly refer to implants and beta-agonists, which are most commonly used in a feedlot setting but have some use by ranchers. Critics fear residues, especially with hormone implants. In the case of attacks on technology, knowledge is power. At a recent NCBA meeting, Dr. Jude Capper stated that the extra beef from implants and betaagonists on a single carcass supply seven children with school lunches for the year. Research has also shown that the difference in estrogen levels in an implanted steer versus a non-implanted steer equate to 0.4 nanograms per four ounce serving (1.6 nanograms for implanted steer), whereas three ounces of soy oil, a typical vegetarian protein supplement, contains 168,000 nanograms of estrogen. The issues regarding animal handling revolve around the same issue of animal welfare. It is disheartening how quick the public is to believe a video put together by an animal rights group of poor handling and production practices and to extrapolate that it is representative of the entire industry. It is amazing to see how people pay attention to an issue like the E6 Ranch incident and lose sight of the millions of dollars producers have put into animal behavior research, facilities and training. The thousands of producers who attend seminars annually conducted by industry leaders Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill on animal handling know what good husbandry is and put it to
use in their operations. Feedlots and ranches across the country continue to upgrade their facilities in the vein of Temple Grandin’s research and protocols for better handling practices. This is an issue that must be attacked from a grassroots level in order to prevent consumer dissatisfaction and government overreach. All of these technologies and practices are topics we need to be prepared to defend in the near future and it will take an effort from the entire industry to do it. As an industry, we have relied on the science behind what we do to defend our practices for a long time. In today’s media environment where a “mommy blogger” can shut down production of a safe USDA-approved product like LFTB with no history of bacterial contamination, science isn’t enough. As ranchers, we must address the public that is generations removed from the farm and open the barn door. Whether it is hosting a farm or feedlot tour, talking to your congressmen or just the organic Whole Foods shopper down the street, we must act. We stand today on the top of a slippery slope that could lead us toward government regulation of the European vein, where supply is stifled and good producers are forced out of business. It will take producers, backgrounders, livestock market operators, feedlots and packers uniting together to use technology safely and effectively, use animal husbandry wisely and to spread the word publicly to enhance this industry’s image and preserve our way of life. BL
Pfizer Offers Quick Tips Quick Tip #1: Know the basics of strategic deworming Keeping a healthy herd requires proper planning. A strategic deworming approach involves more than administering a dewormer annually. It’s about knowing when parasites could be compromising the health of your cattle. “Timing is critical for strategic deworming programs,” says Gary Sides, Ph.D., Cattle Nutritionist, Pfizer Animal Health Cattle and Equine Technical Services. “Along with timing, selecting the appropriate active ingredient, using proper administration techniques and even taking geography into consideration are all vital parts of getting the most out of your deworming program.” A strategic program aims to interrupt the lifecycle of the parasite. To do that, cattle producers should deworm their herd twice a year— once in the spring at the beginning of grass green up and again in the fall before winter turnout. 2
“If spring deworming is done correctly, it can be very beneficial moving into fall because parasite loads are greatly reduced,” Dr. Sides says. “Likewise, fall deworming is still very important to clean up any parasites that might have been missed earlier in the year and takes care of the parasites that may overwinter in the cattle.” When a dewormer is used correctly as part of a strategic deworming program, it can help cow/calf producers ensure they are feeding cattle, not the parasites, and ultimately allow the animal to utilize forage more efficiently.1 After determining the appropriate timing and identifying the parasites of concern in the area, the next step is choosing the right dewormer. “There is not one single product class that is effective against all internal and external parasites,” Dr. Sides says. “Your veterinarian is a valuable resource to help pick your battles and maximize efficiencies with the parasite products available to you.” Dr. Sides recommends using a broad spectrum dewormer such as Dectomax ® 1% Injectable since it is
proven most effective in controlling the most economically important parasite—the brown stomach worm— for up to 21 days. In regions where biting lice are a concern in the fall, Dectomax Pour-On is a beneficial fall treatment for external parasites. “Implementing a strategic deworming program, could mean big improvements to a producer’s bottom line,” Dr. Sides says.
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Over time, better parasite control will pay with performance. In fact, deworming contributes to a lower cost of production over the lifetime of the animal. “Strategic deworming programs are one of the most important tools in the toolbox,” Dr. Sides says. “Producers looking to improve the health and performance of their cattle this fall continued on Page 4 BOTTOM LINE
Better genetics make a difference where it counts.
Advanced genetic information and management mean better profits by giving you the power to make more precise breeding and selection decisions. Pfizer Animal Genetics has all the products you need to make a difference in your operation. Using our industry-leading DNA tests, you can evaluate economically important traits such as feed efficiency and marbling, determine parentage from multisire breeding pastures, identify genotypes for genetic conditions and homozygous black breeding animals, and a lot more. Learn how Pfizer Animal Genetics products can help you accelerate genetic progress today. HD 50K All brands are the property of Pfizer Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. Š2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PAG12032
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should look to Dectomax to protect their cattle from parasites.” Important Safety Information: Dectomax Injectable has a 35-day preslaughter withdrawal period. Dectomax Pour-On has a 45-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period. Do not use in dairy cows 20 months of age or older. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Dectomax has been developed specifically for cattle and swine. Use in dogs may result in fatalities.
