November Georgia Cattleman

Fall Management & Marketing Decisions, p. 12 Controlled Breeding, p. 34 Fair Highlights, p. 60

official magazine of the Georgia Cattlemens Association November 2010

CHAROLAIS FEATURE, BEGINNING ON PAGE 36

2 November 2010 G E O R G I A C AT T L E M A N


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73

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ContentsContentsVolume 38 / Number 11 / November 2010

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN (USPS 974-320, ISSN 0744-4451) is published monthly by the Georgia Cattlemens Association, 100 Cattlemens Drive,P.O. Box 24510, Macon, Georgia 31212. Subscription rate of $45.00 per year. Periodical Postage Paid at Macon, GA, and additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER Send address changes to GEORGIA CATTLEMAN, 100 Cattlemens Drive, P.O. Box 24510, Macon, Georgia 31212. For advertisinginformation, contact Georgia Cattlemens Association, P.O. Box 24510, Macon, GA 31212. Phone: 478-474-6560.

GEORGIA CATTLEMENSASSOCIATION100 Cattlemens Drive / P.O. Box 24510Macon, GA 31212Phone: 478-474-6560 / Fax: [email protected] / www.gabeef.org

GCA & GEORGIA BEEFBOARD STAFFExecutive Vice President: Josh White, [email protected] of Operations:Michele Creamer, [email protected] of Industry Information:Ashley Hughes, [email protected] of Communications & Youth Activities:Katlin Mulvaney, [email protected] and facilities coordinator:Sherri Morrow, [email protected] administrative program specialist:Patricia Combes, [email protected]

MAGAZINE STAFFEditor: Josh White, [email protected]: Michele Creamer, [email protected]: Sherri Morrow, [email protected] editorial: Katlin Mulvaney, [email protected] Editor: Ashley Hughes, [email protected]: Katlin Mulvaney, [email protected] Graphic artist: Gayla Dease, [email protected]

THE GEORGIA CATTLEMANThe November 2010 cover features a registeredCharolais cow-calf pair enjoying the mid-afternoonsun. The pair are part of Bamboo Road Farmsoperation of more than 250 registered Angus andCharolais cattle in Marshallville, Ga.

The Georgia Cattleman magazine and the GeorgiaCattlemens Association reserve the exclusiveright to accept or reject advertising or editorialmaterial submitted for publication. The editorialcontent contained in this magazine does notnecessarily represent the views of the GeorgiaCattleman magazine or the Georgia CattlemensAssociation.

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GCA MISSIONSTATEMENT

The mission of theGeorgia CattlemensAssociation is to unitecattle producers to

advance the economic, political andsocial interests of Georgias cattleindustry.

Member Since 2000

25

Association reports6 GCA Presidents Report by Bill Bryan9 GCA Executive Vice Presidents Report by Josh White

10 GCA Leadership 25 Georgia Beef Board Report by Ashley Hughes64 Junior Cattlemens Report by Clay Black

Industry news11 Meet D.J. Bradshaw, GCA Region 11 Vice President14 GCA Award Deadlines Drawing Near28 Emerging Leaders Conference Schedule for 201136 Planting Dreams Where the Green Grass Grows

by Katlin Mulvaney39 The Right Tool - Some Are Better than Others58 Ten Georgia Breeders Who Registered the Most Angus59 UGA College of Agriculture Dedicates New Livestock Farm60 Beefin It Up at the Georgia National Fair 66 USDA Secretary Vilsack Talks to U.S. Cattle Growers67 Cattle Raisers Bring Death Tax Concerns to Congress76 Chapter Spotlight: Clarke-Oconee

Reader services16 New Members18 Why Veterinarians Leave Rural Veterinary Practices

by Dr. Charlies N. Dobbins24 Cooking BEEF with Ashley!31 Giving by Baxter Black46 Associate Members70 Local Market Reports 72 Industry Obituaries73 County Connections78 Advertising Index 79 Calendar of Events

Expert advice12 Fall Management and Marketing Decisions by Dr. Curt Lacy22 Frost in a Bottle by Dr. Dennis Hancock26 History of BQA by Carole Hicks32 Bull Buyers Guide by Ted G. Dyer34 Is a Controlled Breeding Season Worth it? Part 2

by Dr. Lawton Stewart

HappyThanksgiving

October was a busy month for GCA. From beingat the Georgia National Fair for 11 days to spendingthree days in Moultrie at Sunbelt Expo, the GCA staffhas been very busy. It takes a lot of work and teameffort to cover two events of this size in one month.Folks, I want to tell you we have a great staff and theywork well together as a team. I would like to thank allthe staff and also, all the GCA leadership and manyother volunteers who helped out at the Fair and Expo.

Membership continues to grow. After having sev-eral years of declining numbers, it is good to see anincrease each month. Increasing our number of mem-bers this year was my number-one goal as President. I will admit it is not increasing as fastas I had hoped, but I am thankful for what we have gained so far.

In late September, cattle prices started to decline somewhat. After having good cattleprices for most of the year, the rise in corn prices because of reports of possibly asmaller harvest along with larger numbers of cattle being sold in late August andSeptember because of drought in some areas, helped bring the prices down a bit. I read wehave the lowest number of cattle in the United States today than we have had since 1959.The experts predict cattle prices will remain high for several more years. I just hope theyare right; we could all use several years of high cattle prices.

By the time most of you receive your November magazine, we will have a newGovernor and also a new Commissioner of Agriculture. I hope all of you read the sec-tions of the October magazine with the questions and answers to the Gubernatorial andAg Commissioner Candidates. I can remember several different Governors being in officesince I became old enough to vote; but folks, let me tell you it will take a while to get usedto seeing a different name listed as Agriculture Commissioner on the front of the MarketBulletin. I am 48 years old and have been reading the Market Bulletin since I was a teenag-er, and Tommy Irvin is the only Agriculture Commissioner I can remember.Commissioner Irvin has done a great job and has been a friend to us in agriculture inGeorgia, and I want to say Thank You to Commissioner Irvin for your service and dedi-cation to Georgia Agriculture.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. This is one of my favorite times of the year. To me,Thanksgiving is a time for family. I remember when growing up we always went to mygrandparents farm on Thanksgiving Day. The whole family would spend the day at thefarm. Granny would put on one heck of a feast and I would eat until I was miserable.Granny left us about 10 years ago. Not a day goes by that I dont think about her; we werevery close. Nanette and I have Thanksgiving at our farm now and the whole family isinvited; and, yes, I still eat way too much and usually have to leave the top buttons undoneon my overalls for a couple of weeks afterwards. Granny would be proud. Thanksgiving isalso a time for giving thanks. I will admit that sometimes I am not very thankful. I com-plain about not enough rain or even too much rain, high fuel and fertilizer cost, and abouteverything else that goes wrong on the farm. Ive been told that complaining is just part ofbeing a farmer. But seriously, we all have a great deal to be thankful for. ThisThanksgiving, lets all take a moment to look up to the heavens and tell God, ThankYou; after all, He did provide us with all that we have to be thankful for.

On the farm we are very busy. The cows are calving, which means they have to bechecked more often. We are having to feed hay early this year, but the ryegrass is slowlystarting to come up. We still have soybeans to combine and a new load of stocker calves toget straightened out. There is never a dull moment on the farm. We have plenty to do, as Iam sure it is no different at your farm.

Well, it is time to wake Cocoa up from her nap and go check the cows again. I will tellyou, Cocoa has learned a new trick. She has learned to shake hands, or paws in her case. Itmust be the political season, because Cocoa wants to go around grinning and shakinghands like most politicians. I am just waiting to see which political party she joins.

Till next month, Bill6 November 2010 G E O R G I A C AT T L E M A N

BILL BRYAN, GCA PRESIDENT, with loyal family companion, Cocoa.

Just BillGCA Presidents Report GEORGIA CATTLEMENS ASSOCIATIONLOCAL PRESIDENTS

ABAC ....................................Justin GilliardAmicalola...................................Carl BaileyAppalachian ......................Charles RobertsBaldwin-Jones-Putnam ....Ricky YarbroughBanks..................................Eddie HickmanBarrow .................................Linda CrumleyBen Hill-Irwin....................................VacantBerrien .................................Joe Allen KentBlue Ridge Mountain.................Bob KinnieBrooks........................................Jeff MooreBurke ......................................Ellis GodbeeCarroll ......................................Doug SmithClarke-Oconee........................Karl C. BergColquitt ...........................Thomas ColemanCook.........................................Sean RestaCoweta.....................................Jay DuncanCrawford Area ............................Jim HorneDecatur ...................................Stuart GriffinElbert ..........................................Ron WardFloyd ..................................... Keith MicklerFranklin ..............................Charles TawzerGrady .....................................Caylor OuztsGreene Area ....................................VacantHall .................................Steve Brinson, Jr.Haralson ...........................Stanley WilliamsHarris ................................... Steve LennonHart ....................................Larry BramblettHeard.....................................Keith JenkinsHeartland................................Tony RogersHenry ......................................Marvin RoseHouston.................................Wayne Talton Jackson......................................Cole ElrodJefferson..................................Arthur RiderJohnson Area.....................Jimmy HarrisonL.T.D.....................................Brian GoolsbyLaurens ......................................David HallLincoln ................................Chris GoldmanLittle River ................................. Billy MaysLowndes ..................................Andy CarterLumpkin ............................Anthony GrindleMacon.............................Stewart NewberryMadison ............................Randy FordhamMeriwether........................Harvey LemmonMid-Georgia...................................Ed TriceMiller.....................................Trent Clenney Mitchell ..............................J. Dean DanielsMorgan .................................Zeke LambertMurray...................................Doug DouthittNorth Georgia ................Wade CastleberryNortheast Georgia................Curtis LedfordNorthwest Georgia .............David HolcombOcmulgee.............................Raleigh GibbsOgeechee .................................Jody BurnsOglethorpe .............................Fred GretschPachitla.............................B.J. Washington Peach......................................Willis BrownPiedmont................................Todd TeasleyPiney Woods............................Chris Taylor Polk ...................................Glenn RobinsonPulaski................................D. J. Bradshaw Red Carpet .............................Wes MitchellSatilla ................................Alvin Walker, Jr.Seminole................................Bruce BarberSouth Georgia....................Maxwell WilcoxSoutheast Georgia..............Mickey CarnesStephens...................................Tony SmithTattnall............................Jessie J. DriggersTaylor......................................Taylor WelchThomas.........................Charles R. ConklinThree Rivers .......................Derek WilliamsTift .........................................Buck AultmanTri-County .....................Roy Lee StricklandTri-State ............................... James BurtonTroup....................................Ross HoffmanTurner ....................................Randy HardyUniversity of Georgia........Tyson StricklandWalton...............................Sammy MaddoxWashington ............................Timothy MayWayne....................................Joe B. HarrisWebster ...................................Andy PayneWilkes ..................................David VanHartWorth ..................................Donald Gilman

ITS YOUR TURN!

