Progressive Farmer Magazine Features Kentucky Integrated Resource Management Program
December 8
The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Resource Management Program (UK-IRM). Administered through the Kentucky Beef Network and the Agricultural Development Board has been featured in the December issue of Progressive Farmer Magazine. Read an excerpt below and follow the link to the full article on the Progressive Farmer website.
Progressive Farmer Article: Herd Makeover The Wow Cows
Mike Wilson's cows have that "wow" factor. It's a description straight from the mouth of his county Extension agent Tommy Yankey. The agent said Wilson's herd stands out, not just in terms of the data, but phenotypically. Good udders, wonderful feet, great personalities. Most notably these girls... more
Progressive Farmer Article: Herd Makeover The Wow Cows
Mike Wilson's cows have that "wow" factor. It's a description straight from the mouth of his county Extension agent Tommy Yankey. The agent said Wilson's herd stands out, not just in terms of the data, but phenotypically. Good udders, wonderful feet, great personalities. Most notably these girls... more
Kentucky's Open Burn Laws
December 7
Open burning may not seem like a threat to you, but the smoke from open burning could be a real problem and a serious health threat for you, your family, neighbors and community. Agricultural trash contains plastics, chemicals and numerous other synthetic materials. When burned, trash can release high levels of toxic pollutants, such as dioxins, sulfur dioxide, lead and mercury into the air. Also, air pollutants can be emitted without visually seeing them as smoke. These pollutants can end up in our water and soil, then accumulate into animal tissue and eventually enter our food supply when we consume meat and dairy products. This process is known as bioaccumulation. That's one of the many reasons why there are state rules to control air pollution caused by open burning (401 KAR 63:005). Some open burning is legal, with restrictions, but most materials are actually illegal to burn such as silage bags, chemical jugs, pallets, float trays, aerosol cans, plastic, tires, food waste, animal waste, coated wire/paper, motor oil, painted or treated lumber and many other materials. Burning these items in a backyard burn barrel is also illegal.
LEGAL OPEN BURNING for agricultural activities includes plant beds and tobacco curing. For land management practices (on-site only), legal open burning includes leaves, weeds, storm debris (tree limbs felled by storms), natural growth from land clearing and natural land management. Warming fires contained in a drum (55-gallon maximum) is legal if burning clean lumber, and the air temperature is below 50° F degrees. Other legal open-burning practices include campfires (cured/seasoned wood), ceremonial bonfires, cooking and uncoated household paper/cardboard products. Before open burning, it is recommended to notify your local fire department. It is also advisable to burn large quantities in small piles over a period of time.
All open burning is prohibited when a fire emergency is declared. Fire hazard season is Oct. 1–Dec. 15 and Feb. 15–Apr. 30. Burning within 150 feet of any woodland area is allowed only between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Open burning is further restricted May–September in the following counties: Boone, Boyd, Bullitt, Campbell, Jefferson, Kenton, Lawrence and Oldham. Always double check local regulations before burning for additional open-burning regulations and restrictions.
Keep in mind, open burning isn't necessary. Brush can be composted, piled up for wildlife or left to decompose. Newspapers can be recycled. Old attic junk can be given away for someone else to reuse. By making a few sensible choices, you can reduce the amount of throwaway material you create. The possibilities are endless. Look at what you've decided to burn. Isn't there something else you can do with it?
To learn before you burn or to report an illegal open burn, call the Division for Air Quality at 1-888-BURN-LAW, or e-mail burnlaw@ky.gov. The "Open Burning? Learn Before You Burn" brochure provides additional information on the rules and regulations for open burning, available online at air.ky.gov.
LEGAL OPEN BURNING for agricultural activities includes plant beds and tobacco curing. For land management practices (on-site only), legal open burning includes leaves, weeds, storm debris (tree limbs felled by storms), natural growth from land clearing and natural land management. Warming fires contained in a drum (55-gallon maximum) is legal if burning clean lumber, and the air temperature is below 50° F degrees. Other legal open-burning practices include campfires (cured/seasoned wood), ceremonial bonfires, cooking and uncoated household paper/cardboard products. Before open burning, it is recommended to notify your local fire department. It is also advisable to burn large quantities in small piles over a period of time.
All open burning is prohibited when a fire emergency is declared. Fire hazard season is Oct. 1–Dec. 15 and Feb. 15–Apr. 30. Burning within 150 feet of any woodland area is allowed only between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Open burning is further restricted May–September in the following counties: Boone, Boyd, Bullitt, Campbell, Jefferson, Kenton, Lawrence and Oldham. Always double check local regulations before burning for additional open-burning regulations and restrictions.
Keep in mind, open burning isn't necessary. Brush can be composted, piled up for wildlife or left to decompose. Newspapers can be recycled. Old attic junk can be given away for someone else to reuse. By making a few sensible choices, you can reduce the amount of throwaway material you create. The possibilities are endless. Look at what you've decided to burn. Isn't there something else you can do with it?
To learn before you burn or to report an illegal open burn, call the Division for Air Quality at 1-888-BURN-LAW, or e-mail burnlaw@ky.gov. The "Open Burning? Learn Before You Burn" brochure provides additional information on the rules and regulations for open burning, available online at air.ky.gov.
Cattlemen's Webinar Series Transportation, Trade & Taxes
November 23
From trade to transportation, 2015 has been a turbulent year for a number of policy issues important to cattlemen and women both on Capitol Hill and within the federal agencies. Join NCBA policy experts, Colin Woodall and Kent Bacus as they discuss the latest congressional activity in Washington D.C., and explain what these issues mean to you. Also, back by popular demand, CPA Larry Kopsa will share end of year tax tips for cattle producers. All panelists will be available for Q&A at the end of the presentation.
For more information: Cattlemen's Webinar Series
For more information: Cattlemen's Webinar Series
New Website Helps Consumers Better Understand Animal Protein
November 20
The American Meat Science Association has developed a new website to help educate consumers about animal protein.
Visit the website here: The Meat We Eat
Visit the website here: The Meat We Eat
KBN December Newsletter
October 20
For nearly sixty years, distinguished Master Distiller Parker Beam has been practicing his family’s craft of distilling, aging and selecting some of the world’s finest Bourbons at Heaven Hill Distilleries.
Parker is the sixth generation Beam to be a Master Distiller, Park Beam; Parker’s grandfather was the brother of James Beam, better known as “Jim” Beam. It was Parker’s father, Earl, who began the Beam family lineage at Heaven Hill. In 1975 Earl, turned the reins over to Parker and in doing so, Parker became the sixth generation Beam to earn the title Master Distiller.
Over the last 30 plus years, Parker’s son Craig has been learning the ropes just as Parker did before earning the title of Master Distiller from his father. Together Parker and his son are responsible for making sure the bourbon produced at the historic Bernheim Distillery adheres to the same standard, high quality and consistent taste bourbon enthusiasts have come to expect throughout the Beam family’s legacy at Heaven Hill.
Although most know Parker as a master distiller, those who are close to him know he is a master cattleman too. Parker and his wife Linda run about 350 Angus influenced females on their 900-acre farm in Springfield, Kentucky. Parker and Linda calve about half their cows in the fall and the other half in the spring. After weaning the calves that are not kept as replacement females are sold by the pot load to feedlots throughout the country. Until recently Parker shipped his calves to Sellers Feedlot in Kansas where he retained ownership and covered the feed costs.
Not only does Parker oversee his cattle operation, he also owns 45 semi trucks that transport whiskey from Kentucky to distribution centers throughout the U.S. If Parkers business ventures weren’t enough he has also earned accolades that include; being a charter member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, the 2013 master distiller emeritus and most recently being named the first ever recipient of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
After spending some time visiting with Parker it’s apparent he values friendships, loves to share stories and is a wealth of knowledge providing insight on almost anything from beef to bourbon.
“He’s truly a great person who is down to earth and doesn’t know a stranger,” said Tim Graves, Parker’s longtime friend and fellow cattle producer.
Parker’s legacy goes far beyond the bourbon and beef business, as he is a public advocate for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Four years ago Parker was diagnosed with ALS and since has worked closely with Heaven Hill to raise funds for Parker Beam’s Promise of Hope Fund. The fund has raised over half a million dollars to support ALS research, care and awareness. The centerpiece of the fundraising effort includes the most recent editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection, an upscale limited edition annual series. A percentage of profits from each bottle sold of the award-winning annual release are contributed to the fund.
Parker is the sixth generation Beam to be a Master Distiller, Park Beam; Parker’s grandfather was the brother of James Beam, better known as “Jim” Beam. It was Parker’s father, Earl, who began the Beam family lineage at Heaven Hill. In 1975 Earl, turned the reins over to Parker and in doing so, Parker became the sixth generation Beam to earn the title Master Distiller.
Over the last 30 plus years, Parker’s son Craig has been learning the ropes just as Parker did before earning the title of Master Distiller from his father. Together Parker and his son are responsible for making sure the bourbon produced at the historic Bernheim Distillery adheres to the same standard, high quality and consistent taste bourbon enthusiasts have come to expect throughout the Beam family’s legacy at Heaven Hill.
