NC Convention Preview • PRF Insurance • Supplementation Considerations Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Lincoln, NE Permit No. 445 November 2023 • Volume 79 • Issue 9 Nebraska Cattleman The ONLY publication dedicated to the Nebraska cattle industry.
PERFORMANCE THROUGH INNOVATION CORPORATE OFFICE P.O. Box 1506 • Great Bend, KS 67530 • 620-793-9200 Lee Borck, Chairman - Bronson Smith, CEO - Jerry Kuckelman, President Larned, Kansas Chris Burris - Manager 620-285-2183 chris.burris@ilsbeef.com Lexington, Nebraska Brandon Sorensen - Manager 402-469-6313 brandon.sorensen@ilsbeef.com Ellinwood, KS Matthew Vaupel - Manager 620-546-3445 matthew.vaupel@ilsbeef.com Great Bend, Kansas Paul Woydziak - Manager 620-792-2508 paul.woydziak@ilsbeef.com Kearney, Nebraska Kurtis VenJohn - Manager 308-234-1874 kurtis.venjohn@ilsbeef.com Holdrege, Nebraska Jesse Landin - Manager 308-995-6136 jesse.landin@ilsbeef.com Professional Cattle Feeders since 1962 INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, INC. Lyons, KS Luke Knight - Manager 620-257-8069 luke.knight@ilsbeef.com DILLWYN Feedyard Backgrounding Cattle Since 1970 Macksville, KS Adam Stubbs - Manager 620-285-5245 adam.stubbs@ilsbeef.com
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Nebraska Cattleman The ONLY publication dedicated to the Nebraska cattle industry. Volume 79 • Issue 9 • November 2023 Every Issue 17 NC Events 18 Consider This 54 NC Partners 54 Ad Index 56, 58 NC in Action 58 Calendar Features 14 What Will You Do With Profits? Options to consider when thinking about where to invest in your ranch or cow-calf enterprise. 20 Considerations for a Mineral Supplement Program Tips for supplementing your cattle correctly for optimum performance. 32 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit at the Nebraska State Fair A thank you to Beef Pit volunteers. 36 Hedging Bets How pasture, rangeland and forage insurance can help cattle producers. Columns 6 EVP Perspective Keeping an eye on federal issues and remaining engaged while working for Nebraska cattle producers. 8 Leader's Letter Nebraska CattleWomen reaches consumers across Nebraska. 42 NCIG Understanding the hardening insurance market. 44 Inside Track Long-time NC Trade Show exhibitor Tony Romshek shares how the trade show complements NC's convention. 48 NC Foundation How one Nebraska native is using a blended gift to make an impact. 50 IANR A look back on a momentous year for UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. On The Cover Red Angus cows trail home for calving season after spending the winter months on Sandhills range. Photo courtesy of Natalie Jones. 14 56 20 10 Special to This Issue 10, 11 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention and Trade Show Schedule 12 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention and Trade Show Registration 36 4 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023
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6 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 The Nebraska Cattleman magazine is published for and by the Nebraska Cattlemen association. PRODUCTION BluePrint Media LLC (970) 498-9306 PO Box 427 | Timnath, CO 80547 Editor | Lisa Bard Managing Editor | Jessie Topp-Becker Copy Editor | Larisa Willrett Designer | Megan Sajbel Field Materials Coordinator | Megan Sajbel Field Administration | Leslie McKibben CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Coe | Kristian Rennert Meghan Anderson | Bob Rooney STATE | REGIONAL ADVERTISING Amber Coleman Mobile (402) 340-1588 acoleman@necattlemen.org NATIONAL ADVERTISING The Powell Group | Wendy McFarland (334) 271-6100 4162-B Carmichael Ct. Montgomery, AL 36106 LINCOLN 4611 Cattle Drive | Lincoln, NE 68521 (402) 475-2333 | NCmag@necattlemen.org LAKESIDE 1179 296th Trail | Lakeside, NE 69351 (308) 760-6464 Nebraska Cattleman is published monthly, except for May and July, by the Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 – (402) 475-2333. Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. Nebraska Cattleman You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post Office ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! Please visit our website www.nebraskacattlemen.org EVP Perspective By Laura Field NC Executive Vice President Eye on Federal Issues From changing colors and cooler temperatures to the long-awaited football season, fall is my favorite time of year! Fall is also a time of much activity for Nebraska Cattlemen (NC). Members are busy with fall cattle work and harvest, and we are preparing for affiliate meetings and the NC Annual Convention. Aside from meeting preparation, our office has been glued to CSPAN while monitoring a historic and monumental time in our nation’s capital. On Oct. 3, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 216-210 to remove Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as Speaker of the House, marking the first time in history a Speaker was removed by their colleagues. Leading up to this vote, representatives spent days arguing over amendments for an appropriations package to keep the government funded and avert a government shutdown. With many predictions and plans being put into place for a potential shutdown, in a surprising move on Oct. 1, both the House and Senate passed continuing resolutions (CR) to fund the government thorough Nov. 17. A CR is a temporary spending bill that allows the federal government to continue operating without the approval of an appropriations bill. Nebraska Cattlemen actively engaged with our federal delegation on two particular amendments as the House debated the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Appropriations Act of 2024. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) introduced an amendment to the appropriations package intended to prevent funds in the bill from being used to fund commodity research and promotion boards, better known as checkoff programs. While each commodity checkoff is unique, these programs are entirely funded by the producers who pay the assessments. Contrary to statements made by Rep. Spartz, there are no taxpayer dollars used to implement checkoffs, and no appropriated dollars are used to oversee these programs. The amendment by Rep. Spartz was misleading and unnecessary. NC and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) have long-standing policy supporting the Beef Checkoff, as it has raised beef demand both domestically and internationally. NC signed onto a letter with more than 120 agriculture and forestry groups, urging opposition to the amendment that was eventually defeated 49-377. The second amendment NC opposed was introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) to prevent funds from being used to mandate electronic ear tags for cattle and bison. NC policy supports the use of electronic ear tags, and the language in this amendment aimed to cut $10 million in funding for U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA) to offset the cost to producers to purchase ear tags. The use of ear tags is key for animal disease traceability, and the amendment was defeated 97-336. Policy engagement is one of NC’s primary roles, and we remain steadfast in working for cattle producers in Nebraska. As this process unfolded, staff and members were engaged with NCBA and our members of Congress to share NC positions. The power of our united voices was imperative in defeating these potentially harmful amendments. With uncertainty still looming in Congress around the passage of a Farm Bill and the potential of a government shutdown still CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 7
8 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Steve Hanson*, Elsie, (308) 289-0225 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Jerry Kuenning*, Lemoyne, (308) 883-8382 VICE PRESIDENT: Dick Pierce*, Miller, (308) 440-2489 TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 SECRETARY: Lee Weide, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 PAST PRESIDENT: Brenda Masek, Purdum, (308) 539-5533 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Terryn Drieling, Ashby, (308) 262-5051 2 – Kat Kennedy, Purdum, (308) 645-7036 3 – Allan Louthan, Stanton, (402) 841-6601 4 – John Ecklund, Atkinson, (408) 602-5905 5 – Jim Edwards, Ord, (308) 750-0881 6 – Chuck Graff, Ogallala, (308) 289-5841 7 – Rod Keil, Plattsmouth, (402) 297-9321 8 – Allen Bruntz, Friend, (402) 525-2651 9 – Quentin Dailey*, Lexington, (308) 293-1144 COW-CALF COUNCIL Chair | Al Atkins, North Platte, (308) 645-9046 Vice Chair | Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, (308) 883-6781 FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL Chair | Marc Hanson, Morrowville, Kan., (402) 729-7174 Vice Chair | Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 FEEDLOT COUNCIL Chair | Mike Briggs, Seward, (402) 641-0117 Vice Chair | Ryan Danehy, Manhattan, Kan., (308) 440-8267 SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL Chair | Reiss Bruning, Bruning, (402) 768-3332 Vice Chair | Krista Dybdal, Newcastle, (402) 841-8091 ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION COMMITTEE Chair | Jared Walahoski, Overton, (308) 746-1965 Chair-Elect | Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS COMMITTEE Chair | Brock Terrell, Hay Springs, (308) 430-1213 Chair-Elect | Matt Blackford, Brownlee, (402) 322-1377 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE Chair | Marcus Urban, Leigh, (402) 276-3830 Chair-Elect | Suzanne Jagels, Davenport, (402) 469-3374 MARKETING AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE Chair | Joe Eisenmenger, Humphrey, (402) 920-0665 Chair-Elect | Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Chair | Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 Chair-Elect | Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 TAXATION COMMITTEE Chair | Fred Meyer, St. Paul, (308) 750-0031 Chair-Elect | Scott Peterson, Valentine, (402) 322-0225 MEMBER SERVICES Chair | Quentin Dailey*, Lexington, (308) 293-1144 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Andrew Dorn, Minden, (308) 830-0356 NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION Bryce Dibbern, Interior, S.D., (308) 293-7766 UNL EXTENSION Erin Laborie, Beaver City, (419) 494-3872 UNL REPRESENTATIVE Deb VanOverbeke, Lincoln, (402) 472-3571 * member of the Executive & Finance Committee NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STAFF LINCOLN OFFICE 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 Phone (402) 475-2333 | Fax (402) 475-0822 Email nc@necattlemen.org | www.nebraskacattlemen.org Executive Vice President | Laura Field lfield@necattlemen.org Vice President of Operations | Lee Weide Vice President of Marketing | Jeff Stolle Director of Communications | Libby Schroeder Director of Marketing | John Roberts Director of Producer Education | Bonita Lederer Director of Membership-Retention | Jessica Rudolph Director of Membership-Recruitment | Steven Stettner Executive Assistant | Patty Goes Vice President of Policy Engagement | Melody Benjamin 1179 296th Trail, Lakeside, NE 69351 (308) 760-6464 | mbenjamin@necattlemen.org Leader’s Letter By Gina Hudson, Belvidere Chair, Nebraska CattleWomen – Consumer Promotion and Education Committee The Nebraska CattleWomen (NCW) works as a committee of the Nebraska Cattlemen as the Consumer Education and Promotion Committee. The area of focus continues to be with our youth projects and consumer promotion. The committee’s main youth project is the Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest, which is held in conjunction with the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Conference. A beef advocacy workshop is held with the contest to help all contestants advocate for the beef industry. A senior and collegiate winner work with the committee at various activities, promoting and advocating for the Nebraska beef industry throughout their year as beef ambassadors. We started the year off with the Fonner Park Ag Day in Grand Island with more than 800 fourth graders participating. In April, we were at the Nebraska State FFA Convention with a booth and two workshops. Our committee was very excited to be visible and have the opportunity to talk to our state’s youth at the state FFA convention. In collaboration with the Nebraska Beef Council’s Mitch Rippe, we reached out to more than 100 FFA students in the workshops. From there we moved to the Nebraska State Fair where we had an educational booth in the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit. This