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BLOCK Talk
I am pretty sure we aren’t out of the woods yet, so to speak, but the last rain we had sure seems to make a difference. I was on the road, doing windshield time thinking of all the things that really needed to be done that were put on hold with my travels, when I realized the scenery had changed a little. Most tanks were full in the areas that received the needed moisture and spring like temperatures had allowed some cool season grasses to green up a little. The winter annuals seem to take a big jump with the moisture. I am still worried about subsoil moisture, but even more worried for the pastures in a lot of areas. Hay shortages and high grain prices have led to some overgrazing. I don’t know how to cure that except with a little rest and moisture for those pastures, but it makes you stop and realize how long it will take those “grass factories” to recover from the abuse. Hay is in really tight supply and I don’t know if it will get any better even if we do get more than adequate moisture. Those forages are stressed and I don’t think good fertilization will make those fields yield what they have in the past. I keep hearing if you can find hay it’s too expensive or if you find it cheap enough, then the transportation costs make it pretty hard to buy it. A lot of places I have been weaned early and have their cows in pretty good shape for calving, but just because she does her job and has a live calf doesn’t mean you can let her slide. Those lactating cows are going to need some extra nutrition to stay in good shape and breed back. Hopefully, Mother Nature will take care of that and give us some good moisture so we can grow some grass. Stocking rates are going to come with a “handle with care” sign this spring. Things like weed spraying and a healthy dose of fertilizer are going to be needed to help those pastures. I was shocked to see the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture ask for a waiver to sponsor undocumented workers. He said agriculture was suffering a little because of a labor shortage. I tend to agree with Arizona’s position on immigration. It’s a little better in my mind than making a waiver so we can pay for more illegal aliens to be here when they don’t pay taxes. The burden doesn’t stop there it goes to the health care and education system too, not to mention increased crime and other things that simply make agriculture having a cheap labor force not enough to convince me. I know I may have a harsh opinion. Georgia used former law breakers to help harvest fruit and vegetables. It sickens me the amount of people who say they want to work, but when they’re offered a job it’s not good enough. If these illegal workers want to be here so bad (and the Latino population is growing every day) make them citizens, even if it’s temporary, and make them join the ranks of the tax paying Americans that are living the dream. Does our President’s stand on taxing the rich guys more hold up when there is a large percentage that doesn’t pay anything at all? I’d think I’d be after these folks first then find a solution for the rich. That picture of Teddy Roosevelt welcoming immigrants and saying for this to work we all must do three things, “Get a job, speak English and pay taxes”, still resonates pretty heavily in my mind when we talk immigration. Everything seems to come back to politics today. You can’t turn on the TV without seeing grown men scuffle like teenage girls would in the bathroom at a high school dance. On positive note, for politicians if there is such a thing, it seems our President (for all his other faults) may enjoy beef. This is a good thing because the First Lady is a real health freak and she would know that piece of meat is a pretty good source of your daily required nutrients. Rare roast beef, burgers, short ribs, Texas and Nebraska Wagyu beef and brisket have all been featured at the White House for special occasions. So even though we can laugh at him picking the NCAA basketball bracket or being on Letterman when the country seems to be falling apart, the President and the First Lady obviously know a celebration begins with beef. The question is: Who paid for the First Lady’s birthday celebration? The public or did the President throw down his own American Express. Supposedly, the Obamas have a favorite steakhouse in the Washington DC area where they dined on $81 American Kobe steaks. You think that’s high dollar, there is an Obama burger at the same joint (it probably doesn’t fit the same category as the restaurants on Diners, Drive-ins and Drives, like several Oklahoma favorites) costs $28 and consists of American Kobe beef, with bacon, cheddar and burnt tomato ketchup with scallion mustard. While I like to enjoy a good steak or good hamburger and a cold adult beverage out at a lot of places, you won’t find this country boy paying those prices to enjoy beef. Like I said earlier, we’re supposed to be in a tough economy right now, the proprietors of that establishment show some rather large you-know-whats to even charge that much. Reminds me of a time I went to one of those fancy get-ups with $100 gift certificate and still almost had to wash dishes to get out of there. It does me a lot of good though to know this administration can actually do one thing right while it’s in office and if it keeps those steak houses open and serving great American beef then more power too them. I touched a little on this last column, but it still pains me to see professionals who do not know what grades beef are and others who will stand by and preach organics or all naturals are better than good old fashioned corn fed beef. I am a foodie and watch too much TV, but I like to take in food network programs. I about fell off my couch when one of their acclaimed chefs said “There’s no such thing as upper 2/3’s Choice, just Select, Choice and Prime beef.” Where’s he been the last 20 years while Certified Angus Beef was carving its niche? I guess even the queue cards can be wrong and we need to send the director and chef to a meats course. Another big time chef hosted some butchers and while I was very pleased how the different cuts and preparation techniques were discussed, I quickly became disgusted when the cry that organics or all natural products didn’t have all the junk in them conventionally produced beef did. Who are they kidding, there is no difference in nutrient content and the grass fed beef enthusiasts get by with more Omegas. I guess I should be glad they’re eating beef and saying nice things about it, no matter what the raising practice is. The sale season has begun and I know some folks who are just getting over the Denver crud. Once again this year I escaped having to deal with that and early sale results are promising for a good spring. With calf prices hitting record levels, I can’t think of a better time to invest in new genetics. Champions Named At 2012 National Western Stock Show Super Point ROV Angus Show
