Georgia Cattleman December 2014

GEORGIA CATTLEMANO F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E G E O R G I A C A T T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I A T I O N • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION100 Cattlemen’s Drive | P.O. Box 27990

Macon, GA 31221Phone: 478-474-6560 | Fax: 478-474-5732

[email protected] | www.gabeef.org

GCA & GEORGIA BEEF BOARD STAFFExecutive Vice President:

Will Bentley, [email protected] Vice President of Operations:Michele Creamer, [email protected] Director of Communications

and Youth Activities:Bailey Toates, [email protected]

GBB Director of Industry Information and Public Relations:

Suzanne Bentley, [email protected] Program and Compliance Coordinator:

Tricia Combes, [email protected] Membership and Facilities Coordinator:

Sherri Morrow, [email protected] Editor:

Josh WhitePublication Consultant:

Gayla DeaseG C A M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t

The mission of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association is to unite cattle producers to advance the economic, political

and social interests of Georgia’s cattle industry.

In This Issue…

The Georgia Cattleman magazine and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association reserve the exclusive right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publi-cation. The editorial content contained in this magazine does not necessarily represent the views of the Georgia Cattleman magazine or the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. GEORGIA CATTLEMAN (USPS 974-320, ISSN 0744-4451) is published monthly by the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, 100 Cattlemen’s Drive, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, Georgia 31221. Subscription rate of $45.00 per year. Periodical Post-age Paid at Macon, GA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER — Send

address changes to GEORGIA CAT-TLEMAN, 100 Cattlemen’s Drive, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, Georgia 31221. For advertising information, contact Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221. Phone: 478-474-6560.

Association Reports6 GCA President’s Report, By Melvin Porter9 On the Bright Side!, By Michele Creamer10 GCA Leadership21 GCWA Report, By Ruth Hice76 GJCA Report, By McKayla Snow

Industry News14 NCBA News & Updates22 UGA Extension & YCC Short Course, By Will Bentley34 National FFA Convention Recap, By Ben Lastly38 Just Doin’ Good Cows, By Raymond Prescott40 Using Red to See Black, By Bailey K. Toates 64 2014 SE Hay Contest Resutls, By Dennis Hancock

Reader Services13 Leadership Q & A, By Emilia Dover16 In My Opinion, By Bill Hopkins18 Good Moos! 19 Chapter Connections20 Georgia Beef Bites, By Suzanne Bentley27 Hirin’ A Cowboy, By Baxter Black28 Associate Members66 Local Market Reports69 Management Calendar 71 Calendar of Events77 Goin’ Showin: Georgia National Fair

Expert Advice43 Calhoun Bull Test Intro, By Jason Duggin74 Beef Cattle Calving Management, By Lee Jones



Cow Calf Pair at Lake Creek Farm

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN

4 December 2014 • GEORGIA CATTLEMAN

GCA Emerging Leaders Conference

2015 GCA Emerging Leaders Conference Appl icat ionName:Phone:Address:

Email:

Describe your involvement within the beef industry:

Describe your involvement with GCA and your chapter:

Send application and any additional pages to: Will Bentley

Georgia Cattlemen’s Association P. O. Box 27990

Macon, GA 31221 OR

[email protected] selection, there will be a $100 participation fee due. All other conference expenses will be covered by sponsors and GCA.

The 2015 Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Emerging Leaders Conference is a program targeted at current and future industry leaders. Twelve applicants will be selected to participate in a two-day conference addressing the beef cattle industry. ELC will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 26 and conclude late afternoon on Jan. 27. GCA will help coordinate travel once attendees are selected.

The conference will feature a day in Macon highlighting the operations of GCA, Georgia Beef Board, GCA Foundation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association. There will also be a media spokesperson training. Day two takes participants to Atlanta to tour a beef wholesale facility, visit the State Capitol and the Georgia Department of Agriculture headquarters.

The conference is open to GCA members age 21 and older who have a desire to learn more about the beef

industry and help move it and GCA forward.

Apply Now!

A s s o c i a t i o n R e p o r t s • P r e s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t

For me, the holiday season is always time to reflect on the blessings of the past year. As I write this article I am especially thankful today because my third grandson has just been born and mother and baby are doing well. I am sure he will bring just as much joy to our lives as the other two boys. My entire family has been such a blessing to me this past year. I have three sisters and brothers-in-law who live within a five-mile radius of me and we are able to do a lot of things together. If I call them and ask them for help getting ready for an event at our barn or even for a Luke Bryan concert, all they say is, “What can I do to help?” My son, Hutch, his wife, Allison, and my nephew, Jason, have kept things going at the farm while I have done a lot of traveling this past year. Our daughter, Allison, and her husband, Justin, have also been helpful and supportive. My wife has traveled all over the state with me and never complained, even when we got home at 2:30 a.m. after a chapter meeting. She also proofs my articles and correspondence. The GCA staff is second to none and has been a tremendous blessing to Donna and me this past year. They are a group of people who are always a joy to be around,

along with being very dedicated and efficient in their duties to GCA. The Executive Committee is a group of people who are willing to work together to reach a common goal. The dedication, closeness and unity of this group is amazing. The GCA membership is a very special group of people to me. I have been fortunate to attend chapter meetings all across the state and always feel welcomed. As Donna and I have traveled this fall, we have been able to observe the handiwork of God in each part of the state. We have seen the fall leaves in North Georgia and the cotton fields in South Georgia. What a privilege! God is so good! It is a pleasure to announce Will Bentley as GCA’s new Executive Vice President. Will has served as GCA’s Director of Associational Services for the past eleven months. I have had the opportunity to work with him this past year and have seen tremendous growth and potential in Will. He is a people person who loves the fellowship of the members of GCA. Will has a good work ethic, great personality and a great enthusiasm for the cattle industry and

GCA. We are looking forward to working with Will to advance our association. I want to thank the Executive Vice President Search Committee for their willingness to serve, always keeping the one who would best serve our most valuable resource, our membership, as the top priority. GCA Emerging Leaders Conference will be held on January 26 and 27. The first day will be spent at the GCA office in Macon discussing NCBA, GCA, Georgia Beef Board, GCA Foundation, YCC and our junior programs, along with some media training. The second day will include a tour of a beef facility, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and State Capitol. Space is limited so get your applications in early. The GCA staff and members across the state continue to amaze me with their enthusiasm for our association. Membership was up again last month by 34 new members, which gives us a total of 5,278 members. Magazine ads and revenue also continue to increase. As the Christmas season approaches, remember that a membership to GCA would make a great gift for a friend or neighbor. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

GCA President Melvin and Donna Porter


Porter’sPost

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN • December 2014 7

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GCA and GBB could be found in the Beef Cattle Barn at Sunbelt Ag Expo recruiting members and promoting beef! The event was very successful. More than 50 members were recruited in three days!