is a way to reach all ages of consumers with materials to inform them about beef and cattle production in Nebraska. During the Nebraska Largest Classroom days at the Nebraska State Fair, we had teacher bags available with books, activity pages and kid-friendly recipes included. During the year, there are several Ag Venture Days for fourth-grade students that we participate in. Throughout the year, we provide schools, agriculture groups and beef breed associations with educational materials as well. These program areas of NCW/Consumer Education and Promotion Committee provide support for Nebraska’s beef industry through communicating the farm-to-fork concept to consumers, including what our beef story is, the nutritional aspect of beef in your diet and providing educational materials. We continue to support schools that are participating in the Beef in Schools program. We offer educational materials and posters to show the support of “Powered by Beef.” We want to thank the Nebraska Beef Council, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Farm Credit Services and Purina Feeds for helping our committee with funding. NC Reaching Consumers Across Nebraska
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 9 YourGENETIC SOURCE Dan and Kate Warner 42198 Road 721, Arapahoe, NE 68922 Dan Warner: 308.962.6511 Monte Warner: 308.962.6136 Darren Warner: 308.824.2950 warnerbeef.com Contact us to request a sale book. BID LIVE ONLINE Broadcasting Real-Time Auctions 85 Gelbvieh and Balancer® Lots Sell DONORS • PAIRS • BRED HEIFERS • OPEN HEIFER DONOR PROSPECTS OPPORTUNITIES Production Sale Friday, November 17, 2023 • 5:00 PM (CST) At the Ranch, Arapahoe, NE WARNER BEEF GENETICS Genetic EGL D1514AMGV 1384003 - Current Warner Beef donor. Sells in her entirety along with feature daughters as bred heifers and a fantastic heifer calf. CED BW WW YW MK TM HP STAY YG CW REA MB FPI 13.5 0.1 80 120 21 61 8.29 5.2 -0.2 48 0.94 0.18 81.7 DLW 806F AMGV 1427222 - Awesome fall pair. High performance female with an outstanding Watchman 2501 heifer calf at side. CED BW WW YW MK TM HP STAY YG CW REA MB FPI 7.8 2.5 78 131 28 67 3.17 13 -0.03 50 0.64 0.56 86.48 DLW 960GAMGV 1498890 - Red donor cow. Dam of 2021 sale topping Herdsire DLW Justice 960J. Young cow with a bright future. CED BW WW YW MK TM HP STAY YG CW REA MB FPI 11 -0.6 70 105 24 60 5 11.3 -0.08 21 0.27 0.33 79.42 DLW 222KAMGV 1548898 - Homo Black bred heifer by the 7615E donor female and Herdsire DLW Headline 1018H. High performance, Carcass leading, High quality. CED BW WW YW MK TM HP STAY YG CW REA MB FPI 10 0.2 81 127 25 65 6.14 12.1 -0.08 50 0.7 0.59 91.48 DLW 223KAMGV 1549382 - Black Purebred donor prospect. Powerful bred heifer that is certain to be a sale feature and future donor. CED BW WW YW MK TM HP STAY YG CW REA MB FPI 9.4 2.5 78 113 23 62 11.22 17.9 -0.3 31 0.87 0.35 81.35 DLW 326L AMGV 1579654 - The rst CTR Integrity heifer calf to sell. Come check out this fantastic set of heifer calves. CED BW WW YW MK TM HP STAY YG CW REA MB FPI 11.9 -0.5 65 99 23 55 6.49 15.9 -0.21 26 0.66 0.18 73.28
10 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Wednesday, Dec. 6 8:30 a.m. NC Board of Directors Meeting 12:00 p.m. NC Member Services Committee Luncheon and Meeting Help us congratulate membership award winners at the Member Services Luncheon and stick around for the Member Services and Revenue Development Committee meeting to discuss membership activities and dues revenue. 2:10 p.m. Council Business Meetings Councils will hold elections for their 2024 leadership. All council members are encouraged to attend their respective business meetings. 3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions Breakout Session I · Carbon Credits Breakout Session II · Extreme Weather Events Breakout Session III · Dairy-Bred Performance 4:15 p.m. Allied Industries Council Meeting Nebraska Cattlemen associate members are encouraged to attend this meeting. The council will discuss Nebraska Cattlemen partnership packages, engaging with young cattlemen and affiliate involvement. 5:15 p.m. Opening General Session Plan to attend the Opening General Session and hear from Nebraska Cattlemen and industry leaders. 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception at the Trade Show Sponsored by the Nebraska Cattlemen Allied Industries Council. Mingle with NC members and allied industries partners at this evening of food and fun on opening night in the Trade Show Ballroom. Thursday, Dec. 7 7:30 a.m. Annual Trade Show The NC Annual Trade Show will be open all day, so make sure to allow time to stop in and visit with our industry partners and learn about their products, programs and services. 7:30 a.m. Policy Committee Meetings I · Brand and Property Rights Update from Nebraska Brand Committee | Legislation and Land Ownership | Policy Review · Natural Resources and Environment Update on Federal Environment Issues | Nitrates Update | Updates from the Department of Energy and Environment | Policy Review Highlights You Won't Want to Miss! Schedule Subject to Change COMFORT INN $114.95/night (308) 236-3400 FAIRFIELD INN $114.95/night (308) 236-4200 Specify you’re with Nebraska Cattlemen to receive discounted rate. Room blocks held until Nov. 1, 2023. Hotel Rooms OPENING SESSION SPEAKERS/HIGHLIGHTS Steve Hanson, NC President Laura Field, NC Executive Vice President Retiring Board Members · Top Hand Recognition · Young Cattlemen’s Connections Class of 2022 Recognition 2023 NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN ANNUAL Convention & Trade Show Dec. 6-8, 2023 | Younes Conference Center South | Kearney