Angus enthusiasts led 326 entries at the 2012 National Western Stock Show Super Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Jan. 11-13 in Denver, Colo. Doug Worthington, Modesto, Calif., evaluated the 242 females, 81 bulls and three cow-calf pairs before selecting the champions. Dameron First Impression claimed the grand champion bull title after first earning the intermediate champion title. Express Angus Ranches, Yukon, Okla.; Seldom Rest Farms, Niles, Mich.; and Dameron Angus Farm, Lexington, Ill., own the May 2010 son of S A V Brillance 8077. 74-51 Cattle Company LLC, Stillwater, Okla., owns the reserve grand champion bull. 74-51 Changing Time 060 is an April 2010 son of Exar Lutton 1831 and was first named junior champion. Kyle Anderson, Chrisman, Ill., owns the grand champion female. Dameron Northern Miss 0109 is an April 2010 daughter of EXG RS First Rate S903 R3 and first won junior champion. Shane Heizer, Hagerstown, Md., claimed reserve grand champion female. Fancy Chance Lady 65 is an April 2010 daughter of CJ SH Liquid Asset 8660 and first won reserve junior champion. Clinton Laflin, Olsburg, Kan., showed the grand champion cow-calf pair. Laflins Primrose 8153 is a March 2008 daughter of Connealy Thunder. She has a June 2011 bull calf sired by S A V Bismarck 5682 at side. Katelyn McCoy, La Grande, Ore., captured reserve grand champion cow-calf pair honors. McCoy Anita 503 is a June 2005 daughter of B A R Ext Traveler 205. A September 2011 heifer calf sired by of S A V Brilliance 8077 completes the winning pair. Angus Genetics Showcased At 2012 National Western Angus Carload & Pen Show
Angus producers competed for top honors during the 2012 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Angus Carload & Pen Show, Jan. 14 in Denver, Colo. Three carloads and 34 pens-of-three were showcased in the Yards during the 106th NWSS. Rick Blanchard, Firebaugh, Calif.; Jonathan Perry, Fayetteville, Tenn.; and Jeff Gooden, Iberia, Mo., evaluated the bulls and selected champions. Express Angus Ranches, Yukon, Okla., claimed grand champion carload, with 10 January and February 2011 bulls sired by Connealy Consensus 7229; Sitz Upward 307R; EXAR Worldwide 9600B; Rito 6EM3 of 4L1 Emblazon; and B/R New Day 454. The group weighed an average of 1,420 pounds and posted an average scrotal circumference of 40.5 centimeters. Flesch Angus, Shelby, Mont., exhibited the reserve grand champion carload with January and February 2011 bulls sired by Connealy Revenue 7289, Soo Line Kodiak 9143; Sitz Upward 307R; Connealy Stimulus 8419; and S A V Iron Mountain 8066. The ten bulls posted an average weight of 1,310 pounds, and an average scrotal circumference of 37.9 centimeters. Express Angus Ranches, Yukon, Okla., showcased the grand champion pen of three with January, February and March 2011 sons of Dameron First Class and S A V Bismarck 5682. The trio posted an average weight of 1,282 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 35.7 centimeters. The bulls first won late calf champion pen of three. Bush Angus, Britton, S.D., captured the reserve grand champion pen of three title after first winning reserve late calf champion pen of three. The March 2011 sons of Vin-Mar O’Reilly Factor and Soo Line Kodiak 8073 posted an average weight of 1,258 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 37.3 centimeters. Gelbvieh Association Elects 2012 Board Of Directors
Members of the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) elected five candidates to serve three-year terms on the AGA Board of Directors. The election was held during the annual membership meeting at the AGA "Blazing New Tails" annual convention January 4-7, 2012 in Denver, Colo. Newly elected board members are Andy LeDoux, Agenda, Kan., Neal Pearson, Lake City, S.D., and Duane Strider, Asheboro, N.C. Re-elected to serve second terms were Rob Arnold, Minot, N.D., and Bob Prosser, Winslow, Ariz. The Board of Directors then elected individuals to serve in leadership positions on the 2012 AGA Executive Committee. Mark Goes, Odell, Neb., was selected as the 28th president of the American Gelbvieh Association. He succeeds Past President Jim Beastrom, Pierre, S.D. Elected as vice president was Brian Dunn, St. John, Kan. Rob Arnold was elected as secretary and Dan Warner, Beaver City, Neb., will serve as treasurer. The other members of the AGA Board of Directors are: Ken Flikkema, Bozeman, Mont., Bob Hart, Kansas City, Kan., John Huston, New Carlisle, Ohio, David Martin, Judsonia, Ark., Grant Thayer, Ramah, Colo., Gary Tilghman, Glasgow, Ky., and Nancy Wilkinson, Model, Colo. Retiring members of the 2011 AGA Board of Directors were Jim Beastrom, Dick Helms, Arapahoe, Neb., and Brian Schafer, Goodhue, Minn. The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,500 members and registering approximately 40,000 animals annually. The American Gelbvieh Association is dedicated to its mission of "Recording, promoting and improving Gelbvieh cattle." For more information visit www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333. NWSS National Gelbvieh And Balancer® Show Champions Rise To Success
