NC Midyear Recap • Feedlot Efficiency • Heat Stress Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Lincoln, NE Permit No. 445 August 2023 • Volume 79 • Issue 6 Nebraska Cattleman The ONLY publication dedicated to the Nebraska cattle industry.
PERFORMANCE THROUGH INNOVATION CORPORATE OFFICE P.O. Box 1506 • Great Bend, KS 67530 • 620-793-9200 Lee Borck, Chairman - Bronson Smith, CEO - Jerry Kuckelman, President Larned, Kansas Chris Burris - Manager 620-285-2183 chris.burris@ilsbeef.com Lexington, Nebraska Brandon Sorensen - Manager 402-469-6313 brandon.sorensen@ilsbeef.com Ellinwood, KS Matthew Vaupel - Manager 620-546-3445 matthew.vaupel@ilsbeef.com Great Bend, Kansas Paul Woydziak - Manager 620-792-2508 paul.woydziak@ilsbeef.com Kearney, Nebraska Kurtis VenJohn - Manager 308-234-1874 kurtis.venjohn@ilsbeef.com Holdrege, Nebraska Jesse Landin - Manager 308-995-6136 jesse.landin@ilsbeef.com Professional Cattle Feeders since 1962 INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, INC. Lyons, KS Luke Knight - Manager 620-257-8069 luke.knight@ilsbeef.com DILLWYN Feedyard Backgrounding Cattle Since 1970 Macksville, KS Adam Stubbs - Manager 620-285-5245 adam.stubbs@ilsbeef.com
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Nebraska Cattleman The ONLY publication dedicated to the Nebraska cattle industry. Volume 79 • Issue 6 • August 2023 Every Issue 48 Consider This 55 NC Partners 57 NC Events 60 Calendar 61 Ad Index 62 NC in Action Features 18 Increasing Feedlot Efficiency Practices and products for operations of all sizes and types to increase their profit. 26 Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center Update Construction continues on state-of-the-art facilities. Project completion on track for late 2023 or early 2024. 28 Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program Program funding ends Sept. 30; listening sessions seek to gain producer feedback. 60 Cartridges for Cash NC and Merck Animal Health partner to invest in the next generation of Nebraska's beef cattle industry leaders. Columns 6 EVP Perspective Nebraska Cattlemen exists and finds its strength in our members. 8 Leader's Letter People are key to keeping agriculture sustainable. 30 Guest Editorial A glimpse at the 2023 NCBA Young Cattlemen's Conference. 34 BQA Be prepared to beat the heat. 40 Why Membership? Learn about NC's membership retention and recruitment contests. 42 NC Foundation Recognizing RVSC winners and scholarship recipients. 46 MRS Update A cyclical glance at cattle prices. 50 NCIG A story about livestock risk protection. 54 Inside Track NC Disaster Relief Fund provides hope. 58 Legislative Update A look at the first session of the 108th Nebraska Legislature. On The Cover This pen of Charolais is enjoying their ration at Hi-Gain Feedlot near Farnam. Photo courtesy of Jessica Rudolph. 40 18 62 26 10 Special to This Issue 10 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting Recap 16 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting Sponsors 4 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023
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6 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 The Nebraska Cattleman magazine is published for and by the Nebraska Cattlemen association. PRODUCTION BluePrint Media LLC (970) 498-9306 PO Box 427 | Timnath, CO 80547 Editor | Lisa Bard Managing Editor | Jessie Topp-Becker Copy Editor | Larisa Willrett Designer | Megan Sajbel Field Materials Coordinator | Megan Sajbel Field Administration | Leslie McKibben CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Coe | Kristian Rennert Meghan Anderson | Bob Rooney STATE REGIONAL ADVERTISING Amber Coleman Mobile (402) 340-1588 acoleman@necattlemen.org NATIONAL ADVERTISING The Powell Group | Wendy McFarland (334) 271-6100 4162-B Carmichael Ct. Montgomery, AL 36106 LINCOLN 4611 Cattle Drive | Lincoln, NE 68521 (402) 475-2333 | NCmag@necattlemen.org LAKESIDE 1179 296th Trail | Lakeside, NE 69351 (308) 760-6464 Nebraska Cattleman is published monthly, except for May and July, by the Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 – (402) 475-2333. Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. Nebraska Cattleman You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post O ice ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! Please visit our website www.nebraskacattlemen.org EVP Perspective By Laura Field NC Executive Vice President Membership Matters Membership Matters.” I use this phrase as a hashtag when I post photos or comments after attending affiliate meetings, banquets or conventions and any other time I spend with cattle producers. I believe this phrase totally and completely, and when I use it, I often find myself honing my talking points as to why membership really does matter. As a grassroots organization, Nebraska Cattlemen exists and finds its strength in our members. Nebraska Cattlemen offers a variety of services for members. Here are a few examples: Connections. When we moved to Nebraska, we only knew a handful of people. We were in a new place with much change happening all around us, and I immediately looked for a group we could connect with. Within weeks of arriving in Lincoln, I got an application for membership with Nebraska Cattlemen (NC). We didn’t have any cattle at the time, and yet I knew it was going to be helpful to make connections with like-minded people. Joining and renewing our membership annually was a great decision and one we still prioritize today. Advocacy. Having spent much of my life working in policy and advocacy for agriculture and natural resources, I have come to appreciate the value of using one’s voice to speak up for things that matter. It is essential that cattle producers talk and share ideas about the broad array of topics that help remove barriers to business or enhance