Write to us! We want to know whats on your mind! Send your letter of 500 words orless to the editor at [email protected]. Letters may be edited due to spacelimitations.

R E A D E R S E R V I C E S

G E O R G I A C AT T L E M A N November 2010 7

GCA-GJCA-GCWAMEMBERSHIP

FORMComplete and mail this form to:

Georgia Cattlemens Association100 Cattlemens Drive

P.O. Box 24510Macon, GA 31212

478-474-6560 Fax 478-474-5732Email: [email protected]

New Member RenewalName _____________________________________Address____________________________________City _______________________________________State____________ Zip_______________________Phone _____________________________________E-mail _____________________________________GCA Chapter________________________________Sponsored by _______________________________Birthday (juniors only)________________________GCA Dues, 1 year _______________________$ 50GJCA Dues, 1 year_______________________$ 15GCWA Dues, 1 year______________________$ 15Additional Local Dues, 1 year ______________$___

TOTAL PAYMENT $ ___Thank you ... for your membership!

Membership dues entitle you to receive a one-year subscription to theGeorgia Cattleman magazine. Payment of GCA membership dues is tax-deductible for most members as an ordinary business expense. Complyingwith tax laws, GCA estimates 5% of the dues payment is not deductible as abusiness expense because of direct lobbying activities. Also, charitablecontributions to GCA are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Lettersto the Editor

See fair highlights

on pages 60-61

MARK YOURCALENDARS NOW FORMARCH 31 - APRIL 2,2011! You don't want tomiss the GeorgiaCattlemen's Association celebration of 50 years ofuniting cattlemen. We hope to make this the largestConvention, Beef Cattle Expo and Trade Show inhistory and especially want you to celebrate with us!


Being a memberis a valuableinvestment inyour future!

Your GCA membership includes discountsto these valued benefit partners!

Renewing your membership or signingup a friend or neighbor is more valuable

than ever. See page 7 to submit yourrenewal or sign up a new member.

Adding more

value to your GCA

membership!

10% off purchase $500 off any vehicle 10% off purchase of electric fencing sup-plies, handling equipment & cattle scales.

Purchase 9 bags of feed, receive 1 FREE!

20% off purchase10% off purchasesome exceptions apply

Legislative & RegulatoryRepresentation

Timely Industry Information Leadership Development

Industry Promotion

Look for coupons to the businesses belowin your member packet.

Thankful for Each of You

October is a challenging and exciting month for theGeorgia Cattlemens Association and Georgia Beef Board.We enjoy sharing the positive message of farmers, ranchersand beef with literally thousands of consumers at theGeorgia National Fair and Taste of Atlanta. We also enjoyvisiting with producers and consumers at the Sunbelt AgExpo in Moultrie.

There is absolutely no way our staff could make itthrough the month without the help and support of so manyvolunteers. From setting up The Beef Story at the Fair toserving thousands of beef samples at Taste of Atlanta yourmembership, Beef Checkoff dollars and volunteer hours arewhat make our organization work!

Committees, Region VPs and ExecutiveCommittee are Moving GCA Forward

A little over a year ago we established a goal of focusingthe organization on membership and grassroots participation and you have embraced that challenge. A shining exampleincludes the added member benefits (see opposite page).This concept had been loosely discussed for some time withlittle action. The Region VPs (aka Membership and ServicesCommittee) brainstormed this idea at their spring meetingand proposed the idea to the Executive Committee. The ECtook action and empowered the staff to get the programrolling. What a great example of grassroots input from vol-unteer leaders at work that allows you to save money bybeing a GCA member. Be sure and mention these addedincentives to your neighbors who have been reluctant to joinGCA the next time you see them!

Another great example of a team project initiated bymembership is the redesigned GCA logo. Several membersaround the state had asked why the animal on our logolooked like he was bred in the early 1980s. So the Media andCommunications Committee worked with our Director ofCommunications, Katlin Mulvaney, to develop a new lookwhile maintaining the overall feel of the old logo. Manyversions were kicked around by the Media andCommunications and Executive committees. We hope youlike the end result found on page 47.

The Media and Communications committee has alsobeen instrumental in the ongoing update and redesign of theGCA website. If you havent been to www.gabeef.org lately,or ever, you should make it a priority. Katlin has worked hardwith volunteer leaders to make it more user-friendly, timelyand informative. We now have video links of stories that arerelevant to GCA members posted on the site, along with adigital magazine archive, current legislative and regulatorycontact information, and more.

If you dont do technology, have your children or grand-children show you the site; youll be glad you did. These arejust a few examples of the exciting things that are happening

in our Association. The bottom line is that we are a grass-roots organization and YOU make it happen. Every com-mittee, program or event we are working on would not bepossible without your support. In this season ofThanksgiving, I want to thank each and every memberfor your support of the Georgia CattlemensAssociation.

Holding the Line on MembershipThe membership year ends at the end of November.

The last several months have seen statewide membershipnumbers hovering at or slightly above last years totals. Ourshort-term goal is to end this membership year in positiveterritory. President Bill Bryan and I have challenged eachchapter to look at their roll and try to end at or above lastyears membership numbers. Membership recruitment isdone best at the local level. Invite your friends and neighborswho have never joined or have let their membership lapse tojoin us as we fight for private property rights and lowertaxes, while we promote the interests of landowners and cat-tle producers. Let them know about the new member incen-tives. Send them to the website to check out what we areabout or give them one of your old issues of GeorgiaCattleman. We have membership brochures available by call-ing the office; well be happy to send some to you. Dont for-get to ask the businesses that you support to join as Associatemembers. They will receive recognition each month in themagazine and your local chapter should recognize these sup-porters as well. There is tremendous excitement and energyin many of our local chapters. If your chapter needs ideas orhelp, dont hesitate to call the office and let us offer our sup-port.

Little League Football UpdateIn my recent travels, many of you have asked how my

son T.K., and his football team, mentioned in my Septemberarticle, are doing. I am happy to report that they haveimproved greatly and are currently 0 7. The highlight of theseason was in week six, when they scored a touchdown. Thecheerleaders, including my daughter Claire, continue to per-form beautifully. They were nearly scared to death when theteam scored the lone touchdown because they didnt knowthe crowd could actually get that excited! It has been a lot offun watching the kids learn and develop through the footballexperience. Its also been a lot like farming and ranching late-ly not a lot of winning, but continuing to fight back hard-er and stronger as we look to a more positive future.

I am thankful to be in the fight with each of you. I wishyou each a wonderful Thanksgiving with plenty of goodfood, family and a thankful heart. If there is anything we atthe GCA office can do for you, do not hesitate to call.

Executive Vice Presidents Report

[Josh White is GCA and Georgia Beef Board Executive Vice President]

JOSH WHITE


Many hands make light work - John Heywood

GC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dean Bagwell, Cartersville, [email protected]

Ernie Ford, Edison, [email protected]

Randy Fordham, Danielsville, [email protected]

Chuck Joiner, Carrollton, [email protected]

Billy Moore, Gray, [email protected]

Melvin Porter, Jefferson, [email protected]

GCA REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

Region 1: Fred Kerce, 706-291-7811

Region 2: Eddie Bradley, [email protected]

Region 3: Ron Ward, [email protected]

Region 4: Bill Cline, [email protected]

Region 5: Glenn Hayes, [email protected]

Region 6: Tammy Cheely, [email protected]

Region 7: Gilbert Andrews, [email protected]

Region 8: Danny McLeod, [email protected]

Region 9: Mike Burke, [email protected]

Region 10: Bobby Lovett, [email protected]

Region 11: D.J. Bradshaw, [email protected]

Region 12: Dr. Jim Strickland, [email protected]

Region 13: John Moseley, Jr., [email protected]

Region 14: Terry Harris, [email protected]

Region 15: Randy Franks, [email protected]

GCA Immediate Past President: Bill Nutt, 770-748-6424 [email protected] 6th Street Road, Cedartown, GA 30125

NCBA Director:Bill Hopkins, Thomson, [email protected]

Foundation Chairman:Bill Hopkins, Thomson, [email protected]

CattleWomens President:Brenda Brookshire, Suches, [email protected]