The American Gelbvieh Association held their annual National Gelbvieh and Balancer® Show on January 9, 2012 in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, Colo. A total of 216 Gelbvieh and Balancer entries were paraded in the national show. Judge Doug Satree, Montague, Texas evaluated the 68 Gelbvieh females, 40 Gelbvieh bulls, 63 Balancer females and 45 Balancer bulls. Claiming the honors of national grand champion Gelbvieh female was GGGE 3G X-Factor 014X exhibited by Emily Griffiths, Kendallville, Ind. This January 6, 2010 daughter of GGGE 3G Time Machine was first named champion Gelbvieh junior heifer. The reserve grand champion national Gelbvieh female was exhibited by Kaycie Shearer, Canton, Kan. CIRS 72WY is a January 15, 2011 daughter of CIRS KING and first claimed the champion winter heifer calf division. Ridinger Cattle Company, Deer Trail, Colo., exhibited the national grand champion Gelbvieh bull. RID R G-Force 922W is a March 7, 2009 son of JCGR BAR GT Flashback. He was first named the champion senior bull. Coming out of the same senior bull division was the national reserve grand champion Gelbvieh bull. JRI Trump 270W13B is an August 27, 2009 son of JRI Extra Exposure and was exhibited by Judd Ranch, Inc., Pomona, Kan. In the National Balancer Show, the grand champion female honors went to Emily Griffiths with GGGE 3G Cowgirl Wisdom 951W. This cow-calf division champion is a two-year old cow sired by GGGE 3G Smoke N' Mirrors and showed with a May 2011 GGGE 3G Time Machine calf at side. The national reserve grand champion Balancer female was BCFG Butlers Ms Deb 10X. Exhibited by Butler Creek Farms and LeDoux Ranch, Milton, Tenn., this January 9, 2010 female was sired by BCFG Butlers Cherokee 504T ET. She was first named champion junior heifer. Eagle Pass Ranch, Highmore, S.D., exhibited the grand champion Balancer bull. EGL Roundup X777 is a March 22, 2010 son of EGL Northern Dancer and came out of the junior bull division. The reserve grand champion national Balancer bull was GGGE 3G Warlock 928W, exhibited by Emily Griffiths. This February 7, 2009 son of GGGE 3G Smoke N' Mirrors son was first named champion senior bull. In the group classes, Circle S Ranch, Canton, Kan., made a clean sweep. They exhibited the champion produce of dam, get-of-sire, and best four head. The premier exhibitor and premier breeder awards went to Emily Griffiths. The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,500 members and registering approximately 40,000 animals annually. For more information visit www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333. Champions Selected at 2012 National Western Hereford Show
KANSAS CITY, MO--Hereford excitement abounded from the Yards to the Hill at the National Western Stock Show Jan. 12-14 in Denver. A total of 738 Herefords were exhibited throughout the three-day event, which is about 100 more than last year. There was 408 head in the open show, 133 in the junior show, 32 pens of bulls, 17 heifer pens and five carloads. Hereford activities got underway in the Stadium Arena on the Hill with the junior show on Thursday, Jan. 12, judged by Lydell Meier, Clinton, Tenn. Following the junior show, Jarold Callahan, Yukon, Okla., evaluated the bull show. Friday, Jan. 13, was the pen and carload show, judged by Cody Lowderman, Macomb, Ill., Greg Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho, and Chris Scharbauer, Amarillo, Texas. Completing the day was the Mile High Night National Hereford Sale in the Beef Palace Auction Arena. Then, Saturday Callahan judged the female show back on the Hill. Winning supreme Hereford and grand champion polled bull honors was Ned and Jan Ward, Sheridan, Wyo., and River Valley Polled Herefords, Newburg, Ont., with NJW 73S M326 Trust 100W ET. He is a Feb. 24, 2009, son of KCF Bennett 3008 and showed with EPDs of birth weight (BW) 2.3; weaning weight (WW) 58; yearling weight (YW) 92; milk (MM) 23; and milk & growth (M&G) 52. He weighed 2,609 lb. and had a weight per day average (WDA) of 2.48. Champion horned bull honors went to Hoffman Herefords, Thedford, Neb., and OJJ Ranch, Shelley, Idaho, with H W4 Grizzly 0146 ET. He is a May 2010 son of Golden Oak Outcross 18U and showed with EPDs of BW 4.4; WW 62; YW 109; MM 26 and M&G 57. He weighed 2,005 lb. and had a WDA of 3.27. Reserve champion polled bull went to Star Lake Cattle Ranch, Skiatook, Okla.; DeLHawk Cattle, Earlville, Ill.; Moss Land & Cattle, Powell Butte, Ore.; and Shock Wave Group, Skiatook, Okla., with STAR Shock Wave 13Y ET. He is a January 2011 son of STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET and showed with EPDs of BW 5.1; WW 49; YW 83; MM 20; and M&G 45. He weighed 1,385 for a WDA of 3.73. Colyer Herefords, Bruneau, Idaho, and Curtis & Jackie Castle, Crawford, Okla., won the reserve champion horned bull title with C Chanel’s Nitro 1027 ET. He is a January 2011 son of UPS TCC Nitro 1ET and showed with EPDs of BW 4.4; WW 57; YW 90; MM 20 and M&G 48. He weighed 1,473 lb. and had a 3.97 WDA. Saturday in the female show junior members dominated. TCC Ms Diana 01 captured champion polled female honors in both the open and junior shows. She is owned by Blake Tucker, North Platte, Neb., and is a March 2010 daughter of CRR About Time 743. She showed with EPDs of BW 3.3; WW 55; YW 82; MM 20 and M&G 47. Champion horned female honors went to junior member Haley Hudson, Harrison, Ark., with Churchill Lady 0230X ET. She is a September 2010 daughter of Golden Oak Outcross 18U and showed with EPDs of BW 5.3; WW 62; YW 101; MM 21 and M&G 52. Bailey Buck, Madill, Okla., another junior, won the reserve champion polled female banner in both the open and junior shows with Blacktop Vicky 028 ET. She is a January 2010 daughter of BR Moler ET and showed with EPDs of BW 3.1; WW 44; YW 69; MM 17 and M&G 39. Junior member Elizabeth Nessler, Sherman, Ill., claimed the reserve horned female championship with GKB TMH 158W Breeze B113 ET. She is a January 2011 daughter of STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET and showed with EPDs of BW 5.8; WW 55; YW 91; MM 19 and M&G 47. In the horned division, Four L Hereford Farm, Atwood, Tenn., was named premier exhibitor, co-premier breeder and exhibited the best six head. Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas, shared the premier breeder title. Four L Hereford Farm also exhibited the best get-of-sire with a group sired by GH Rambo 279R. On the polled side, Star Lake Cattle Ranch claimed premier breeder, premier exhibitor and best six head banners. Star Lake also won best get-of-sire with a group sired by STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET. In the junior show, Korbin Collins, Flanagan, Ill., captured the champion horned female banner with Purple RRO Ruby 41X by JCS Showtime. Kari Brumley, Orovada, Nev., showed the reserve champion horned female, BF 743 Burlesque 092X ET by CRR About Time 743. Star Lake, Colyer Take Top Honors In Hereford Yard Show