protections for our operations and our livelihood in cattle production. Many live hundreds of miles from the state capitol or Washington, D.C., and are unable to come speak on behalf of important policy changes, and that is where membership with Nebraska Cattlemen is key. At the local, state and federal levels, NC is working with elected officials to give voice to what matters most. As a state affiliate of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, NC works closely with the seasoned professionals in Washington, D.C., helping lead the way to pass or defeat laws protecting the way of life we want and need in agriculture. From removing sales tax barriers on a variety of agricultural inputs, to regulation of animal husbandry, to tax relief, to Waters of the United States (WOTUS) reform, speaking with a united voice helps push these important issues across the finish line for the benefit and productivity of Nebraska cattle producers. Producer Education. In the ever-changing world of regulatory updates, it is challenging to keep up on everything as it changes. I bet I get 20 emails a day with some sort of update or change that matters to those raising cattle. With the ability to connect so quickly, hosting webinars, face-to-face educational seminars and trainings or larger, regional events, NC works to stay ahead of emerging issues and makes sure the information is being disseminated in a manner that is clear, concise and easy to understand. Youth Engagement. Many cattle operations across Nebraska and the United States are in a period of transition. As more young people get involved in the cattle business as members of multi-generational operations or as first-time ranchers, providing opportunities for young people is key. Nebraska Cattlemen has a vibrant young cattlemen’s program in the Young Cattlemen’s Connections. Education and learning is designed to focus on the opportunities that make coming back “ CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 7 1-866-383-7827 | ARROWQUIP.COM $8,875 HANDLING SYSTEMS STARTING AT *PRICE STATED IN USD. PRICE BASED ON ARROWQUIP 10 HEAD SYSTEM BASE MODEL. ACTUAL PRICES MAY VARY. PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS EXTRA. CONDITIONS MAY APPLY. CONTACT ARROWQUIP FOR FULL DETAILS. CHOOSE THE GREEN, YELLOW, AND RED CHUTE FOR SAFER CATTLE HANDLING.
8 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Steve Hanson*, Elsie, (308) 289-0225 PRESIDENT ELECT: Jerry Kuenning*, Lemoyne, (308) 883-8382 VICE PRESIDENT: Dick Pierce*, Miller, (308) 440-2489 TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 SECRETARY: Lee Weide, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 PAST PRESIDENT: Brenda Masek, Purdum, (308) 539-5533 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Terryn Drieling, Ashby, (308) 262-5051 2 – Kat Kennedy, Purdum, (308) 645-7036 3 – Allan Louthan, Stanton, (402) 841-6601 4 – John Ecklund, Atkinson, (408) 602-5905 5 – Jim Edwards, Ord, (308) 750-0881 6 – Chuck Gra , Ogallala, (308) 289-5841 7 – Rod Keil, Plattsmouth, (402) 297-9321 8 – Allen Bruntz, Friend, (402) 525-2651 9 – Quentin Dailey*, Lexington, (308) 293-1144 COW-CALF COUNCIL Chair | Al Atkins, North Platte, (308) 645-9046 Vice Chair | Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, (308) 883-6781 FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL Chair | Marc Hanson, Morrowville, Kan., (402) 729-7174 Vice Chair | Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 FEEDLOT COUNCIL Chair | Mike Briggs, Seward, (402) 641-0117 Vice Chair | Ryan Danehy, Manhattan, Kan., (308) 440-8267 SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL Chair | Reiss Bruning, Bruning, (402) 768-3332 Vice Chair | Krista Dybdal, Newcastle, (402) 841-8091 ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION COMMITTEE Chair | Jared Walahoski, Overton, (308) 746-1965 Chair-Elect | Je Heldt, Scottsblu , (308) 641-5781 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS COMMITTEE Chair | Brock Terrell, Hay Springs, (308) 430-1213 Chair-Elect | Matt Blackford, Brownlee, (402) 322-1377 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE Chair | Marcus Urban, Leigh, (402) 276-3830 Chair-Elect| Suzanne Jagels, Davenport, (402) 469-3374 MARKETING AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE Chair | Joe Eisenmenger, Humphrey, (402) 920-0665 Chair-Elect | Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Chair | Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 Chair-Elect | Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 TAXATION COMMITTEE Chair | Fred Meyer, St. Paul, (308) 750-0031 Chair-Elect | Scott Peterson, Valentine, (402) 322-0225 MEMBER SERVICES Chair | Quentin Dailey*, Lexington, (308) 293-1144 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Andrew Dorn, Minden, (308) 830-0356 NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION Bryce Dibbern, Interior, S.D., (308) 293-7766 UNL EXTENSION Erin Laborie, Beaver City, (419) 494-3872 UNL REPRESENTATIVE Tom Burkey, Lincoln, (402) 472-6423 * member of the Executive & Finance Committee NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STAFF LINCOLN OFFICE 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 Phone (402) 475-2333 | Fax (402) 475-0822 Email nc@necattlemen.org | www.nebraskacattlemen.org Executive Vice President | Laura Field lfield@necattlemen.org Vice President of Operations | Lee Weide Vice President of Marketing | Je Stolle Director of Communications | Libby Schroeder Director of Marketing | John Roberts Director of Producer Education | Bonita Lederer Director of Membership-Retention | Jessica Rudolph Director of Membership-Recruitment | Steven Stettner Executive Assistant | Patty Goes Vice President of Policy Engagement | Melody Benjamin 1179 296th Trail, Lakeside, NE 69351 (308) 760-6464 | mbenjamin@necattlemen.org Leader’s