GCA PAST PRESIDENTS1961-1963 Ben T. Smith, Atlanta1963-1966 Henry Green, Sr., St. Simons1966-1968 Dr. Jack Tuttle, Barnesville1968-1970 J.W. Trunnell, Cochran1970-1971 K.J. Hodges, Blakely1971-1972 Edward B. Pope, Washington1972-1974 George Berner, Warm Springs1974-1976 Dr. O.E. Sell, Milner1976-1978 Joe Gayle, Perry1978-1980 Sam Hay, Covington1980-1981 Lee Campbell, Carrollton1981-1982 Charles Baker, Calhoun1982-1983 Webb Bullard, Camilla1983-1984 Bobby Rowan, Enigma1984-1985 Harvey Lemmon, Woodbury1985-1986 Don Griffith, Buchanan1986-1987 Gene Chambers, Douglas1987-1988 Mike Peed, Forsyth1988-1989 Sam Payne, Calhoun1989-1990 Bobby Miller, Lula1990-1991 Newt Muse, Carrollton1991-1992 Howard T. Jones, Foley, AL1992-1993 Mark Armentrout, Roswell1993-1994 Ralph Bridges, Lexington1994-1995 Lane Holton, Camilla1995-1996 Jim Goodman, Temple1996-1997 Dr. Frank Thomas, Alamo1997-1998 Joe Duckworth, Milledgeville1998-1999 Betts Berry, Chickamauga1999-2000 Curly Cook, Crawford2000-2001 Chuck Sword, Williamson2001-2002 Robert Fountain, Jr., Adrian2002-2003 Louie Perry, Moultrie2003-2004 Tim Dean, Lafayette2004-2005 John Callaway, Hogansville2005-2006 Bill Hopkins, Thomson2006-2007 Dr. Jim Strickland, Glennville2007-2008 Evans Hooks, Swainsboro2008-2009 Mike McCravy, Bowdon2009-2010 Bill Nutt, Cedartown

DAVID GAZDAVice President

1985 Morton Road,Athens, GA 30605706-227-9098

STEVE BLACKBURNPresident-Elect

P.O. Box 179,Waynesboro, GA 30830706-554-1993

STEVE BARFOOTTreasurer

2125 Rebie Road, Dudley, GA 31022478-676-3035

JOSH WHITEExecutive V.P.

100 Cattlemens Drive /P.O. Box 24510,Macon, GA 31212478-474-6560

GCA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Email: [email protected]



Your GCA leadershipteam is here to serve you.Contact us with your ideasabout our association or tovisit about the cattle industry.

BILL BRYANPresident

2830 E Armuchee Road, Summerville, GA 30747706-397-8219



GGeeoorrggiiaa CCaatt tt lleemmeennss AAssssoocciiaatt iioonn


Quick Facts:

DJ has served as GCAs Region #11Vice President for almost a year andresides in Pulaski County.

DJ and his wife, Jeannie, have beenmarried for five years and have a 2-year-old son, Wyatt.

He currently manages 30 cows. DJ is currently employed at Genex

Cooperative Inc.

Share what being a Regional Vice President meansand some of the responsibilities you undertake.

ANSWER: I had been looking for a way to become more involved at astate level within GCA. Bill Bryan asked me if I was serious and I said yes and he didnt waste much time getting me into a position. I really lookforward to working in this position to strengthen ties with the local produc-ers and farmers. I feel there is a generation gap between the older pro-ducers and producers who are just entering the cattle business, and I hopeto help close it some. I feel like the younger crowd is dropping the ball ifwe dont step in and take some leadership roles within the association. Ienjoy getting to go to other chapter meetings to see how they do thingsand bring back some new ideas to my chapter as well. I am always look-ing for ways to help everyone work smarter, not harder. A hard undertak-ing, and not just in Region 11, is trying to help break the concept that everytime a chapter meets, it has to be a steak dinner and paid for by some-body. I believe we lose quite a few members because they dont want togo to the local meetings because of folks bickering about the meal insteadof dealing with challenges we are being confronted with that are affectingour way of life. I remain optimistic about our local chapter and the growthwe have been seeing in the association. I dont believe there is an issuethat cant be resolved.

Describe your background and involvement in thebeef cattle industry.

ANSWER: I have been involved with cattle for about 20 years. Mygrandfather and uncle bought the first cows when my grandfather wasclose to retiring. I was the main cow-chaser when they got out of thefences and headed up the mountain behind where we lived. I had theopportunity to show throughout high school, too. My dad became moreinvolved in the last 10 years and incorporated the farm in 2005: Shadow BFarms, LLC. We have cattle in both northeast Georgia and South Georgia.I have been a member of the Georgia Cattlemens Association since 2000.I was on the steering committee when we formed the Georgia JuniorCattlemens Association and served as the first State Vice President. Ihave been involved with several chapters as I have moved throughout thestate and have served as President in the Abraham Baldwin AgricultureCollege Chapter and currently am involved in the Pulaski County Chapter. Ireceived an associates degree in animal science from ABAC and currentlywork with Genex Cooperative Inc. as the south Georgia representativeserving the genetic needs of beef and dairy farms through artificial insemi-nation (A.I.)

Tell us about your family.

ANSWER: I have been married five years to my lovely wife, Jeannie.We have an amazing 2-year-old boy, Wyatt. Everyone in our family helpswith the farm in some form or fashion. My dad, Steve; my mom, Ann; andmy brother, Jesse; they all manage things in the northeast Georgia farmwhile my brother-in-law, John, and my nephew, Troy, help with everythingin south Georgia.

In your opinion, what is the most pertinent issueGeorgias beef industry is facing today?

ANSWER: I am going to skip over the obvious political issues that havebeen discussed numerous times, but rather focus only on two issues: publicappearance and the generation gap. I think we are fighting an unfair battleagainst those who view animals with the same rights as humans. The biggestgun in their arsenal is the wonderful World Wide Web. Sites like YouTubeand Facebook give folks the power to turn half-truths or misunderstood actioninto a violent war of words and money. The next issue is the generation gapproblem. I have to borrow from Temple Grandin and revisit the issue ofproducers and farmers sharing videos online of their stories and experienceson the farm. This shows people who were not raised with a farmingbackground how genuine we are about the care and love for our animals. Thisis our livelihood, so we should take pride in what we do and share our story. Ibelieve younger members should step up to the plate on this one and reallyshow the misinformed public they are being fed false accusations and lies.We as a younger generation should also be stepping up in the leadership inthe association. The junior association is the perfect start for such a journey.

What improvements or changes would you like tosee evolve over the next year within GCA?

ANSWER: One improvement I really think is valuable is the introduc-tion of the GCA member benefits. A big thank-you goes out to the compa-nies who were willing to put their trust in GCA and partner with us. I wantto give another thank-you to those who have logged numerous hours mak-ing this concept a reality. An issue coming straight from concerned mem-bers is looking at the structure of the awards system to see if we are satis-fied with it or if we need to do some revamping. The Regional VPs makeup the GCA membership committee and we are having a meeting thismonth to look at this issue. I encourage anyone with a comment, pro orcon, about the awards system to contact your Regional VP so we canaccurately and best serve you, the members.

Meet D.J. Bradshaw,GCA Region 11 Vice PresidentQA&

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q



As fall approaches many Georgiacattlemen are considering thealternatives for their calf crop.For many cattlemen, the decisions are:sell now, stocker and sell next year, orretain ownership through the feedlot.Each of these alternatives has advan-tages and disadvantages. However, theoutcome of all decisions will be affect-ed by the opportunity cost on the calf ifstockered or finished, the sales pricenext spring, and the cost to get fromnow until then.

Fall 2010 OutlookCalf and feeder prices typically

experience a fairly pronounced dropbeginning in mid-late September. This

year is no different. Prices for 500 to600 pound steers and bulls in Georgiaauction markets held up very welluntil mid-September. Since then, theyhave experienced a precipitous drop(Figure 1).

For the remainder of the fall it willlikely be tough sledding for calves andfeeders as uncertainty in the corn mar-ket will mean higher costs for feedlots.Additionally, high wheat prices makestockering calves on Plains (Oklahoma,Kansas, Texas) wheat fields relativelyunattractive because of the potentiallyhigh cost of damage to the wheat crop.As a result, it will be hard for calf andfeeder prices to improve much untilafter Jan. 1.

Spring 2011 OutlookFundamentally, prices for spring

2011 should be favorable. Cattle onfeed numbers continue to run below2009 numbers. Simultaneously, fed cat-tle marketings continue to stay very cur-rent, meaning there should not be abacklog of cattle coming to market anytime soon.

USDA projects total beef produc-tion to decline in 2010 to 25.90 billionpounds. As cow numbers and theresulting calf crops continue to dwin-dle, there will be fewer available cattlesupplies to replenish feedlots, as indi-cated by estimates of even lower beefproduction of 25.32 billion pounds in2011. However, as the economyimproves there should be increasedbeef demand resulting in higher pricesfor all classes of cattle in 2011.

Input CostsOf course, the big unknown for

many cattlemen from now until nextspring is the cost of stockering or feed-ing. Current UGA forage budget esti-mates run from $165 per acre up to$225 per acre, depending on the system.While these numbers certainly arentcheap, they are certainly lower than justthree years ago.

It is worth noting that theSoutheast Climate Consortium is pro-jecting a drier and warmer fall/winterbecause of a strengthening La Nina. Asa result, establishment of winter annu-

Figure 1. Prices for 500-600 pound steers and bulls in Georgia throughSeptember 2010.

MED. & LRG. #1 & 2 STEER CALF PRICES500-600 Pounds, Georgia, Weekly

EXPERTADVICE

Fall Management

and Marketing Decisions

By Dr. Curt Lacy, UGA Extension Economist-Livestock

als is a little riskier this year. As a result,cost per animal or pound of gain couldbe higher, depending on stand estab-lishment, growth, etc.

Corn prices will be the majorunknown for producers consideringretained ownership. USDA dramatical-ly changed their yield forecast lower forthe 2010 crop. The net result of thischange was a substantial increase inprojected corn prices for the comingyear to $4.50 - $5.40 per bushel acrossthe United States. These higher priceswill mean higher costs for cattle feedersthis coming year.

In early-mid October prices, pro-jected feeding costs were running about$75 per CWT., certainly higher than lastfall, but still manageable. In fact, evenat those prices, producers can hedge aprofit in retaining ownership if they areso inclined.