KANSAS CITY, MO--Star Lake Cattle Ranch, Skiatook, Okla., reigned victorious yet again in the Hereford carload show capturing win number 13 on lucky Friday the 13th during the 2012 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver. Colyer Herefords, Bruneau, Idaho, topped the pen of three bull show for the second year in a row and Grandview/CMR, Como, Miss., won the pen of three female show in the Denver Yards. Greg Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho, Chris Scharbauer, Amarillo, Texas, and Cody Lowderman, Macomb, Ill., teamed up to evaluate the Yard shows which included five carloads, 32 bull pens and 17 heifer pens. Star Lake Cattle Ranch’s champion carload of junior bull calves topped the scales at an average weight of 1,296 lb., and a weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.64. The group was sired by TH 75J 243R Bailout 144U ET, STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET, FCC 7M Quantum 2U, GO Advance S109, STAR Bright Future 533P ET, STAR KKH SSF Kamikaze 41W ET and CRR About Time 743. On show day the group posted average expected progeny differences (EPDs) of birth weight (BW) 4.9; weaning weight (WW) 55; yearling weight (YW) 93; milk (MM) 22; and milk and growth (M&G) 49. The group had an average scrotal measurement of 36.5 cm. Reserve grand champion carload honors went to Delaney Herefords Inc., Lake Benton, Minn. the reserve champion carload of junior bulls calves exhibited by The group was sired by STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET, SHF Rib Eye M326 R117, Harvie Tailor Made ET 7W, AH JDH Cracker Jack 26U ET, THR Thor 4029 and TH 122 711 Victor 719T. The average weight of the load was 1,092 lb. and they calculated a WDA of 3.37. The average EPDs of the group were BW 4.0; WW 55; YW 83; MM 23; and M&G 51. They had an average scrotal measurement of 36.7 cm. Standing in the 2012 pen show spotlight was Colyer Herefords with its pen that first claimed the champion junior bull calf division. The calves were sired by UPS TCC Nitro 1ET, C New Era ET and TH SHR 605 57G Bismarck 243R, averaged 1,267 lb., and had a calculated WDA of 3.63 with an average scrotal measurement of 37.3 cm. The group’s EPDs were BW 4.3; WW 55; YW 88; MM 21; and M&G 49. Sandhill Farms, Courtland, Kan., was reserve champion in the junior bull calf division before being selected reserve grand champion pen with a group sired by THR Thor 4029, SHF Wonder M326 W18 ET and SHF Vision R117 U38. The average EPDs on the bulls were BW 2.6; WW 55; YW 85; MM 22; and M&G 49. The pen weighed an average of 1,162 lb. and calculated a 3.48 WDA with a 41.2 cm average scrotal measurement. The grand champion pen of females and champion in the junior heifer calf division exhibited by Grandview/CMR and sired by PW Victor Boomer P606. The group posted average EPDs of BW 5.0; WW 51; YW 78; MM 30; and M&G 55. Perks Ranch, Rockford, Ill., showed the reserve champion pen of three females. These heifers were sired Th 75J 243R Bailout 144U ET. The group posted EPDs of BW 4.3; WW 49; YW 86; MM 17; and M&G 42. Light Shines On Rodeo’s Brightest Stars
The Biggest Names in the Sport Preparing for 2012 Timed Event Championship
Guthrie, OK--The greatest names in professional rodeo already have their sights set on the fabulous Lazy E Arena and the 2012 Timed Event Championship of the World – Mach 2nd thru 4th. This is much more than an exhibition of ProRodeo’s most versatile athletes; it’s a showcase of tremendous talent, outstanding horsemanship and cowboys who reach deep inside their souls to battle through the rigors of the most rugged test they will face all year. It’s one of the most unique events in the sport, and it’s called the “Ironman Event of ProRodeo” for a reason – it takes tremendous athleticism and a world-class heart to overcome the incredible challenges each of the 20 contestants face over three days of grueling competition. The Timed Event Championship is home to the greatest in the game, from the rising stars still in search of their first World Championship Gold Buckles to established title holders to legends, those men whose careers have embodied rodeo’s history so well that they have been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. This is why distinguished champions Trevor Brazile, Jimmie Cooper, K.C. Jones, Kyle Lockett, Daniel Green and Josh Peek return to the hallowed Lazy E ground each March. It’s why Beau Franzen and Bryce Davis and Russell Cardoza test their skills in this fabulously wonderfully, fanatically unique format, which features each contestant competing in each timed-event discipline – tie-down roping, heading, heeling, steer roping and steer wrestling – during each of the five go-rounds that span over just three days. The contestants are 20 of the most established, versatile cowboys in the game, and they have earned the right to be part of the by-invitation-only crowd to compete at the Lazy E, which developed the Timed Event Championship in 1985 to determine the best all-around timed-event cowboy in the world – the man who could stand out in more than his specialty event, the man who could be consistent in all five timed events. Most of today’s ProRodeo cowboys focus on a single discipline, maybe two, but the Timed Event Championship allows each contestant the opportunity to spread his wings and fly in a different direction. It’s where fans will see a 2-Time World Champion Steer Wrestler (Dean Gorsuch) rope, trip and tie a steer or a World Champion – Header (Chad Masters) bulldog a steer. It’s an outstanding test of all the skills that have made the sport of rodeo what it is today. It’s a challenge, which is a drawing card for each of these world-class contestants; another factor that brings out the best in the business is the $150,000 purse, one-third of which goes to the contestant who has the best aggregate time over the five-round, 25-head competition. Those who have walked away with the coveted Gist Gold Buckle and $50,000 carry the admiration of thousands of other great athletes who make up ProRodeo. They also carry the bragging rights to one of rodeo’s greatest accomplishments. The winner of each Timed Event Championship of the World is in a special class of competitor. It’s a small fraternity, and only the best are initiated each March. Families will enjoy all of the activities planned for the performances. Ticket prices are $37 for VIP, box seats $30, reserved bleachers $25 and general admission $20. Children 12 and under are free in general admission and VIP area. Group and multiple performance discounts are also available. Call (800) 595-RIDE for complete details. A portion of the proceeds from the 2012 Timed Event Championship will be donated to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Lazy E is proud to support this institution for western preservation! Tickets are available at all ticketmaster outlets, www.lazye.com, calling Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or by calling the Lazy E Arena directly at (800) 595-RIDE. The 2012 Timed Event Championship is sponsored by Priefert Ranch & Rodeo Equipment, Pendleton Whisky, Wrangler, Cross Bar Gallery, Ram Trucks, John Vance Motors, Coca-Cola, Energy Force, CinderellaHorses.com, R.K. Black Inc., Gist Silversmiths, Spin to Win Magazine, National Saddlery, Hot Heels, The Oklahoman, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, CSI Saddlepads, the Best Western Edmond, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Edmond. The 2012 Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com. Limousin And Lim-Flex Champions Selected At Fort Worth Stock Show