Quick Tip #2: Duration of immunity—confidence labeled on the vaccine Take the guesswork out of managing respiratory disease. A little extra information on a vaccine’s label— like the duration of immunity (DOI) offered by the product—can help cattle producers select a respiratory vaccine that best fits their herd health program. “Duration of immunity label claims can help give producers confidence
their cattle will be protected against respiratory disease throughout the highchallenge periods,” says Jon Seeger, DVM, Pfizer Animal Health Cattle and Equine Technical Services. Vaccines with demonstrated duration of immunity claims—based on disease challenge studies—help offer protection against the specific pathogen for at least the number of days stated on the label. Historically, duration of immunity data has not been required. This means, for example, that a label that reads “annual revaccination” may not denote disease protection for 12 months, Dr. Seeger says. He adds that since not all vaccines have the same, or any, duration of immunity label claims, producers should choose one that covers the desired phase of production. “Producers need to think about the challenges and periods of stress cattle face on their operations,” Dr. Seeger says. “Once they work with their veterinarian to determine their needs, producers can match this with the vaccine that has the capability to help provide protection for the entire
production phase. The duration of immunity may be longer than what they need—it’s most important that it doesn’t fall short.” When managing respiratory disease challenges, Dr. Seeger recommends producers work with their veterinarian to develop a vaccination program that includes a respiratory vaccine such as Bovi-Shield Gold® 5. It helps provide the protection needed to help prevent respiratory disease through each production phase—allowing for maximum flexibility in timing vaccinations to when producers are handling cattle. In addition, Bovi-Shield Gold 5 is the only viral respiratory vaccine that prevents infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus and aids in the prevention of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus Types 1 and 2 respiratory disease for at least 279 days.• Bovi-Shield Gold can be used with confidence knowing additional studies have been performed to demonstrate its duration of immunity, in addition to its superior label claims, Dr. Seeger adds. “Duration of immunity information on the label helps producers take the
guesswork out of understanding the protection provided by a vaccine,” Dr. Seeger says. “It’s an added value for the producer when this type of information is available.” *Prevents IBR respiratory disease and IBR and BVD Types 1 and 2 respiratory DOI claims apply only to SC route of administration. Intramuscular respiratory IBR claim is “aids in prevention.” About Pfizer Animal Health Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www. animalhealth.pfizer.com. BL
All-Natural Beef, How Cross Four Ranch Does Business by Brooke Bennett Director Of Communications North American Limousin Foundation
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he concept of all-natural beef is still new to some consumers. However, at Cross Four Ranch, located just outside of Miles City, Montana, it is their way of doing business. Founded by Fred Wacker nearly 30 years ago, Cross Four Ranch, which spans 400 square miles, is a family run cow/calf, yearling and finished cattle operation that specializes in all-natural beef. Running the ranch is truly a family affair with all members of the Wacker family partaking in some aspect in the daily function of the ranch. The Wacker
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family is comprised of Fred his wife, Gwen, and their four adult children and spouses: daughters Sara and husband, Shane Rehm; Julie and husband, Brian Nowicki; Karen and husband, Blaine Martin; and son Mike and wife, Nicole. Gwen takes charge of the ranch’s bookwork while daughter Sara covers the operation’s accounting. Sara’s husband, Shane, assists the ranch by overseeing the backgrounding lot and the cow/calf and yearling operation. Daughter Julie takes charge of the ranch’s human resources and manages the livestock value-added programs while her husband, Brian, takes charge of cattle, receiving, tracking and scheduling of livestock shipments.
Son Mike and his wife, Nicole, take charge of the farming side of the operation along with owning a livestock trucking business that assists with moving the family’s cattle from ranches to the feedlot. Wacker’s daughter, Karen and her husband, Blaine Martin, live in Bozeman, Montana, and she audits accounts receivable and livestock sales. Though he is a third generation cattle rancher, when Wacker founded the ranch it was hard to gauge what was to come with the future of the operation. “I came to Miles City when I was 22 with a wife, two kids, two saddle horses, a milk cow and her calf, and a crate of chickens,” said Wacker.