Although most know Parker as a master distiller, those who are close to him know he is a master cattleman too. Parker and his wife Linda run about 350 Angus influenced females on their 900-acre farm in Springfield, Kentucky. Parker and Linda calve about half their cows in the fall and the other half in the spring. After weaning the calves that are not kept as replacement females are sold by the pot load to feedlots throughout the country. Until recently Parker shipped his calves to Sellers Feedlot in Kansas where he retained ownership and covered the feed costs.
Not only does Parker oversee his cattle operation, he also owns 45 semi trucks that transport whiskey from Kentucky to distribution centers throughout the U.S. If Parkers business ventures weren’t enough he has also earned accolades that include; being a charter member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, the 2013 master distiller emeritus and most recently being named the first ever recipient of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
After spending some time visiting with Parker it’s apparent he values friendships, loves to share stories and is a wealth of knowledge providing insight on almost anything from beef to bourbon.
“He’s truly a great person who is down to earth and doesn’t know a stranger,” said Tim Graves, Parker’s longtime friend and fellow cattle producer.
Parker’s legacy goes far beyond the bourbon and beef business, as he is a public advocate for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Four years ago Parker was diagnosed with ALS and since has worked closely with Heaven Hill to raise funds for Parker Beam’s Promise of Hope Fund. The fund has raised over half a million dollars to support ALS research, care and awareness. The centerpiece of the fundraising effort includes the most recent editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection, an upscale limited edition annual series. A percentage of profits from each bottle sold of the award-winning annual release are contributed to the fund.
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KBN November Newsletter
October 26
Specialist Spotlight Kevin Laurent
October 25
What is your background and current involvement in the cattle/ Ag industry?
I grew up on a small farm in Greenwell Springs, LA which is about 20 miles north of Baton Rouge. As a kid we were always growing and selling something trying to earn extra spending money. My brothers and I grew and sold tomato plants, sweet corn and purple hull peas. As I entered high school I got interested in cattle and swine through 4-H projects. After my brothers had left home and since I never cared much for picking peas anyway, I decided to turn our pea patch into a ryegrass pasture and entered the 4-H Junior Beef Grazing Contest. This contest was run by the state extension beef specialists at LSU and consisted of grazing eight calves on five acres of ryegrass. Awards were given for the highest gaining groups of calves statewide. There was also the “500 lb Club” which was an award given to any kid who produced 500 lbs of beef per acre. Well I didn’t win but I made the 500 lb club and the rest was history. By the time I finished college, the 4-H projects had grown into a small cattle herd and a 35 sow farrow to finish operation.
After obtaining my BS in Animal Science at LSU I had a chance to work on a Masters degree and coach the LSU Livestock Judging Team. I earned a Masters in meat science and stayed on as an instructor, hoping the current hiring freeze in LSU extension would be lifted so I could work in Louisiana. At my last contest as a coach, Dr. Gordon Jones told me about a new position at UK with the Swine On-farm Testing Program. We moved to Lexington in July of 1991 as an associate in swine extension and then moved to Princeton in June of 1992 as a beef and swine associate.
I am currently an Extension Senior Associate in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. My responsibilities are primarily beef extension with a major emphasis on County ANR Agent support through educational meetings and on-farm demonstrations. I currently serve as the coordinator for the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program which is a collaborative effort with KCA. Other efforts include the CPH-45 feeder calf program, West KY Select Bred Heifer Sales and to a lesser degree 4-H livestock and swine extension. I also serve as an instructor in the Master Cattleman, Stocker and Marketer programs along with the Grazing Schools.
My wife Colette and I have five kids and a granddaughter. We raise one load of stocker calves each year in a grass based system on a rented farm and we breed and show pigs as a 4-H project.
Who has been your biggest influence in the agriculture industry?
I have had many influences in the industry both in college and in Kentucky, but I would have to say that my parents have been the biggest influence on me both personally and as it relates to agriculture. Both of my parents came from agricultural roots and grew up on neighboring farms in St. Charles Parish, LA. My father had gone to college on the GI bill after WWII and upon graduating got a job in the petro-chemical industry in research and development. Even though he had a “plant” job my parents wanted to raise their family in the country. Daddy never made his living farming but he had deep love and appreciation for agriculture. My mother had six older brothers. Three served in the war and three stayed on the farm. This agricultural heritage or legacy is what my parents instilled in us and I hope I have passed this on to my children.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/Ag /personal career?
I can’t pick one event or moment. The beauty of our jobs as extension educators is we get to have many proud or satisfying moments. We can also have many humbling experiences. That’s the thing about agriculture, Mother Nature is always holding the trump card. In good times and bad I always try and heed the advice of my old friend Mike Oveson who once told me to always try to keep things simple and don’t take yourself too seriously. Farmers are great innovators and I have found over the years that the transfer of knowledge many times goes in both directions.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s cattle/ Ag industry?
From a world view standpoint, the obvious challenge is meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population. Domestically, I think we have a huge challenge trying to educate the majority of the non-agricultural segment that our methods of production are ethical, safe and sustainable. There is so much misinformation being used to deliberately mislead the consumer in order to either sell a product or promote an agenda.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of agriculturalists?
The best advice I have comes from my father. He was fond of saying that “you are never too old to learn something new”. Embracing and testing new ideas and technology is what has made American agriculture the envy of the world. We will have to continue with this mindset to have any chance of feeding the world in the future.
I grew up on a small farm in Greenwell Springs, LA which is about 20 miles north of Baton Rouge. As a kid we were always growing and selling something trying to earn extra spending money. My brothers and I grew and sold tomato plants, sweet corn and purple hull peas. As I entered high school I got interested in cattle and swine through 4-H projects. After my brothers had left home and since I never cared much for picking peas anyway, I decided to turn our pea patch into a ryegrass pasture and entered the 4-H Junior Beef Grazing Contest. This contest was run by the state extension beef specialists at LSU and consisted of grazing eight calves on five acres of ryegrass. Awards were given for the highest gaining groups of calves statewide. There was also the “500 lb Club” which was an award given to any kid who produced 500 lbs of beef per acre. Well I didn’t win but I made the 500 lb club and the rest was history. By the time I finished college, the 4-H projects had grown into a small cattle herd and a 35 sow farrow to finish operation.
After obtaining my BS in Animal Science at LSU I had a chance to work on a Masters degree and coach the LSU Livestock Judging Team. I earned a Masters in meat science and stayed on as an instructor, hoping the current hiring freeze in LSU extension would be lifted so I could work in Louisiana. At my last contest as a coach, Dr. Gordon Jones told me about a new position at UK with the Swine On-farm Testing Program. We moved to Lexington in July of 1991 as an associate in swine extension and then moved to Princeton in June of 1992 as a beef and swine associate.
I am currently an Extension Senior Associate in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. My responsibilities are primarily beef extension with a major emphasis on County ANR Agent support through educational meetings and on-farm demonstrations. I currently serve as the coordinator for the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program which is a collaborative effort with KCA. Other efforts include the CPH-45 feeder calf program, West KY Select Bred Heifer Sales and to a lesser degree 4-H livestock and swine extension. I also serve as an instructor in the Master Cattleman, Stocker and Marketer programs along with the Grazing Schools.
My wife Colette and I have five kids and a granddaughter. We raise one load of stocker calves each year in a grass based system on a rented farm and we breed and show pigs as a 4-H project.
Who has been your biggest influence in the agriculture industry?
I have had many influences in the industry both in college and in Kentucky, but I would have to say that my parents have been the biggest influence on me both personally and as it relates to agriculture. Both of my parents came from agricultural roots and grew up on neighboring farms in St. Charles Parish, LA. My father had gone to college on the GI bill after WWII and upon graduating got a job in the petro-chemical industry in research and development. Even though he had a “plant” job my parents wanted to raise their family in the country. Daddy never made his living farming but he had deep love and appreciation for agriculture. My mother had six older brothers. Three served in the war and three stayed on the farm. This agricultural heritage or legacy is what my parents instilled in us and I hope I have passed this on to my children.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/Ag /personal career?
I can’t pick one event or moment. The beauty of our jobs as extension educators is we get to have many proud or satisfying moments. We can also have many humbling experiences. That’s the thing about agriculture, Mother Nature is always holding the trump card. In good times and bad I always try and heed the advice of my old friend Mike Oveson who once told me to always try to keep things simple and don’t take yourself too seriously. Farmers are great innovators and I have found over the years that the transfer of knowledge many times goes in both directions.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s cattle/ Ag industry?
From a world view standpoint, the obvious challenge is meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population. Domestically, I think we have a huge challenge trying to educate the majority of the non-agricultural segment that our methods of production are ethical, safe and sustainable. There is so much misinformation being used to deliberately mislead the consumer in order to either sell a product or promote an agenda.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of agriculturalists?