On November 8 and 15, Ambassador Team Members Kaytlyn Malia and Hillary Pope spent their Saturday promoting beef at Carroll’s Sausage & Meats in Ashburn. The store serves a unique consumer group with customers stopping in from around the country to visit this unique location while in route to their destination. Kaytlyn and Hillary demonstrated proper seasoning and grilling techniques, provided samples and answered any questions while providing beef nutrition and cookery information.

GCA leadership and staff members have been out and about at fall sales talking with producers to learn what GCA can better do to serve YOU! Topics discussed include the State Checkoff, Ditch the Rule, record high cattle prices and much more. GCA looks forward to seeing our producers across the state.

A s s o c i a t i o n R e p o r t s • M a n a g e m e n t R e p o r t

A few weeks ago, as I returned from the grocery store, I set the bags on the counter as I usually do. Before I realized it, a can of tomatoes rolled out of the bag, across the counter and fell directly on my toe where the nail meets the skin and the nerve. I had blood shooting out from my poor toe. I had tears streaming down my face and I literally could not breathe. I hobbled over to the couch and sat down. Micah, my 15 year old son, walked over and said, “Mom, are you okay?” I looked up and said, “I think so.” Without missing a beat he said, “Well Mom, if it makes you feel better you may have made ketchup on the way down”. I was still in tremendous pain but I began to laugh and cry at the same time. I am not sure if he learned it from me or if I learned it from him, but we always try to look on the bright side. So, on the bright side, when Will and I started tag teaming on this article (and had it mostly written) we did not have a new Executive Vice President named but before we finished we did! I am very excited to announce that the GCA Search Committee has named Will Bentley as the GCA Executive Vice President. Will has been with us for almost a year now as the Director of Association Services and has a true love and passion for the cattle industry. He has been handling some of the EVP duties since August and has done an outstanding job. I look forward to next month’s article when Will can tell you more about himself and what he is excited about for the beef industry. As a staff member I can tell you we are extremely excited to have him move into the corner office and take the title that he has literally earned over the past four months. I know he will do a great job and will continue to move GCA forward! We always say we are privileged to work with some of the greatest people on earth and it has never been more true! The GCA Search Committee has put in several months of work and given of their time to help find the perfect fit for our EVP position. The committee had many qualified applicants to sort through and several interviews to conduct. We couldn’t have asked for a more committed and thorough group. We appreciate all of our volunteers and committees who give so selflessly of their time. The Emerging Leaders Conference is set for January 26 and 27. We are looking for current and future industry leaders who are interested in spending two jam-packed days learning more about Georgia’s cattle industry. The first day will be spent here at the GCA office where participants will get to know the staff, the operations of GCA and how the state office can assist local chapters. We will highlight the Georgia Beef

O n t h e B r i g h t S i d e !

Board, the Young Cattlemen’s Council, the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The second day will be spent in Atlanta touring a beef wholesale facility, the Georgia Department of Agriculture office and the State Capitol. There is only room for 12 participants, so get your application in early. See page 5 for the application. Recently, GCA joined with 44 other state cattlemen’s associations to send a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack urging him to reconsider an order for a supplemental beef check-off that would be controlled by the federal government. GCA strongly believes that the check-off should be, and always has been, an effort to promote our product and our industry at a grassroots level by actual cattle producers. We firmly believe that the checkoff is a non-partisan program that should be free from Washington politics and party polarization. We continue to see inefficiencies that exist in programs that are run by this Administration and hope that Secretary Vilsack will not hijack a program that has returned $11.20 for every $1 spent by producers. NCBA states that “for nearly 30 years the Beef Checkoff has increased beef demand, invested in research, and made beef what’s for dinner for millions of families worldwide.” We ask that all Georgia producers visit www.beefusa.org to sign the petition to stop this Administration from interfering with a program that has been extremely successful. As we reflect on 2014, we can only be thankful for such an outstanding year in the cattle industry. We experienced record high cattle prices, record high attendance at GCA events, the addition of a new culinary center at the office, growth in our local membership numbers and countless other blessings that are too many to name here. We have seen the growth of our Young Cattlemen’s Council and other programs that make us excited about the future of Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. We truly appreciate all of the hard work that our member leaders put in to make this Association such a success. We are also very thankful to work for an organization that not only allows us to say Merry Christmas, but wouldn’t have it any other way. This year remember the true meaning of Christmas is not just presents, Santa Claus or all of the food (which should be Beef!) but it is about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ coming so that we could have true life! Keep Christ in your Christmas! From the GCA family to yours, we wish you a very, Merry Christmas!

Michele Creamer is VP of Operations for GCA and GBB

Michele Creamer


Georg i a Ca t t l emen’s A s soc i a t i onGCA Leadership Team

Your GCA leadership team is here to serve you. Contact us with your ideas about our association or ot visit about the cattle industry.

Executive Committee MembersKristy Arnold, Screven912-294-3485 • [email protected] Lee Brown, Colbert706-207-7048 • [email protected] T. Cannon, Ty Ty229-881-0721 • [email protected] Cheely, Warrenton706-465-2136 • [email protected] Galloway, Monticello678-410-6070 • [email protected] Lovett, Cuthbert229-938-2187 • [email protected]

GCA Immediate Past PresidentDavid Gazda, Athens706-227-9098 • [email protected]

NCBA DirectorsRandy Fordham, Danielsville706-207-1301 • [email protected] Blackburn, Waynesboro214-912-1993 • [email protected]

Foundation ChairmanBill Hopkins, Thomson 706-564-2961 • [email protected]

CattleWomen’s PresidentRuth Hice, Barnesville770-358-2705 • [email protected]

Regional Vice Presidents

1961-1963 Ben T. Smith, Atlanta1963-1966 Henry Green, Sr., St. Simons1966-1968 Dr. Jack Tuttle, Barnesville1968-1970 J.W. Trunnell, Cochran1970-1971 K.J. Hodges, Blakely1971-1972 Edward B. Pope, Washington1972-1974 George Berner, Warm Springs1974-1976 Dr. O.E. Sell, Milner1976-1978 Joe Gayle, Perry1978-1980 Sam Hay, Covington1980-1981 Lee Campbell, Carrollton1981-1982 Charles Baker, Calhoun1982-1983 Webb Bullard, Camilla1983-1984 Bobby Rowan, Enigma1984-1985 Harvey Lemmon, Woodbury1985-1986 Don Griffith, Buchanan1986-1987 Gene Chambers, Douglas1987-1988 Mike Peed, Forsyth1988-1989 Sam Payne, Calhoun1989-1990 Bobby Miller, Lula1990-1991 Newt Muse, Carrollton

Region 8: Rodney Hilley, 770-567-3909 [email protected] 9: Mike Burke, 706-551-3025 [email protected] Region 10: Scotty Lovett, 229-938-2187 [email protected] 11: Derek Williams, 229-315-0986 [email protected] 12: Ray Hicks, 912-682-8670 [email protected] 13: John Moseley, Jr., 229-308-6355 [email protected] 14: Kurt Childers, 229-775-2287 [email protected]