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With the $1,700 cash he started with, he has since built up a business that includes not only the ranching enterprises, but also agricultural real estate and insurance agencies. “My dad was a good rancher, he taught me to care for livestock and how to tell the good ones,” he says. Progressive thinking and industrywide understanding help keep his cow sense in tune with seemingly natural business skills. He’s a “people person” and that helps in everything from building ranch relationships to keeping the consumer in mind. In 1985 Wacker introduced LimFlex bulls into his primarily Britishbased cowherd. “By adding Lim-Flex to my breeding program it allowed me to add the additional frame size that my herd was lacking while adding muscle,” said Wacker. Including Lim-Flex into the breeding program at Cross Four Ranch has also increased the performance on cattle as they enter feedyards. Increased average daily gains and better dry-matter conversions have helped lower our cost of gains. Improved yield grades with higher cutability on cattle is reflected directly on grid results with cattle that can consistently grade 80-90% Choice and Prime. Wacker became interested in the natural market in the late 1990s. “My interest in the natural market grew after studying the economics of the natural market. With commodity cattle, you’re competing against every feedlot in the business and doing the exact same thing they’re doing,” Wacker says. “I made up my mind that in the cattle business the only place there was good BOTTOM LINE
money was if you’re willing to step out of the box and do what nobody else wants to do. Then, in the end they would pay you for it.” Once making the decision to raise all-natural cattle Wacker was all-in and seven years ago Cross Four Ranch transitioned the entire operation into natural production. “I started with nearly 900 natural yearlings, but nobody would give a dime bonus for them, however the packers were interested,” said Wacker. “Packers were used to killing a lot of cattle that were grading 60-70 percent Choice and Prime, and we came in with these cattle that beat 90 percent Choice and Prime, and it grabbed their attention.” The family backgrounds cattle at their 12,000-head yard, where they keep an
eye on health, stress and nutrition. “The key to the natural business is keeping the cattle natural,” said Wacker. “We’re doing everything we can to raise a healthy, humanely handed, quality product, so that when you enjoy a beef dinner off our ranch, you’re eating as fine a product as the beef industry has the ability to produce.” During the summer months, Cross Four Ranch runs their yearling cattle primarily in Montana. These cattle are typically shipped in the fall to finish in feedyards located in Colorado and Nebraska. By doing this, it helps insure a year-round supply of cattle with yearlings that typically finish November through April while the calf-fed cattle are usually harvested May through October.
“The natural cattle are setting the feeder-calf markets here in Montana,” said Wacker. “It’s become common to hear comments such as, ‘Those cattle brought X-amount and they aren’t even natural.’ That’s like saying my Hereford cattle did well and they’re not even Angus.” He knows high quality and natural have to be achieved in tandem. The cattle are targeted for several highquality natural programs, including Tyson Fresh Meats, Meyers Natural Beef and National Beef. “If you take a good product and brand it with a good name and get that consistency, it will absolutely sell,” said Wacker. Hi s r o l e i n t h a t c h a i n i s t o make sure the cattle hit all the specifications, which he says is made relatively easy with access to highquality genetics. Bred right and calved, they handle them easy, too, following Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines with an emphasis on weaning and preconditioning. Since deciding to go all-natural, not much has changed in the way Cross Four Ranch operates. “Other than the buying of only natural calves and the recordkeeping, things are pretty much the same,” said Wacker. “We just try to get calves directly off the ranch and buy ones with a history of good health.” For the last six years, the ranch has been equipping its calves with an EID (electronic identification) in order to
keep records of each individual calf. If by chance one loses a tag or gets by them, they get scanned in at the yard and Brian, who is in charge of tracking the cattle, knows right away to keep that animal separated from the rest of the herd until the EID tag is replaced if original ID can be reestablished with the backup tag to track individual ID on that animal. Although there are many benefits to having a computerized system, one that is of crucial importance is the ability to keep individual calf history and provide producer reports. “We track that through a software program and use it to identify groups of cattle that perform better than others,” said Wacker. This computerized system keeps records from death loss to fallout rates, from gains to grades, and then shares the information with producers. “If we can provide more information back to producers, they will continue to improve the genetic quality of their herds and make the beef industry that much better,” said Wacker. What started as a vision from Wacker has now grown into an enterprise for the Montana cattle rancher. Not only has the natural market allowed Cross Four Ranch to develop an in-demand product for consumers, but also because of the dedication from the entire Wacker family, the natural vision has developed into a longestablished tradition. BL
NEW Genomically enhanced EPD, find the best faster! The Limousin and Limflex Genomic Profile – powered by Igenity® – is now available through the North American Limousin Foundation through its partnership with Igenity, a Neogen Company.
Genomically enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) powered by Igenity provide: • Power: The Limousin specific genomic profile was developed using the most powerful genomic tools available.