The best advice I have comes from my father. He was fond of saying that “you are never too old to learn something new”. Embracing and testing new ideas and technology is what has made American agriculture the envy of the world. We will have to continue with this mindset to have any chance of feeding the world in the future.
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From Grain to Grazing Bob Hall Producer Spotlight
September 16
Businessman, farmer and educator are just a few of the many hats Scott County native Robert Hall, Jr., (Bob) wears. Hall who was born on his family’s farm where he currently resides and runs about 350 head of stocker cattle each year. Over the past 50 plus years Hall and his wife Bonnie have filled the same pastures and farm with sheep, hogs and tobacco just to name a few of their many ventures.
Hall graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in General Agriculture. After graduation he worked for R.R. Dawson in Bloomfield, Kentucky as a farm manager. His next endeavor was in upstate New York as a manager of a purebred Angus herd. After a year and a half there he served in the U.S. Army as a veterinary food inspector. In 1958 he became the beef cattle herdsman at the University of Kentucky. After working for six years at UK, Hall purchased Farmers Feed Mill, now Hallway Feeds in Lexington, Kentucky where he continues to work today.
Since the purchase of the mill in the 1960s, Hall has been witness to the ever-changing landscape of Kentucky’s agriculture industry. In the beginning Hall recalls selling roughly 90 percent of their feed to dairy producers, today about 95 percent of their business caters to the equine industry.
Hallway Feed is sold and distributed to racetracks around the world. According to Hall, “Hallway Feed has fed 18 Kentucky Derby winners including this year’s Triple Crown Winner, American Pharaoh.”
Although many recognize Hall as the man who built a global feed enterprise, a countless number of livestock producers throughout the region know him for his pasture management skills and efforts to maximize livestock production using grazing.
Hall manages 110 acres using a rotational grazing system that includes 17 fields and three water pens. The pastures are a mix of alfalfa, orchard grass, fescue red clover and blue grass red clover.
According to Hall, “It takes about 65 head of cattle to eat an acre of pasture per day,” he says, “when evaluating your pastures and you think you have another day, its time to move them.”
“ I never move anything before five in the afternoon,” Hall said “It alleviates bloat because the cows are already full.”
Hall explains, that you shouldn’t graze a field for more than six or seven days and good water and shade are vital when grazing your cattle.
“We try not to let any grass go to seed and graze our alfalfa once a month,” Hall said.
Don’t be afraid to try something different, said Hall when referring to using Chaparral™ herbicide on his pastures.
“I started using Chaparral™ about four years ago,” Hall said. “It keeps the pastures vegetative, kills the weeds and keeps the fields clean.”
To see more of Hall’s story and grazing advice watch his interview
Hall graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in General Agriculture. After graduation he worked for R.R. Dawson in Bloomfield, Kentucky as a farm manager. His next endeavor was in upstate New York as a manager of a purebred Angus herd. After a year and a half there he served in the U.S. Army as a veterinary food inspector. In 1958 he became the beef cattle herdsman at the University of Kentucky. After working for six years at UK, Hall purchased Farmers Feed Mill, now Hallway Feeds in Lexington, Kentucky where he continues to work today.
Since the purchase of the mill in the 1960s, Hall has been witness to the ever-changing landscape of Kentucky’s agriculture industry. In the beginning Hall recalls selling roughly 90 percent of their feed to dairy producers, today about 95 percent of their business caters to the equine industry.
Hallway Feed is sold and distributed to racetracks around the world. According to Hall, “Hallway Feed has fed 18 Kentucky Derby winners including this year’s Triple Crown Winner, American Pharaoh.”
Although many recognize Hall as the man who built a global feed enterprise, a countless number of livestock producers throughout the region know him for his pasture management skills and efforts to maximize livestock production using grazing.
Hall manages 110 acres using a rotational grazing system that includes 17 fields and three water pens. The pastures are a mix of alfalfa, orchard grass, fescue red clover and blue grass red clover.
According to Hall, “It takes about 65 head of cattle to eat an acre of pasture per day,” he says, “when evaluating your pastures and you think you have another day, its time to move them.”
“ I never move anything before five in the afternoon,” Hall said “It alleviates bloat because the cows are already full.”
Hall explains, that you shouldn’t graze a field for more than six or seven days and good water and shade are vital when grazing your cattle.
“We try not to let any grass go to seed and graze our alfalfa once a month,” Hall said.
Don’t be afraid to try something different, said Hall when referring to using Chaparral™ herbicide on his pastures.
“I started using Chaparral™ about four years ago,” Hall said. “It keeps the pastures vegetative, kills the weeds and keeps the fields clean.”
To see more of Hall’s story and grazing advice watch his interview
Stewardship of Antimicrobials Workshop to be held in Lexington
Stewardship of medically-important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals is the focus of 12 workshops organized across the United States by Farm Foundation, NFP.
These workshops are an opportunity for livestock producers, their feed suppliers and veterinarians to gain a comprehensive understanding of two Guidance for Industry (GFIs) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the use of medically-important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals, as well as the FDA’s revised Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule. The workshops are also an opportunity for other stakeholders, such as state and federal agencies, colleges of veterinary medicine and university extension personnel, to gain insights into the changes needed to meet the requirements.
The workshops, which are free of charge, are open to all livestock producers, feed company representatives and veterinarians. Sessions will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is requested and can be completed by clicking the respective meeting registration links below.
For more information and to register
These workshops are an opportunity for livestock producers, their feed suppliers and veterinarians to gain a comprehensive understanding of two Guidance for Industry (GFIs) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the use of medically-important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals, as well as the FDA’s revised Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule. The workshops are also an opportunity for other stakeholders, such as state and federal agencies, colleges of veterinary medicine and university extension personnel, to gain insights into the changes needed to meet the requirements.
The workshops, which are free of charge, are open to all livestock producers, feed company representatives and veterinarians. Sessions will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is requested and can be completed by clicking the respective meeting registration links below.
For more information and to register
Long Term Partnerships Breed Success
August 19
The Kentucky Beef Network Field Associates are located throughout the state to help assist producers with KBN program educations and implementation. The western part of Kentucky is covered by Ben Lloyd. Ben has been a KBN Field Associate for many years and has had a huge impact on that portion of the state.
Last month the field associates traveled to Union County, KY to visit with two of the producers that Ben has been working with. We had the opportunity to visit both Wayne Goff & Dustin White’s farms. Both operations include 10,000+ acres of row crops and 350 & 750 head of cattle respectively. Ben has worked with both farms on developing replacement heifers, nutritional and marketing Programs.
This year Ben worked with the Goff ’s on an experimental trial with LONGRANGE™ Dewormer. Different groups of calves were managed exactly the same other than one group was given LONGRANGE™. The LONGRANGE™ group did see increased gains as well as some fly control. The Goff ’s have also worked with Ben to market their cattle as load lots to be able to capture the added value of a large consistent group.
At the White’s Farm, Ben has helped them build a 400+ food feeding barn. The monoslope roof feed barn was located on reclaimed strip mine ground. Dustin was feeding his own calves in the structure and was contemplating how to utilize the structure year round by rotating multiple groups of calves through it. Ben helped them with the idea of building a feeding structure to be able to add value to their calves.
“If it wasn’t for Ben, we wouldn’t be doing what we are today” claims Dustin.
Last month the field associates traveled to Union County, KY to visit with two of the producers that Ben has been working with. We had the opportunity to visit both Wayne Goff & Dustin White’s farms. Both operations include 10,000+ acres of row crops and 350 & 750 head of cattle respectively. Ben has worked with both farms on developing replacement heifers, nutritional and marketing Programs.
This year Ben worked with the Goff ’s on an experimental trial with LONGRANGE™ Dewormer. Different groups of calves were managed exactly the same other than one group was given LONGRANGE™. The LONGRANGE™ group did see increased gains as well as some fly control. The Goff ’s have also worked with Ben to market their cattle as load lots to be able to capture the added value of a large consistent group.
At the White’s Farm, Ben has helped them build a 400+ food feeding barn. The monoslope roof feed barn was located on reclaimed strip mine ground. Dustin was feeding his own calves in the structure and was contemplating how to utilize the structure year round by rotating multiple groups of calves through it. Ben helped them with the idea of building a feeding structure to be able to add value to their calves.
“If it wasn’t for Ben, we wouldn’t be doing what we are today” claims Dustin.
Specialist Spotlight Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
August 18
What is your background and current involvement in the cattle/Ag industry?