Projected PricesFor the rest of 2010 cattlemen can

expect calf and feeder cattle prices tostay in their seasonal pattern, whichmeans lower prices until next Februaryor March (Table 1). Next spring theycan expect the typical spring rally withprices improving modestly, dependingon the grain markets.

Producers considering retainingownership can expect stable prices untilNovember-December, at which timebeef will take a back seat to poultry andpork. After New Year, prices shouldincrease, especially in the February-March time frame.

ImplicationsTo say the current beef and cattle

market is a risky environment is atremendous understatement. Projectedprices for next spring suggest an eco-nomic incentive for stockering.However, the potential for a winterdrought is strong enough to give con-siderable pause to that notion unlessone is fortunate enough to eitherreceive or make it rain.

For cattlemen open to theprospect of retaining ownershipthrough the finishing phase, currentprice signals indicate an economicincentive to finishing cattle. However,the possibility of sharply higher feed

costs also makes this a risky venture.From a practical standpoint, cattlemeninclined to finishing cattle this yearshould consider pricing approximatelythe same amount of anticipated feedneeds as expected cattle production.In other words, if one hedges one-halfof his cattle, he should also do some-thing similar for his corn, as the oddsof having cattle priced and feed notpriced is just too great.

Cow-calf producers who are inter-ested in custom-finishing but are unfa-miliar with the ins and outs shouldcontact their local county agent orGCA to learn about the Georgia BeefChallenge (GBC). The GBC is a col-laborative effort between UGA andGCA where as few as one head can be

consigned to be fed in a commercialfeedlot in Iowa. The feedlots in Iowaare members of a network of farmer-feeders that is managed or operatedwith technical assistance from IowaState University.

In addition to potentially higher netreturns for their cattle, producersreceive carcass and production infor-mation back on their calf crop, as wellas getting the experience of custom fin-ishing without having to do all of theresearch that is associated with locatingand selecting a reputable feedyard.Moreover, UGA helps arrange thetransportation to Iowa as well as coor-dinating the price risk management forthe cattle and feed, which keeps thetuition (cost of learning) to a minimum.

Summary and ConclusionsThe volatile feed prices and the

drier and warmer-than-normal winterhave increased the risk for stockering orretaining ownership this fall. However,current price signals indicate very possi-ble positive returns for doing so.Cattlemen should conduct their ownanalyses to make the best decision fortheir situation.

Current market reports, informa-tion and decision-aids can be found atwww.secattleadvisor.com.


GC

Do you have questions for the

experts? Write to Dr. Curt Lacy

at [email protected]

Time Period 500-600# Steer 700-800# Steer1,200# ChoiceSlaughter Steer

Oct-Dec 2010 $90-$95 $80-$85 $94-$99

Jan-Mar 2011 $95-$105 $85-$90 $100-$107

Apr-Jun 2011 $105-$115 $90-$100 $100-$107

Jul-Sep 2011 $110-$125 $105-$115 $95-$110

Table 1. Price Projections for 2010-2011 (basis Georgia)

For cattlemen open tothe prospect of

retaining ownershipthrough the finishingphase, current pricesignals indicate an

economic incentive tofinishing cattle.


Amicalola 16 18 2Appalachian 85 83 -2At Large 152 173 21Baldwin/Jones/Putnam 70 81 11Banks 43 46 3Barrow 37 40 3Ben Hill/Irwin 16 14 -2Berrien 14 12 -2Blue Ridge Mountain 67 66 -1Brooks 16 12 -4Burke 83 86 3Carroll 138 143 5Clarke-Oconee 111 124 13Colquitt 55 54 -1Cook 26 20 -6Coweta 68 74 6Crawford Area 20 19 -1Decatur 15 15 0Elbert 42 50 8Floyd 75 74 -1Franklin 118 100 -18Grady 38 41 3Greene Area 33 37 4Hall 39 34 -5Haralson 34 47 13Harris 75 74 -1Hart 78 80 2Heard 49 41 -8Heartland 46 42 -4Henry 43 58 15Houston 17 15 -2Jackson 70 68 -2Jefferson 25 22 -3Johnson Area 43 38 -5L.T.D. 16 11 -5Laurens 94 100 6Lincoln 47 42 -5Little River 79 79 0Lowndes 30 33 3Lumpkin 35 20 -15Macon 23 19 -4Madison 149 134 -15Meriwether 44 46 2Mid GA 185 186 1Miller 4 35 31Mitchell 155 138 -17Morgan 73 68 -5Murray 29 24 -5North GA 47 48 1Northeast GA 67 67 0Northwest GA 64 53 -11Ocmulgee 38 36 -2Ogeechee 107 110 3Oglethorpe 52 63 11Pachitla 44 46 2Peach 16 15 -1Piedmont 103 90 -13Piney Woods 33 34 1Polk 87 79 -8Pulaski 23 16 -7Red Carpet 89 90 1Satilla 0 18 18Seminole 0 30 30South GA 79 70 -9Southeast GA 33 26 -7Stephens 56 50 -6Tattnall 80 65 -15Taylor 16 18 2Thomas 11 12 1Three-Rivers 56 65 9Tift 47 45 -2Tri-Co. 31 30 -1Tri-State 98 95 -3Troup 15 12 -3Turner 15 16 1Walton 39 37 -2Washington 45 89 44Wayne 41 36 -5Webster 4 4 0Wilkes 73 66 -7Worth 18 17 -1ABAC (primarily junior chapter) 54 71 17UGA (primarily junior chapter) 31 21 -10

2010 MEMBERSHIP TOTALS

Chapter Total Total Inc/Dec11/30/09 09/30/10 thru 8/31

CHAPTER OF THE YEARThis award is to recognize outstanding work by local associations in a variety of

areas, including state and national membership, participation in GCA activities, legisla-tive affairs, community involvement, local association activities, and service to members.The completed form and supporting materials must be submitted to the GCA office notlater than November 30. Supporting materials may include scrapbooks or other docu-mentation, which would verify the material found in the entry form. Supporting mate-rials will be returned upon request. Winners will be recognized at the GCA Convention.

CATTLEMEN OF THE YEARThis award recognizes outstanding GCA members for their cattle and farming

operations. Awards will be presented in three divisions: Seedstock Producer of the Year,Commercial and Stocker. Applications must be submitted to the GCA office not laterthan November 30. Winners will be recognized with video at the GCA Convention.Award sponsored by Fuller Supply.

VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURAL TEACHERThis award encourages excellence in vocational agricultural teachers who support

their local associations. Applications should be submitted to the GCA office not laterthan November 30. Winners will receive complimentary convention registration. Localassociations are encouraged to nominate their deserving vocational agricultural teachers.

VET OF THE YEARThis award recognizes outstanding large animal veterinarians who support their

local associations. Applications should be submitted to the GCA office not later thanNovember 30. Winners will receive a GCA jacket and be recognized at the GCAConvention.

CATTLEWOMAN OF THE YEARThis award recognizes an outstanding CattleWoman who supports the state and

local associations. Applications should be submitted to the GCA office not later thanNovember 30. Winners will be recognized at the GCA Convention.

TOP HAND SERVICE AWARDThis award recognizes any individual in the cattle industry who goes beyond the call

of duty. Applications should be submitted to the GCA office not later than November30. This award will be given on an as-needed basis. Winners will be recognized at theGCA Convention.

Applications available atwww.gabeef.org/gca/gcaadwards.html

Last years Chapter of the Year: Mitchell County


Grand Prize

Contest ends November 30, 2010

2010Chapter Membership

To the chapter with the largest membership increase.

Birmingham, Alabama

1010 North 24th Street

Birmingham, Alabama 35201

Phone: (205) 323-4431

1-800-633-4960

Dothan, Alabama

(334) 794-7812

1-800-633-7533

Douglas, Georgia

(912) 384-8104

1-800-241-7702

Montgomery, Alabama

(334) 263-7316

1-800-782-5739

1-800-527-8616

2009 Winner:Mitchell County Chapter

SPONSORED BY:Previous

2008 Winner:

Lumpkin County

Chapter

NNeeww MMeemmbbeerr RRoouunndduupp

David Ballengee, Eatonton, Ga.Matt Bohannon, Mastin, Ga.

Hunter Brigdon, Richmond Hill, Ga.

Olivia Browning, Tifton, Ga.Morgan Bruce, Moultrie, Ga.Hunter Bussell, Warthen, Ga.Savannah Carter, Tifton, Ga.

Staci Clark, Meigs, Ga.Garison Clenney, Colquitt, Ga. Preston Clenney, Colquitt, Ga.

Tyner Cobb, Colquitt, Ga.Abbey Cook, Roopville, Ga.Jamison Cruce, Suches, Ga.

Josh Daniel, Bogart, Ga.Damon Davis, Thomson, Ga.

Pete Dola, Morriston, Fla.Bobby Downing,

Donalsonville, Ga.Ashley Dunnigan, Blakely, Ga.Jessica Dunnigan, Blakely, Ga.David Edwards, Upatoi, Ga.Curry Foister, Baconton, Ga.

James Garland, Locust Grove, Ga.

Chad & Nicole Harless,Yatesville, Ga.

Woody Holland, Bristol, Ga.Bill Hornsby, Iron City, Ga.

Judson Hornsby, Iron City, Ga.Vann Hornsby, Iron City, Ga.Will Hornsby, Iron City, Ga.

Elizabeth Horton, Gainesville, Fla.

Hoste Farms, Covington, Ga.Scott Howell, Dudley, Ga.Randy Jones, Hull, Ga.

Jeff Kent, Warrenton, Ga.Hanna Kowaleski, Simpsonville, Ga.

Max Lewis, III, Albany, Ga.