Letter By Kip L. Lukasiewicz, DVM, Farwell NC Animal Health and Nutrition Vice Chair People Agriculture and sustainability are based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment.” This statement is listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. As I think about the words sustainable and agriculture, I think of how overused they are at times, to the point where we lose focus on their true intent. We also lose focus on how to achieve because we are simply dreaming and not turning our dreams and hopes into reality. Sustainability is a common topic at industry meetings. We talk about carbon emissions and credits, proper manure management and surface management, etc. However, little is discussed about how we achieve it and at what cost. A feedlot manager I visited with recently stated an important fact. He said we can NEVER be truly sustainable without the help and work of people. He contends that if we expend all resources on land, water and air and forget about the people, then we are not going to be truly sustainable. People are responsible for implementing the current and future programs to improve the environmental landscape. However, it appears that we do not have the same labor force in terms of numbers that we once had. The Baby Boomers generation essentially produced their own labor. That labor force generation had fewer laborers, and they left the farm/ranch to capitalize on other industrial opportunities. I am not stating this as a negative but more as a reality. Today, our agricultural sectors – either the grain or protein industries – are looking for people with agricultural ties or experience, but the reality is they do not exist or are extremely limited. For agriculture to be sustainable, we have to invest more in people, including on-site education programs and improved mentorship, providing structure and guidance so we can teach the next generation about agriculture. Burk Teichert once said “good management” is defined as providing the tools necessary to complete or handle the task at hand, providing proper education on the use of those tools and the task that is to be completed and, finally, providing the freedom to use the tools and education to complete the task. We cannot be afraid of failing. We need to keep in mind that all failures can end positively if we talk about how that failure helped grow us individually and as a company. Teichert also stated that leadership is best defined as the voluntary action of those being led. I guess I am trying to say that people are the core to achieving our sustainability goals. They can be the root to the success or failure of the agenda. The only reason we would fail is if we do not provide the proper tools, education and freedoms to be successful. Some of the tools are structure, organization and goal setting to make dreams a reality. We must remember that in today's industrialized world, young people have a lot of choices. Our industry members need to understand and focus on how we attract people to our industry and to our companies. Today, all good companies provide retirement and health care. People want to work for good mentors/ managers who invest in their learning and success. They want structure and achievable goals. Without this, we are no longer sustainable. NC “
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10 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 2023 MIDYEAR MEETING RECAP In early June, the city of North Platte welcomed more than 300 cattlemen and women for the 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Annual Midyear Meeting. From the very start of planning this year’s Midyear Meeting, the North Platte community went above and beyond to ensure NC members felt welcome and enjoyed their experience. Along with the community of North Platte, NC would especially like to thank Lincoln County Cattlemen Secretary and Treasurer Levi Fisher, Chair of the NC Natural Resources and Environment Committee Eric Hansen and NC President Steve Hanson for sacrificing extra time away from their families and operations to make midyear a success. The NC Board of Directors kicked off day one at River’s Edge Golf Course where they had a board meeting and enjoyed delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. Following official business, more than 100 golfers took to the course for a long day of Jeff Stolle, NC vice president of marketing, style golf, or as some would call it, “cutting string to avoid putting!” Another group of Midyear attendees hopped on buses for an afternoon of touring, which began at the world’s largest railyard and a tour of the Golden Spike Tower and ended at Pals Brew Company, with stops in between at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center and the North Platte Fish Hatchery. Committee Meeting Recaps A special message from Gov. Jim Pillen Day two of Midyear began with a special message from Gov. Jim Pillen at North Platte Community College. From tax relief to school funding reform, Gov. Pillen’s remarks echoed the successful first session of the Nebraska Unicameral under his leadership. NC thanks Gov. Pillen and his team for supporting cattlemen priorities this past session. Brand and Property Rights Committee Duane Gangwish, Nebraska Brand Committee chairman, explained their work to establish an electronic ownership inspection program. He also explained the process of advancing this important, cutting-edge program. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Gov. Jim Pillen addresses Midyear attendees the morning of day two. The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors meet to discuss and approve the 20232024 annual budget and other items of business. Bill Rishel, Homer Buell, Ken Herz and Merlyn Nielsen, left to right, enjoy the Midyear golf tournament and the afternoon's wonderful weather.