• Accuracy: Molecular breeding values, combined with traditional
EPDs, increase the accuracy of trait prediction and is proven to predict true genetic merit earlier in life. • Speed: Why wait two or more years and spend precious resources to prove a bull’s value? Time is money, and genomics allows for you to make a decision today on the value of that animal. • Simplicity: Using a single DNA sample you can receive not only a genomic profile, but also parentage, genetic defect testing, coat color and horn/poll status for the best value. To start using the power of the Limousin and Limflex profile, including GE-EPD submit samples directly to NALF at http://www.nalf.org/dna_genomics.php or call 888-320-8747
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Drought May Dictate Marketing Changes by CattleFax
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he USDA Cattle Inventory Report on July 1 confirmed what was mostly known—the beef cowherd continues to decline. With a smaller calf crop forecast for 2012, cattle supplies are not going to increase anytime soon. At the same time, the United States is experiencing a severe drought. Feed and forage costs for cow-calf producers have already—and will continue to—move significantly higher. All of these fundamentals will change how U.S. cow-calf producers manage their herds. Explore the topics below to understand the scope of the drought and address some of the challenges it presents. Far Reaching Drought Effects Based on the U.S. drought monitor map, more than 80 percent of the U.S. beef cowherd is currently affected by abnormally dry weather conditions. The U.S. drought monitor map has five categories ranging from abnormally dry to exceptional drought. This scale and the categories are listed on the map (chart 1). Further analyzing the drought data indicates that more than 50 percent (16 million head) of the U.S. beef cow herd is in a severe to exceptional drought (top three drought categories). This is the highest percentage in that category since the drought monitor data series began in 2000. About 27 percent (8 million head) of the beef cowherd is covered by the two most severe categories listed in the drought map, extreme to exceptional drought. These worst two categories include widespread crop or pasture losses and shortages of water in reservoirs, streams and wells. Interestingly, the percentage of beef cows affected by the two worst drought categories in 2011 was also 27 percent. This was largely because nearly all of Texas and into Oklahoma and New Mexico was in the exceptional drought category, and those three states contain nearly 25 percent of the U.S. beef cowherd. Obv i o u s l y, t h e b i g d i f f e re n c e between this year and last year is the drought is much more widespread across the country.
Chart 1
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On average, only 17 percent of the country has been in the severe to exceptional drought category since 2000. Nearly half of the country (46 percent) is in that category today. The seriousness of the drought will yet again have a long-term influence on the future of the beef cowherd. Cow slaughter levels have increased significantly in recent weeks and unless moisture conditions improve significantly, very soon, the beef cowherd will be down much more than forecasted at the beginning of the year for 2013, and contraction could extend into 2014 as well. Seasonal Cow Prices Harvest cow values are exceptionally seasonal, and prices are affected by an inverse relationship between supply and demand. Higher prices are common in the s p r i n g a n d s u m m e r w h e n c ow slaughter is low and demand is seasonally high due to additional hamburger use (chart 2). The slaughter cow market has been at all-time record highs in 2012 averaging $83.50/cwt. on utility cows. Prices have been mostly seasonal, although values have softened in the last 30 days as more widespread drought has increased cow slaughter numbers in many parts of the country. As a cow-calf producer, how can you utilize the strong seasonal price pattern to your advantage—especially with drought in many parts of the country? For producers affected by drought, early weaning in late summer might be an option. Pregnancy check the cows and sell any open cows immediately. This will stretch a limited grass supply and maximize cull-cow value by beating seasonally lower fall prices. In areas were feed is more ample, traditional weaning in the fall is still the best alternative. Also, consider extending the ownership of open cows until February or March. Prices should increase seasonally— allowing producers to maximize the return on harvest cows. Look for cull-cow prices to stay at or above 2012 levels longer term. The demand for ground beef continues to increase domestically, and smaller cow
slaughter levels are likely once moisture improves grazing conditions. Value of Gain vs. Hay Early weaned calves flooded the summer 2011 market and producers to the north had the feed resources to purchase those calves cheaper and feed them profitably into winter. T h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o p u rc h a s e lightweight calves at discounted rates— or retain ownership of early weaned calves—this summer exists again due to widespread drought. However, the opportunity cost of feeding calves will be considerably higher for most producers this year for two reasons. Producers who purchased lightweight calves the previous two summers and sold them as feeder cattle the following winter received near-record profits. The market paid nearly $500 per head to take a 450-lb. steer in September 2011 and sell it at 750 lbs. in January 2012. The same marketing plan generated around $350/head in revenue the preceding year (chart 3). However, summer 2012 calf prices are more competitive relative to feeder cattle prices. Typically, the 450-to-750-lb. steer price spread is at a seasonal low from July to September, and calf prices have been 16 percent higher than feeder cattle over the last five years. Summer calves are currently bringing 20 percent more than feeder cattle. In other words, calves are bringing $26/ cwt. more than feeder cattle compared to a $20 average advantage. The drought also ensures hay prices will be higher across the United States and producers with extra forage could
Chart 2
find willing buyers this fall and winter. USDA reported hay stocks on May 1 were among some of the lowest in the last 10 years, and hay prices continue to be at near-record highs. The USDA reported U.S. hay price— excluding alfalfa—in July was $184/ton. From July 2011 to May 2012, hay prices advanced $20/ton on average. Similar price increases are possible in the upcoming marketing year. That will incentivize producers to sell hay not needed to winter cows. The opportunity to purchase or retain early-weaned calves and sell them as feeder cattle this winter at a profit is not a guarantee. A combination of tighter cattle supplies, lower corn prices and/or higher deferred live cattle futures prices will be needed to see another aggressive late winter or early spring feeder cattle price rally. A higher calf-to-feeder cattle price spread this summer and the potential to sell extra hay at record prices this winter may make selling both inputs a more profitable and less risky option. Cow-calf producers can become a CattleFax member for as little as $200 per year. Members receive daily market updates as well as detailed weekly market analysis and commentary similar to this article. To learn more a bo u t members hi p, v i s i t w w w. CattleFax.com or call 800/825-7525. CattleFax believes the information provided is accurate and complete, but no warranty is made with respect thereto. CattleFax should not be liable for decisions or actions taken by the user based on the data/information. BL
Chart 3
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Pfizer Animal Health Launches Alverintm Plus And Flunixamine® New brands provide additional animal health solutions for cattle and equine markets.