DENVER, CO--Limousin breeders competed for top honors at the inaugural Level I National Medal of Excellence (MOE) Limousin and Lim-Flex show at the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Jonathan Perry of Fayetteville, Tenn. sorted the Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle in the MOE show. Travis Payne of Levelland, Texas exhibited the grand champion Limousin female, PCC Xotic 016X. She is a July 22, 2010 daughter of DHVO Trey 133R. She was followed by the reserve grand champion Limousin female, ELCX Twilight 114X, a Nov. 7, 2010 daughter of DHVO Deuce 132R, was exhibited by Wies Limousin and Edwards Land and Cattle. Abby Hendrickson of Adair, Okla exhibited the grand champion Lim-Flex female, MAGS Xeromas. She is a Feb 17, 2010 daughter of DHVO Deuce 132R. The reserve grand champion Lim-Flex female was awarded Wies Limousin, of Wellsville, Mo. with MAGS Xcellent Singer. She is an April 11, 2010 daughter of DHVO Deuce 132R. The grand champion Limousin bull, MAGS Yip, was exhibited by Magness Land and Cattle, Platteville, Colo. He is an April 10, 2011 son of MAGS The General. The reserve grand champion Limousin bull went to MAGS Xiphisternum, an Oct. 9, 2010 son of DHVO Deuce 132R, was also exhibited by Magness Land and Cattle. Magness Land and Cattle exhibited the grand champion Lim-Flex bull, MAGS Xyloid. He is a March 7, 2010 son of DHVO Deuce 132R. MAGS Xrays, owned by Magness Land and Cattle, claimed the reserve grand champion Lim-Flex bull honors. He is an Oct. 4, 2010 son of DHVO Deuce 132R. North American Limousin Foundation Elects New President
DENVER, CO--The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) 2012 Annual Meeting took place Monday, Jan. 10, at the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver, Colo., in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). Nearly 100 members and guests were in attendance. With NALF President Mike Smith of Kansas presiding, the main order of business was the Board of Directors election. NALF Nominating Committee chairman Jack Glendenning, Missouri, presented six nominees for the five open positions. Harris Mosher, Pennsylvania; Mat Lewis, Colorado; Charles Linhart, Iowa; won second terms on the board. John Goodish, Pennsylvania, and Fred Wacker, Montana, also earned seats on the 2012 Board. Warren Symens, South Dakota, was appointed to fill the vacancy of Tom Field. Bob Mitchell, Wisconsin, will lead the Foundation as president for the coming year. Richard Hefner, Oklahoma, will serve as vice president. Mat Lewis, Colorado, will serve as secretary and Mike Hall, California, was elected as treasurer. Charles Linhart, Iowa, will serve a second terms as the Executive Committee's member-at-large. Smith will serve as an ex officio member of both the Board and its Executive Committee. The remaining 2012 Board members are Tom Vaughn, North Dakota; Jack Glendenning, Missouri; Brian Skaggs, Oklahoma; Chad Settje, Nebraska; Jay Straight, Iowa; and John Tobe, Kentucky. About NALF The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), headquartered in Centennial, Colo., provides programs and services, including the documentation of more than 25,000 head of cattle annually, for approximately 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and Lim-Flex® hybrid offer industry leading growth and efficiency, while being an ideal complement to British breeds.For more information about NALF, please visit www.nalf.org. Limousin And Lim-Flex Champions Selected At 2012 National Western Stock Show
DENVER, CO--Limousin breeders competed for top honors at the Level I National Medal of Excellence (MOE) Limousin and Lim-Flex show at the 2012 National Western Livestock Show in Denver. Lance Sennett of Waynetown, Ind. had the honors of evaluating the Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle in the MOE show. Magness Land and Cattle of Platteville, Colo. exhibited the Grand Champion Limousin female, MAGS Xplanation. She is a March 28, 2010 daughter of WULFS U Haul. She was followed by the Reserve Grand Champion Limousin female, AUTO Peyton 206Y, a Jan. 12, 2011 daughter of DHVO Trey 133R, exhibited by Pinegar Limousin, Springfield, Mo. The Grand Champion Lim-Flex female, MAGS Xcellent Singer, was exhibited by Wies Limousin of Wellsville, MO. She is an April 11, 2010 heifer sired by DHVO Deuce 132R. The Reserve Grand Champion Lim-Flex® female was awarded to Magness Land & Cattle, of Platteville, Colo. with MAGS Xanthocomic. She is a March 26, 2010 daughter of DHVO Deuce 132R. The Grand Champion Limousin bull, KYLD Vegas 910W, was exhibited by Quail Ridge Limousin and Kyle Delaplaine. He is a March 6, 2009 son of KRVN Naskar 013N. The Reserve Grand Champion Limousin bull, MJ Xtravaganza 1X, a Jan. 5, 2010 son of EF Main Stay 541M, was exhibited by Mark Blake of Earl Park, Ind. Etherton Farms and Thomas and Son exhibited the Grand Champion Lim-Flex bull, EF Xcessive Force. He is a March 18, 2010, son of DA Traveler 004 703. MAGS Xyloid, owned by Magness Land and Cattle, claimed the Reserve Grand Champion Lim-Flex bull honors. He is a March 7, 2010 son of DHVO Deuce 132R. Kyle Conley of Sulphur, Okla., evaluated the junior female show, selecting EXLR Luvly 173X, an Oct. 9, 2010, daughter of Schilling's Talladega, as the Grand Champion Female. Audrey Christensen of Blanchard, Okla. exhibited this female. Reserve Grand Champion Female was awarded to CPPD Stare At Me 572Y, a Feb. 7, 2011, daughter of DVFC Sitting Bull, exhibited by Dillon Doublehead, of Gravette, Ark. NCBA Responds To Legislation To Mandate On-Farm Production Practices