Region 15: Alvin Walker, 912-282-1717 [email protected]

Region 1: James Burton, 423-838-0941 [email protected] 2: Eddie Bradley, 706-994-2079 [email protected] 3: Ron Ward, 706-213-9175 [email protected] 4: Tony Cole, 770-596-6896 [email protected] 5: Charles Woodward, 678-725-2292 [email protected] 6: Tammy Cheely, 706-465-2136 [email protected] 7: Larry Daniel, 706-812-5907 [email protected]

1992-1993 Mark Armentrout, Roswell1993-1994 Ralph Bridges, Lexington1994-1995 Lane Holton, Camilla1995-1996 Dr. Jim Goodman, Temple1996-1997 Dr. Frank Thomas, Alamo1997-1998 Joe Duckworth, Milledgeville1998-1999 Betts Berry, Chickamauga1999-2000 Dr. Curly Cook, Crawford2000-2001 Chuck Sword, Williamson2001-2002 Robert Fountain, Jr., Adrian2002-2003 Louie Perry, Moultrie2003-2004 Tim Dean, Lafayette2004-2005 John Callaway, Hogansville2005-2006 Bill Hopkins, Thomson2006-2007 Dr. Jim Strickland, Glennville2007-2008 Evans Hooks, Swainsboro2008-2009 Mike McCravy, Bowdon2009-2010 Bill Nutt, Cedartown2010-2011 Bill Bryan, Summerville2011-2012 Steve Blackburn, Waynesboro2012-2013 Chuck Joiner, Carrollton2013-2014 David Gazda, Athens

GCA Past Presidents


Melvin PorterPresident

168 Hardman RdJefferson, GA 30549

[email protected]

Randy FordhamPresident-Elect

65 Corey DrDanielsville, GA 30633

[email protected]

Kyle GilloolyVice President

2731 River RdWadley, GA 30477

[email protected]

Billy MooreTreasurer

172 Hidden Lakes DrGray, GA 31032478-986-6893

[email protected]

Will BentleyExecutive V. P. P. O. Box 27990

Macon, GA [email protected]

Georg i a Ca t t l emen’s A s soc i a t i onLocal Chapter Presidents

ABAC | Aaron Weaver | 386-527-9232Amicalola | George Lyons | 706-265-3328Appalachian | Phillip Jones | 770-894-2479Baldwin-Jones-Putnam | David Lowe |706-485-6436Banks | Thomas Dalton | 706-677-3008Barrow | Mike Pentecost | 770-868-6046Ben Hill-Irwin | Ronny Branch | 229-457-0407Berrien | VacantBlue Ridge Mountain | Joe Garner | 706-994-3927Burke | Leroy Bell | 706-564-6066Carroll | Tony Cole | 770-596-6596Clarke-Oconee | Walter Lee | 706-769-4231Colquitt | Rocky Herndon | 229-782-5660Cook | VacantCoweta | Robert Allen | 678-923-6159Crawford Area | Doug Bailey | 478-361-3024Decatur | Stuart Griffin | 229-246-0951Elbert | Ron Ward | 706-213-9175Floyd | Wesley Manis | 706-346-0874Franklin | Keyes Davison | 706-498-6359Grady | Caylor Ouzts | 229-377-7561Greene Area | John Dyar | 706-453-7586Hall | Steve Brinson Jr. | 770-869-1377Haralson | Joe Griffith | 770-301-9113Harris | Sandy Reames | 706-628-4956Hart | Jason Fain | 706-436-9299Heard | Keith Jenkins | 770-854-5933

Heartland | Tony Rogers | 478-934-2430Henry | Howie Doerr | 404-502-6287Houston | Wayne Talton | 478-987-0358Jackson | Matt Shirley | 706-983-0276Jefferson | Randy Miller | 478-625-3900Johnson Area | Will Tanner | 478-278-1922Laurens | Brad Childers | 478-376-4670Lincoln | Billy Moss | 706-654-6071 Little River | Marvin Norman | 706-595-4291Lumpkin | Anthony Grindle | 706-300-6605Macon | Matt Perfect | 478-973-7164Madison | Jim Patton| 706-255-8079Meriwether | David Ward, Jr. | 706-741-6260Mid-Georgia | Danny Bentley | 706-647-7089 Miller | Trent Clenney | 229-758-2844Mitchell | J. Dean Daniels | 229-336-5271Morgan | Michael Ivy, Jr. | 706-202-5046Murray | Chris Franklin | 706-263-2008North Georgia | David Lingefelt | 770-480-6177Northeast Georgia | L. C. Pruitt | 706-865-2898Northwest Georgia | Don Douglas | 706-259-3723Ocmulgee | Jim Cannon | 229-467-2042Ogeechee | Romaine Cartee | 912-531-0580Oglethorpe | Andrew Gaines | 706-202-5742Pachitla | Scotty Lovett | 229-938-2187Peach | Willis Brown | 478-956-2798Piedmont | Earnest Nichols, Jr. | 770-314-6061

Piney Woods | Steve Smith | 912-278-1460Polk | Jason Bentley | 770-855-0082Pulaski | Terry Moore | 478-952-0685Red Carpet | Doug Bramlett | 770-547-9851Satilla | Alvin Walker Jr. | 912-449-5352Seminole | Bruce Barber | 229-524-8633South Georgia | Lavawn Luke | 912-345-2102Southeast Georgia | CDavid Rooks, Sr. | 912-422-3233Stephens | Mark Smith | 706-779-7362Tattnall | Newley Halter | 912-690-0789Taylor | Wayne Wilson | 706-656-6351Thomas | Charles R. Conklin | 229-228-6548Three Rivers | Derek Williams | 229-315-0986Tift | Buck Aultman | 229-382-3202Tri-County | Alan Sowar | 770-668-4226Tri-State | Gary Autry | 423-902-5925Troup | Tom Mahaffey | 770-329-7197Turner | Randy Hardy | 229-567-9255UGA | Jenna Lacey | 850-712-3329 Walton | Sammy Maddox | 770-267-8724Washington | Bobby Brantley | 478-552-9328Wayne | Kristy Arnold | 912-294-3485Webster | VacantWilkes | Shane Moore | 706-678-5705Wiregrass | Kurt Childers | 229-561-3466Worth | David Carter | 229-776-9400

Name ________________________________________________________________________Address _______________________________________________________________________City ________________________________________ State___________ Zip ______________Email ________________________________________________________________________GCA Chapter __________________________________________________________________Sponsored by __________________________________________________________________Birthday (juniors only)___________________________________________________________

*YCC: Young Cattlemen’s Council include members ranging from 18 to 40 years of age, no additional dues.