Kaylie Madore, Bellview, Fla.Phil McGukin, Carrollton, Ga.Chelsea Murray, Martin, Ga.

Charles Osborne, Jr., Cumming, Ga.

Bayleigh Pierstorff, Tifton, Ga.Tony Powell, Watkinsville, Ga.

Travis Roberts, Simpsonville, S.C.

Jack Rose, McDonough, Ga.Jack Simms, Jacksonville, Fla.

Joseph Neal Smith, Jr., Milan, Ga.

Kevin Snell, Loganville, Ga.Cameron Solomon,

Baconton, Ga.Felix Tabb, Jr., Colquitt, Ga.

Russ Wiessinger, Glennville, Ga.Nathan White,

McDonough, Ga.Harlin Williamson, Bowdon, Ga.

Richard Williamson, Roopville, Ga.

Wesley Youmans, Iron City, Ga.

William Youmans, Iron City, Ga.David Young,

Thomasville, Ga.

Welcome to GCA! We are glad

you decided to join us!


Important Safety Information: Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. A pre-slaughter withdrawaltime has not been determined for pre-ruminating calves. Effects on reproductive performance, pregnancyand lactation have not been determined. DRAXXIN has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days.

Get the greatest return on your anti-infective investment. DRAXXIN (tulathromycin) Injectable Solutionis proven more effective than Micotil or Nuflor for control of BRD in cattle at high risk of developing BRD.1

And more effective than Baytril, Micotil or Nuflor for the first treatment of BRD.2 Plus, only DRAXXIN isapproved for control and treatment of BRD associated with Mycoplasma bovis.

To see what this means for your operation, go to www.draxxin.com/value,or contact your local Pfizer Animal Health representative to request an ROIcalculator demonstration.

MAKING YOUMONEY. ONELESS RE-TREATAT A TIME.

All brands are the property of their respective owners. 2010 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. DRX10019

1Control success based on aggregate of four studies. DRAXXIN = 87.2% control success, range: 79.3-94.8%; Micotil = 74.7%, range: 71.3-80.3%; Nuflor = 62.8%, range: 45.8-79.8%. Pfizer Animal Health. Technical Bulletin Nos. DRX05022, DRX05023, New York: Pfizer Animal Health, 2005.

2Treatment success based on aggregate of 11 studies. DRAXXIN = 80.5% treatment success, range: 74-88%; Baytril = 68.5%, range: 62.5-75%; Micotil = 55.8%, range: 35-69%;Nuflor = 51.6%, range: 30-64%. Pfizer Animal Health. Technical Bulletin Nos. DRX05019, DRX05020, DRX05021, DRX07033, New York: Pfizer Animal Health, 20052007.


It is my understanding that Georgiawill soon receive funds from theFederal Veterinary Medicine LoanRepayment Program to provide for agrant for a Type III shortage veterinar-ian (public practice, public health, foodsafety or laboratory diagnostician). Theprogram will provide up to $25,000 peryear for up to three years to pay a sig-nificant portion of approved educa-tional debt incurred in earning a Doctorof Veterinary Medicine degree, provid-ed the veterinarian meets the qualifica-tions of the position.

Unlike a similar tax-exempt pro-gram for medical doctors (NationalHealth Services Corps LoanRepayment Program), a question oftaxes on this money has arisen. TheVeterinary Medicine Loan RepaymentProgram requires that 39 percent of themoney must be returned to the U.S.Treasury as a federal tax. The grant willinclude 39 percent additional funds thatwill cover the federal taxes, but not stateor local taxes.

Senators Mike Crapo (Idaho) andTim Johnson (S.D.) have introduced anenhancement bill that would make bothfederal and state veterinary loan repay-ment programs exempt from federaltaxes.

Georgia will be eligible for anotherveterinary shortage grant in November.It is not known what type of positionwill be designated. Hopefully it will befor a general practice veterinarian for acounty or area that is currently withoutveterinary service.

There are other state and federalfunding programs being developed toencourage veterinarians to locate inunder-served areas. Maybe theJohnson-Crapo bill will also apply tofuture veterinary medical loan repay-ment programs.

The problem of under-served areasof rural veterinary practices involvesnot only recruiting veterinarians intothe county or area but also retainingthem once they have established a vet-erinary practice.

The Journal of VeterinaryMedicine has recently published a studyconcerning why veterinarians leaverural veterinary practices. While reasonsvary, it was interesting to note the fol-lowing order of factors for veterinari-ans leaving rural practice:1. Emergency duty being on call

24/7 caused burnout and placed astrain on families.

2. Time off or the lack of it.3. Salary. 4. Family concerns.5. Practice atmosphere.6. Caseload and variety.7. Practice location state, town.8. Benefits or the lack of benefits

and cost.9. Lack of mental stimulation.

10. Quality of facilities and equipment.11. Injury or health issues.12. Mentorship.13. Conflict with other veterinarians.14. Insurance cost.15. No potential for practice ownership.16. Conflict with staff.17. Gender issues.18. Other.

The first four factors, which weremost frequently mentioned, are interre-lated and revolve around the family.

Remember, last year in a previousarticle I related that I had received acompanion animal practice companyrecruitment letter. The offer listed fiveweeks paid time off, no after-hours on-call duty, flexible schedules, continuingeducation allowance, full medical bene-fits, complete medical support staff,short-term disability insurance, retire-ment benefits 401(k) plus other bene-fits. The average income (2008) forGeorgia veterinarians with the compa-ny was $98,000+.

It appears that the company waslooking at the above list when they wrotethe letter. This can be quite an entice-ment for a tired rural veterinarian. (Irecently received a second letter from thesame company with a similar offer.)

:

In My Opinion

Why Veterinarians Leave RuralVeterinary Practices

By Dr. Charles N. Dobbins,retired from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine faculty

COWTOONS

GC


Check our website for dealer locations near you.

WASTELESS HAYHayMaster Nutrition

Injection Systems. Inc.www.haymastersystems.com

Burson Feed and SeedCarrollton, Ga. 770-832-6252

Circle H Farm SupplyCleveland, Ga.706-348-6728


We just returned from theNational Beef Ambassador Competi-tion, which was held in Rapid City,S. D., this year.

What a wonderful state to visit.So much to see from the Black Hillsto Mount Rushmore NationalMemorial to the Crazy HorseMemorial and so much more we didnot get to see. I want to thank theCattleWomen from South Dakota forhosting the competition. They wel-comed us with open arms and theirhospitality was greatly appreciated.

The contestants all met on Fridayafternoon for some workshops to bet-ter prepare them for the competition.After the workshops, everyone met fordinner and all the contestants wereofficially introduced. Then Saturdaysevents got an early start with the com-petition getting under way at 8 a.m.Each senior contestant competed inmedia interview, issues response, class-room presentation interview and con-sumer promotion. Chris Campbell isour Georgia Beef Ambassador and hedid an excellent job representingGeorgia in all four categories.

This year, for the first time, theyalso had a junior competition. JordanHarrison was our junior winner this yearso he attended and competed. The jun-ior contestants had to give a three- tofive-minute speech on a topic of theirchoice on the beef industry. Jordan alsodid an excellent job representingGeorgia in the junior competition.

It is now time to get started think-ing about the Georgia competition tobe held in April at the CattlemensConvention and Beef Expo. It will beheld Saturday, April 2. I would encour-age all youth who are interested to goto the CattleWomens website atwww.gabeef.org and look under con-tests for all the information. Whoknows? The next Georgia BeefAmbassador might just be you!!!

Chris Campbell, JordanHarrison RepresentGeorgia at National BeefAmbassador CompetitionBy Nanette Bryan

Chris Campbell Jordan Harrison

GC


Basin Lucy N737

GAR New Design 1779

This special sale attraction is a direct daughter of the$410,000 Basin Lucy 178E and the foundation Lucy inthe Shoulderbone Plantation program. This impres-sive donor along with her confirmed pregnancy byN Bar Prime Time D806 will headline this grand event.

This $300,000 valued Blackcap female will offer a daughterby GAR Retail Product and goes back to the high incomeproducing female of the entire breed, GAR Precision 2536.

The Final Chapter

150 Head Sell Donor

Spring and Fall Pairs Elite Pregnancies

Powerful Bred Heifers Show Heifer Prospects

Herd Bulls

For more information contact the sale managers, TOM BURKE/ KURT SCHAFF/ JEREMY HAAG, AMERICAN ANGUSHALL OF FAME at the WORLD ANGUS HEADQUARTERS, Box 660, Smithville, MO 64089-0660. Phone (816) 532-0811.Fax (816)532-0851. E-Mail: [email protected] www.angushall.com

SHOULDERBONE PLANTATIONRobert E. Lanier Owner

Clay Bussell - Manager

2200 Centennial Church Road

White Plains, GA 30678

(706) 467-3467 Farm (478) 232-8729

www.shoulderboneplantation.com

Complete and Total Angus Dispersal Sale of Shoulderbone PlantationSaturday Nov. 13, 2010White Plains, GA


The goal of most winter foragesystems is to start grazing assoon as possible and continuegrazing as late as possible. Early grazinggenerally requires early planting, butthis is not so easy when one is dealingwith a warm season grass sod.

During the past few weeks, a num-ber of producers have wrestled withthis challenge. As a consequence, I havefrequently been asked a very goodquestion: What would happen to mybermudagrass if I were to chemicallyfrost it in mid-September so that I canget a jumpstart on planting my winterannuals? In this months article, Ithought Id share with you someresearch on this issue.

The Challenges of Focusing on Winter Grazing

The easiest way to get the earliestfall grazing is to plant into a preparedseedbed as early as mid-September.Unfortunately, this is impractical formost cattlemen in Georgia, as nearly allof their land is in a permanent warmseason grass sod. Of course, drilling thewinter annuals into the sod is a verygood option, but it is risky to plant tooearly (i.e., the last two to three weeks ofSeptember) since the sod continuesgrowing well into October and earlyNovember in most years/locations.Such is not a friendly environment forthat measly little ryegrass, small grain,or clover seedling.