WASHINGTON, D.C.--National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald today criticized legislation introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) that would codify an agreement between the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers establishing federally mandated egg production practices. Donald said the legislation would set a dangerous precedent for allowing the federal government to dictate on-farm production practices and disregards decades of work the cattle industry has undertaken to develop science-based, voluntary animal care programs. Donald issued the following statement: “America’s farm and ranch families are committed to raising healthy animals, which are the foundation of a safe, wholesome food supply. Decades ago, our farmers and ranchers voluntarily took it upon themselves to work with veterinarians, animal health specialists, university researchers and with each other to develop animal care practices and guidelines. That is why the programs have been so successful, certainly not because politicians in Washington, D.C., mandated them. “This legislation, while currently only affecting egg producers, could set a dangerous precedent to allow government bureaucrats in Washington to mandate how farmers and ranchers across the nation raise and care for their animals. This ill-conceived legislation could set the model for a one-size-fits-all approach to cattle production. Unfortunately, one-size-fits all doesn’t work with cattle producers, who are in diverse settings in all 50 states. This legislation won’t improve animal health or care and will result in further costly and burdensome regulations being placed on America’s food producers. “America’s cattle producers work day in and day out, in extreme weather and at all hours of the day and night to ensure your family and families around the world have a safe, wholesome and consistent supply of beef. Instead of mandating production practices and increasing regulatory burdens on America’s farmers and ranchers, we urge members of Congress to reject this legislation and to work with food producers to empower and enable them to continue raising the healthiest, safest and most wholesome food supply in the world.” 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. Terrorist Activity Has No Place In American Agriculture ?
By NCBA President Bill Donald One reward of ranch life in rural Montana is that after a hard-days’ work, I get to fall asleep listening to the bawl of mama cows near the house. I imagine farmers and ranchers across the nation can relate to that calming sound. While there are many sounds that come from farms and ranches, one thing we don’t expect to hear is the sound of our farm equipment exploding outside our windows. Unfortunately, for the men and women who make their home at or near the Harris Ranch feedyard in Fresno County, Calif., that is no longer a foreign sound. Early in the morning of Jan. 8, 2012, they were awakened to the sound of 14 cattle trucks exploding and burning near the feed yard. I thank God that no person and no animals were injured in this senseless act. But make no mistake – this was a horrific act of terrorism against a fellow agricultural producer. Whoever is responsible – be it an individual or a group of people – they must be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. America’s farmers and ranchers are some of the most honorable men and women around. We work seven days a week, 365 days a year regardless of weather extremes caring for our animals and our crops. We take pride in our chosen way of life because, after all, we’re feeding and clothing the world. Opening Christmas presents or celebrating birthdays is often put on hold until after our animals are fed, watered and cared for – that’s a fact for my family and for many others as well. That is why I was extremely alarmed to learn that animal rights extremists are taking credit for the Harris Ranch attack. How can anyone who claims to care about the health and safety of animals commit such an act that could very easily have harmed or killed many animals? Harris Ranch is working with the local Fresno County Sherriff’s department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine who committed this heinous crime. While there is no concrete evidence that an animal rights group is behind this arson, I sure hope everyone – including all animal-welfare organizations – will follow Harris Ranch’s lead and cooperate during this investigation. It’s the only right option. While farm and ranch life can sometime leave us a days’ drive from the city, we’re all aware of the horrific, cowardly acts of terrorists to inflict economic, physical, psychological and emotional harm and pain on victims. No one, farmers and ranchers included, should have to fear attacks against them, their family, their animals or their property. While we can all step up surveillance and take precautions on our farms and ranches, we should not have to live in fear. Terrorist acts have no place – not in America and not on farms and ranches. America’s cattlemen and women stand with me and offer our support to Harris Ranch. We stand unified in our efforts to produce the safest, most wholesome and abundant food supply in the world. We owe it to ourselves, to our fellow agricultural producers and to the millions of people who purchase our products to feed their families to continue doing our jobs. We cannot stand by and allow crimes like these to stop us from caring for our animals. 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. Register Now To Attend April 23-25 OSU Cow-Calf Boot Camp In Kellyville