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 11 9:45 a.m. Policy Committee Meetings II · Marketing and Commerce USDA-AMS Fed Cattle Contract Library Pilot Project Update | Negotiated Cash Marketing Survey Results | CME’s Ongoing Review of Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Contract Specifications | Policy Review · Education and Research Updates from Post-Secondary Institutions | Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Updates | Nebraska Legislature, Education Committee | Policy Review 10:00 a.m. NC Career Fair in the Trade Show High school seniors and college students are invited to meet with allied industry companies in the Trade Show and learn more about potential internships and job opportunities. 12:00 p.m. Trade Show Lunch (ticketed event) 2:00 p.m. Policy Committee Meetings III · Animal Health and Nutrition Rendering Update | National Agro and Bio Defense Facility | Nebraska Emergency Preparedness | Policy Review · Taxation Discussion on Nebraska State Inheritance Tax | Valuation Task Force Update | Policy Review · NCW Consumer Promotion and Education Committee Reports | Nebraska Beef Council Update | FFA Convention Updates 5:00 p.m. Pre-Banquet Reception in the Trade Show Join NC members for the pre-banquet reception. 6:30 p.m. Annual Banquet (ticketed event) You won’t want to miss the Annual Banquet where we honor Nebraska Cattlemen and industry leaders with the Hall of Fame and Industry Service Awards. 9:00 p.m. Banquet Dance Join NC members for a night of fun and fellowship at the banquet dance hosted by NC President Steve Hanson. Band to be announced. Friday, Dec. 8 8:00 a.m. Market Outlook NC Market Reporting Service staff Jeff Stolle will present a market update and outlook to kick off the final day of the convention. 9:00 a.m. Annual Business Meeting Policy is not set until approved by membership. Plan to attend this meeting to review the policy committee resolutions and policy statements and set the direction for Nebraska Cattlemen. Also, membership will elect the 2024 Nebraska Cattlemen leadership. NC Board of Directors Meeting – Directly following the Annual Business Meeting The above schedule is subject to change. Watch for more details in upcoming issues of the Nebraska Cattlemen Chronicle e-newsletter and online at www.nebraskacattlemen.org. Thursday, Dec. 7 (continued) 2023 NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN ANNUAL Convention & Trade Show Dec. 6-8, 2023 | Younes Conference Center South | Kearney Dec. 6-8, 2023 | Younes Conference Center South | Kearney NC & NCBA PAC Silent Auction The ever-popular PAC silent auction will again be at the 2023 NC Annual Convention. This is the primary fundraiser for both the NC PAC and funds sent to NCBA for use in federal elections. Keep an eye out for more information on auction items! Highlights You Won't Want to Miss! Schedule Subject to Change
12 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 TOTAL Amount Due from Above $ Check (# ) Payable to Nebraska Cattlemen Visa MasterCard Discover AmEx Exp. Date Code Card Number Name on Card Card Billing Address/City/State/Zip Signature Name Business Name Address City State Zip Code Phone Email ONE REGISTRATION PER PERSON Please Select: NC Member Non-Member Convention Package Convention Package ONLY available during Early Registration. Early Registration ends Nov. 30, 2023. Lodging NOT included. Mail to: Nebraska Cattlemen 4611 Cattle Drive Lincoln, NE 68521-4309 Or Fax to: (402) 475-0822 Note: You can register ONLINE at www.nebraskacattlemen.org Convention Base Package (Save $25) ................................................................................ Includes: Member Services Committee Lunch, NC Council Meetings, Opening General Session, Welcome Reception, NC Committee Meetings, Trade Show, Trade Show Lunch, Annual Awards Banquet, Market Outlook Breakfast and Annual Business Meeting. Non-Member Fee .......................................................................................... TOTAL CONVENTION PACKAGE PAYMENT $200 $ 25 $ Single-Day and Event Registration Early Registration ends Nov. 30, 2023. Lodging NOT included. (if different than above, but MUST match address on credit card statement) Register Today! Wednesday, Dec. 6 Day Registration (Includes all Wednesday meetings, Member Services Committee Lunch, Opening General Session and Welcome Reception) ...................................................................... Thursday, Dec. 7 Day Registration (Includes all Thursday meetings, Trade Show Lunch and Trade Show) .................................. ADD: AnnualBanquetandDance.................................................................................... Friday, Dec. 8 Day Registration (Includes Market Outlook Breakfast and Annual Business Meeting) ................................... Non-Member Fee ..................................................................................................... TOTAL SINGLE-DAY AND EVENT REGISTRATION PAYMENT $ 70 $ 70 $ 50 $ 35 $ 25 $ 2023 NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN ANNUAL Convention & Trade Show Dec. 6-8, 2023 | Younes Conference Center South | Kearney
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 13 Problems with your current feedlot software? Let us be the solution. sales@nextgenagtech.com 208-593-4293 Schedule a Demo Today: Farmers and ranchers, the world relies on you. And you deserve a bank that’s rooted in the details and dedicated to helping you do more. Overlooking nothing. Ready for everything. /agribusiness NC Trade Show Exhibitor NC Trade Show Exhibitor
14 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 What Will You Do With Profits? By Aaron Berger, Beef Systems Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cow-calf producers are looking at the potential for significant profits in 2023 due to higher cattle prices. Across the board, calf, yearling and weigh-up cow prices are higher than we’ve seen since 2014 and 2015. These prices may provide profits for cow-calf producers and the rare opportunity to reinvest capital back into the ranch. Consider these options when thinking about where to invest in the ranch or cow-calf enterprise. • Visit with your banker and tax accountant about your current financial position and how to manage income and investments to address tax liability for 2023 and anticipated profits in 2024 and 2025. • Think carefully before buying new equipment to reduce the tax implications of your income. Long-term profitability for the cow herd means minimizing overhead costs associated with depreciation, interest, repairs, taxes and insurance that come with owning equipment. Instead, consider investments that will help to reduce overhead expenses. If it isn’t a good business investment, it isn’t a good tax management strategy either. • Celebrate and reward the people who have invested and sacrificed to make your business successful! Show