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fizer Animal Health announced the availability of two new brands, Alverintm Plus (ivermectin/clorsulon) and Flunixamine® (flunixin meglumine), providing additional animal health tools for producers and veterinarians. Both products offer a high-quality, competitively priced animal health option from Pfizer Animal Health for ivermectin/ clorsulon and flunixin meglumine. Alverintm Plus treats and controls important parasites in cattle such as adult liver flukes, gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, cattle grubs, sucking lice and mange mites. Alverintm Plus is available in 500 mL and 1,000 mL plastic bottles for ease of handling. Flunixamine is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) for use in cattle and horses. For cattle, Flunixamine is indicated for the control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), endotoxemia and acute bovine mastitis. It also is indicated for the control of inflammation in endotoxemia. For horses, Flunixamine is recommended for the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal
disorders. It also is recommended for the alleviation of visceral pain associated with colic. Your veterinarian can help ensure proper dosing and administration of Flunixamine, now available in 100 mL and 250 mL glass bottles. As with all products in the Pfizer Animal Health portfolio, Alverintm Plus and Flunixamine are backed by expert technical support. “Alverintm Plus and Flunixamine allow Pfizer Animal Health the opportunity to deliver a wider portfolio of products, giving veterinarians, producers and owners expanded access to innovative products, solutions and services,” says Roger Saltman, DVM, MBA, group director, Cattle and Equine Technical Ser vices, Pfizer Animal Health. “Whether we are expanding our product lines or providing world-class customer and technical support, our goal remains the same—to help keep animals healthy.” In addition to quality services and products such as Alverintm Plus and Flunixamine, Pfizer Animal Health provides industry support through training and education, research and
development, and investment in the future of the veterinary profession and in the beef and equine industries. For more information about Alverintm Plus or Flunixamine, talk with your veterinarian, your animal health supplier or Pfizer Animal Health Customer Service at 855/4AH-PFIZER (855/424-7349). Important Safety Information for Alverintm Plus: Do not treat cattle within 49 days of slaughter. Because a withdrawal time in milk has not been established, do not use in female dairy cattle of breeding age. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. For use in cattle only—use in other animal species may result in severe adverse reactions, including fatality in dogs. Important Safety Information for Flunixamine: Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within four days of the last treatment. Milk that has been taken during treatment and for 36 hours after the last treatment must not be used for food. Not for use in dry dairy cows. A withdrawal period has not been
established for this product in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Do not use in bulls intended for breeding. Not for use in horses intended for food. Approved only for intravenous administration in cattle. Intramuscular administration has resulted in violative residues in the edible tissues of cattle sent to slaughter. About Pfizer Animal Health Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.animalhealth.pfizer.com. BL All brands are the property of their respective owners. ©2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. GCA12046
Drought, The Farm Bill, And Election Day by Colin Woodall Vice President of Government Affairs National Cattleman’s Beef Association
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s we head into fall, the persistent and expanding drought in this country is on the minds of producers, consumers, legislators and even the White House. The current lack of rainfall is being compared to the historic droughts of the mid-1950s and the dust bowl of 1934. This has left cattle producers scrambling for hay and water, and consumers worrying about food prices. In Washington, D.C., the drought has become the center of political wrangling. Congress and the White House have a tendency to take natural disasters in agriculture and turn them into grassroots political spectacles. This one is no different. Right before Congress left for their August recess, the House of Representatives debated and finally passed a drought relief package aimed specifically at cattle producers. This would have renewed the disaster programs included in the 2008 farm bill such as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Program (LFP). The only problem is we didn’t ask for this disaster package, it simply became an election year issue that pitted Republicans against Democrats, and even caused divide within the parties. The final package only passed by five votes. What’s worse is that after all of the painful debate, the House discovered the Senate had already adjourned for August and would not be able to address 8
this bill. More importantly, the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman, Senator Debbie Stabenow, said she would rather complete action on the 2012 Farm Bill rather than do this ad hoc disaster package. This brings me back to my comment about NCBA not asking for a disaster relief bill. For years, agriculture suffered through the pain of experiencing natural disasters without a permanent disaster program. Each time we would suffer through a hurricane, drought, or other plague, Congress would see the political incentive of trying to help farmers and ranchers through passage of an ad hoc disaster package. Many times, each individual package would have different programs, different conditions to determine who qualified, and different ways to administer the program. Producers would apply and typically wait months for any help or payment. In some instances, such as with Hurricane Katrina, producers were even asked to repay money that had been given to them. In order to fix this, NCBA fought to have a permanent disaster program included in the 2008 Farm Bill. We were successful in getting this done, but in order to meet the budget constraints, those programs expired a year before the Farm Bill did. Now we find ourselves once again looking at ad hoc assistance. NCBA is asking that the House and Senate finish the 2012 Farm Bill in order to re-establish the permanent disaster program and give some certainty to producers who choose to utilize these