GCA • GJCA • GCWA Membership FormComplete and mail this form to:Georgia Cattlemen’s Association

P.O. Box 27990Macon, GA 31221

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

___ New Member ___ Renewal

___ GCA Dues, 1 year $50 ____ Yes, I’m interested in YCC*

___ GJCA Dues, 1 year $15 ___ GCWA Dues, 1 year $15 Additional Local Dues $____ Total Payment: $____

Membership dues entitle you to receive a one-year subscription to the Georgia Cattleman magazine. Payment of GCA membership dues is tax-deductible for most members as an ordinary business expense. Complying with tax laws, GCA estimates 5% of the dues payment is not deductible as a business expense because of direct

lobbying activities. Also, charitable contributions to GCA are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Thank you for your memberships!!


Henry & Claudia Balkcom, Georgetown

Larry Banks, Jr., Hogansville Blake Banks, Lavonia

Brent Booker, Gillsville Billy Burnam, Jr., Douglas

Rodney & Karen Cain, Hahira Woody Callaway, Bonaire

Jody Canady, Hartwell Matthew Canady, HartwellJack Chandler, Good Hope Codi Chapman, Zebulon Daniel Cheely, Thompson Ronald Coleman, Doerun

Jamye Dawson, Summerville Sam Duke, Carrollton

Kayley Edwards, Jefferson Floyd Ellis, Conyers

Lucion Foreman, Montrose Thomas Fudge, Albany

Ted Fuller, Calhoun James Fussell, Mcrae

William L Hagin, Jr., Buena Vista Ethan Harkins, Greensboro Rodney Herndon, Baxley

Rick & Lisa Jacobs, ThomastonZachary Jenkins, Griffin

Leland Catledge Farm, ClarkesvilleSteven Lord, Tennille


Andres Mendoza, Armuchee Billy Joe Milling, Abbeville

Joe Murray, CommerceEddie Music, Alma Terry Myers, Milan

David Norton, SumnerRuth Parsons, Athens

Cleghorn Penn, Gainesville Peyton Prince, Sandersville

R & C Cattle Company, Rochelle Glenn Ray, Jr., Milledgeville

Jared Ray, MilledgevilleMark Roncadori, Jefferson

Tim Roose, Vidalia Leslie Sanders, Davisboro Stephen Siefker, Colquitt

Randy Smith, GriffinWhit Stewart, Pearson

Brett Swango, Lake Hamilton Stewart Teal, Bowdon

The Sumner Agency, Norman Park Joe D. Thornton, Gray

Mark Tolbert, PendergrassJeremy White, Baxley Freddie White, BaxleyRuss Wilburn, Winder Amanda Willis, Comer

Dustin Wright, Advance, N.C.

M e e t Y o u r G C A L e a d e r s h i p

&Q ALeadership

Emelia DoverYCC Secretary/Treasurer

Tell us a little about yourself.Q:A: The majority of my time is spent in Athens, Georgia as I complete my Masters in Agricultural Leadership at the

University of Georgia. When I’m not in class or cheering on the Dawgs, I try to get back to my hometown of Chatsworth to spend time with my family as much as possible. My parents and brother handle the daily happenings of E&W Farms with my sister, brother-in-law and niece supporting from Cartersville. My family is very important to me and having the chance to share a passion with all of them in our farm is a dream.

Q: Share what it means to be on the YCC board along with some of the responsibilities you undertake.

A: I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve on the YCC board. I love being in a group of people who are all passionate about the same goal: promoting the beef industry. As secretary, it is my responsibility to keep our team updated and organized. I am also a part of the Youth Advisory and Media and Communications committees. If you are passionate about one of GCA committee’s subjects, I strongly suggest volunteering your time. It is well worth it to see the hard work of our GCA staff, meet others who share your interests and give back to our industry.

Q: What improvements or changes would you like to see evolve over the next year with GCA?

A: Continue to increase awareness of the resources available from GCA and the Georgia Beef Board. Consumers are curious about raising cattle, meal preparation and beef nutrition, so let’s share the hard facts we have with them!

Q: In your opinion, what is the most pertinent issue Georgia’s beef industry is facing today?

A: With less and less of the population growing up on a farm, it is necessary to offer educational opportunities for people who are interested in entering the cattle industry. All the knowledge to run a herd cannot be learned in one workshop, but we all have to start somewhere! A great chance to participate in a FREE event for Georgia cattlemen would be GCA’s Convention & Trade show April 1-4, 2015. The event will be packed with entertaining speakers, delicious food and chances to meet other cattlemen.


Q: Describe your background and your involvement with the cattle industry.

A: I grew up on a small cow-calf operation in the northwest Georgia hills with my parents, sister and brother, but it took going to Athens and finding the UGA Cattlemen’s Association for my interest in the cattle industry to really ignite. When school allows, I enjoy being back on our farm working and learning from my dad, Crafton, and brother, Evan. My granddad started out raising registered Santa Gertrudis cattle with his brothers but eventually transitioned into a commercial cattle herd that my family is still building on today.

R e a d e r S e r v i c e s • I n M y O p i n i o n

As the end of the year approaches it is a great time to think about end of year giving. What better place to give than the industry that we love - our Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation. The Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(C)3 organization. These funds may be given in memory or honor of a person who loved the cattle industry, or for a specific purpose. The use must be in accordance with the purpose of the Foundation such as scholarships, education programs, research, etc. These funds help supplement programs that ultimately support the cattle industry for which funds are lacking. The mission statement of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Foundation is a charitable foundation established to educate and build leaders and advocates for the cattle industry and to promote the history and heritage of this industry in Georgia. GCAF accomplishes this by being a vital resource for Georgia’s beef cattle industry. The Foundation supports youth leadership development by regularly providing funding for 4-H, FFA and Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association activities. GCFA has also identified education as a key element in developing the beef industry leaders of tomorrow and has committed to funding many undergraduate college scholarships. A new focus of the

A T i m e o f G i v i n g

Foundation has been offering scholarship opportunities for students in the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine’s Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program (FAVIP). FAVIP is a partnership between the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Veterinary College to provide opportunities for undergraduates who are passionate about becoming food animal veterinarians. GCAF also recently committed to providing financial assistance to a UGA graduate student working on beef cattle or forage related research projects. In addition to these exciting leadership development activities the Foundation also provides funding and guidance in preserving the heritage of our industry through the GCA Hall of Fame, historical magazine features and the regular magazine obituary page. All of these important activities are funded through tax deductible donations from GCA members and beef industry supporters. A donation in a time of record cattle prices to the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Foundation helps preserve the past while providing meaningful leadership development to ensure the future vitality of Georgia’s beef cattle industry.

Bill Hopkins


GCA Foundation Chair

Congratulations to Karl Halbig on his winning entry! Watch our Facebook page for next month’s contest!


Save The Dates!GCA’s 54th Annual Convention

Beef Expo & Trade ShowApril 1 — 4, 2015 • Perry, Ga.