Ideally, one would like to somehowcut short the growing season of thebermudagrass so as to get a jumpstarton the winter grazing season. At thesame time, though, one would want tominimize the stress, yield reduction andstand loss of the warm season perenni-al sod. Always wanting to have our cakeand eat it too, arent we?

One idea is to use what some callthe frost-in-a-bottle technique. Inthis scenario, a producer would apply alight rate of herbicide to cause thebermudagrass to stop growing, inessence acting like an early hard frost.

Several years ago, researchers inAlabamas Coastal Plain examined theidea of using glyphosate (e.g.,Roundup, Gly-4, Glyfos, etc.) orparaquat (e.g., Gramoxone Inteon,Firestorm, etc.) on bermudagrassahead of mid-September plantings ofwinter annual forages. They studied theeffect of glyphosate, paraquat, and nochemical application when rye-rye-grass-arrowleaf clover (Table 1) or rye-grass-arrowleaf clover (Table 2) wasplanted into the sod.

The results of this study essentiallyfound that, on average, there really wasno benefit in using a chemical suppres-sant when attempting to establish win-ter annuals into bermudagrass sod.More recent research in Texas usingnewer herbicide chemistries generallydemonstrated a similar lack of benefit.

So it would be easy to leave it atthat: Chemically frosting the sod is ofno benefit. Though that seems true inan academic sense, it may also be nave.A more prudent statement is that usingan herbicide to cut short the bermuda-grass growing season is likely to be ofno benefit in most years and situations,but there may be some years and/or sit-uations when it would be beneficial. Mycolleagues and I have had some recent

EXPERTADVICE

By Dr. Dennis Hancock, UGA Forage Extension Specialist

IN A

Table 1. Average seasonal forage production (over a 3-year period) of rye +annual ryegrass + arrowleaf clover in the Lower Coastal Plain as affected bythe suppression of a Coastal bermudagrass sod.

Table 2. Average seasonal forage production (over a 2-year period) of annualryegrass + arrowleaf clover in the Lower Coastal Plain as affected by the sup-pression of a Coastal bermudagrass sod.

* Values within a column that share the same letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05).

* Values within a column that share the same letter are not significantly different (P > 0.05).

FRoST

Hosted by Davis Farms, Doerun, GeorgiaNovember 19, 2010

10 AMApproximately 65 Range-Ready Bulls

45 Angus and 20 Sim-Angus

Sires include, but are not limited to BC Lookout 7024, OCC Magnitude 805M,SAV Final Answer 0035, Duff Encore 702

and SAND Ranchhand.

Our number one goal is to raise and develophigh quality bulls on a ration that allows the

bulls to grow and develop in an efficientmanner and gain solid weight that will hold

once the bulls are taken to their new home andturned out on cows. This group of bulls was

assembled in May and slowly developed on aforage based diet consisting of Corn Silage andgood Bermuda pasture. They are the top tier of

our bull crops and we look forward to havingyou stop by and visit over the next month.

For catalog request contact Trey Davis 229-881-3510 or Bobby Freeman 478-955-5940Profit Power Genetics Group 7861 Thigpen Trail Doerun, GA 31744


on-farm experiences in irrigated pas-tures where we have observed thatchemically frosting the sod allowed 2 to3 weeks of earlier grazing. In those sit-uations, the cost of the herbicide appli-cation (usually < $10/acre) is morethan offset by the value of the earliergrazing.

Admittedly, irrigated pastures are arelatively narrow niche. However, thereare other situations where I suspectdesiccating bermudagrass with an her-bicide could be beneficial. Theseinclude when the conditions inSeptember and October are projectedto (and turn out to) provide 1) abovenormal rainfall; 2) moderate tempera-tures (i.e., above 65 degrees but notconsistently above 85 degrees); and3) low humidity. Fortunately, there donot appear to be any long-term negativeside effects of occasionally using lowrates of an herbicide to chemically frostthe sod (assuming the stand is healthyto begin with). So, if weather projec-tions appear to provide these condi-tions, it may be worth taking the chanceif a jump-start on winter grazing wouldbe valuable.

If one decides to attempt this,

there are a couple of issues to keep inmind.

1) Paraquat is not translocatedsystemically in the crop, but glyphosateis translocated. As a consequence, sup-pression of bermudagrass at spring

green-up is common following a fallglyphosate application, and this cancontribute to stand loss.

2) Overseeding of cool-seasonannuals should be delayed until thecrop has desiccated. Complete desicca-tion can occur in as little as 24 hoursfollowing paraquat application, but maytake over a week with glyphosate (espe-cially if the crop is drought-stressed).Some formulations may require addi-tional time between application andplanting. So always read and followlabel recommendations.

3) For good desiccation, at least 6inches of top growth is required forglyphosate absorption and transloca-tion. This may necessitate that theexcess material be mowed or burnedoff before overseeding.

4) Good desiccation with paraquatcan be achieved with less than 3 inchesof top growth. However, closelygrazed/mown sod that has been desic-cated with paraquat may initiate newgrowth if conditions remain conducivefor growth (i.e., adequate moisture andtemperatures staying above 85 degrees).

For more information on how tomore efficiently establish winter graz-ing or to find an answer to a questionthat you commonly wonder about, visitour website at www.georgiaforages.comor contact your local University ofGeorgia Cooperative Extension office(call 1-800-ASK-UGA1).

Using an herbicide to cut short the

bermudagrass growingseason is likely to beof no benefit in most

cases, but not all.

Do you have questions for the

experts? Write to Dr. Dennis

Hancock at [email protected]

GC


Cooking

BEEFwith Ashley!

I love the smells, the chill in the air, thewarm clothing, and most of all, the food. Thefood of fall brings a familiarity that feels likecoming home after a long day. With smells thatfill the air with love and warmth, beefstews, chilis and pot roasts inviteyou to relax, cherish the momentand spend time with friends andfamily around the dinner table.

One of the perks of fallfoods is that you can prepare thembeforehand, letting them simmer for a few hoursand then coming home to an amazing meal.This months featured recipe has flavors that arereminiscent of a traditional pot roast, but incor-porating wild mushrooms adds a unique earthytaste to this succulent stew.

An obvious fan of beef, I always add morebeef to the recipe than what is called for. AsAmericans struggle to get their daily recommend-ed values of protein and iron, I want to makesure that my stew has plenty to offer. Anotherbenefit of a one-dish meal is complexity: Youcan add whatever vegetables you like, adding tothe nutritional value of the meal. While recentlyjudging a chili cookoff contest, I had the oppor-tunity to taste a chili that had fresh spinach in it;the spinach was added near the very end of thecooking process to keep it from overwilting, butadded a freshness to the meal while packing apunch of vitamins and minerals. This is also agreat way to disguise nutrients for kids who maynot be fans of veggies.

My cooking tip for the month: Make sureyou brown the meat before adding any liquid inorder to ensure moist, tender beef in any stew.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as wedid and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

WWiilldd MMuusshhrroooomm BBeeeeff SStteeww

Ingredients2 pounds beef for stew, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed 3/4 cup ready-to-serve beef broth 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/4 cup dry red wine

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound red-skinned potatoes (1-1/2-inch diameter), cut into quarters 8 ounces assorted mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini and

oyster, cut into quarters 1 cup baby carrots

Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions1. Combine flour, salt, pepper and thyme in small bowl. Place beef

in 4-1/2 to 5-1/2-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with flour mixture; toss to coat.

2. Combine broth, tomato paste, wine and garlic in small bowl; mixwell. Add to beef. Add potatoes, mushrooms and carrots; mix well.

3. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours, or on LOW 8 to 9 hours, oruntil beef and vegetables are tender. (No stirring is necessary duringcooking.) Stir well before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 306 calories; 9 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 4 g monounsaturated fat); 73 mg cholesterol; 644 mg sodium; 25 g carbohydrate; 3.1 g fiber; 29 g protein; 7.3 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 2.3 mcg vitamin B12; 4.3 mg iron; 6.6 mg zinc. This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron and zinc; and a good source of fiber.

Total recipe time: High Setting: 6-1/2 hours; Low Setting: 9-1/2 hours Makes 6 servings

Source: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

GEORGIA BEEF BOARD

OFFICERSHarvey Lemmon, ChairmanP.O. Box 524Woodbury, GA 30293706-553-5124706-553-3911

Dr. Frank ThomasRt 1 Box 40Alamo, GA 30411912-568-7743

Lane Holton7851 N Turkey RoadCamilla, GA 31730229-336-5686

Zippy DuvallGA Farm Bureau Federation1141 Bill Duvall Road Greensboro, GA 30642478-474-8411

Robert Fountain, Jr.P.O. Box 167Adrian, GA 31002478-668-4808

Gerald Long, Treasurer3005 Old Whigham RoadBainbridge, GA 39817229-246-7519

Kenneth Murphy5266 Luthersville RoadLuthersville, GA 30251770-550-0339

Charles Rucks6209 Newnan RoadBrooks, GA 30205770-599-3515

Graydon Bobo, Vice ChairmanWilkes Co. StockyardP.O. Box 623Washington, GA 30673706-285-2467

Kelly Buchanan505 Southerfield RoadAmericus, GA 31709229-924-2931

Phil HarveyP.O. Box 928Jackson, GA 30233770-775-7314

The Georgia Beef Board877-444-BEEF

www.gabeef.org

ProStart Beef 101After being awarded a grant from

National Cattlemens Beef Association(NCBA), GBB offered Beef 101 class-room presentation to teachers who par-ticipate in the Georgia ProStartCulinary Program, an accelerated culi-nary arts program for high school jun-iors and seniors.