I grew up in southern Indiana just about an hour west of Louisville and about an hour straight north of Owensboro. My father worked for a corporate owned farm helping to manage a large Simmental-influenced herd and Tennessee Walking horses. We lived on a few of the farms as well as my grandparent’s dairy farm where dad had hogs as well. When my grandparents sold the dairy farm, we got into sheep as a 4-H project which spanned about 15 years. I graduated from Purdue in animal sciences and continued my education at the University of Missouri receiving a Master’s in silvopasture management and a Doctoral degree in protein nutrition of growing / finishing cattle. My wife, Gwen, and I lived on a small beef farm a couple years while in Missouri where I managed about 30 cows. I was a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an Extension and research appointment before coming to Kentucky. As one of the Extension Beef Specialists at UK, I strive to provide information that has come from reading the scientific literature, meshed with my experience and the knowledge learned from beef cattle managers so that it is practical. Nutrition and general management are my focal areas with stocker / backgrounding being a focus as well. I enjoy engaging with students through my instruction activities at UK as well as graduate student committees. I have been fortunate to have been invited to participate in international programs that have allowed me to share my knowledge and learn about beef production in Brazil, Belarus, Ukraine and most recently China. Currently, outside of my position, I assist with managing about 60-70 head of stocker cattle with some being finished on grass for a local market.
Who has been your biggest influence in the cattle/Ag industry?
I have had many people that influenced my career. My father’s involvement in the industry provided some exposure at a young age. But my nutrition interest was sparked from working for the Lubber’s feed mill. I started at the feed mill the summer between the 7th & 8th grade and continued through high school. This background allowed me to excel in my undergraduate nutrition course and it was Dr. Mike Cecava, my advisor and nutrition professor, who probably was the biggest influence on setting my path. He convinced me that working the summer as a lab technician for the ruminant nutrition group rather than returning to work in the chair factory, even though it meant less money for school, was going to be more rewarding long term. Through this I made a connection with a graduate student who recommended me to his advisor at Missouri. Dr. Monty Kerley was my graduate advisor and was probably the second biggest influencer as he steered, pun intended, away from small ruminants to beef cattle. His guidance helped me to obtain the practical and scientific knowledge base I needed to secure a career in the beef industry.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/cattle/personal career?
Honestly, I take pride in the little things. One of the most rewarding things to me is having a farmer approach me and telling me that a recommendation I made worked for him or her. These little successes hopefully make their operations more profitable, easier to manage, and improve their lifestyle so that they can enjoy raising cattle.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s cattle/Ag industry?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge facing our industry is the capital investment needed for our next generation of farmers to enter into the industry. With the high bred female prices, escalating land and equipment costs and market volatility, it is a challenge for a young producer to secure the capital necessary to start in the industry.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of cattle producers?
Be a life-long learner. Know your industry and what drivers are influencing change. Identify a mentoring group and learn what worked and didn’t for them and evaluate the situation to see if the same outcome would be expected for your operation. Challenge the idea of “We have always done it this way”. Invest in things that have the opportunity to return money and not depreciate when starting out.
I grew up in southern Indiana just about an hour west of Louisville and about an hour straight north of Owensboro. My father worked for a corporate owned farm helping to manage a large Simmental-influenced herd and Tennessee Walking horses. We lived on a few of the farms as well as my grandparent’s dairy farm where dad had hogs as well. When my grandparents sold the dairy farm, we got into sheep as a 4-H project which spanned about 15 years. I graduated from Purdue in animal sciences and continued my education at the University of Missouri receiving a Master’s in silvopasture management and a Doctoral degree in protein nutrition of growing / finishing cattle. My wife, Gwen, and I lived on a small beef farm a couple years while in Missouri where I managed about 30 cows. I was a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an Extension and research appointment before coming to Kentucky. As one of the Extension Beef Specialists at UK, I strive to provide information that has come from reading the scientific literature, meshed with my experience and the knowledge learned from beef cattle managers so that it is practical. Nutrition and general management are my focal areas with stocker / backgrounding being a focus as well. I enjoy engaging with students through my instruction activities at UK as well as graduate student committees. I have been fortunate to have been invited to participate in international programs that have allowed me to share my knowledge and learn about beef production in Brazil, Belarus, Ukraine and most recently China. Currently, outside of my position, I assist with managing about 60-70 head of stocker cattle with some being finished on grass for a local market.
Who has been your biggest influence in the cattle/Ag industry?
I have had many people that influenced my career. My father’s involvement in the industry provided some exposure at a young age. But my nutrition interest was sparked from working for the Lubber’s feed mill. I started at the feed mill the summer between the 7th & 8th grade and continued through high school. This background allowed me to excel in my undergraduate nutrition course and it was Dr. Mike Cecava, my advisor and nutrition professor, who probably was the biggest influence on setting my path. He convinced me that working the summer as a lab technician for the ruminant nutrition group rather than returning to work in the chair factory, even though it meant less money for school, was going to be more rewarding long term. Through this I made a connection with a graduate student who recommended me to his advisor at Missouri. Dr. Monty Kerley was my graduate advisor and was probably the second biggest influencer as he steered, pun intended, away from small ruminants to beef cattle. His guidance helped me to obtain the practical and scientific knowledge base I needed to secure a career in the beef industry.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/cattle/personal career?
Honestly, I take pride in the little things. One of the most rewarding things to me is having a farmer approach me and telling me that a recommendation I made worked for him or her. These little successes hopefully make their operations more profitable, easier to manage, and improve their lifestyle so that they can enjoy raising cattle.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s cattle/Ag industry?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge facing our industry is the capital investment needed for our next generation of farmers to enter into the industry. With the high bred female prices, escalating land and equipment costs and market volatility, it is a challenge for a young producer to secure the capital necessary to start in the industry.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of cattle producers?
Be a life-long learner. Know your industry and what drivers are influencing change. Identify a mentoring group and learn what worked and didn’t for them and evaluate the situation to see if the same outcome would be expected for your operation. Challenge the idea of “We have always done it this way”. Invest in things that have the opportunity to return money and not depreciate when starting out.
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Defining The Value of Kentucky’s Beef Cattle Research By: Jake Gankofskie
August 3
As a land grant institution the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture conducts research and education throughout the state. The Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Stations, which are part of the research arm of the college, maintain facilities at several locations across Kentucky. The largest such facility is stationed in Princeton.
Located 210 miles from Lexington in the heart of Western Kentucky is the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton (WKREC). Established in 1925 the WKREC has provided the beef industry with leading research, innovation and education to assist in the advancement of beef cattle production.
“Fulfilling the need for beef cattle research and servicing the producers of the commonwealth is what drives our work here,” said Dr. Roy Burris, University of Kentucky Extension Beef Specialist.
Currently the WKREC maintains a herd of 170 commercial type and purebred cattle used for research and education. The herd consists of mostly Brangus, Angus and crossbred cattle with emphasis placed on production and profitability.
“It has been my mission to make money with the herd,” said Burris.” If we cant make our cattle work for us here, how are we supposed to expect our producers to earn a living raising their own cattle.”
Burris recalls one of his first extension meetings where a producer stood up and asked, how cattle producers are supposed to make money and solve problems if the specialists at the university level couldn’t?
“That really hit home and resonated with me,” Burris said, “As extension specialists we are supposed to be leaders and educators.”
Over the past ninety years great strides have been made to improve Kentucky’s beef cattle industry via research, education and events at WKREC.
The first performance-tested bull sale for beef breeds ever held in Kentucky occurred at the station in 1962. From that point through the early 1980s, the station hosted the “Princeton Bull Sale.” Each annual sale was a special day, since breeders, potential bull buyers, and decision makers in agriculture chose this event as a gathering point. Capacity crowds often filled the sales pavilion. The Princeton Bull Sale was important because it connected breeders (the majority of bulls tested were from east of Princeton) with the commercial cattle producers located mostly in Western Kentucky. While a few outstanding sires went to seedstock breeders, most and often the highest-selling bulls went to commercial herds.
Since the early 1970s, major research has included grass tetany, pinkeye and fescue studies, which have evolved over time to fit the needs of Kentucky beef producers.
The grass tetany research identified an underlying problem of magnesium deficiency in the blood stream caused by low levels of magnesium and high levels of potassium in fast-growing pastures. This research led to the widespread use of magnesium supplementation to prevent the occurrence of grass tetany. As a result of this research the disorder has been reduced from being a major problem for Kentucky cattle producers; in fact, producers have found the once devastating disease can be essentially eliminated if they follow the recommendations from the research.
In the 1970s, animal scientists documented the costs associated with untreated pinkeye in calves. By documenting the economic losses due to this bacterial disease, calf producers began treating pinkeye, rather than just assuming it was a nuisance without economic consequences.
With the addition of Dr. Garry Lacefield as forage specialist in 1974, research and extension activities to provide recommendations on improving pastures became a major emphasis at Princeton. To increase farmer interest in pasture renovation, more than 300 acres of demonstration pastures were renovated each year throughout Western Kentucky. The research and education provided by this project stimulated attention to pasture conditions for grazing livestock and have improved livestock production throughout the region.
Additional studies geared towards improving livestock production throughout Kentucky were also conducted, specifically research concerning fescue toxicosis. Tall fescue, a grass that is the predominant species on nearly six million acres of pasture in Kentucky, had been known for some time to be associated with poor animal performance. After researchers identified endophyte fungus, which lives inside the grass as the cause of poor animal performance, a research and extension program was developed to manage pastures and reduce the effects of the fungus.