GCA’s Spring TourApril 22 — 25, 2015 • Florida

5th Annual GCA Summer ConferenceJuly 23 — 25, 2015 • St. Simons, Ga.


The Georgia Junior Livestock Foundation held its first GJLF Point Circuit for the 2013-2014 show season. Exhibitors accumulated points throughout the year for their showmanship placing and the number of exhibitors in their showmanship class for up to eight shows. These winners were announced during the 2014 Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. This year’s contest is currently taking place. Left: Senior Beef Winners (pictured left to right): 1st - Makayla Holmes; 2nd - Logan Steed; 3rd - Chris Hart; 4th - Andy Chastain; and 5th - Cameron CarverAbove: Junior Beef Winners (pictured left to right): 1st - Case Wilson; 2nd - Payton Jackson; 3rd - Baylee Steed; 4th - Abby Frost; and 5th - Janna Anderson.

They’re Getting Hitched! Cleve Jackson, past GCA Summer Intern, and Emilia Dove,r past GCA Summer Conference Intern, are planning a June wedding and will reside in Cave Spring, Georgia. Both Cleve and Emilia are active in GCA and YCC.

On October 18 a group of Hereford producers and others interested in the breed, gathered on top of Monteagle, Tennessee to discuss business concerning the cattle industry, for networking and fellowship among those we knew and for making acquaintances with those of whom we did not know. Craig Huffines, Executive Vice President of the American Hereford Association spoke and many enjoyed a Certified Hereford Beef steak dinner held on the premises of Dave’s Modern Tavern & Restaurant. Several Georgia producers were in attendance. Tommy Coley, Eastern Region Field Representative AHA; Dalton Green, GJHA Board Member & GJCA Officer; Craig Huffines, Executive VP AHA; Billy Martin, Sunset Ridge Herefords.

The November meeting of the Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association featured Dr. Lawton Stewart, UGA Animal Scientist, who presented an outstanding program on Wintering Beef Cattle. Godfrey Feed sponsored the evening’s program. Whitey Hunt, owner of Godfrey’s Feed, talked about the various products they make for Georgia’s cattle producers. A delicious meal featuring beef meatloaf, homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and pound cake was prepared by the Culinary Arts class at Lincoln County High School.

hapter onnectionsC


The UGA Cattlemen’s Association at UGA hosted their annual Halloween Havoc Trunk-or-Treat event on October 28. The event was a huge success with more than 175 children coming to receive candy and play agricultural based interactive games. UGA Cattlemen’s Association used this opportunity to let children experience many different aspects of agriculture through various games and events. “We believe it is our job to inform and educate the younger generation about the rewards and joy we find in agriculture,” says Dylan Chandler, UGA Cattlemen’s Association president.

The ABAC Cattlemen’s Association hosted their 2nd Annual All American Beef Chili Cookoff where students, faculty, staff and members of the community entered their treasured beef chili recipes. The top three winners were named and awarded a cash prize along with other beef prizes. Members look forward to this opportunity each year to promote beef to not only ABAC but the Tifton community.

GeorgiaBeef•Bites

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday than with the tastiest protein that we all know and love! I wanted to provide you with the perfect main course recipe for you to add to annual meal traditions. If you head over to beefitswhatsfordinner.com you will find this Beef Tenderloin

with Easy Cranberry Balsamic Sauce. Now, besides the taste the next best thing about this recipe is the word “easy” listed right there in the name. It truly lives up to its name and any expectation I have. Of course I think we all know what to do with the leftovers, make sandwiches of course! I promise you these will top any sandwich made with your Thanksgiving leftovers! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

By Suzanne Bentley GBB director of industry information & public relations


Beef Tenderloin with Easy Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

Total Recipe Time: 1 to 1-1/4 hours

Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

1 whole beef Tenderloin Roast (about 4 to 5 pounds)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

1 tablespoon pepper

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots

1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

Recipe

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Combine thyme and pepper; reserve 1 teaspoon seasoning mixture for

sauce. Press remaining seasoning mixture evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast.

2. Place Roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is

centered in thickest part of beef. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 45 to 55

minutes for medium rare; 55 to 65 minutes for medium doneness.

3. Remove Roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for

medium. Transfer Roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20

minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10° to 15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare;

160°F for medium.)

4. Meanwhile prepare sauce. Combine vinegar and shallots in small saucepan; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Stir in cranberry sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer

6 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in reserved seasoning

and salt.

5. Carve Roast into slices; serve with sauce. GeorgiaBeef @GABeefBoard

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Associat ion Reports • Georgia Catt leWomen’s Associat ion

The Leaves Are FallingBy Ruth Hice, CattleWomen’s Association President

President: Ruth Hice387 Fredonia Church RdBarnesville, GA 30204 [email protected]

President-Elect: Carolyn Gazda1985 Morton RoadAthens, GA [email protected]

Vice-President: Carol Williams 1141 Broughton RdMadison, GA 30650 [email protected]

Secretary: Lynn Bagwell1078 Cass White Rd Cartersville, GA 30121 [email protected]

Treasurer: Sara Akins 1177 S. Coffee Rd.Nashville, GA 31639229-686-2771

Past President: Brenda Brookshire6179 State Hwy 60Suches, GA 30572706-747-3693

Parlimentarian: Peggy Bledsoe PO Box 1001Perry, GA 31069 [email protected]

President: Nanette Bryan2830 E Armuchee RoadSummerville, GA [email protected] 706-397-8219AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEWOMENPO Box 3881, Centennial, CO 80112303-694-0313, fax: 303-694-2390

www.gabeef.org/gcwa [email protected]

Fall is here, or is it winter? The cold weather we have had lately makes it hard to tell. I do know the leaves are beautiful in the mountains. I would like to thank everyone that helped the Beef Board at The Georgia National Fair in Perry. I would also like to thank everyone that helped at Sunbelt Ag Expo. Linda Crumley and mother Rachel Austin did a fantastic job signing people up for the Crock Pot and Beef Certificate giveaways. They also handed out thousands of recipe books, coloring book and other beef information. I was not able attend the expo this year, but I was able to

go to Perry. The two days I was there we talked to hundreds of people. I know it has been dry here at our house. This year’s hay crop was lower than years past. The army worms were another issue that lowered the amount of hay we baled. However, I do know that God will provide. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and you were able to continue traditions as well as starting new ones. This time of year is always full of memories that will last a lifetime. I know we need to be more thankful for our families and health year round and not just during this time of year. Some people do not have any family close to them and they are lonely. Take some time this season to cheer them up with a visit and a meal. You will be blessed for doing this. I know we have a couple in our church that his wife is very sick and he has to take care of her around the clock. There are several different groups that have worked out a schedule to take a meal everyday to them. The couple is so grateful and thankful. Christmas is just a few weeks away and will be here before you know it. I know my grandchildren enjoy Christmas day and they make us old folks happy to see them. On Christmas morning we get up early and go to my daughter’s house to see the children open their gifts. When they give us ours they want us to open the gifts up right then. When it’s time for Christmas dinner we all gather around the table and leave regretting how much we ate. Be sure to remember to be thankful for what God has given you. May God Bless you and your family this holiday season. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.