With 29 schools signed up for theclass between September and February,GBB is going to be pounding the pave-ment across the state teaching students

about beef. The focus ofthe curriculum is cookingbeef: how to cook beef; howNOT to cook beef; ingredi-ent pairings. There are alsonutrition, food safety andindustry priorities. We want

these students to have a better under-standing of beef and the beef industryso that they will be able to makeinformed buying decisions when pur-chasing food for themselves, their fam-ilies and possibly in their future restau-rants and businesses. There will be con-tinued coverage of this program duringthe school year.

Georgia National FairWhat a Ride! The theme of the

21st Georgia National Fair carried overas GBB reached thousandsof people, telling theGeorgia Beef Story tofairgoers. With participa-tion from GBB and GCABoard members andGCWA officers, peoplereceived stickers, coloringbooks, crayons and recipespromoting the benefits ofbeef and the beef industry.

For more informationand pictures of the event,check out pages 60-61. GC

Georgia Beef Board ReportBeef Education At Core of Events

Compiled by Ashley Hughes



The objectives of the BQA pro-gram are to set production standards,establish systems for dataretention and record keep-ing, provide hands-ontraining and education,and provide technicalassistance through statecattlemens associations andbeef councils, veterinarians and exten-sion agents. BQA guidelines aredesigned to make certain that all beefconsumers can take pride in what theypurchase and can trust and have confi-dence in the entire beef industry. Tojump-start the rejuvenation of the BQAprogram in Georgia, lets first look backon where BQA started.

Consumers have always expected asafe, wholesome and high-quality prod-

uct. In 1980, because of beef safetyconcerns, producers began investigat-

ing ways to ensure that their pro-duction practices would pass the

scrutiny of the consumer. Theprecursor of BQA that arosewas aimed at ensuring that

beef was free of volatile chem-ical residues. Originally called

Beef Safety Assurance, the emphasisat that time was on targeting real andperceived beef safety issues. Measureswere successfully implemented,including educating stakeholdersabout proper use of pharma-ceutical products and the hon-oring of withdrawal times.

In 1982, the U.S.Department of Agricultures FoodSafety Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS)

began working with the beef industryto develop the Pre-harvest Beef SafetyProduction Program. In 1985, afterthree years of careful study and adjust-ment of production practices, threefeedlots were certified by USDA-FSISand called Verified Control feedlots.Lessons learned during those years nowserve as the basis for the NationalCattlemens Beef Association BQAprogram, which began in 1987.

BQA programs funded by beefcheckoff money through the

Cattlemens Beef Board were ini-tiated in nearly every U.S. state.The concept matured in theearly 1990s as the industrys

Beef Quality Task Force beganto look into why and where beef

was falling short of the final customers

EXPERTADVICE History of BQA

By Carole Hicks, UGA Extension Animal Scientist Beef Cattle

BQA, or Beef Quality Assurance, is a program developed to ensure that beef and dairycattle are managed in a manner that will result in safe and wholesome beef products for theconsumer.

By managing market cattle properly, monitoring market animals correct-ly, and marketing cows and bulls appropriately, the 1994 National MarketCow and Bull Beef Quality Audit said the industry could recoup about $70per head.


expectations. However, they needed away to evaluate whether BQA was mak-ing a difference.

The 1991 National Beef QualityAudit, the first comprehensive audit ofbeef carcasses, determined that theindustry lost a total of nearly $70.20 perhead due to quality defects for the aver-age fed animal marketed. The majorityof the loss was because of excess fat,lack of marbling, and other carcassdefects including injection site blem-ishes. Since then, the reduction ofinjection site lesions has been amongthe major success stories of BQA.While the signature of BQA has beenin improving the quality and consumerconfidence in fed beef, attention alsofocused on market bulls and cows andthe beef they produce.

The 1994 National Market Cowand Bull Beef Quality Audit indicatedthat the top 10 defects found in marketcows and bulls were due mainly to pre-harvest management practices. By man-aging market cattle properly, monitor-ing market animals correctly, and mar-keting cows and bulls appropriately, theaudit said the industry could recoupabout $70 per head.

The BQA program continues toadapt to changing times. In an effort toreach more producers and beef indus-try segments, BQA has hit the Internet.Many states, including Georgia, utilizean online training and certification pro-gram. This allows producers to gothrough training modules at their ownpace and certify on their own.However, there are many benefits toface-to-face contact and the Georgia

BQA program will once again, as inyears past, begin offering some hands-on BQA trainings and certifications.The plan is to begin implementingthese within the next few months.BQA is an important and useful pro-gram that gives the beef industry andbeef producers the ability to instill con-fidence in their product and the waythat it is produced. GC

The Beef Promotion Operating Committee at theirSeptember meeting approved investment of the CattlemensBeef Board (CBB) Fiscal Year 2011 budget of $42.8 millionon a total of 42 national checkoff programs and associatedcosts.

Our September meeting is always a tough one, becausethere are certainly more valuable programs than we havefunds, said CBB and Operating Committee Chairman DanDierschke, a cattleman from Texas. As a producer, however,I am pleased with the mix of excellent programs in which theOperating Committee chose to invest our checkoff dollarsduring the coming year.

CBBs FY 2011 budget is 2 percent less than the$43.8 million budget in Fiscal Year 2010 and 20 percent lessthan just five years ago. The amended budget must beapproved by the full Beef Board, as well as the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Members of the Beef Promotion Operating Committee including 10 members of the Cattlemens Beef Board and 10members of the Federation of State Beef Councils metSept. 20-21 in Denver.

The approved plan of work funds promotion, researchand information programs and is designed to build demandfor beef using national checkoff funds. Contractors whoseprogram proposals were funded subject to approval byUSDA include the American National CattleWomen

(ANCW), the Meat Importers Council of America (MICA),the National Cattlemens Beef Association (NCBA), and theU.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The OperatingCommittee also reviewed the CBBs program proposal forproducer communications, which the Beef Board staff man-ages in-house.

We were able to fund more than we thought we mightbecause of slightly higher revenue than projected during thesecond half of the current fiscal year, and we expect theincrease in collections to continue into next year, said CBBSecretary/Treasurer Robert Fountain, a cattleman fromGeorgia. But the financial challenges remain significant ascosts for carrying out these programs continue to rise, so therelative value of each dollar has diminished dramatically inrecent years.

A separate $6.5 million in allocations from the Federationof State Beef Councils will further increase checkoff fundingof national programs in promotion, research, consumer infor-mation, industry information and foreign marketing.

Programs authorized by the Operating Committee mustbe approved by USDA before any money can be spent. Eachcontractor of the Beef Checkoff Program works on a cost-recovery basis and, by law, cannot profit from work they do onbehalf of the Beef Board and state beef councils. Each con-tractor is subject to compliance reviews by CBB and USDA onan ongoing basis.

Committee Approves Beef Checkoff Initiatives For FY 2011

GC

Sourc

e:

Cattle

Fax

WHAT:The 2011 Georgia Cattlemens Association Emerging Leaders Conference

is a program targeted at current and future industry leaders. Twelve applicantswill be selected to participate in a two-day conference addressing the beef cat-tle industry.

A complete overview of GCA, Georgia Beef Board, Georgia CattlemensFoundation, NCBA and GJCA will highlight activities in Macon on Monday,January 17. Tuesday will be spent in the Atlanta area touring a beef wholesalefacility, and visiting the State Capitol and the Georgia Department ofAgriculture headquarters.

WHEN:The ELC will begin at 9:30 a.m., January 17 at the GCA offices in Macon,

and will conclude late afternoon Tuesday, January 18. GCA will help coordi-nate travel once attendees are selected.

WHO:GCA members, 21 years of age or older, with a desire to learn more about

the beef industry and help move the industry and GCA forward.

2011 GCA EMERGING LEADERS CONFERENCE APPLICATION

Name _____________________________ Phone # _______________

Address _________________________________________________

E-Mail __________________________________________________

Please address the following issues below or on additional sheets

and forward them with your application:

Describe your involvement within the Beef Industry:

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Describe current or past involvement with GCA or your chapter:

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Upon selection there will be $100 participation fee due. All other conference expenses will be covered by sponsors and GCA.

Send this application and additional pages to GCA, P.O. Box 24510, Macon GA 31212, or email form to [email protected]

2011 EMERGING LEADERS CONFERENCEJANUARY 17-18, 2011


FORMER GCA PRESIDENT BILL NUTT listen-ing to Sierra Coggins, Buckhead Beef QualityControl Manager, as the 2010 ELC group toursBuckhead facilities.

2010 EMERGING LEADERS. From left to right:Dennis Hancock, Billy Moore, Jason Bentley,Former GCA President Bill Nutt, Jay Duncan, CurtLacy, Thomas Coleman, Jason Johns, ReggieBeasley, Ashley Hughes and Executive VicePresident of GCA Josh White.

2010 EMERGING LEADERS discuss issues thebeef industry is facing and areas that need to befocused on to increase involvement throughout allage categories within GCAs membership.


Purebred & FullbloodLimousin Club Calves

PINEYWOODS FARMSLOUIE PERRY & SONS

ROUTE 6 MOULTRIE, GEORGIA 31768(229) 324-2245 324-2433 324-2796

T.L.C. RANCH

(706) 742-2369931 Hargrove Lake RoadColbert, Georgia 30628

Nila Corrine Thiel Paul Thiel, HerdsmanOwner Steven Thiel, Herdsman

Leaner cattle for todays beef industry

WHITE ACRES LIMOUSIN FARM

Josh & Erin White167 White DriveStockbridge, GA 30281(770) 474-4151

Using todays top AIsires to produce

quality Red & BlackPolled Bulls & Heifers

Visitors always welcome!