programs. The 2012 Farm Bill also includes provisions that make it easier to hay and graze CRP land in emergency situations. These permanent programs, not ad hoc assistance, are the best way to address the plight of producers caught in the middle of this drought. The drought has also energized the debate over the mandated use of corn for ethanol. First off, NCBA is not against ethanol. Our message has always been simple; we are against the government mandated use of ethanol. When the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was put in place through action taken in 2005 and 2007, the cattle industry warned of the dangers in mandating that a certain number of gallons of ethanol be produced each year. Our concern was based on the influence that mandated use would have on the corn market, and more importantly, how the RFS would impact our industry in a drought situation like we have now. As a result of our concerns, the White House threw us a bone by providing a waiver process to reduce the RFS in times of drought. In August, NCBA joined other livestock producer groups in filing a petition with EPA in order to get this waiver. We were supported in our request by nearly 30 Senators and over 150 members of the House of Representatives. In addition, several state governors have also filed a petition seeking a waiver. Our hope is that the EPA will recognize the extreme drought and poor crop conditions will cause the corn carryover to be the lowest we have
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probably seen since the 2005-2006 crop year. A simple reduction in the RFS will give producers and the markets confidence we will not sacrifice our livestock feeding industry for the sake of an arbitrary renewable fuels mandate. If for some reason EPA does not grant the waiver, we must ask the White House and ethanol industry just how bad a drought has to get before relief will be considered. As I mentioned above, this drought has been politicized by both sides of the aisle. That typically doesn’t result in sound public policy. President Obama has even made the decision to lead the disaster assistance effort himself. All the more reason to make sure you have registered to vote. Many have said this is an historic election year. I argue that every Election Day is historic because those elected, from County Commissioner to President, have an impact on our daily lives. November 6, we will be electing a President, a whole new House of Representatives (all 435 members), and a third of the U.S. Senate. Those elected will determine the fights our industry will have over the next two years. If you have not registered to vote, get out there and do it. Also, put Election Day on your calendar. With options to vote absentee or early in most precincts and jurisdictions, there is no excuse not to cast your vote. Every vote is important and it is a right we have been given thanks to the sacrifices made by many before us, and by the current sacrifices to protect it. BL BOTTOM LINE
1 or 100
Where Quantity Meets Quality
We are one of North America’s largest sources for registered Limousin. To complement our quantity, we installed a strict culling system, rigorous herd health standards and an aggressive AI program to ensure we provide you with the breed’s best Limousin. Rest assured, whether you need one or 100, we can meet your quality requirements. Come to Elizabeth, Colorado, and drive through our pastures, we’d love to show you the herd.
Each year we market 2-year-old bulls, bred heifers, cows and open replacements females. We specialize in raising cattle that are built to last, efficient, performance-oriented and loaded with carcass value.
All Limousin Are Marketed Privately Off The Ranch
»» 2-Year-Old Bulls »» Bred Females—AI’d to calving-ease sires and due March & April 2013
For pricing and availability, give us a call today.
Whether you need 1 or 100, look to your one-stop shopping source—Running Creek Ranch. www.RunningCreekRanch.com
Level 4 Johne’s-Free Certified Herd
Joe Freund Sr. 45400 County Road 21 • Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 • 303/840-1850 Home • 303/341-9310 Office Joey Freund - 303/841-7901 • Pat Kelley - 303/840-1848 • Casey Kelley - 720/480-6709 www.runningcreekranch.com
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Breeder Spotlight Want to advertise in the Breeder Spotlight section? It’s easy! Call Brooke Bennett at (303) 220-1693, ext. 117.
North Central Region Breeders
Hunt Limousin Ranch
Charles & Nancy Hunt Dan, Melinda, Jenna, Adeline & Houston Hunt 10329 Highway 136 • Oxford, Nebraska 68967 308/473-8521 • 308/991-3373 (Dan) e-mail: huntlimo@huntlimousin.com • Web: www.huntlimousin.com Certified Level 4 Johne’s Negative Cowherd
Austin, Leah, Bailee, Pitch & Tripp Hager 4651 2nd Ave. NE • Karlsruhe, North Dakota 58744 701/525-6363 • 701/626-2345 mobile www.HagerCattleCompany.com
Linhart Limousin
Spring Creeks Cattle Company
Bob Mitchell & Sons 48715 Hilldale Rd., Wauzeka, Wisconsin 53826 www.springcreekscattleco.com Bob, home: 608/875-5049 • Cell: 608/553-0971 Matt: 608/553-1251 • Bart: 608/553-8070 • Scott: 608/553-8069
John: 605.880.8061 | Paul: 605.880.0039 Brad: 605.880.9822 | Warren: 605.237.2127 Office: 605.448.2624 | Fax: 605.448.5786 PO Box 155, Amherst, SD 57421 e-mail: jssymens@venturecomm.net www.symensbrothers.com Predictable. Efficient. YIELD.