KELLYVILLE, OK--The second annual Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Cow-Calf Boot Camp may be just the thing for beef producers who want to get the most out of their investment but cannot go back to school to do it. “It’s an extremely useful but intensive program, packing 34 hours of learning into three days,” said Dr. Dave Sparks, veterinarian and OSU Cooperative Extension area food animal quality and health specialist. The event will take place April 23-25 at the Creek County Fairgrounds in Kellyville, located on the east side of State Highway 66. A registration fee of $100 per participant is required, which covers the cost of five meals, refreshment breaks, a textbook and other conference materials. Registration forms are available through all OSU Cooperative Extension county offices. “We’re limiting enrollment to 50 individuals, to ensure participants receive the maximum opportunity to interact with and learn from session leaders who are experts in their career fields,” Sparks said. “Register now to ensure your participation in the 2012 boot camp.” Sparks said the three-day program will be useful to both experienced cow-calf producers and newcomers alike. “If you’re thinking about getting into the beef industry, the boot camp can help you make an informed decision if the business is right for you before you make a big investment in time, energy, effort and money,” he said. Topics will include an overview of today’s beef industry, cattle handling and production practices, hay evaluation, parasite control, breeding stock evaluation and selection, cattle marketing, cattle health and vaccinations, pasture and forage management, economical nutrition, farm business planning, animal reproduction, calving and management of aging cows. “Most of the production topics will be demonstration or hands-on with live cattle,” Sparks said. “Most of the business and management topics will be handled by working through actual problems in small groups with an OSU Cooperative Extension agricultural educator acting as facilitator.” A complete schedule and additional details are available at http://www.osucowcamp.com on the Internet. “Today’s beef industry is changing faster than ever before, with high input costs and high cattle prices,” Sparks said. “Position yourself to take advantage of the challenges and rewards that come from managing your cow-calf operation at the top-level of producers.” For more information, contact Sparks at 918-686-7800 or your local OSU Cooperative Extension county office. Livestock Groups Find US Forest Service Planning Rule Unworkable
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Public Lands Council (PLC), the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service ignored concerns of industry and members of Congress, disregarded federal statute and defied logic in its preferred alternative forest planning rule, which according to a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement released by USDA on Jan. 26, 2012, will be issued as the final rule in 30 days. John Falen, PLC president and Nevada rancher, said the alternative plan is very similar to the proposed planning rule released as a draft in early 2011 that would have devastating long-term impacts on ranchers’ ability to access and responsibly manage the land and its resources. “Rather than listening to concerns from those of us who have devoted our livelihoods to raising livestock on federal lands, the Forest Service is continuing down a path with this forest planning rule that will have long-term, chilling effects on my ability to do my job,” Falen said. “If implemented, this final rule will thwart multiple-uses and will have rippling effects on the health of rural economies by shifting the focus from multiple-use to non-use and ‘preservation’ on the 155 forests and 20 grasslands that constitute the National Forest System.” Margaret Soulen Hinson, ASI president and Idaho producer, said ASI, PLC and NCBA are extremely disappointed that the Forest Service opted to retain the requirement to “maintain viable populations of species of conservation concern” in the preferred alternative forest plan. She said the term “maintain viable population” does not appear in federal statute and has already proven a problem under the current planning rule, as it is ill-defined and nearly impossible to achieve. Soulen Hinson said there is no scientific consensus on what level of any given population is “viable” or how it is to be managed and added that the new rule expands the provision beyond vertebrates to all species, including fungus and moss. NCBA President and Montana cattleman Bill Donald said many aspects of the draft rule, which NCBA, PLC and ASI found unworkable and commented on, are still included in the preferred alternative planning rule. Specifically, Donald said the requirement that the agency use the “best available science” would likely incite litigation. He added that the creation of a new category of protected species, completely unrelated to Endangered Species Act called “species of conservation concern” and determined at the whim of the regional forester, will negatively impact the livestock industry’s ability to access forest lands to raise healthy animals. Donald said the modified alternative is in ways worse than the draft rule. “It seems that the Forest Service is intent on locking-up the forest system and locking-out ranchers from land that we have responsibly managed for decades,” Donald said. “The Forest Service needs to scrap this aberration and work with multiple-use industries and members of Congress on a planning rule that truly will preserve the health and sustainability of forest lands across the country.” Donald, Falen and Soulen Hinson said NCBA, PLC and ASI support certain aspects of the rule, such as the requirement that individuals who object to plans and plan amendments must have filed formal comments during the public comment period. They said this provision will prevent “radical environmental litigators” from purposefully abstaining from involvement until the time is right to sue. The Public Lands Council (PLC) has represented livestock ranchers who use public lands since 1968, preserving the natural resources and unique heritage of the West. Public land ranchers own nearly 120 million acres of the most productive private land and manage vast areas of public land, accounting for critical wildlife habitat and the nation’s natural resources. PLC works to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world. November Pork Exports Record-Large; Beef Exports Also Strong
Editor’s notes: - Export statistics refer to both muscle cuts and variety meat unless otherwise indicated. - One metric ton = 2,204.622 pounds.
U.S. pork exports set another monthly volume record in November, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which helped offset record-high production and provide a significant boost to pork cutout values. Exports totaled 217,080 metric tons valued at $597.85 million - up 22.5 percent and 35 percent, respectively, over November 2010. This boosted the January-November volume total to 2.04 million metric tons (up 18 percent year-over-year) and the value total to $5.526 billion (up 27 percent). This puts U.S. pork export value, which had never reached $5 billion before this year, on pace to approach the $6 billion mark in 2011.