GEORGIA LIMOUSIN ASSOCIATION

Big D Farms, Inc.Limousin Cattle

Chemilizer MedicatorsDonnie Davis971 Hwy 221 NEWinder, GA 30680

Home 770-867-4781Cell 770-868-6668

visit us online atwww.georgialimousin.org

for cattle for sale, news,calendar of events and more

PRESIDENT: Larry Walker266 Silver Dollar RoadBarnesville, GA 30204

[email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT: Skyler Davis971 Hwy 211 NE

Winder, GA 30680770-307-7036

[email protected]/TREAS.: Lillian Youngblood

330 Youngblood RoadAshburn, GA 31714

229-567-4044229-567-1584 (cell)

WWW.MINCHEWLIMOUSIN.COMYour Georgia Connection for Limousin Cattle!

Minchew FarmsCalvin and Brenda Minchew

9001 Hawkinsville RoadMacon, GA 31216

478-781-0604 [email protected]

HOWARD LIMOUSINFARM

using all top AI siresLarry and Joyce Howard

1350 Old Chattanooga Valley Rd.Flintstone, GA 30725

706-931-2940 cell 423-596-3819

Bulls, Heifers, Cows & EmbryosFor Sale At All Times!

AI sires used

extensively in our AI &

EmbryoTransplantPrograms

Nathan & Morris Williams6160 Broadwater Trail Cumming, GA 30040Home: 770-887-3708Cell: 404-886-8003www.williamslimousinfarm.com

Registered Purebred, Fullblood & LimFlex Cattle

Sayer & SonsFarm

Your trusted source of quality Limousin for over 30 yearsJimmie Sayer

12800 Bowens Mill Rd., Ambrose, GA 31512 912-359-3229 cell 912-592-1904

Dexter and Nicholas Edwards209 Willard Edwards Road Beulaville, North Carolina 28518

910/298-3013 Fax: 910/298-6155 Nicholas, mobile 910/290-1424email: [email protected] Nicholas, email: [email protected]

THIS SPACEIS

RESERVED FOR YOU!CALL

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN478-474-6560

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State Show Premiums for February 2011 Grand Champion Limousin Heifer

$500 Savings Bond Reserve Champion Limousin Heifer

$250 Savings Bond Each Limousin Heifer Exhibited

$50 Cash

Grand Champion Limousin Steer $500 Savings Bond

Reserve Champion Limousin Steer $250 Savings Bond

Each Limousin Steer Exhibitor $50 Cash

If the Grand Champion heifer and steer is bred by a member of the Georgia Limousin Association, an addi-tional $250 savings bond will be awarded to the exhibitor. If the Grand Champion steer is a Georgia bred andborn Limousin steer, a $250 savings bond will be awarded. Georgia Junior Limousin exhibitors and Georgia

Limousin Association members are required to have 2011 annual dues paid by January 1, 2011 for Juniorexhibitors to be eligible for the premiums offered. Contact Lillian Youngblood for additional information.

GivingR E A D E R S E R V I C E S


www.svfbrangus.com

Char-No FarmRegistered Brangus and Ultrablacks

Black Simmental /Angus Composites

C.E. (CHUCK) & NORMA SWORD545 Scott RoadWilliamson, GA 30292(770) 227-9241 770-468-3486 (cell)www.charnofarm.com [email protected]

HollonvilleHighway 36212 Miles West

of Griffin

B R A N G U S

David and Susan VaughanBen Spitzer, General Manager

706-337-2295 Office864-723-3779 [email protected]

PO Box 185Fairmount, GA 30139

www.svfbulls.com

Emmett C. Harrison3637 Old 179 South, Whigham, Ga. 39897

(229) 872-8164

RESIDENT HERD SIRES

ECH Jackson

ECH Cadence

Sugar Ray of Brinks 512K3

Sir Loin of 895K4

CERTIFIED HERD 242 - JOHNES LEVEL 2 GAJ 0017

RegisteredBrangus Cattle

NNVV BBrraanngguuss FFaarrmm

300 Falling Springs RdRydal, GA 30171

770-796-4163 - Home770-547-6291 - Cell

Steve, Rena, Stephen and Sarah Vaughan

For the best inREGISTERED & COMMERCIAL BRANGUSMike Coggins Lake Park, GA 31636229/559-7972 Office 229/559-6097 Fax888/237-9120 Cell Email: [email protected] located just off I-75, on the Georgia-Florida line.

BLACKWATER CATTLE CO.C

Georgia Brangus Breeders

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Last spring, many criticizedFlorida strawberry growers for plow-ing under their crop when it wasobvious that spending more moneyto pick and distribute it would onlyadd to their financial loss. They werecalled stingy and greedy by theirdetractors and told they should har-vest the crop and give it to the needy.When I suggested the critics pay forthe harvesting and distribution, thenjoin with the farmers to give it to theneedy, I was chastised by these do-goodersfor my gullibility.

Recently I discovered a fine exampleof what I was hoping they might consider:a mutual effort for the betterment of ourfellow man between farmers and a com-munity in eastern Idaho. Local residentsand volunteers are helping pack 300,000food aid packets for victims of disasterand tragedy who are suffering, particularlychildren, from malnutrition and famine.These 9-ounce packets are protein- andelectrolyte-enriched dried potato flakes.The Idaho Potato Commission (farmers)put up part of the money, and the packswill be distributed by a national aid group.This sort of American generosity is typicalof our country.

Every so often wehear the United Nationscriticize the U.S.A. by say-ing we, as a percentage ofGNP, donate less aid thanmany U.N. members. Thatis like saying a farmer whodonates 100 pounds ofpotatoes to the needydonates less than a back-yard gardener who

donates 10 pounds. Who contributes more?I guess it depends on whether you view itfrom the critics side or the side of theneedy. But the 500-pound gorilla in theroom that is the needs saving grace is thegenerosity and private giving of theAmerican citizen.

Following the tragic Indonesiantsunami, our government initially pledgedless than Germany, Australia or Japan.However, within six months, Americanprivate contributions had equaled thepledge of all three countries combined!

In times of crisis, even during ourrecession, American citizens dig in anddonate. In Louisiana, Haiti, North Korea,Africa, all over the world, the generosity ofthe American people is recognized andcounted on. We citizens who work to earn

all this money that the government takesfrom us and then spends sit at home watch-ing our leaders expound in numbers of mil-lions and billions and trillions that we arespending. The amounts boggle our mind.We worry how we will ever dig ourselvesout of this black hole of debt. And yet Ijust read that our ships have arrived inflood-ravaged Pakistan with food, supplies,rescue helicopters and one thousandMarines. We, the taxpayers, have pledged$150 million in emergency assistance.

Only $150 million? Is that all?? Andnot a one of us says, Wait a minute! We arehemorrhaging money, Im behind on mycredit card, how can we afford to do this?

The answer is, we just do it. Becauseconservative or liberal, city or country, richor poor, we know it is our responsibility.

Where does this generosity comefrom? In survey after survey by those whoare professional fundraisers for non-polit-ical worthy causes, the single biggest factorthat determines who is the most likely togive time or money is they are regularchurchgoers.

Under God, indivisible, and there tolend a hand.

BAXTER BLACK, DVM

GC

[Baxter Black is a cowboy poet and author. Visit his site at www.baxterblack.com.]

$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$ $$$$$$$


EXPERTADVICE

By Ted G. Dyer, UGA Extension Animal Scientist

Selecting and purchasing a bull for your beef herd couldbe considered one of the most important decisions youmake in your operation. The bull you select will con-tribute his genetic makeup to your calves and affect the qual-ity of your cattle for many years. Selecting bulls with superi-or genetics, sound performance, favorable expected progenydifferences (EPDs), good conformation, and health (includ-ing fertility) will all be important in selecting the right bull.Identifying bulls with these superior qualities will require youto study records and pedigrees in addition to visually apprais-ing the bulls phenotype.

Superior GeneticsTremendous progress has been made in beef cattle pro-

duction during the last century due to selective breeding. Wecontinue to improve beef cattle production (produce moremeat with fewer cows). Improving efficiency is the result ofgenetic improvements within the cow herd. By evaluating thebulls DNA and reviewing the bulls pedigree, you can selectbulls that have superior genetics for the desired traits thatneed improving in your herd. It is also best to select bulls freefrom known genetic defects.

Sound PerformanceThe bulls individual performance should be well docu-

mented. This performance would include: birth weight,weaning weight, yearling weight, WDA (weight per day ofage), ADG (average daily gain if performance tested dur-ing a feeding period),ultrasound measure-ments, and scrotal cir-cumference. These are justsome of the more impor-tant performance measure-ments that should bereviewed. This review willenable you to select bullswith superior individualtraits for the known eco-nomically important traits (reproductive traits,weaning weight, post-weaning growth, feed efficiency, car-cass merit, longevity, conformation). The sire and dam of thebull should also have records as good producers.

Favorable EPDsThe Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) is an indicator

of genetic value that can be used to compare specific animals

of the same breed regardless of age or location of herd.EPDs are a very powerful selection tool. They can help inincreasing, decreasing or maintaining a certain trait.Compare the bulls individual EPDs to the breed average.This will give you a better understanding of where the bullranks within his breed.

Good ConformationConformation refers to the bulls appearance. It would

include the skeletal structure, muscling, conditioning (fat),and structural soundness. The bull should also have noapparent physical or genetic defects. Select bulls that are freefrom feet and leg problems. Avoid bulls that are post-legged(too straight), sickle-hocked (low at pins), cow-hocked (hockstogether), pigeon-toed (feet turn in), or splay-footed (feetturn out). All joints should be well defined and show noswelling or puffiness. The feet should be big and round andthe toes should be even-sized. Bulls must move freely and beable to cover large areas of pasture for both nutritional andbreeding purposes.

Health Including FertilityOnly healthy animals should

be brought into a herd. Ask thebuyer for a record of

November Georgia Cattleman

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