some appreciation for the blood, sweat, tears and stress that family and employees have given. • Invest in others and yourself. Is there a class, educational experience or tools that would help people be more knowledgeable and effective? Take a trip to see other operators who are doing something you are considering or would like to learn more about. Great leaders and managers are lifelong learners. The greatest educational gains are usually at the edge of your comfort zone. • Look at your management information system. Does your current recordkeeping and accounting system provide what you need to make effective decisions? If it doesn’t, investing in tools, training or hiring help could be beneficial. • Hire an attorney to review and evaluate your current estate plan. If you have been putting off developing an estate plan, this may be the time to complete one. An investment here can have financial and relational benefits for generations to come. • Consider ways to improve livestock water and monitoring systems. Water is frequently the first limiting factor for grazing management systems. A dependable water supply is critical for good grazing management. Technology has made remote water-monitoring systems effective and affordable, potentially saving time and labor. • Evaluate emergency power sources for wells and homes on the ranch. Incorporating a backup generator into the electrical grid for the ranch could be valuable for maintaining ranch operations and delivering water to livestock when the power is out for an extended period. • Contemplate how additional permanent and temporary electric fence CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 15 Mark S. / customer since 1981 Farm Credit Services of America is proud to support the beef industry and Nebraska Cattlemen. Learn more by scanning the QR code or calling 800.884.FARM. Agriculture Works Here.® FCSAmerica.com SERVING THE BEEF INDUSTRY ISN’T A JOB, IT’S A PRIVILEGE.
16 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 might be used to improve grazing management and increase forage use. Consider purchasing fencing supplies now when cash is available. Strategic use of electric fence tools and technology can provide a rapid payback on investment through improved forage management. • Think about investments that could have a multiyear benefit, especially for improved pastures and hay meadows. Consider soil testing and investing in fertilizer that will benefit fertility and productivity on planted pastures and hay fields. Look at renovations such as adding legumes that can cost-effectively improve the quantity and quality of forage. • Evaluate your ability to buy inputs in bulk. There are often cost advantages to being able to buy truckloads of products or buy inputs seasonally when prices historically are lower. • Consider adding a scale to your operation. Knowing accurate weights of cattle has management and marketing benefits. • Evaluate working and load-out facilities. Improvements may provide a safer environment and better working experience for cattle and the people who are handling them. • Invite a team of people to evaluate and give you feedback on your business. Find people who will challenge you and who think differently from you. Just one or two ideas could have an impact on long-term business success. • Develop a written capital investment plan for the replacement and improvement of ranch infrastructure. The buildings, equipment, facilities, water systems, fences, etc., on the ranch all wear out and will need to be replaced at some point. Think through where investments should be made strategically now and in the next few years to meet longterm goals. This year, as well as 2024 and 2025, are expected to be profitable for many cow-calf producers. However, we all know that isn’t guaranteed, so “planning for the worst and hoping for the best” is still good advice. Thinking ahead now and purposefully planning for what to do with profits can increase the long-term success of the operation. NC Thinking ahead now and purposefully planning for what to do with profits can increase the longterm success of the operation. WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH PROFITS? • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 A great selection of JAYLOR TMR Vertical Mixers are in stock NOW at: BEEF COW-CALF TMR ECONOMICS 1009 W US HWY 6 HOLDREGE NE 68949 888-995-9565 WWW.HOLDREGEEQUIPMENT.COM LET US SHOW YOU HOW. Scan me for the rest of the story: Obviously, we cannot expect TMR feeding to be practical or economical for everyone, regardless of herd size or production system. But, as feed and energy costs increase and profit margins decrease, it is rapidly becoming more economical and commonplace for beef cow–calf production for the following reasons. BETTER MIX. BETTER RESULTS. BETTER BOTTOM LINE. NC Trade Show Exhibitor
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 17 NC Events The Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program senior class will host the 2023 Beef Summit at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead on Nov. 9. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Topics will include genetic tools for the cow-calf producer, marketing strategies, grazing crop residue, farm transition, managing severe weather events and several panels that relate to each of the topics. You won’t want to miss this annual event! Registration information is available on the Nebraska Cattlemen website, nebraskacattlemen.org, or you can register at the door. NC Beef Summit 1 COLUMN X 3” Black & White Nebraska Cattleman entine Livestock Auction Nov. 2023 1-800-682-4874 ▪ (402) 376-3611 Valentine Livestock Auction Upcoming Sales: Thurs., Nov. 2 – Spring Calf Special Mon., Nov. 6 – Special Bred Female & Regular Sale Thurs., Nov. 9 – Spring Calf Special, Featuring Weaned & Un-Weaned Mon., Nov. 13 – Regular Sale Thurs., Nov. 16 – Spring Calf Special, Featuring Weaned & Un-Weaned Thurs., Nov. 23 – No Sale, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Mon., Nov. 27 – Regular Sale www.valentinelivestock.net RFID MET Tags, MET Tag Applicator and Shearwell Stock Recorder CATTLE MANAGEMENT BUNDLE Call 800-778-6014 www.shearwell.com Bundle Price $1,995 $2168 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS BUNDLE, ENTER OUR DRAWING AT OUR BOOTH AT THE NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN’S CONVENTION Price Bundle MET TAGs NC Trade Show Exhibitor To view the most current online edition of the Nebraska Cattleman magazine visit: https://www.nebraskacattlemen. org/nebraska-cattlemanmagazine