A collaborative effort between agronomists and animal scientists (Garry Lacefield, Monroe Rasnake, and Roy Burris) yielded effective strategies for cattle producers to manage their endophyte-infected pastures. Renovation of pastures, coupled with managing the breeding season of animals, helped immensely. The introduction of endophyte-free fescue varieties and low-endophyte fescue varieties also helped producers avoid profit losses associated with the fungus.
Most recently beef cattle research at Princeton has included, utilizing soy hulls as cattle feed, selenium mineral mixes in cattle diets, corn stalk grazing trials and the effects of supplemental nutrients on heifer growth and reproductive performance.
“I would like people to know how valuable this research is to them,” Burris said. “We are focused on the future of the beef industry.”
Referred to by some as the best-kept secret in the state, the research that is done in Princeton is often overlooked by many.
According to Burris, there are a lot of people around the state that don’t know about the exceptional beef cattle research that is being done in Princeton.
In an effort to highlight Kentucky’s beef industry and educate individuals from across Kentucky the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association began an event called Beef Bash. This event is a unique field day held every other year for beef enthusiasts from across the state. Beef Bash attracts more than 500 individuals who are eager to discuss research with UK beef specialists and visit fellow producers.
One of Burris’s fondest memories of Beef Bash is when a producer came up to him and told him, “I may not understand all the logistical details of what you’re doing here, but I’m sure glad you’re doing it” referring to Burris’s research.
With nearly 90 years of history, many would assume the beef cattle presence at WKREC has a stable future, however some are skeptical as plans to restructure the center are being proposed.
“I am unsure about the priority of beef cattle research here in Princeton,” said Burris when asked about the future of cattle research at WKREC. “Large animal research is expensive, however we are the largest cattle producing state East of the Mississippi River and have 38,000 cattle producers.”
One thing is certain, the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton, has had a long and storied past providing the beef industry with valuable research over the past 90 years.
Located 210 miles from Lexington in the heart of Western Kentucky is the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton (WKREC). Established in 1925 the WKREC has provided the beef industry with leading research, innovation and education to assist in the advancement of beef cattle production.
“Fulfilling the need for beef cattle research and servicing the producers of the commonwealth is what drives our work here,” said Dr. Roy Burris, University of Kentucky Extension Beef Specialist.
Currently the WKREC maintains a herd of 170 commercial type and purebred cattle used for research and education. The herd consists of mostly Brangus, Angus and crossbred cattle with emphasis placed on production and profitability.
“It has been my mission to make money with the herd,” said Burris.” If we cant make our cattle work for us here, how are we supposed to expect our producers to earn a living raising their own cattle.”
Burris recalls one of his first extension meetings where a producer stood up and asked, how cattle producers are supposed to make money and solve problems if the specialists at the university level couldn’t?
“That really hit home and resonated with me,” Burris said, “As extension specialists we are supposed to be leaders and educators.”
Over the past ninety years great strides have been made to improve Kentucky’s beef cattle industry via research, education and events at WKREC.
The first performance-tested bull sale for beef breeds ever held in Kentucky occurred at the station in 1962. From that point through the early 1980s, the station hosted the “Princeton Bull Sale.” Each annual sale was a special day, since breeders, potential bull buyers, and decision makers in agriculture chose this event as a gathering point. Capacity crowds often filled the sales pavilion. The Princeton Bull Sale was important because it connected breeders (the majority of bulls tested were from east of Princeton) with the commercial cattle producers located mostly in Western Kentucky. While a few outstanding sires went to seedstock breeders, most and often the highest-selling bulls went to commercial herds.
Since the early 1970s, major research has included grass tetany, pinkeye and fescue studies, which have evolved over time to fit the needs of Kentucky beef producers.
The grass tetany research identified an underlying problem of magnesium deficiency in the blood stream caused by low levels of magnesium and high levels of potassium in fast-growing pastures. This research led to the widespread use of magnesium supplementation to prevent the occurrence of grass tetany. As a result of this research the disorder has been reduced from being a major problem for Kentucky cattle producers; in fact, producers have found the once devastating disease can be essentially eliminated if they follow the recommendations from the research.
In the 1970s, animal scientists documented the costs associated with untreated pinkeye in calves. By documenting the economic losses due to this bacterial disease, calf producers began treating pinkeye, rather than just assuming it was a nuisance without economic consequences.
With the addition of Dr. Garry Lacefield as forage specialist in 1974, research and extension activities to provide recommendations on improving pastures became a major emphasis at Princeton. To increase farmer interest in pasture renovation, more than 300 acres of demonstration pastures were renovated each year throughout Western Kentucky. The research and education provided by this project stimulated attention to pasture conditions for grazing livestock and have improved livestock production throughout the region.
Additional studies geared towards improving livestock production throughout Kentucky were also conducted, specifically research concerning fescue toxicosis. Tall fescue, a grass that is the predominant species on nearly six million acres of pasture in Kentucky, had been known for some time to be associated with poor animal performance. After researchers identified endophyte fungus, which lives inside the grass as the cause of poor animal performance, a research and extension program was developed to manage pastures and reduce the effects of the fungus.
A collaborative effort between agronomists and animal scientists (Garry Lacefield, Monroe Rasnake, and Roy Burris) yielded effective strategies for cattle producers to manage their endophyte-infected pastures. Renovation of pastures, coupled with managing the breeding season of animals, helped immensely. The introduction of endophyte-free fescue varieties and low-endophyte fescue varieties also helped producers avoid profit losses associated with the fungus.
Most recently beef cattle research at Princeton has included, utilizing soy hulls as cattle feed, selenium mineral mixes in cattle diets, corn stalk grazing trials and the effects of supplemental nutrients on heifer growth and reproductive performance.
“I would like people to know how valuable this research is to them,” Burris said. “We are focused on the future of the beef industry.”
Referred to by some as the best-kept secret in the state, the research that is done in Princeton is often overlooked by many.
According to Burris, there are a lot of people around the state that don’t know about the exceptional beef cattle research that is being done in Princeton.
In an effort to highlight Kentucky’s beef industry and educate individuals from across Kentucky the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association began an event called Beef Bash. This event is a unique field day held every other year for beef enthusiasts from across the state. Beef Bash attracts more than 500 individuals who are eager to discuss research with UK beef specialists and visit fellow producers.
One of Burris’s fondest memories of Beef Bash is when a producer came up to him and told him, “I may not understand all the logistical details of what you’re doing here, but I’m sure glad you’re doing it” referring to Burris’s research.
With nearly 90 years of history, many would assume the beef cattle presence at WKREC has a stable future, however some are skeptical as plans to restructure the center are being proposed.
“I am unsure about the priority of beef cattle research here in Princeton,” said Burris when asked about the future of cattle research at WKREC. “Large animal research is expensive, however we are the largest cattle producing state East of the Mississippi River and have 38,000 cattle producers.”
One thing is certain, the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton, has had a long and storied past providing the beef industry with valuable research over the past 90 years.
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Graze 300 Lengthening the Grazing Season Program
July 29
New beef industry long range plan establishes roadmap for 2016-2020
July 22
During the 2015 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver this week, 16 beef industry leaders representing every link in the beef value chain presented a plan for meeting aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry from 2016-2020. The Beef Industry Long Range Plan Task Force has been meeting since December, 2014. Follow the link above for the remainder of the article provided by Drovers.
Specialist Spotlight Dr Steve Higgins
July 22
What is your background and current involvement in the Ag industry?
My background in agriculture began when I was born into the family of the College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment—my father was a farm manager and we lived on one of the college farms. My mother also worked for the college and retired with over 62 years of experience. I started working for the college when I was in grade school and now have over 34 years of working experience. I also obtained multiple degrees from the College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.
I currently serve as the Director of Animal and Environmental Compliance for the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Experiment Station. My responsibilities include research and demonstration on nutrient management, soil conservation, and water quality issues, as well as animal care and safety. I spend my time writing publications for the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, providing leadership on the collection and organization of data for nutrient management and water quality plans, organizing interdepartmental research activities, and coordinating the College of Agriculture’s involvement with various local, state, and federal government agencies and departments. In addition, I present environmental material for the Master Cattleman and Master Stocker Programs and manage non-point source pollution projects.
Who has been your biggest influence in the Ag industry?
The College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment has always felt like a family to me. I had many mentors within the College that inspired me. Above all, my mother has been the biggest influence because she always said I could do anything I put my mind to. Scott Shearer has been my biggest influence in the Ag industry, and Dean Barnhart and Charles Byers played a large role as well.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/ personal career?
Earning my doctorate, publishing my first extension publication and Cow Country News article, and being asked to write a chapter for the revised Beef Book.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s Ag industry?
There are several, including climate change and how that will affect water quantity and quality. There is also the growing demand for food and the diminishing amount of productive land. How can we feed a growing consumer base with a finite amount of resources? What motivates me is the calling to explain to producers that we can implement conservation practices that will enable us to achieve production goals in a profitable way.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of agriculturalists?