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The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association was excited to team up with the University of Georgia for the very first Young Cattlemen’s Council/UGA Extension Short Course that was held on October 25. The day started early at the Rocking W Angus sale facility in Jefferson, Georgia. The Wilson family were very gracious hosts and the event would not have been the success it was without their help. Jennifer Johnson, from Auburn University, spoke to the group about raising quality forages for beef cattle in the Southeast. Scott Berlin, Ag Georgia Farm Credit, offered advice to the group of young producers about what is needed financially when planning for an operation as well as how to establish credit individually. Tonya Amen from Angus Genetics, Inc. followed up with a discussion on genetic selection and new technologies that are now available for genetic selection. After the discussion about EPDs, Dr. Jacob Segers, UGA Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, spoke to the group regarding several topics including the challenges we face as an industry and marketing to millennials. After a short break for lunch, our round table of experts took the floor for a great discussion that was open to any and all topics involving cattle. The group had a unique opportunity to ask questions to industry experts that included Dr. Lee Jones from UGA, Dr. Matt Barnes from Clemson University and Mr. Eddie Bradley from Southeast Select Sires. Dr. Matt Barnes was generous enough to bring along with him what was probably the highlight of the event, a life size calf pulling demo. Our panel of experts were able to talk the group through several scenarios that they see commonly while working cattle during calving season. Several volunteers from the crowd had a chance to hook up the chains and learn the proper techniques involved when pulling a calf becomes necessary. I’d like to give a special thanks to Dr. Segers for coordinating all of the speakers for the event and for handling most of the planning. The event was a success and it is something that our Young Cattlemen’s Council hopes to continue around the state in the future.

See photos from the event on page 23.

I n d u s t r y N e w s

YCC Short CourseBy Will Bentley, Executive Vice President

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Reasons to Donate: In Memory of a Loved One • Tax Deductable Donation

Fund GCA Junior Scholarships • Develop Future GCA Leaders • Preserve the History

By contributing to the Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation, you will help provide important funding toward long-term goals including scholarships,

educational research programs, youth activities and developing the industry’s future leaders.

Please mail form and donation to: Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221

Enclosed is my gift of ___$25 ___$50 ___$100 ___$______ ___In memory of ___ In honor of (name of person)___________________________ Thank you for your donation to the Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation!

Please send an acknowledgment to: Name: ____________________________________________ Addres: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: _____ Zip: ________


Birmingham, Alabama1010 North 24th Street

Birmingham, Alabama 35201Phone: (205) 323-4431

1-800-633-4960

Dothan, Alabama(334) 794-78121-800-633-7533

Douglas, Georgia(912) 384-81041-800-241-7702

Montgomery, Alabama(334) 263-73161-800-782-5739

1-800-527-8616

Current contest ends 11/30/2014

georgia cattleman_Nov13_2005-02 FEBRUARY Georgia Cattleman.qxd 6/10/2014 8:45 AM Page 59

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Interested in advertising?

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There’s an old saying that “A cowboy is born, not made.” However, I’d like to propose that if you’re hirin’ a cowboy to help you take care of your stock, you might look twice. You can’t necessarily assume that because he’s got a black hat and is broke, that he’s a cowboy. He might need a little educatin’ to your way of doin’ things. Even a team roper can be taught to check cattle. If you’re hirin’ him to ride pens in the feedlot explain to him the rules; he’ll have to take Thursday as his day off; no ropes or dogs in the yard. He’s expected to help process, he’ll have to ride either the oldest horse or the youngest colt on the place and he’ll have to furnish his own saddle but the company’s not responsible for damage or theft. Then fill him in on the advantages of workin’ for you. Tell him he can have every holiday off that falls on Thursday. Housing is furnished; a cozy little ten-foot wide trailer house behind the barn. He’ll get to share it with three other cowboys and an “exchange student” from Chihuahua. He’ll get excellent medical and life insurance once he’s worked for the outfit eighteen months and, he’ll gain experience. Once you get him hired and have given him a $200 advance on his salary, put him with one of the cowboys that knows what he’s doin’. Your good cowboy’ll soon know whether the new man’s got an eye for sick cattle. If he’s green but has potential, you’re better off puttin’ a little time into him. He might stay through the summer, who knows? But how do you teach a man to look at cattle? Mostly by trial and error. It’s an art that’s hard to put in books. Ridin’ with somebody who knows for a couple weeks is good practice. Having the new man follow his pulls through the hospital helps. If the manager or cattle foreman or veterinarian will stop occasionally over his first couple months and visit him, he’ll learn. Answer his questions. More important, ask him questions about his cattle and their problems. Don’t climb on his back when he’s not quite sure what he’s doin’. Give him a little slack and help him learn. I’ll also put in a plug for educational meetings on animal health. It’s nice to send your top people to these meetings but don’t

R e a d e r S e r v i c e s

Hirin’ a Cowboy

forget to send those who need it most; the cowboys. Tom Hall told me one time when I was fumin’ at a new hand for missin’ some sick ones, “Remember,” he said, “There’s two things a cowboy don’t know anything about; one of ‘em’s a cow and the other’s a horse!”

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


B MEEF AKER

Friday • Noon (EST)

FEBRUARY 20, 2015At Barnes Herefords New Sale Facility,

Cedartown, GAConveniently located off of Hwy 278

(1644 Piedmont Hwy), West of Cedartown, Ga.

BARNESH E R E F O R D SHBRoy and Marie Barnes, Owners

Adam Enloe (706) [email protected]

AUCTIONEER: Tommy Barnes

Ga. Lic. No. AUN R002284

JDH Marketing Services

Jack D. Hedrick(904) 613-4261 [email protected]

Dustin N. Layton(405) [email protected]

Laytontype - ITC Novarese Ultra

Auctiontype - Helvetica Regular

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Auction and Marketing- Helvetica Regular

www.dvauction.com

Wishing You A Blessed & Wonderful Holiday Season!

WHITE HAWK RANCH Gary R. Hedrick (678) [email protected] Hedrick (404) 216-4274Josh Cabe (706) [email protected]

For more information, visit our website at www.beefmakerbulls.com.

New Sale

Location

Tenderloin Members ($600+)AgGeorgia Farm CreditAgSouth Farm Credit

Athens Seed Co., WatkinsvilleAtlantic & Southern Equipment, LLC, Lake City

Southwest Georgia Farm CreditDow AgroSciences

Fuller Supply CompanyGeorgia Metals Inc.