18 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Consider This Each mL contains 300 mg of oxytetracycline base (equivalent to 323.5 mg of oxytetracycline dihydrate). For Use in Beef Cattle, Non-lactating Dairy Cattle, Calves, Including pre-ruminating (veal) calves BRIEF SUMMARY (For full Prescribing Information, see package insert.) Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: NOROMYCIN 300 LA is intended for use in treatment for the following diseases when due to oxytetracycline-susceptible organisms: Beef cattle, non-lactating dairy cattle, calves, including pre-ruminating (veal) calves: NOROMYCIN 300 LA is indicated in the treatment of pneumonia and shipping fever complex associated with Pasteurella spp., and Histophilus spp. NOROMYCIN 300 LA is indicated for the treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by Moraxella bovis, foot-rot and diphtheria caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum; bacterial enteritis (scours) caused by Escherichia coli; wooden tongue caused by Actinobacillus lignieresii; leptospirosis caused by Leptospira pomona; and wound infections and acute metritis caused by strains of staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms sensitive to oxytetracycline. Swine: NOROMYCIN 300 LA is indicated in the treatment of bacterial enteritis (scours, colibacillosis) caused by Escherichia coli; pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida; and leptospirosis caused by Leptospira pomona. In sows NOROMYCIN 300 LA is indicated as an aid in control of infectious enteritis (baby pig scours, colibacillosis) in suckling pigs caused by Escherichia coli. PRECAUTIONS: Exceeding the highest recommended level of drug per pound of bodyweight per day, administering more than the recommended number of treatments, and/or exceeding 10 mL intramuscularly or subcutaneously per injection site in adult beef cattle and nonlactating dairy cattle and 5 mL intramuscularly per injection site in adult swine, may result in antibiotic residues beyond the withdrawal time. Consult with your veterinarian prior to administering this product in order to determine the proper treatment required in the event of an adverse reaction. At the first sign of any adverse reaction, discontinue use of the product and seek the advice of your veterinarian. Some of the reactions may be attributable either to anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) or to cardiovascular collapse of unknown cause. Shortly after injection treated animals may have transient hemoglobinuria resulting in darkened urine. As with all antibiotic preparations, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. The absence of a favorable response following treatment, or the development of new signs or symptoms may suggest an overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. If superinfections occur, the use of this product should be discontinued and appropriate specific therapy should be instituted. Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving NOROMYCIN 300 LA in conjunction with penicillin. WARNINGS: Warnings: Discontinue treatment at least 28 days prior to slaughter of cattle and swine. Not for use in lactating dairy animals. Rapid intravenous administration may result in animal collapse. Oxytetracycline should be administered intravenously slowly over a period of at least 5 minutes. CAUTION: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection may result in local tissue reactions which persists beyond the slaughter withdrawal period. This may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. Intramuscular injection in the rump area may cause mild temporary lameness associated with swelling at the injection site. Subcutaneous injection in the neck area may cause swelling at the injection site. ADVERSE REACTIONS: Reports of adverse reactions associated with oxytetracycline administration include injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, swelling of eyelids, ears, muzzle, anus and vulva (or scrotum and sheath in males), respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), frothing at the mouth, collapse and possibly death. Some of these reactions may be attributed either to anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) or to cardiovascular collapse of unknown cause. To report a suspected adverse reaction call 1-866-591-5777. Livestock Drug - Not for Human Use. Manufactured by: Norbrook Laboratories Limited, Newry, BT35 6QQ, Co. Down, Northern Ireland MADE IN THE UK Rev: March 2023 Version: I01 Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-143
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 19 CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Not for use in lactating dairy animals. Adverse reactions, including injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), collapse and possibly death have been reported. See product labeling for full product information. © 2023 Norbrook Laboratories Limited. The Norbrook logos and Noromycin are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited. 143-23-141 With its higher flexible dosing range of 9 mg/lb —13.6 mg/lb, Noromycin® is ideal for multiple treatment protocols, including control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica. When dosed at 13.6 mg per pound (4.5 mL per hundred lbs. of body weight), Noromycin® stays above minimum inhibitory concentration (therapeutic blood levels) for Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica for 7-8 days. Long lasting, broad-spectrum Noromycin® 300 LA is available by veterinary prescription only. To learn more, talk to your veterinarian, animal health provider or visit Norbrook.com. Noromycin® 300 LA (oxytetracycline injection). Your broad-spectrum antibiotic is newly labeled to stay above therapeutic blood levels for up to 8 days when administered at 13.6 mg/lb. NOW WITH MORE FOR A LONGER OFBRDCONTROL To learn more about Noromycin® 300 LA, scan this QR code.