Agriculture is a growing industry that will need to modify its management style to meet the demands of a better informed customer. If you have a farm, manage your operation to fit into the natural capital (soils, forages, trees, water). Don’t try to make the environment fit your operation. I say this not as an environmentalist, but as a scientist who would like to see productive agriculture sustained over the long-term. Farms will be sustainable when production demands are balanced with their natural resources.
My background in agriculture began when I was born into the family of the College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment—my father was a farm manager and we lived on one of the college farms. My mother also worked for the college and retired with over 62 years of experience. I started working for the college when I was in grade school and now have over 34 years of working experience. I also obtained multiple degrees from the College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.
I currently serve as the Director of Animal and Environmental Compliance for the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Experiment Station. My responsibilities include research and demonstration on nutrient management, soil conservation, and water quality issues, as well as animal care and safety. I spend my time writing publications for the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, providing leadership on the collection and organization of data for nutrient management and water quality plans, organizing interdepartmental research activities, and coordinating the College of Agriculture’s involvement with various local, state, and federal government agencies and departments. In addition, I present environmental material for the Master Cattleman and Master Stocker Programs and manage non-point source pollution projects.
Who has been your biggest influence in the Ag industry?
The College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment has always felt like a family to me. I had many mentors within the College that inspired me. Above all, my mother has been the biggest influence because she always said I could do anything I put my mind to. Scott Shearer has been my biggest influence in the Ag industry, and Dean Barnhart and Charles Byers played a large role as well.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/ personal career?
Earning my doctorate, publishing my first extension publication and Cow Country News article, and being asked to write a chapter for the revised Beef Book.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s Ag industry?
There are several, including climate change and how that will affect water quantity and quality. There is also the growing demand for food and the diminishing amount of productive land. How can we feed a growing consumer base with a finite amount of resources? What motivates me is the calling to explain to producers that we can implement conservation practices that will enable us to achieve production goals in a profitable way.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of agriculturalists?
Agriculture is a growing industry that will need to modify its management style to meet the demands of a better informed customer. If you have a farm, manage your operation to fit into the natural capital (soils, forages, trees, water). Don’t try to make the environment fit your operation. I say this not as an environmentalist, but as a scientist who would like to see productive agriculture sustained over the long-term. Farms will be sustainable when production demands are balanced with their natural resources.
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Young Producer Council Spotlight Jacob Marksberry
July 15
Sitting on a bench, on the front porch, of the house he grew up in, third generation Whitesville farmer, Jacob Marksberry watches one group of cows move up from the barn area and spread out in the pasture to graze.
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” he began. “I grew up following my dad and granddad around and just knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. A lot of people don’t understand knowing that quick, so I count myself as lucky it was an easy decision.”
The Marksberry’s farm stretches across approximately 1,600 acres with around 300 cow/calf pairs, four broiler poultry houses and 120 acres of row crop. The Marksberry’s strive for genetic consistency, focusing on low maintenance and good mothering abilities.
“The vast majority of the row crop is to feed our cattle. We mainly grow corn — and mix it with other commodities — and then send samples off to be tested at the University of Kentucky, they tell us how much to mix with what for complete rations,” he explained.
Although he knew from the beginning he wanted to farm, Marksberry attended a local technical school to earn his Associate in Agriculture Technology.
“There are that I learned in college that I use often on the farm, but I’ve learned much more at Extension meetings, education classes and KCA fields days.”
“One of the biggest takeaways I’ve had from those type of classes is how to use markets, insure and exchange cattle. With as volatile as the market is, if you don’t pay close attention to it, you will just keep doing what you have been doing instead of improving and working them to your best advantage,” he added.
According to Marksberry one of the challenges he has faced in farming is learning to work with family. He explained every day is a challenge every day, but patience and compromise is key.
“I have been very blessed, because my dad does ask my opinion,” he stated. “I see other farms, where the kids come back to take over and all they do is work, they have no say-so in the operation. There’s not a decision made on this farm that my dad hasn’t asked my opinion on, now, he may just be asking to see how I would handle it and use that as a teaching moment to prepare me for what is coming, but at least I get asked.”
Marksberry said one thing he would advise other next generation young farmers, working towards taking over the farm, is to remember to be respectful.
“None of this would be here if it wasn’t for them,” he stressed.
“The generation going out, knows you’re going to take their place, I don’t think that bothers them, but it doesn’t need to be thrown in their faces either. As much as your transitioning into this role, you have to help them transition too. While I may have an idea exactly how I want to do something, I’ll always ask my dad, out of courtesy.
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” he began. “I grew up following my dad and granddad around and just knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. A lot of people don’t understand knowing that quick, so I count myself as lucky it was an easy decision.”
The Marksberry’s farm stretches across approximately 1,600 acres with around 300 cow/calf pairs, four broiler poultry houses and 120 acres of row crop. The Marksberry’s strive for genetic consistency, focusing on low maintenance and good mothering abilities.
“The vast majority of the row crop is to feed our cattle. We mainly grow corn — and mix it with other commodities — and then send samples off to be tested at the University of Kentucky, they tell us how much to mix with what for complete rations,” he explained.
Although he knew from the beginning he wanted to farm, Marksberry attended a local technical school to earn his Associate in Agriculture Technology.
“There are that I learned in college that I use often on the farm, but I’ve learned much more at Extension meetings, education classes and KCA fields days.”
“One of the biggest takeaways I’ve had from those type of classes is how to use markets, insure and exchange cattle. With as volatile as the market is, if you don’t pay close attention to it, you will just keep doing what you have been doing instead of improving and working them to your best advantage,” he added.
According to Marksberry one of the challenges he has faced in farming is learning to work with family. He explained every day is a challenge every day, but patience and compromise is key.
“I have been very blessed, because my dad does ask my opinion,” he stated. “I see other farms, where the kids come back to take over and all they do is work, they have no say-so in the operation. There’s not a decision made on this farm that my dad hasn’t asked my opinion on, now, he may just be asking to see how I would handle it and use that as a teaching moment to prepare me for what is coming, but at least I get asked.”
Marksberry said one thing he would advise other next generation young farmers, working towards taking over the farm, is to remember to be respectful.
“None of this would be here if it wasn’t for them,” he stressed.
“The generation going out, knows you’re going to take their place, I don’t think that bothers them, but it doesn’t need to be thrown in their faces either. As much as your transitioning into this role, you have to help them transition too. While I may have an idea exactly how I want to do something, I’ll always ask my dad, out of courtesy.
Producers Find Winter Feeding Structures Valuable
July 14
Producers throughout the state are taking steps to improve production practices and reduce environmental impact using winter feeding structures.
Livestock producers typically confine animals to smaller pastures to reduce the amount of damaged ground from winter feeding, a poorly chosen site for winter feeding can have significant negative impacts on soil and water quality, said Steve Higgins, University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station director of environmental compliance.
According to Higgins, these areas include floodplains, such as those along creek bottoms or around barns located near streams, although these areas may be convenient, their negative effects on water quality outweigh the convenience.
In Kentucky, winter feeding of cattle on unfrozen ground traditionally leads to mud, this combined with feces and urine deposited around feeding areas can result in an area of concentrated pollutants that pose threats to nearby water resources, said Higgins.
When hay is fed on the ground or in a ring feeder, it often becomes trampled and wet, until it eventually rots and is unusable as feed Higgins said. Cattle use more energy to walk through mud and maintain body temperature when the bottom third of the body is covered in mud, the extra energy requires more feed and without it, performance can be reduced.
Ronnie Caudill, Lincoln County cattle producer said he decided to build a winter feeding structure because he wanted his cattle to have controlled access to the high quality hay he was feeding.
“I’ve been using the feeding pad for more than nine years,” Caudill said. “I wouldn’t feed cattle any other way.”
Cattle come to the structure for feeding and then return to a vegetated pasture, making it easy to implement in combination with rotational grazing, Higgins said. Cattle from multiple pastures can be totally confined, confined for a few hours, or free to enter and exit the structure as they please.
The system is designed to elevate hay and feed and keep cattle from using the hay as bedding, explains Higgins. This structure and complementary heavy use area pads form a solid footing area that protects pastures, reduces labor and expenses, and improves water quality and other natural resources when managed properly.
“The reason I built the feeding pads was because my cows were damaging my pastures,” said Lincoln County cattle producer Buddy Pence.
The feeding pads were implemented because the use of hay rings overtime resulted in muddy and compacted pastures, said Pence.
The key to managing this structure in a way in which cattle freely come and go is to provide water and minerals away from the structure to entice cattle to eat in the structure and then move out and away, Higgins said. By providing these incentives, the volume of manure that must be managed is reduced because the cattle are spreading it throughout the fields.