November beef exports also performed well, reaching 105,268 metric tons valued at $456.25 million. This was steady with the October 2011 volume and up slightly in value. On a year-over-year basis, November exports were up 4 percent in volume and 17 percent higher in value from the very strong totals recorded in November 2010. This boosted the January-November export total 22 percent higher in volume than a year ago to 1.179 million metric tons, and up 35 percent in value to $4.944 billion. When December results become available, beef export value will eclipse the $5 billion mark for the first time ever.
Per-head pork export value soars to nearly $60 in November November pork exports equated to nearly 29 percent of total production (including variety meat). In terms of muscle cuts only, exports still totaled 24 percent of total production. Export value per head slaughtered set a new monthly record at $59.98, which was $15 higher than a year ago. For January through November, the percentage of total production exported equated to 27 percent, or 23 percent when including only muscle cuts. This compares to 23.7 percent and 19 percent for the same period in 2010. Export value for the year averaged $55.21 per head, compared to $43.72 per head a year ago.
U.S. pork continues to perform remarkably well in Japan, with November results up 6 percent in volume and 17 percent in value over a year ago. For January-November, exports to Japan totaled 451,509 metric tons, nearly matching the 2008 volume record of 451,853 metric tons. Export value reached $1.79 billion, easily setting a new record and setting the stage for a year-end value total that could threaten the $2 billion mark.
“USMEF has continued to market U.S. pork aggressively in Japan, because we know this it is a valuable and fiercely competitive market,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “When we first broke the $1 billion barrier in 2005, some speculated that this market may have peaked. They said so again in 2008, when exports hit $1.5 billion. To be approaching $2 billion is remarkable, and it shows just how vital Japan is to the bottom line of the U.S. industry.”
November exports were also bolstered by strong results in the China/Hong Kong region, which set another monthly record at 66,993 metric tons valued at $140.2 million. For the year, export volume to this region was up 68 percent to 428,683 metric tons and export value nearly doubled to $794.6 million.
Pork exports to South Korea continued to build on a record year, with November results up 62 percent in volume to 11,673 metric tons and more than double in value to $35.6 million. For the year, exports to Korea have soared by 126 percent in volume (172,791 metric tons) and 176 percent in value ($453.7 million).
Exports volume to Mexico was lower in November at 47,295 metric tons (down 12 percent) but value remained steady at $94.7 million. Despite volume for the year being down 3 percent to 477,221 metric tons, Mexico remains the leading volume destination for U.S. pork. Export value for the year ($925.3 million) was up 4 percent from 2010’s record pace, and by year’s end may break $1 billion for the first time.
November results pushed pork exports to Canada to new record totals in both volume (188,250 metric tons, up 14 percent) and value ($673.8 million, up 20 percent). Other markets that have topped their previous records in 2011 include Australia (58,631 metric tons valued at $187.8 million) and Central-South America (66,352 metric tons valued at $171.3 million).
Beef export value nearly $220 per head in November, more than $200 for 2011 November beef exports equated to 14 percent of total production when including variety meat, or 11 percent for muscle cuts only. This was consistent with the 2011 average but up significantly from the 2010 ratios of 11.7 percent for total production and 9 percent for muscle cuts. November exports equated to $219.73 per head of fed slaughter, up $41.50 from a year ago. For January-November, export value averaged $204.27 per head - more than $50 higher than the previous year’s average.
Beef exports to Canada posted another strong month, solidifying it as the leading value destination for 2011 and ensuring a $1 billion performance by year’s end. For January through November, exports to Canada totaled 174,122 metric tons (up 27 percent) valued at $940.5 million (up 43 percent).
Mexico is still the volume leader for U.S. beef exports, despite a slight slowdown in volume in November. Export volume in November was down 4 percent to 21,884 metric tons, but value still climbed 6 percent to $84.6 million (trailing only Japan). For the year, exports to Mexico were up 5 percent in volume to 234,888 metric tons and were 23 percent higher in value to $902.8 million.
Japan was the leading value destination for U.S. beef in November at $85.3 million, up nearly 40 percent from a year ago. Export volume was 18 percent higher at 14,312 metric tons. For the year, exports to Japan were up 29 percent in volume to 148,182 metric tons and 38 percent in value to $812.1 million.
November exports to South Korea, Hong Kong and the Middle East were all lower than a year ago, but all of these markets were still up solidly for the year. In fact, Hong Kong and the Middle East had already set new annual volume and value records in October.
Exports to Russia were also slightly lower in volume in November but more than 60 percent higher in value. Russia had already set a new annual value record in October which has now reached $243.6 million. Led by surging exports to Chile, the Central-South America region has also set new records this year for both volume (23,340 metric tons, up 50 percent) and value ($75 million, up 76 percent).
“There is much to be excited about this year with regard to U.S. beef exports,” Seng said. “Not only are we going to break $5 billion for the first time ever, we are gaining back valuable market share in Asia and taking exports to new heights in other regions across the globe. Demand for U.S. beef has never been greater, and this is generating a lot of momentum for 2012.”
Lamb exports set new value record U.S. lamb export value reached $27.76 million through November, up 49 percent from a year ago and just edging the previous annual record of $27.75 million (set in 2006) with a month remaining in the year. Lamb exports had already topped their previous high in volume, but strong November results pushed export volume for the year to 16,958 metric tons (up 79 percent from a year ago). Strong performance in Mexico and Canada accounted for much of this growth, but results have also been solid in Central America, the Middle East and the southeastern Caribbean islands. |
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