IntervetMerial

Pennington SeedsPurina Mills

Southern Farm & Forest, LLCSouthern States

Vigortone/CargillYancey Bros. Company

Zoetis


Each month, the GCA Associate Members section recognizes GCA’s allied-industry and business members. To become an

associate member, complete the form below or call 478-474-6560. GCA members are encouraged to use the services of these

industry-supporting professionals.

Associate Membership FormComplete and mail this form to:Georgia Cattlemen’s Association

P.O. Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221 478-474-6560 • Fax: 478-474-5732 • Email: [email protected]

___ New Member ___ Renewal

Business Name _________________________________________Contact ______________________________________________Address _______________________________________________City _____________________________ State____ Zip ________Phone ________________________________________________Fax __________________________________________________GCA Chapter __________________________________________Sponsored by ___________________________________________

Membership dues entitle you to receive a one-year subscription to the Georgia Cattleman magazine. Payment of GCA membership dues is tax-deductible for most members as an ordinary business

expense. Complying with tax laws, GCA estimates 5% of the dues payment is not deductible as a business expense because of direct lobbying activities. Also, charitable contributions to GCA are not

tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Thank you for your memberships!!

Membership Level

___ Tenderloin Member $600 or more___ T-Bone Member $300 - $599 ___ Ribeye Member $150 - $299 ___ Sirloin $75 - $149Contribution Amount $ _____

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T-Bone Members ($300 - $599)Franklin County Livestock, Carnesville

Georgia Development Authority, MonroeManor Cattle Company, Manor

Moseley Cattle Auction LLC, BlakelyStephens County Farm Bureau, Eastanollee

Ribeye Members ($150 - $299)Alltech, Inc., Thomasville Amicalola EMC, Jasper

Athens Stockyard, Athens, Tennessee Carden and Associates,

Winter Haven, Florida Carroll County Livestock, Carrollton

Capital City Bank, Dublin Columbia County Farm Bureau, Harlem

Colquitt Ag Services, DoerunFarmers Seed Co., Inc., Doerun

First Madison Bank & Trust, DanielsvilleFlint River Mills, Bainbridge

Franklin County Farm Bureau, CarnesvilleFurst-McNess, Cordele

Gerald A. Bowie, Auctioneer, West PointJackson EMC, Gainesville

Lumber City Supplements, Lumber CityMid State Meat, LLC, Sandersville

Nitram Farms, Ocilla Pasture Management Systems,

Mount Pleasant, North CarolinaPeoples Community National Bank, Bremen

Resaca Sun Feeds LLC, ResacaSunbelt Ag. Expo, Moultrie

Sunbelt Builders Inc., Covington The Sumner Agency/Tim Hartsfield, Norman Park

Waters Agricultural Labs, Inc., Camilla

Sirloin Members ($75 - $149)AgAmerica Lending, Lakeland, Florida

AgGeorgia Farm Credit, DublinAgGeorgia Farm Credit, Perry

AgGeorgia Farm Credit, RoystonAkins Feed & Seed, Barnesville

Arnall Grocery Company, NewnanBaggett Farms, Montrose

Baker Cattle Service, QuitmanBank of Camilla, CamillaBank of Dudley, Dublin

Banks County Farm Bureau, HomerBartow County Farm Bureau, Cartersville

BBWH Insurors, StatesboroBekaert Corp., Douglas

Bishop’s Country Store, FitzgeraldBill Hembree Insurance, Winston

Black’s Seed Store, DublinBraswell Cattle Company, Athens

Bubba’s Tire, DublinBull Hill Ranch, Gray Court, S.C.

Burke Truck and Tractor, WaynesboroC & B Processing, Milledgeville

Carroll E.M.C., CarrolltonCat Creek Cattle Co., Valdosta

Chapman Fence Company, JeffersonChattooga Farm Bureau, Summerville

Christian, Kelly, Thigpen & Co. LLC, DublinCitizens Bank, Dublin

Clarke County Farm Bureau, Athens Colony Bank-Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald

Colony Bank Wilcox, RochelleCommunity Bank & Trust, ClarkesvilleCommunity Bank of Dublin, DublinC R Benson Farm LLC, Dry BranchDanny E. Davis State Farm, Dublin

Demott Peanut Co., DoerunDosters Farm Supply, RochelleDublin Eye Associates, Dublin

Dublin Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Assoc., Dublin

Eastonollee Livestock Market, EastonolleeEdward Jones, Carrollton

Elbert County Farm Bureau, ElbertonElrod Garden Center, Dallas

Family Focus, DublinFarm and Garden Inc., Cornelia

Farmers State Bank, Dublin

Flint EMC, PerryFloridahawaiibeaches.com, Dahlonega

Forsyth County Farm Bureau, CummingFort Creek Farm, Sparta

FPL Food, Augusta Greene County Extension Office, Greensboro

Greg’s Meat Processing, ComerGriffins Warehouse, McRae

Gulf Coast Cattleman, San Antonio, TexasHabersham Co. Farm Bureau, Clarkesville

Habersham EMC, ClarkesvilleHancock County Farm Bureau, Sparta

Haralson County Farm Bureau, BuchananHarris County Farm Bureau, Hamilton

Hart Co. Farm Bureau, HartwellHartford Livestock Insurance, WatkinsvilleHelena Chemical-Wrightsville, WrightsvilleHenry County Farm Bureau, McDonough

David Hilliard, CPA, McRaeHolland Fertilizer Company, Cedartown

Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm, AlbanyJ&B Tractor Company, Waynesboro

Jackson EMC, HullJames Short Tractors & Equipment of Alto, Alto

James Short Tractors & Equipment, Inc., CarnesvilleKnoxville Store, Knoxville

Laurens County Farm Bureau, DublinLBL Farms, Chester

Leland Catledge Farm, Clarkesville Macon Co. Veterinary Hospital, Montezuma

Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Danielsville

Madison County Farm Bureau, DanielsvilleMedical Park Pharmacy, Dublin

Montrose Auction, Inc., MontroseMorris Bank, Dublin

Northeast Georgia Livestock, AthensOconee County Farm Bureau, Watkinsville

Oconee State Bank, WatkinsvilleOconee Well Driller, Watkinsville

Orr Insurance, DublinOsceola Cotton Co., LLC, Ocilla

Owens Farm Supply, ToccoaPalmetto Creek Farm, Hamilton

Paulding County Farm Bureau, DallasPickens County Farm Bureau, Jasper

Piggly Wiggly, McRae

P H White Company, Dyersburg, Tenn.Public Service Communications Inc., Reynolds

Producers Cattle Auction LLC, Mobile, AlabamaRalph Jackson, P.C., Dublin

R. C. Tire, DublinRhinehart Equipment Company, Rome

Rollin-S-Trailers, MartinR.W. Griffin Feed, Douglas

R.W. Griffin Industries, NashvilleSecurity State Bank, McRaeSheppard Farms, Danville