Stan, Mike, Mark, Dean and Chad Settje Chad • 402/910-5504 | Dean • 402/649-2615 Mike • 402/487-2897 or 402/920-0230 82291 560th Avenue • Creston, NE 68631 www.lonelyvalley.com
Robert “Cookie” & Mary Nielson 605/203-0903 | 605/203-0904
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21314 OSR • Madisonville, TX 77864 Jim, cell (281) 808-3473 Kevin, cell (281) 808-5511 Kevin Counsil, show barn mgr. www.counsilfamilylimousins.com
Lance Hall • 325/235-4345 office Ken Holloway • 580/597-2419, night 580/581-7652, day • 580/597-3006, office Clendon Bailey, Cattle Manager • 580/597-3325 23998 State Hwy. 5 • Chattanooga, OK 73528 www.hallchr.com • e-mail: chr@hallchr.com
Sale: Feb. 16, 2013 Jim Watts • Jamie, Jack, Sam & Alex Watts 3647 Rd. AA • Fairfield, NE 68938 Home/Fax: (402)262-2240 • e-mail: wattscattle@yahoo.com Jim, cell: (402)462-0678 • Jamie, cell: (402)984-0177
Limousin Gene and Virginia Raymond • 785/448-3708 • 785/448-8026 cell Arne and Stacy Hanson • 785/448-6142 • 785/448-8027 cell 20217 NW Hwy. 31 • Garnett, Kansas 66032 • gvlimousin@ecksor.net
Level 3 Johnes - Free Certified Herd
Wallace & Noreen Wieczorek 39778 267th Street • Mount Vernon, South Dakota 57363 • 605/227-4611
Curt & Leanne Wieczorek 39768 267th Street • Mount Vernon, South Dakota 57363 • 605/227-4601
Adam, Michelle & Greyson Nielson 605/203-0733 | 605/203-0732
Jim, Priscilla & Jared Schott 27601 108th St. • McLaughlin, SD 57642 605-823-4974 • info@schottranch.com • www.schottranch.com
BQA II Certified Herd Certified Brucellosis- and TB-Free
Jack. Vicky. Josh. Jase. Jamye. 24300 McDonald Dr. • Lebanon, MO 65536 800/543-3474 • jack@jbarjlimousin.com • www.jbarjlimousin.com
Annual Bull Sale In February
20129 450th Ave • Arlington, SD 57212 www.romnlimousin.com • romnlimo@msn.com
Owners: Jim & Carole Counsil
Tom & Rita Vaughn & Sons 9741 142nd Ave. NE • Cavalier, ND 58220 Home: 701/265-4097 • Cell: 701/520-0110 David: 701/520-2556 • e-mail: tomv@polarcomm.com
27195 175th St. • Leon, Iowa 50144 • www.linhartlimousin.com Charles Linhart: 641/340-1306 • David Linhart: 641/446-6906 John Linhart: 515/210-8048
Lonely Valley Limousin
South Central Region Breeders
Leonard Wulf & Sons 47694 320th Street Morris, MN 56267 Farm (320) 392-5802 Fax (320) 392-5504 wulf@wulflimousin.com www.wulflimousin.com Jerry Wulf (320) 491-1390 Cowherd Manager: Eric Zeltwanger (320) 766-0066 Customer Relations: Joel Edge (319) 540-1731 • Jim Wulf (320) 491-6312 10 mi. south of Morris on Hwy. 59
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KEETON LIMOUSIN Leonard & Betty Keeton • Lyle & Shana Keeton 10510 CR 1100 • Wolfforth, Texas 79382 806/866-9440 • Leonard & Betty 806/866-9049 • Lyle & Shana 806/866-9441 • Fax • e-mail: llkt@door.net www.KeetonShowSteers.com
L F Bruce, Paula & Lee Roy Lawrence A A Jonny, Amber, Tucker & Colt Parkinson W M P.O. Box 299 • Anton, Texas 79313 R I 806/997-5381 E L e-mail: bll1@dtnspeed.net N Y www.LawrenceFamilyLimousin.com C E L I M O U S I N BOTTOM LINE
www.