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 11
12 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 Danna Schwenk, Nebraska Brand Committee project director, followed Chairman Gangwish with a presentation on some of the things the committee was considering, what the electronic ownership inspection program could look like and more. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and provide input. Natural Resources and Environment Committee Natural Resources and Environment Committee Chair Eric Hansen began the meeting by introducing Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Director Tom Riley who gave an update on the logistical challenges and opportunities to capture more water coming into the state through the Perkins County Canal project. He also gave an update on additional water projects the department is working on. The next presentation was by Allison Rivera and Mary-Thomas Hart with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Rivera gave an update on the Farm Bill’s conservation and animal health priorities. Hart gave an update on the favorable Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling by the Supreme Court in late May. Member Services and Revenue Development Committee Member Services and Revenue Development Committee Chair Quentin Dailey began the meeting by recognizing Top Hand award recipients Brenda Masek, Rod Keil and Jim Edwards. He also recognized the hard work of NC affiliates for their engagement and commended the gain of 171 new members since Nov. 1, 2022. Further, he announced the creation of a new Affiliate Retention Reward of a cash prize for the affiliate with the highest retention and growth rates (learn more on page 40). Kyle Stohs, NC controller, presented the new NC website and discussed the functionality and login process. He answered questions and showed attendees how to navigate their profiles Participants of the NC Midyear tour before entering the Golden Spike Tower building. Jesse Fulton, Nebraska beef Extension educator and director of the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance, gives a presentation on recent beef quality audit results. Kelly Bruns, Ph.D., district director of the UNL West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, center, talks about the variety of programs they conduct on behalf of Nebraska’s agriculture industry. 2023 MIDYEAR MEETING RECAP • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 NC President Steve Hanson announces the winners of the golf tournament prior to the steak dinner at Midyear.
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14 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 and how this will allow NC the ability to interact with current and prospective members. Laura Field, NC executive vice president, presented a one-page Associate and Supporting member flier to aid in recruiting non-producer/agribusiness members. She also discussed additional ongoing efforts to bolster recruitment by the NC membership team. Bobby Marchy, Merck Animal Health representative, presented the launch of the Cartridges for Cash program. This program will donate $0.25 per cartridge collected with a goal of collecting enough to donate $10,000 to youth scholarships and young cattlemen programs (learn more on page 60). Allied Industries Council Chair Andy Dorn reminded the Nominations Committee to submit nominations by the 2023 NC Annual Convention for the Allied Industry Council (AIC) chair and vice chair positions. Further, the AIC decided to continue the Nebraska Cattlemen Career Fair for the upcoming NC Convention. Following nomination discussions, NC Director of Membership-Retention Jessie Rudolph demonstrated the new MemberClicks website and fielded questions. Rudolph and Jake Mayer also explained the new form for recruiting Associate and Supporting members, which can be found on the NC website. Taxation Committee This meeting began with NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Baucus providing updates on the federal tax code. Next, Nebraska Sen. Tom Briese (LD 41) gave an in-depth update on important tax relief that occurred during the first half of the 108th Legislature. Animal Health and Nutrition Committee Alfredo DiConstanzo, Ph.D., beef systems Extension educator, presented information on the use of ear implants in cattle and the need to plan the use appropriately according to the label. Jesse Fulton, Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) director, gave an update on the fed beef audit. Of concern was an increase in recent bruising to carcasses, which indicates problems with transportation to harvest facilities. BQA-Transportation certification is required for livestock haulers to deliver to many harvest facilities. There might be a need for additional training if bruising remains a problem. Chair Jared Walahoski reminded everyone of the imminent requirements for a prescription for all antibiotics and what will be required by producers. NCW Consumer Education and Promotion Committee Gina Hudson reported on the Beef Ambassador Contest held June 7. The contestants will receive their prize money and a Nebraska Cattlemen student membership using sponsorship dollars from Farm Credit Services. Mitch Rippe, Nebraska Beef Council director of nutrition and education, gave an update on several programs he is working on. The Nebraska Beef Council recently held its Nutrition Adventure for registered dietitians. Additionally, information was provided by Chandler Mulvaney, NCBA director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development. He encouraged Nebraska producers to participate in the Masters of Beef Advocacy Training program. Education and Research Committee Post-secondary institutions, including Northeast Community College (NCTA), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Midland University, Concordia University, Nebraska and Doane University, reported an increase in enrollment for the fall 2023 semester. Current ag teacher education programs are being offered to help with the need for ag teachers in high schools. Some of the schools that have recently added ag are seeing an increase in students from other states. Information was provided by Kacie McCarthy, Ph.D., UNL Extension specialist, about the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program. They recently wrapped up their summer trip, and they are looking forward to the new program courses. Marketing and Commerce Committee NC’s Marketing and Commerce Committee heard updates on several industry issues and ongoing projects. NC Vice President of Marketing Jeff Stolle provided an in-depth overview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattle Contract Library (CCL) pilot project – starting from the origin of the current platform and working through each page of the current format of the public-facing CCL dashboard. NC will impress upon AMS that using a weighted-average data format (instead of the simple-average format currently being used) and applying volume totals to the dashboard data whenever possible would result in the library being a much more useable tool for producers. (Read more about the CCL library on page 28.) NC Vice President of Legislative Affairs Jacy Schafer provided an update on Sen. Deb Fischer’s (R-Neb.) Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, and Rusty Kemp gave his insights on the progress of the ongoing construction of the Sustainable Beef, LLC, beef plant in North Platte. Jeff Stolle also provided a short update on production-level beef industry inventories and how the aggressive beef cow liquidation of the last couple of years is likely to affect industry segment margins and overall price levels moving forward. Join Nebraska Cattlemen in Kearney for the 2023 Annual Convention and Trade Show, Dec. 6-8 where members will decide policy for the organization, celebrate achievements and accomplishments from the past year, provide educational opportunities and engaging social and professional interactions. NC 2023 MIDYEAR MEETING RECAP • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 15 okbrand.com 800.654.4164 Oklahoma Steel & Wire Madill, Oklahoma Iowa Steel & Wire Centerville, Iowa est. 1979 OKBRAND
16 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 2023 MIDYEAR MEETING SPONSORS PLATINUM GOLD SILVER GOLF BRONZE Olson Farms Lincoln County Feedyard, LLC Sromberger Farms, Inc. Lane and Williams P.C., L.L.O. Western Plain Veterinary Service P.C. Animal Clinic West O Street, P.C. Pioneer DARR Feedlot Kroeker State Farm Windy Gap Saloon and Grill Spurgin, Inc. Hanson Farms Hansen 77 Ranch Pelster Ag Weller Farms Farm, Inc. Trailer Madrid VARIATION IN YOUR FEED INGREDIENTS RESULTING IN AN INCONSISTENT TMR? Scan the QR code with your smartphone to learn more about ingredient and TMR analysis at Ward Laboratories! An inconsistent ration can result in: • Decreased production performance such as average daily gain • Increased instances of bloating • Increased instances of acidosis • Reduced profitability 308 - 234 - 2418 www.wardlab.com
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 17 Sale Days Wednesdays Weigh up Cows & Bulls Fat Cattle Bred Cattle & Pairs Thursdays Feeder Cattle 1801 E Spruce Street - Mitchell, SD 57301 Phone: 605.996.6543 Follow us on Facebook
18 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 INCREASING FEEDLOT EFFICIENCY Tried and True / New and Innovative By Jessica Wesson, Contributing Writer Feedlots across America face several challenges when raising high-quality beef. The biggest concern for many feedlot owners and operators is efficiency. Whether that is feed or cost efficiency, it affects every area of the feedlot operation. Luckily, there are many tried and true practices and products as well as a host of new innovations available for operations of all sizes and types to increase profit. Data Management Managing a feedlot involves a large amount of data collection, and that can get overwhelming. A data management system is a good way to handle the sheer amount of information that feedlots must process. Midwest MicroSystems LLC is the provider of Cow Sense NxGen, a digital herd management software system. The software is optimizable for operations of all sizes, including feedlots. The platform is designed to be easy to navigate and use with video tutorials and electronic help guides for users to consult when needed. The flexibility of the main platform allows operations to complete inventory by animal type, animal status, animal ID (such as visual ID, electronic ID, brands, bangs tag or tattoos), age, origin and purchase price. The user can also generate customized reports based on their data. There are several add-ons for Cow Sense NxGen, and they can be valuable for feedlot operations. Chuteside is a component in the Cow Sense Suite that allows data to be collected manually or automatically for more timely management decisions. It gives the user instant access to animal history and to record current data while the animal is in the chute. It puts the data in the hands of the person working the animals so they can make decisions while the animal is in the chute. Operation Monitoring When a feedlot has thousands of animals on site, it can be hard for pen riders to have time to inspect each one. Precision Livestock Technologies offers an automated solution that simplifies herd monitoring for cattle performance, bunk management and herd health. The system features cameras that are installed over the pens to monitor cattle and the bunks. The cameras are weatherproof, solar powered and Wi-Fi enabled. The installation is fast and simple with remote updates and diagnostics to keep the software current with little work on the feedlot’s part. The system gathers data, including bunk feed levels, bunk slicks, feeding behavior, fill events and intake predictions. Soon, weight, performance and health will be added to the platform to enhance the feedlot manager’s ability to intercept low-performing or ill cattle earlier. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 19 Less Time More Productivity Two doses of high-performance growth. One simple labor-saving application. That’s the power of X – REVALOR®-XS and -XH (trenbolone acetate and estradiol extended-release implants). REVALOR-XH IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Not approved for repeated implantation (re-implantation) with this or any other cattle ear implant in growing beef heifers fed in confinement for slaughter. Safety and effectiveness following re-implantation have not been evaluated. Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in dairy cows or in animals intended for subsequent breeding. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. Implant pellets subcutaneously in ear only. Any other location is a violation of Federal law. Do not attempt salvage of implanted site for human or animal food. Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. For complete safety information, refer to the product label. REVALOR-XS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in dairy cows or in animals intended for subsequent breeding. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. Implant pellets subcutaneously in ear only. Any other location is a violation of Federal law. Do not attempt salvage of implanted site for human or animal food. Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. For complete safety information, refer to the product label. MAHCattle.com • 800-521-5767 • ©2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. US-RVL-230500003 The performance benefits of re-implanting without the hassle. Scan the QR code to learn more. Stay ahead of new guidelines with the implant that delivers two doses in a single application.