For more information see your local Cooperative Extension ANR agent or UK publication: Strategic Winter Feeding of Cattle using a Rotational Grazing Structure
Livestock producers typically confine animals to smaller pastures to reduce the amount of damaged ground from winter feeding, a poorly chosen site for winter feeding can have significant negative impacts on soil and water quality, said Steve Higgins, University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station director of environmental compliance.
According to Higgins, these areas include floodplains, such as those along creek bottoms or around barns located near streams, although these areas may be convenient, their negative effects on water quality outweigh the convenience.
In Kentucky, winter feeding of cattle on unfrozen ground traditionally leads to mud, this combined with feces and urine deposited around feeding areas can result in an area of concentrated pollutants that pose threats to nearby water resources, said Higgins.
When hay is fed on the ground or in a ring feeder, it often becomes trampled and wet, until it eventually rots and is unusable as feed Higgins said. Cattle use more energy to walk through mud and maintain body temperature when the bottom third of the body is covered in mud, the extra energy requires more feed and without it, performance can be reduced.
Ronnie Caudill, Lincoln County cattle producer said he decided to build a winter feeding structure because he wanted his cattle to have controlled access to the high quality hay he was feeding.
“I’ve been using the feeding pad for more than nine years,” Caudill said. “I wouldn’t feed cattle any other way.”
Cattle come to the structure for feeding and then return to a vegetated pasture, making it easy to implement in combination with rotational grazing, Higgins said. Cattle from multiple pastures can be totally confined, confined for a few hours, or free to enter and exit the structure as they please.
The system is designed to elevate hay and feed and keep cattle from using the hay as bedding, explains Higgins. This structure and complementary heavy use area pads form a solid footing area that protects pastures, reduces labor and expenses, and improves water quality and other natural resources when managed properly.
“The reason I built the feeding pads was because my cows were damaging my pastures,” said Lincoln County cattle producer Buddy Pence.
The feeding pads were implemented because the use of hay rings overtime resulted in muddy and compacted pastures, said Pence.
The key to managing this structure in a way in which cattle freely come and go is to provide water and minerals away from the structure to entice cattle to eat in the structure and then move out and away, Higgins said. By providing these incentives, the volume of manure that must be managed is reduced because the cattle are spreading it throughout the fields.
For more information see your local Cooperative Extension ANR agent or UK publication: Strategic Winter Feeding of Cattle using a Rotational Grazing Structure
Stockpiling Fescue
June 29
This past winter the Grazing for Cash Program conducted several demonstrations across KY for producers to see best management practices in place, and the benefits they possess. One of these demonstrations was implemented in Madison County by producer John Thomas. Mr. Thomas utilizes recommended management practices such as forage improvement, rotational grazing, extending the grazing season using small grains and making timely hay harvests. His operation consists of a commercial Hereford cow/calf herd with spring and fall calving seasons. John utilizes crossbreeding of South Devon bulls to Hereford cows and then breeds those replacement females to Sim/Angus genetics. All replacements are raised on the farm which consists of 375 acres and approximately 90 cows.
Mr. Thomas participated in a demonstration trial concentrating on using stockpiling fescue to extend the grazing season. Brandon Sears, Madison County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, worked with Mr. Thomas to select a field for stockpiling and establish the dimensions of each paddock. The field chosen consisted of 9.6 total acres and was mowed to a height of 4-6 inches in early August. Brandon calculated this cost to be $11.50/ acre. They applied 100 lbs. of Ureaper acre to the majority of the field, except for an area 100 feet wide across the entire length to serve as an untreated comparison. Mr. Thomas used a small pond as his watering source that also served as a pivot point when laying out the grazing areas. The field was divided into 6 paddocks, each approximately the same size.
On November 21st forage samples were taken to determine quality and yield of the stockpiled fescue. Cattle were then turned into the first paddock on November 25th. There were 14 heifers and 1 bull. The initial average weight was 1040 lbs. each. The cattle were taken out of this field on January 6, 2015 at an average weight of 1089 lbs. Free-choice mineral was available to the herd at all times, but no other supplementation was provided. Mr. Thomas was able to graze this group of cattle for 46 days without feeding any hay and achieve approximately 1 lb./hd/d rate of gain.
Stockpiled fescue with nitrogen applied produced on average 1344 lbs. more dry matter (DM) per acre than fescue that had not received any nitrogen. After calculating the available DM and the stocking density Brandon was able to deter-mine the number of grazing days the section with nitrogen provided, as well as the portion without nitrogen. Results indicated that by adding nitrogen the cattle could graze for 46 days. If no nitrogen had been added Mr. Thomas would have only gotten 28.6 days of grazing. By adding nitrogen Mr. Thomas was able to graze his cattle an additional 17 days without having to feed any hay.
Not only did stockpiling fescue extend the grazing season, but it provided high quality forage when compared to the common tall fescue harvested for hay. The crude protein level for our stockpiled fescue was 12.1%. Comparatively, normal fescue hay will be 7-10%. The TDN level for stock-piled fescue was 59%. Fescue hay ranges from 48-55% TDN. Nutrient requirements for a mature cow giving average milk is 57% TDN and 9.5% CP. Stockpiled fescue is able to provide a cow of this type with enough nutrients that supplementation is kept at a minimum. However, as winter progresses the quality of stockpiled fescue will decline as it gets weathered and damaged from winter conditions.
Stockpiling fescue can help decrease hay feeding through the winter months. Feeding fewer bales of hay and reducing expenses is a goal that most producers would like to reach. By calculating the cost of added nitrogen and temporary fencing, Brandon determined the fertilized stockpiled fescue expenses were $44 a ton. By comparison, the non-fertilized stockpiled fescue only cost $24 a ton, but was lower yielding. Purchasing hay at roughly $35 per 1,000 lb. roll bale at 90% DM will cost a producer $76 a ton. The cost for producing on-farm hay is estimated at $84 a ton. By comparison, it is cheaper to stockpile fescue than to buy or produce your own hay, and it provides better quality forage.
Conclusions from this demonstration show that stockpiling fescue provides forage that is higher in quality than average fescue hay if a producer doesn’t wait too late in the winter to graze. Cattle may require less supplementation vs feeding just hay. In addition to feeding less hay, Mr. Thomas also saved money from reduced fuel cost and the wear on his tractor. For more information see your local Cooperative Extension ANR Agent or UK publication: Stockpiling for Fall and Winter Pasture
Mr. Thomas participated in a demonstration trial concentrating on using stockpiling fescue to extend the grazing season. Brandon Sears, Madison County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, worked with Mr. Thomas to select a field for stockpiling and establish the dimensions of each paddock. The field chosen consisted of 9.6 total acres and was mowed to a height of 4-6 inches in early August. Brandon calculated this cost to be $11.50/ acre. They applied 100 lbs. of Ureaper acre to the majority of the field, except for an area 100 feet wide across the entire length to serve as an untreated comparison. Mr. Thomas used a small pond as his watering source that also served as a pivot point when laying out the grazing areas. The field was divided into 6 paddocks, each approximately the same size.
On November 21st forage samples were taken to determine quality and yield of the stockpiled fescue. Cattle were then turned into the first paddock on November 25th. There were 14 heifers and 1 bull. The initial average weight was 1040 lbs. each. The cattle were taken out of this field on January 6, 2015 at an average weight of 1089 lbs. Free-choice mineral was available to the herd at all times, but no other supplementation was provided. Mr. Thomas was able to graze this group of cattle for 46 days without feeding any hay and achieve approximately 1 lb./hd/d rate of gain.
Stockpiled fescue with nitrogen applied produced on average 1344 lbs. more dry matter (DM) per acre than fescue that had not received any nitrogen. After calculating the available DM and the stocking density Brandon was able to deter-mine the number of grazing days the section with nitrogen provided, as well as the portion without nitrogen. Results indicated that by adding nitrogen the cattle could graze for 46 days. If no nitrogen had been added Mr. Thomas would have only gotten 28.6 days of grazing. By adding nitrogen Mr. Thomas was able to graze his cattle an additional 17 days without having to feed any hay.
Not only did stockpiling fescue extend the grazing season, but it provided high quality forage when compared to the common tall fescue harvested for hay. The crude protein level for our stockpiled fescue was 12.1%. Comparatively, normal fescue hay will be 7-10%. The TDN level for stock-piled fescue was 59%. Fescue hay ranges from 48-55% TDN. Nutrient requirements for a mature cow giving average milk is 57% TDN and 9.5% CP. Stockpiled fescue is able to provide a cow of this type with enough nutrients that supplementation is kept at a minimum. However, as winter progresses the quality of stockpiled fescue will decline as it gets weathered and damaged from winter conditions.
Stockpiling fescue can help decrease hay feeding through the winter months. Feeding fewer bales of hay and reducing expenses is a goal that most producers would like to reach. By calculating the cost of added nitrogen and temporary fencing, Brandon determined the fertilized stockpiled fescue expenses were $44 a ton. By comparison, the non-fertilized stockpiled fescue only cost $24 a ton, but was lower yielding. Purchasing hay at roughly $35 per 1,000 lb. roll bale at 90% DM will cost a producer $76 a ton. The cost for producing on-farm hay is estimated at $84 a ton. By comparison, it is cheaper to stockpile fescue than to buy or produce your own hay, and it provides better quality forage.