20 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Considerations for a Mineral Supplement Program By Jessica Wesson, Contributing Writer Minerals and vitamins are important for herd health and function, but misconceptions can cause ranchers to supplement incorrectly for their cattle. There are many factors to consider before creating the supplement plan for an operation, and there is not a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone. Mary Drewnoski, beef Extension specialist for Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, says it is important for cattle to get certain minerals and vitamins, but they do not need substantial amounts. “Minerals and vitamins are essential nutrients with many vital functions, and they are required in small amounts for optimal beef cattle performance,” Drewnoski says. “Outright clinical deficiencies are rare in beef cow-calf systems; however, subclinical deficiencies that cause impaired performance are much more likely, including reduced calf growth and health or impaired reproductive performance.” The most common deficiencies in beef cows include copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin A. Copper This mineral serves an important role for calves’ immune systems. Typically, forages do not meet the copper needs of beef cows, and there are other minerals that might interfere with its absorption. “This means that looking at copper content in the forage will not give you an accurate understanding of the amount of available copper or how much supplemental copper is needed,” Drewnoski says. “Molybdenum and sulfur are two minerals that act as antagonists, so you must also look at these mineral levels as well.” She says that pastures in northwest, north-central and south-central Nebraska contain high enough levels of sulfur and molybdenum to significantly interfere with copper absorption. Overall, eastern Nebraska has less molybdenum levels in the forage, which means copper does not have to be supplemented as much. There are other sources of absorption inhibitors that producers should be aware of, according to Drewnoski. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 21 Fall is here, and your team at POET® is ready to help you lock in your feed! Get the most out of your dollar with POET Pellets and Cubes. © 2023 POET, LLC. All rights reserved. DON’T SLEEP ON THESE RATES! poet.com/feed Contact our team today! Call 844.735.5385 • High Consistency • Superior Handling • Boost Performance • Less Loss NC Trade Show Exhibitor
22 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 WE HAVE YOUR BACKS, BARNS AND BOTTOM LINES. LIPHATECH.COM 800.351.1476 PLEASE YOUR MIND As farmers and producers, you know best that a good, quality food product means everything to the consumer. And with Liphatech Ag rodenticide solutions, the security of your output is in good hands. Our team will stop at nothing to help protect the hard work of farmers and producers. “One should also keep in mind that water can also be a source of sulfur, and if the water source is high in sulfate, then additional copper will be needed,” Drewnoski says. “Due to the higher sulfur content of distillers grains and corn-condensed distillers solubles – otherwise known as corn syrup – extra copper may also be needed when feeding diets containing significant amounts of these products.” Checking the concentration of a freechoice mineral is not enough to know whether it will be the correct solution for a copper deficiency in the herd. “Different mineral sources have different availability to the animal, and this is called bioavailability,” Drewnoski explains. “In general, inorganic sources are the most cost-effective means of supplying minerals to a beef cow.” She says the best inorganic source of copper is copper sulfate, because it is 100 percent bioavailable. Zinc Zinc is also critical for calves’ immune systems, and it also contributes to reproductive health in cows. Drewnoski says research shows that grass samples submitted by Nebraska producers displayed interesting results. Eighty percent of the samples had less than the amount of zinc required for beef cows, and only about 50 percent of that was available for absorption by the animal. “When grazing green pasture, supplementing about 50 percent of the zinc requirement will usually be sufficient,” Drewnoski says. “The zinc content of forages decreases with plant maturity so, when using low-quality forages such as straw, corn residue or winter range, the upper range of zinc concentration may be needed.” The most common inorganic sources of zinc are zinc sulfate, zinc oxide and zinc carbonate. Organic sources include zinc methionine, zinc lysine and zinc proteinate. Drewnoski says organic sources are typically more bioavailable, but they do cost more on average. Magnesium Magnesium is needed in higher quantities during lactation because of milk production. A magnesium deficiency, known as grass tetany, is common during cool-season grazing because these grasses usually contain higher amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Even though these grasses are known to have the required level of magnesium, nitrogen and potassium inhibit the absorption of magnesium in beef cattle. “Mineral supplements with greater magnesium concentrations should be CONSIDERATIONS FOR A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
November 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 23 NEBRASKA PANHANDLE SALE Sugar Valley Stockyards• Gering, NE November 18 • 1:00 PM (CST) CAT T L E NEBRASKA CENTRAL PLAINS SALE Alma Livestock Auction• Alma, NE December 9 • 1:00 PM (CST) I’ve been to a lot of other places with a lot of different genetics; I don’t think there are any other cows that could have made it through this last winter on cake and range like our Leachman sired cows did. CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL “ “ WWW.LEACHMAN.COM | (970) 568-3983 JERROD WATSON, BULL CUSTOMER SERVICE: (303) 827-1156 COW HERD ADVISORS; AARON RASMUSSEN, (NE) (308) 763-1361 KURT SCHENKEL, (OH) (740) 503-6270 SCAN TO VIEW CATALOGS - BRADY VINTON & AB COX (MULLEN, NE) Offering 60 Stabilizer Bulls Offering 60 Stabilizer Bulls