20 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 The bunk management system offers a customized alert system that notifies the user when bunks are going off course. The alerts can be customized to each operation to ensure that the feedlot is targeting specific goals and intervening when those goals are not being met. The bunk management system helps feedlots save money by conserving labor, improving feed intake and enabling the user to make decisions with more information. In the near future, Precision Livestock Technologies will be adding cattle performance and herd health monitoring to their platform. It will allow managers to monitor performance and weight, and predict outcomes with predicted weight, weight distribution and pricing-grid analysis. It will also identify outliers in the pen and will offer individual tracking to target sick animals sooner. It aims to help streamline the treatment process by eliminating unnecessary treatments and improve meat quality. In turn, this will increase feed efficiency and encourage higher profits for producers. Measuring Feed Efficiency One of the biggest ways that feedlot managers and producers can increase their profits is by selecting for feed efficiency. Residual feed intake (RFI) is the difference between the animal’s actual intake and the expected intake and is a measurement of inherent, biological feed efficiency. Vytelle, an integrated technology platform, combined forces with long-standing, industry standard GrowSafe Systems in 2020 and is now a leading authority in feed efficiency testing and tools. Vytelle recommends a 49-day trial with a 10- to 14-day warm-up period if producers or feedlots opt to use their technology. Vytelle offers a beef marketing program to feedlots to help them increase their profitability. It optimizes marketing and assists managers with accurately predicting weights to keep pens uniform. The Vytelle Feed Intake Nodes record feed intake, and the In-Pen Weighing Positions measure weight gain to help feedlot managers and producers calculate RFI. Through this data, feedlot managers can identify poor-performing cattle and reduce variation. It also helps when making ration decisions for each pen, which can save money in the long run. Beef Quality Assurance Program This nationally coordinated, state-implemented program helps producers and consumers combine commonsense practices with scientific knowledge to raise cattle in the best way. Jesse Fulton, director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and beef systems educator for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Extension, says the mission of Nebraska BQA is to help every part of the beef supply chain. “The mission of BQA is to guide producers toward continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, quality beef and consumer confidence in the beef we produce,” Fulton says. While most people think about becoming BQA certified, they believe it’s only for cow-calf producers. However, stockers and feedlots can become BQA certified as well. There are specific courses for each segment of the cattle industry. “BQA teaches about pen maintenance to make sure that cattle are comfortable during their stay,” Fulton says. “The Whisper On Arrival is a technology that consists of data collection devices and an algorithm. INCREASING FEEDLOT EFFICIENCY • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Precision Livestock Technologies offers an automated solution that simplifies herd monitoring for cattle performance, bunk management and herd health.
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 21 A couple of years ago we had a wreck going and needed a solution. ENDOVAC-Beef was it! A neighbor recommended the product. I knew it didn’t cost much and I knew what I was doing wasn’t working, so when I found out it covered E. coli, Salmonella, Pasteurella, and Mannheimia, I gave it a try. I vaccinated my calves and it worked! Plus, it’s just so easy on them. I give it to my calves around two months of age and again at weaning. The heifers I hold back get it again in June when they go through the chute. It’s just a good product. The first year we started using ENDOVAC- Beef we had good results. The second year was even better because we implemented it in everything. I vaccinated my cows in April and gave them a booster in June to ensure full protection for my fall calvers and it solved all my scour problems. For those who have spring cows, I would give them a dose in the fall and again in January, about six to seven weeks before they start calving. Since implementing ENDOVAC-Beef, my medical bill went down and I’m just not treating calves anymore. I haven’t had to doctor one with foot rot either. I can tell you that vaccinating them is cheaper than losing them… it’s worth it. Everything that goes through the chute; cows, calves, and bulls, gets a shot of Endovac at least twice a year now. Find your nearest rep at EndovacBeef.com 1-800-944-7563 l 6080 Bass Lane l Columbia, MO 65201 JW Henson, Hillview Farms -
22 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 feedyard is a heavily scrutinized segment of the cattle industry, and consumers often draw negative opinions when they see cattle in feedyards.” Fulton says that being BQA certified can benefit a feedyard by demonstrating commitment to animal well-being and food safety. He says it also can help assuage public concerns with antibiotic usage. “It also helps us tell the story that we judiciously use our antibiotics, and we don’t just give cattle antibiotics for the fun of it,” Fulton says. “We only use them to treat sick animals or to prevent disease from coming into the operation or feedyards.” Concrete Bunks Concrete has been used in feedbunk construction for decades and has proven to be a reliable material. Using traditional concrete has many benefits, one of which is cleanliness. The deep trough design keeps the feed away from dust and debris on the ground. It also keeps feed readily available and is easy to clean when necessary. Concrete bunks are also easy to install. When one segment cracks, it can easily be replaced with another. This material is also strong and durable. Concrete can withstand the elements and won’t rust, and it stands up against wear and tear that occurs with kicks and bumps from cattle. Johnson Concrete offers concrete bunks for fence-line feeding that are low cost and permanent. They also have options for operations that don’t offer fence-line feeding with wide bunks that allow animals to eat from both sides. While concrete is not a new innovation, it continues to be a valuable method for feeding cattle. CattleQuants Drone-Based Inspections offers cattle counting by use of their drones to collect images of feedlots and pastures. INCREASING FEEDLOT EFFICIENCY • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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24 