Conclusions from this demonstration show that stockpiling fescue provides forage that is higher in quality than average fescue hay if a producer doesn’t wait too late in the winter to graze. Cattle may require less supplementation vs feeding just hay. In addition to feeding less hay, Mr. Thomas also saved money from reduced fuel cost and the wear on his tractor. For more information see your local Cooperative Extension ANR Agent or UK publication: Stockpiling for Fall and Winter Pasture
Kentucky Advanced Grazing School
June 29
The University of Kentucky will be having a one-day advanced grazing school at the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington, KY on August 17, 2015. This year’s focus will be on warm-season annual forages. UK will be teaming up with the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association and Kentucky Beef Network to host this event. The address for the Spindletop Farm is 3251 Iron Works Pike Lexington, KY, 40511
The advanced grazing school is designed to provide participants in-field learning opportunities and see forage management and grazing systems first hand. Topics that will be included will include renovating and establishment of pastures with demonstrations on calibrating equipment, summer grazing options led by invited speakers from the Southeast,and fall grazing options.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the Grazing program will be over at 3:15 p.m. There is a registration fee for this program of $20.00 and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration deadline is August 1st. More information
The advanced grazing school is designed to provide participants in-field learning opportunities and see forage management and grazing systems first hand. Topics that will be included will include renovating and establishment of pastures with demonstrations on calibrating equipment, summer grazing options led by invited speakers from the Southeast,and fall grazing options.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the Grazing program will be over at 3:15 p.m. There is a registration fee for this program of $20.00 and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration deadline is August 1st. More information
Preparing Cattlemen for Changing Antibiotic Use Regulations
June 23
The latest update on antibiotic use regulations in the cattle industry and how farmers, ranchers and feeders can plan to adjust management systems to achieve compliance. Featured speakers include: Dr. Mike Apley, Professor of Production Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Kansas State University; and Craig A. Lewis, DVM, MPH, DAVPM, Veterinary Medical Officer, CVM Office of the Center Director. Find the webinar here
Pasture to Plate Program Provides Practical Insight
June 19
The Pasture to Plate Program proves valuable to cattleman throughout Kentucky. As the amount of consumers wanting to know where their food comes from increases and the number of cattle in Kentucky sold to local consumers grows, producer knowledge is crucial when raising, finishing, harvesting and marketing their cattle.
“Kentucky farmers interested in retaining ownership of their cattle through the finishing process are able to learn more about nutrition management, consumer interests, and carcass performance, “ said Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky extension professor of beef cattle genetics.
Pasture to Plate is a five part educational series, which includes topics pertaining to backgrounding, finishing, carcass/consumer/retail, live evaluation and nutrient management. The program consists of a combination of ten steers and heifers, which were purchased at approximately 500-550 pounds. The cattle include purebred and crossbreed beef cattle and dairy-type calves. Animals will be backgrounded for approximately 90 days, confined and fed a concentrate ration until finished at 1200-1500 pounds. All cattle will be harvested at approximately the same time and carcasses will be graded and processed in a typical manner; two example carcasses (one heavy and one light conditioned) will be completely deboned and separated into muscle, fat and bone. A local processing plant will then purchase the carcasses and sample steaks suitable for taste panel evaluations will be collected and purchased from each carcass. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to sample the eating quality of the steaks obtained from the calves in the program. The project is being replicated at three locations across the state including the Eden Shale Farm, UK Research and Education Center in Princeton, and the Morgan County Extension Farm.
According to Bullock “The overall goal of the program is for cattlemen to learn and experience all phases of feeder calf growth from weaning through consumer consumption.”
Pasture to Plate recently finished the first of five educational sessions. The first session focused on purchasing and retaining feeder calves with emphasis on nutrition, health, genetic and financial considerations. Participants had the opportunity to evaluate calves, attend specialist lectures and participate in cattle handling demonstrations.
There are approximately 40 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected facilities operating in Kentucky, which allow producers to market their cattle directly to the consumer. With an increasing number of producers retaining ownership of their cattle through the finishing phase, the Pasture to Plate Program facilitates a vast array of educational opportunities that are available in person as they happen, as well as recordings, which are available to those who cannot attend or have missed the live program. Please visit kybeefnetwork.com for more information, upcoming dates and educational materials regarding the Pasture to Plate Program.
“Kentucky farmers interested in retaining ownership of their cattle through the finishing process are able to learn more about nutrition management, consumer interests, and carcass performance, “ said Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky extension professor of beef cattle genetics.
Pasture to Plate is a five part educational series, which includes topics pertaining to backgrounding, finishing, carcass/consumer/retail, live evaluation and nutrient management. The program consists of a combination of ten steers and heifers, which were purchased at approximately 500-550 pounds. The cattle include purebred and crossbreed beef cattle and dairy-type calves. Animals will be backgrounded for approximately 90 days, confined and fed a concentrate ration until finished at 1200-1500 pounds. All cattle will be harvested at approximately the same time and carcasses will be graded and processed in a typical manner; two example carcasses (one heavy and one light conditioned) will be completely deboned and separated into muscle, fat and bone. A local processing plant will then purchase the carcasses and sample steaks suitable for taste panel evaluations will be collected and purchased from each carcass. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to sample the eating quality of the steaks obtained from the calves in the program. The project is being replicated at three locations across the state including the Eden Shale Farm, UK Research and Education Center in Princeton, and the Morgan County Extension Farm.
According to Bullock “The overall goal of the program is for cattlemen to learn and experience all phases of feeder calf growth from weaning through consumer consumption.”
Pasture to Plate recently finished the first of five educational sessions. The first session focused on purchasing and retaining feeder calves with emphasis on nutrition, health, genetic and financial considerations. Participants had the opportunity to evaluate calves, attend specialist lectures and participate in cattle handling demonstrations.
There are approximately 40 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected facilities operating in Kentucky, which allow producers to market their cattle directly to the consumer. With an increasing number of producers retaining ownership of their cattle through the finishing phase, the Pasture to Plate Program facilitates a vast array of educational opportunities that are available in person as they happen, as well as recordings, which are available to those who cannot attend or have missed the live program. Please visit kybeefnetwork.com for more information, upcoming dates and educational materials regarding the Pasture to Plate Program.
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Specialist Spotlight Dr Darrh Bullock
June 18
What is your background and current involvement in the cattle industry?
I was raised on a large commercial cow/calf operation in Florida, after graduating from college I managed a research beef herd for Auburn University. I earned a PhD in beef cattle genetics in 1992 and have been a beef extension specialist for the University of Kentucky ever since.
Who has been your biggest influence in the cattle industry?
My father. He is a meticulous records keeper and runs his cattle operation like a business. He has had successes and hard times in the cattle business, but has always maintained a positive attitude of focusing on the things that can be controlled.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/cattle/personal career?
Seeing the success of the Beef Cattle Genetic Improvement program supported through the Kentucky Ag Development Fund. Through this program of provided better genetics to Kentucky beef producers we have seen a noticeable change in the quality of calves and use of selection tools in bull selection.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s cattle industry?
Two things that are very different but equally important is improving efficiency of production to remain a competitive source of protein and not just a luxury item; we also must continue to be vigilant in maintaining the well-being of our cattle herds.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of cattle producers?
Be a lifelong learner. With the cost of producing beef so high the next generation is going to have to utilize all means possible to control costs and maximize returns. Technologies are going to continue to make that possible, but it will be up to you to learn the appropriate uses of that technology; new does not necessarily mean better.
I was raised on a large commercial cow/calf operation in Florida, after graduating from college I managed a research beef herd for Auburn University. I earned a PhD in beef cattle genetics in 1992 and have been a beef extension specialist for the University of Kentucky ever since.
Who has been your biggest influence in the cattle industry?
My father. He is a meticulous records keeper and runs his cattle operation like a business. He has had successes and hard times in the cattle business, but has always maintained a positive attitude of focusing on the things that can be controlled.
What is the proudest moment of your professional/cattle/personal career?
Seeing the success of the Beef Cattle Genetic Improvement program supported through the Kentucky Ag Development Fund. Through this program of provided better genetics to Kentucky beef producers we have seen a noticeable change in the quality of calves and use of selection tools in bull selection.
In your opinion what is the largest issue facing today’s cattle industry?
Two things that are very different but equally important is improving efficiency of production to remain a competitive source of protein and not just a luxury item; we also must continue to be vigilant in maintaining the well-being of our cattle herds.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of cattle producers?
Be a lifelong learner. With the cost of producing beef so high the next generation is going to have to utilize all means possible to control costs and maximize returns. Technologies are going to continue to make that possible, but it will be up to you to learn the appropriate uses of that technology; new does not necessarily mean better.