24 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Let Cross Diamond Genetics help carry the load in your herd! Fertility • Soundness • Fleshing Ability • Disposition Scott & Kim Ford (308) 991-2452 Bertrand, NE 68927 www.crossdiamondcattle.com Annual Sale: December 11, 2023 Selling 250+ age-advantaged bulls and 400+ commercial bred heifers! offered several weeks prior to grazing to allow cattle to adjust to the new mineral,” Drewnoski says. “The most common magnesium source is magnesium oxide, which can be very bitter. Many commercial magnesium mixes will add ingredients to increase palatability, such as corn by-products or molasses.” Feeding a diet of distillers grain and low-quality forage to lactating cows can also cause low magnesium in the blood. The solution is to feed more magnesium by having at least 10 percent magnesium in a 4-ounce mineral mix, Drewnoski says. Phosphorus This mineral is important for bone development and structural soundness; however, phosphorus is the most expensive mineral to supplement, Drewnoski explains. As forages age, the concentration and digestibility of phosphorus decreases. If producers are feeding older forages that may be lacking phosphorus, grain and grain byproducts might be a good supplement. “Early growth of forages has greater phosphorus concentrations, and supplementation may not be needed, even during the early lactation when needs are greatest,” Drewnoski says. Vitamin A This vitamin is needed for young calves that are producing rapidly growing cells. If calves have a vitamin A deficiency, they could have diarrhea as a side effect. Typically, the best source of vitamin A is fresh, green forages. “Cattle grazing on green grass can meet their vitamin A needs and store the excess vitamin A in their liver to be used when the diet is not sufficient,” Drewnoski says. “The amount of supplemental vitamin A needed when not grazing fresh green forage depends on time spent grazing green forages.” If the grass is brown or if cows are being fed stored forages or concentrates, they will most likely need vitamin A supplements. Supplementing During Drought and Excess Moisture Drewnoski says producers usually do not have to change their supplement program during a drought. CONSIDERATIONS FOR A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 “Cattle grazing on green grass can meet their vitamin A needs and store the excess vitamin A in their liver to be used when the diet is not sufficient.” – Mary Drewnoski
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26 Nebraska Cattleman November 2023 Rebecca Kern-Lunbery, feed testing product manager for Ward Laboratories Inc., says feed testing is the best way to find out what minerals are in an operation’s forages. “Feed analysis or feed testing is the process of finding out what the concentration of nutrients are in the feed,” Kern-Lunbery says. “You can see what minerals need to be added to the diet.” She says forage analysis can help save money and time in the long run. “You don’t want to overfeed minerals because you could end up with toxicity issues,” Kern-Lunbery explains. “That is much more difficult to adjust, especially when it’s affecting your whole herd.” On the other hand, underfeeding minerals can also negatively affect the bottom line. “If you’re underfeeding, it can impact reproduction performance, body condition and their ability to withstand weather conditions,” KernLunbery says. “Oftentimes, mineral deficiencies show up in sickness and poor performance.” The feed-testing process is simple, Kern-Lunbery explains. “We recommend they follow the National Forage Testing Association guidelines, which is to probe 20 percent of the bales and combine the cores into one sample,” Kern-Lunbery says. “Send us your sample and we’ll test them and get your results back to you quickly." There are several minerals and vitamins that beef cows need. The best way to ensure cattle are getting the nutrients they need is through knowledge and information. “In most cases, drought means that the forage is actually going to be more immature,” Drewnoski says. “We actually see higher quality forage, just less of it.” She says the only real concern for producers is a deficiency in vitamin A because of brown grass. If there is an excess of moisture, producers will need to pay attention to the mineral levels in mature forages. “Wet weather can cause mature forages to get away from you,” Drewnoski says. “They’re going to have even less of those minerals, so you may need to be making sure they’re getting their targeted intakes.” Her biggest piece of advice is to check the mineral levels of the forages. “The best thing to do, regardless of the weather, is to assess the quality of the forage,” Drewnoski says. NC BENEFITS OF FEED ANALYSIS CONSIDERATIONS FOR A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 VitaFerm® Conserve® Protein Meal A free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement with protein for beef cattle designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost. *Available in a 40 lb bag For more information, contact your Area Sales Manager Kevin Glaubius at (816) 344-5762 or visit www.vitaferm.com. PROTEIN MEAL ® ® ® SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO SAVE YOU MONEY! KEY BENEFITS: Contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Includes 20% natural protein. Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package.
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