308 West Mill • Plainville, Kansas 67663 Roger Comeau, owner • 785.434.4686 Mike Smith, manager • 785.885.4882 • Mobile: 785.737.6053
LuckiLimo.com Ves & Marge Garner
Chris & Laura Milam Caroline, Andrew, Zachary 785 Cedar Grove Rd. Olmstead, Kentucky 42265 Home: 270/726-1803 Mobile: 270/847-0634 e-mail: cmila2@uky.edu
VALE, Oregon (541) 473-BEEF e-mail: luckilimo@q.com
TB-Free Herd
Wies Limousin Ranch Bob & Euvonne Wies | Mike & Heather Henderson, Mgrs. 103 Harris School Road - Wellsville, Missouri 63384 (573)684-2773 | text (573)220-5768 | www.wieslimousin.com
Gary Magness, Owner Southern Division PO Box 190, Platteville, CO 80651 53160 E. 110th Rd., Miami, OK 74354 970/785-6170, office 918/541-5482, George Hubbard www.magnesscattle.com
Bob & Gwen Minerich, Owners • (859) 582-6888, Bob-cell 2003 Barnes Mill Road • Richmond, KY 40475 Office: (859) 328-7118 • Fax: (859) 328-7120 Mark Smith, Herd Consultant (515) 965-1458
Western Region Breeders
MILLERBERG LIMOUSIN Limousin and Lim-Flex Genetics Available
491 E 12000 South • Draper, Utah 84020 Bob Millerberg • 801/566-4665 Home • 801/561-9911 Office Jim Millerberg • 801/301-2953 Mobile
Jim & Jay Justice and Family 2765 Louisville Rd. | Harrodsburg, KY 40330 gbcattleco@gmail.com | Jeff Kaufman, Manager, 540/280-5388 “Check us out on Facebook”
Don Beus • 502 E. Vineyard Ln. • Pasco, WA 99301 Brad Beus • 509/727-2082 • e-mail: bwbeus@msn.com
53717 Gallagher Road • Charlo, MT 59824 Larry & Anita Coleman • (406) 644-2300 Trent & Melissa Coleman • (406) 644-2707 www.colemanlimousinranch.com
Kevin & Julie Ochsner and Family 30300 WCR 388 • Kersey, CO 80644 • tenderleanbeef@hughes.net H: 970-351-6008 • M: 970-396-5525 Conveniently located 60 miles northeast of Denver, CO.
152 Florida Lane | New Florence, PA 15944 John & Kitty Goodish - 724/235-2178 www.tubmillcreekfarms.com
Limousin Services Level 4 Johne’s-Free Certified Herd
limousin & lim-flex Gordon, Earline & Kassi Schuppe
25653 CR 63, Iliff, CO 80736 970-522-8195 or 970-580-8195 • gschuppe@dishmail.net
24018 State Hwy. 5 Chattanooga, OK 73528 580/597-3006 • Fax: 580/597-6619 Email: acs@americancattleservices.com
Joe Freund Sr. 45400 County Road 21 • Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 303/840-1850 Home • 303/341-9310 Office Joey Freund - 303/841-7901 Pat Kelley - 303/840-1848 • Casey Kelley - 720/480-6709 www.runningcreekranch.com
Ken Holloway • 580/597-2419 mobile: 580/581-7652 Bruce Brooks • 580/276-5137 mobile: 580/695-2036
Sale is 1 Saturday in March. st
www.GatesLimousin.com
Cattle Available For Sale By Private Treaty
Bill & Mary Gates • Gary & Brandi Gates 250 Stillwater River Rd. • Absarokee, MT 59001 • www.gateslimousin.com 406/328-4393 • mary@gateslimousin.com • gary@gateslimousin.com
Seedstock Consultants Specialized Sales
Brad and Janet Waddle 440 Road 161 • Pine Bluffs, Wyoming 82082 307/245-3599 Phone/Fax e-mail: waddlelimousin@rtconnect.net
2300 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23220 Keith Kissee • Cell: 817-821-6263 Ph: 804/353-2220 • Fax: 804/353-2221 email: kkseedstock@comcast.net www.kkseedstock.com
Eastern Region Breeders
R&R Marketing Company Solid Values, Futuristic Vision
Mat & Wendy Lewis
30849 Co. Rd. 56 • Iliff, CO 80736 (970)521-0545 • Cell: (970)580-8209 • lewislimousin@kci.net BOTTOM LINE
John Ethington - Cattle Manager - 859.533.1301 Bob Knudsen - Farm Manager - 859.621.2140 John Tobe - Owner - 859.621.4411 761 Engleman Lane - Lancaster, Kentucky 40444 englewoodfarm@live.com - www.englewoodfarm.com FALL 2012
Randall O. Ratliff Cell: 615.330.2735 Fax: 615.255.8992
(L#2845)
PO Box 281677 Nashville, TN 37228 Randy@RRMktg.com www.RRMktg.com
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PFBFBIOS2001 BSG-BEEF-HUNTING COW_9.5x13.5
If she can’t stay pregnant, what else will she do? Keep your cows pregnant and on the job. Bovi-Shield GOLD FP® 5 L5 HB* is the only viral combination vaccine to prevent Lepto hardjo-bovis for a full 365 days. Ask your veterinarian or Pfizer Animal Health representative how to protect her pregnancy, your reproductive program and your bottom line. *Do not use in pregnant cattle (abortions can result) unless they were vaccinated, according to label directions, with any Bovi-Shield GOLD FP® or PregGuard GOLD FP vaccine prebreeding initially and within 12 months thereafter. Do not use in calves nursing pregnant cows unless their dams were vaccinated within the past 12 months as described above. To help ensure safety in pregnant cattle, heifers must receive at least 2 doses of any Bovi-Shield GOLD FP or PregGuard GOLD FP product with the second dose administered approximately 30 days prebreeding. All brands are the property of Pfizer Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. ©2011 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. BSD11050
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