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 New Innovations The market is full of products that can help feedlot managers complete their everyday tasks. Whether it’s monitoring cattle, making feeding decisions or managing cattle health, there is a product out there for operations to increase their profitability. The following provides a look at just a few of the many new products on the market for feedlot managers to consider. CattleQuants Drone-Based Inspections: CattleQuants Drone-Based Inspections offers cattle counting by use of their drones to collect images of feedlots and pastures. They simply collect aerial pictures from their drones and process them with AI-powered software that counts cattle. Afterwards, they provide a detailed inventory report. They operate in seven countries and have counted more than 1 million cattle. CattleQuants boasts 99 percent accuracy on feedyard inspections and allows third-party verification. They also offer training for collateral inspectors and ranchers to become certified drone pilots. Micro Technologies Accu-Trac Scale System: The Accu-Trac Scale system is a touchscreen application that merges with existing truck scales to record commodity information. The data is automatically imported into the Accu-Trac feed inventory system. The customizable program can be run by feedlot employees or truck drivers. Since no two operations are the same, the data points can be customized. Users can also combine all the scales onto one server. Merck Animal Health Whisper On Arrival: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) costs the feedlot industry more than $3 billion annually. Prevention, treatment and loss can add up if BRD hits a feedlot. It can be difficult to detect symptoms before the disease truly has time to set in, especially when new cattle arrive on the lot. Whisper On Arrival is a technology that consists of sound collection devices and an algorithm. It will listen to lung and heart sounds and combine that data with the animal’s temperature and weight. The resulting information will help managers make decisions about BRD. The algorithm will calculate the animal’s risk for BRD and makes treatment recommendations. Merck Animal Health SENSEHUB Feedlot Technology: The SENSEHUB Feedlot Technology helps feedlot managers and employees track sick cattle and treat them earlier. The noninvasive ear tag tracks the animal’s biometrics with sensors equipped with an LED light that identifies cattle that need treatment. This allows feedlot employees to sort those cattle more easily with less labor and stress on the sick animal and those around it. NC INCREASING FEEDLOT EFFICIENCY • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 WE HAVE YOUR BACKS, BARNS AND BOTTOM LINES. LIPHATECH.COM 800.351.1476 WE CARE ABOUT YOU With the most experienced team in the industry, Liphatech Ag has the in-field and on-farm knowledge to provide farmers and producers with expert solutions and care.
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 25 www.BillsVolume.com Central City, NE: 308-946-3068 • Fax: 308-946-2672 Lexington, NE: 308-324-7409 Brush, CO: 970-842-5165 Sales & Service to the Industry for More than 50 Years! Big jobs require big equipment! Ask about our rental program • New & Used Equipment • Commercial Beef & Dairy • Manure Spreaders • Silage Facers • Truck & Trailer Feed Mixers • Digi-Star Scales • Repair, Parts & Service for Most Major Brands PROVIDING RELIABLE FEEDING EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS SINCE 1963 Largest Roto-Mix Dealer in the U.S. BVS 7.25x4.875 4c-NE Cattleman.indd 1 6/22/21 3:17 PM CONTACT YOUR AREA SALES MANAGER: KEVIN GLAUBIUS | (816) 752-2234 (CELL) | KGLAUBIUS@BIOZYMEINC.COM
26 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center Update By Galen Erickson, Ph.D., Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln It is exciting and daunting to see the construction of the new Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center moving along very well. Dry conditions are bad for producers due to poor grass and feed production, but these conditions have been good for construction. Following the March thaw, construction began in earnest with our construction partner, Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc., along with their partners helping us build the 36-pen center, cattle handling/processing building and the Klopfenstein Feeding Technology Center. The facility will have 18 confinement barn pens that house 60 head per pen, but in two building designs. The outdoor pens will consist of nine traditional open-lot pens and nine open-lot pens with a roller-compacted concrete (RCC) surface. The Klopfenstein Feeding Technology Center will house 240 head that will track individual intakes and will be used to test new innovations for individual animal management. I want to thank those who have graciously donated to this project. We have not raised all the funds yet but are getting closer. As of now, we have both barns almost completed, and construction is beginning on the handling/ processing building and the Klopfenstein Feeding Technology Center. The runoff retention pond for the open lots, settling basins and dirt work are essentially complete. The clay liner for the pond and concrete for the aprons/ bunks and roller-compacted concrete will be some of the next steps. We look forward to having another get together once construction is complete. With favorable weather, project completion is still on track for late 2023 or early 2024. We are pursuing funding for future research projects and hope to have the first-year grant funding in place soon. We are seeking partnerships and grants from allied industries to evaluate the latest and best innovations around the areas of cattle management, nutrition, housing systems and sustainability. We also have been engaged in government grants targeting sustainable feedlot production systems to bring dollars into Nebraska. As many of you know, faculty, staff and students are stewards of the university’s resources, and we will do our part to raise grant funding for research. But sourcing funding from traditional granting agencies for facilities to build our infrastructure is difficult, so philanthropic donations to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Foundation are critical to help us continue to be a leader in the state’s beef cattle teaching and research. We believe this innovation center will be an asset relative to evaluating producer questions on a commercial scale. For example, research could address questions about optimized housCONTINUED ON PAGE 29 Progress is steady on the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center construction as well as that of the Klopfenstein Feeding Technology Center. Project completion is anticipated for late 2023 or early 2024.
August 2023 Nebraska Cattleman 27 JBS USA Greater Omaha Packing Co. John & Beth Klosterman Farm Credit Services of America Dennis & Glenda Boesiger Al & Joann Svajgr Rock Solid Concrete Products* FBI Buildings* Warren & Karen White Daniels Manufacturing Co.* Cargill Branded Feed Norm & Sharon Timmerman Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Foundation Chief Buildings* Alewelt Concrete Inc.* Cattlemen’s Nutrition Services LLC Dedicated Underground LLC* Merck Animal Health Darr Feedlot, Inc. EASYFIX* Huvepharma, Inc. Ani-Mat Inc.* Stephen & Patricia Armbruster Blattner Feedlot Construction and Livestock Equipment* Vandenburg Electric & Communications* Roll-O-Matic* Signet Builders Inc.* Circle T Feedlot, Inc. Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. Rick & Shari Stock Renewable Fuels Nebraska Kemin AgriFoods North America Zinpro Corporation Chr. Hansen, Inc. Global Animal Products, Inc. Pete McClymont Performance Plus Liquids, Inc. Harry Knobbe Feed Yards Jay & Susie Wolf/ Wagonhammer Ranch Doernemann Construction Inc.* Johnson Concrete Products* Bill & Annette Rhea Kanel Cattle Company Clint & Shelly Krehbiel Hi Gain Feedlot Inc. Daniel & Shari Herold Galen Erickson & Emie Yiannaka Michael & Patricia Lewis Creed LLC Chris & Margaret Hayes Bill & Laurel Dicke Lallemand Animal Nutrition North America Bill’s Volume Sales Olson Farms, Inc. Russell Heskett Normil Foundation Double D Bunks Inc.* Jerry & Linda Adams Lincoln County Feedyard, LLC Robert & Karen Downs Kyle H. Vander Pol & Sarah Sheerger Alan & Mary Cumming Onesime ‘Abe’ & Erica Turgeon Grant & Julie Crawford Victor & Kristi Wilkerson Godeken Nutrition Management Inc. Curtis & Kayla Bittner Robert & Vicky McCoy Mick Tank Jiehua Xiong Robert J. Cumming Parrott Farms Tom & Betty Klopfenstein Todd & Kelli Klopfenstein Austin Schroeder Gary Sullivan & Yuan Xi Alice Henneman & Dave Palm Cuming County Feeders Association THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE HELPING UNL DRIVE VALUE FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY We thank the following donors for making the Feedlot Innovation Center at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center possible. This facility will help UNL continue its world-class research in efficient, sustainable beef production. This includes reducing methane emissions and improving feed efficiency. Additional support is needed. Donors giving $5,000 or more will have their names recognized in the Feedlot Innovation Center. GIVE ONLINE AT nufoundation.org/FIC or contact Marcia White at marcia.white@nufoundation.org or 402-458-1249. Donor list as of May 31, 2023 *denotes gift is in kind
28 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program Funding Will End if Continued Support Is Not Allocated By Tressa Lawrence, Contributing Writer What Is the Pilot Program? Under the ruling of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) created a Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program that went into effect on Jan. 6, 2023. The purpose of the Cattle Contracts Library is to increase market transparency, improve price discovery and give insight into supply and demand indicators for cattle producers across the country. The program requires packers that have slaughtered during the previous five calendar years, with an average of (and not less than) 5 percent of the number of fed cattle slaughtered nationally, to provide contract information for cattle they purchase, including estimated and actual cattle purchases under active contracts. What This Means AMS will collect data on a national level, focusing on base price sources and adjustments, contract specifications, volume, discounts, as well as premiums. This information is collected confidentially, and the aggregated data will be presented via a dashboard or Excel spreadsheet on the USDA’s Cattle Contracts Library Summary page. When viewing the data, keep in mind that the averages in this data are not weighted, meaning that each contract is given equal importance to the data, regardless of the number of cattle within each contract. “The data that is represented there is a simple average of all of the contracts,” explains Jeff Stolle, vice president of marketing for Nebraska Cattlemen. “For example, if there was a contract in there upon which 40,000 head of volume was transacted in the previous month and another contract in there upon which 40 head of volume was transacted in the previous month, using a simple average, both of those contracts would have exactly the same influence on the average.” How We Got Here In April 2022, AMS hosted the first of their listening sessions where stakeholders had the opportunity to voice their questions or concerns, as well as desired outcomes, in regard to the Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program. AMS used feedback from these sessions to help develop a model that focuses on content and usage. The listening sessions are still taking place regularly, with the schedule listed online for inperson events, as well as information to listen via Zoom. “We are pleased that USDA listened to feedback from stakeholders like National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) while crafting the final rule on the Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program. We are hopeful that this pilot program will strike an appropriate balance between offering cattle producers additional insight into the market while also protecting their proprietary business information,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer in a statement released by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “A Cattle Contracts Library is just one of many tools NCBA has advocated for to help producers make informed business decisions and capture the most value possible for their cattle.” The continued feedback from these listening sessions is helping to develop a more useable, understandable data dashboard that stakeholders can utilize. The Future of the Library During a recent listening session hosted in Lincoln, Michael Sheats, USDA director of agriculture analytics division, explained that funding of the pilot library lasts through the end of the government's fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Without funding, there will be no authority to continue with the program. Speculation has been made that future funding could be included in the next Farm Bill, which will hopefully be pushed through by the end of the fiscal year, but there is no confirmation of that. Current listening sessions are seeking to find out what producers think of the program and if they find value in the data produced. Sheats said that feedback from these listening sessions will be put into a report to direct future action taken regarding the program. To join the upcoming listening sessions and give your feedback on usability and whether you think the program should continue, visit the AMS Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program webpage at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ market-news/livestock-poultry-grain/ cattle-contracts-library. You can also find recordings from previous listening sessions there. To find the library database, go to https://mymarketnews.ams. usda.gov/Cattle_Contract_Library. NC
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