Shepherd’s Building Supply, MoultrieSilveus Insurance, Dumas, Texas

Smith Agricultural Insurance Services, LLC, Fitzgerald

Smith’s Pharmacy, McRaeSouthern States, Woodstock

Sumner & Avery, LLC., DublinSunSouth, Carrollton

Swainsboro Stockyard, SwainsboroThe Four County Bank, Allentown

Thompson Appraisals, SopertonTroup County Farm Bureau, LaGrange

Twin Lakes Farm, HullUnion County Farm Bureau, Blairsville

United Bank, BarnesvilleUnited Community Bank, BlairsvilleUnited Community Bank, Carrollton United Community Bank, ClevelandUnited Community Bank, Cornelia

Upson County Farm Bureau, ThomastonViridiun LLC, Cumming

Walker County Farm Bureau, LafayetteWallace Farm & Pet Supply, Bowdon Junction

Wards Service Center, Inc., DexterWarnock & Mackey LLC, Dublin

Watson’s Towing, DublinWayne Chandler Plumbing & Well, Danielsville

Weeks Farm Machinery Auction, Moultrie White County Farmers Exchange, Cleveland

Whitfield County Farm Bureau, DaltonWilcox Co. Farm Bureau, Rochelle

Wilkes County Stockyard, WashashingtonWoodmen of the World, Dublin

Youngblood Farm, Sparta


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Ring in the New Year with Limousin genetics! Call any

GLA member for details.

Interested in advertising??

Contact Bailey478-474-6560

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For more information, call 765.463.3594 or visit

nationalswine.com

ENTRY DEADLINE: Dec. 11, 2014

Georgia National Fairgrounds & AgricenterPerry, Ga.

Farrowing Deadline: June 1 and after

Featuring Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, Yorkshire and Crossbred boars and gilts

Held in conjunction with the NJSA Southeast Regional.

Jan. 31, 2015

NATIONAL SWINE REGISTRY

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Georgia Simmental-Simbrah Breeders

Georgia Simmental-Simbrah AssociationBilly Moss, Secretary/Treasurer,

P: 706-654-6071 E: [email protected]

Sim-Angus & Angus


Give the gift that keeps giving...a GCA Membership.

Benefits include: Subscription to Georgia Cattleman magazine

Exclusive coupons just for members Legislative representation

Information and education about beef and the cattle industry

GCA Merchandise and Memberships are available through our website.

www.gabeef.org/gca

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MATERNAL and PROFITABLE.

ANGUS • SimANGUS • Simmental


The Georgia FFA Association’s trip to the 87th National FFA Convention was highlighted by 15 national championships and the election of Andy Paul of Lexington as the 2014-2015 National FFA President. Among Georgia’s national winners were 5 national proficiency award winners, the national Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event (CDE) winner, eight national Agriscience Fair winners, and the high scoring individual in the national Livestock Evaluation CDE. Andy Paul, a member of the Oglethorpe County FFA chapter, was elected from a field of 42 candidates to serve as the 2014-2015 National FFA President. Paul went through an extensive process that included a written test, writing exercise and six rounds of interviews throughout the week. He was selected to lead the team of six national FFA officers that will represent the more than 600,000 FFA members across the nation. Paul is a sophomore at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) majoring in Agricultural Education. He will take a one year leave of absence from ABAC to travel more than 100,000 across the United States and to Japan representing Agricultural Education. Paul’s parents are Jeff and Marsha Paul and his agricultural education teachers are Mr. Robert Jackson and Mr. Travis Sertich. Paul is the 15th Georgian to be elected to serve as a National FFA Officer and the third to serve as National President. Tanner Jones, Liston Mehserle, Ben Parker, and William Schofill of the Perry FFA chapter were named national winners in the Nursery/Landscape career development event (CDE). Their advisor is Dr. Argene Claxton. In the Nursery/Landscape CDE, students complete a team problem solving activity, a team Skills Challenge, a general knowledge exam and the identification of various plants, pests, disorders, equipment and supplies relevant to the nursery industry. The team from Perry bested other state winning teams from across the nation to earn their national championship. All members of the team earned Gold individual rankings. Ben Parker was the top scoring individual in the nation. Jones placed 2nd, Mehserle placed 5th and Schofill placed 8th. Lori Edwards of the Sonoraville FFA chapter was the high scoring individual in the national Livestock Evaluation CDE, and the Sonoraville team placed 2nd. Other top five CDE finishes from Georgia include Franklin County finishing 2nd in the national Marketing Plan CDE, Perry finishing 2nd in the national Floriculture CDE, Kylie Bruce of the Franklin

County FFA earning 3rd in the national Creed Speaking CDE, and North Oconee FFA placing 5th in the national Environmental/Natural Resources CDE. Knapp Boddiford of Southeast Bulloch (Diversified Crop); Christopher Crump of Banks County (Landscape Management); Sam Herring of Lowndes County (Specialty Crop); Camille Schroer of Lowndes County (Equine Science); and Cole Sosebee of White County (Wildlife Management) were each named national FFA proficiency award winners for the success they earned in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. Only four students from across the nation are named National Finalists in each of the 49 proficiency areas. Georgia was third in the nation with a total of 19 national proficiency award finalists. Brinson Coggins of Lowndes County (Animal System – Division 2); Jade Wester and Fallon Cawthon of Franklin County Middle (Animal Systems – Division 3); Hunter Corbett and Emily Warren of Lowndes County (Environmental Systems – Division 4); Kellie Smith and Tyler Ertzberger of Franklin County Middle (Food Products & Processing Systems – Division 3); Callie Warren and Chance Hingson of Lowndes County (Food Products & Processing Systems – Division 4); Auriel Wright of Northeast Bibb (Plant Systems – Division 2); Courtney Barber of Ware County (Social Systems – Division 1) and Chandler Kudyk and Jackson Summer of Lowndes County (Social Systems – Division 4) were each named national winners in the 2014 Agriscience Fair. Georgia had national finalists (top 15) in all 24 divisions of the Agriscience Fair. Twenty-Seven Georgia FFA chapters received a national 3-Star ranking, the highest ranking offered in the National Chapter Award program. Those chapters included Bagley Middle (Chatsworth), Berrien County, Crawford County, Colquitt County, East Jackson (Commerce), Eighth Street Middle (Tifton), Emanuel County Institute, Etowah (Woodstock), Franklin County High, Franklin County Middle, Gladden Middle (Chatsworth), Hephzibah, Loganville, Madison County High, Madison County Middle, Miller County, North Habersham Middle, Pelham Middle, Screven County, Southeast Bulloch (Brooklet), Stockbridge, Thomson, Treutlen County, Troup County, Wayne County, West Jackson Middle, and Wilbanks Middle (Demorest). The West Jackson Middle chapter was named a national finalist for Outstanding Middle School program; and the ECI,


Georgia brings home National President and 15 National Championships from 87th National FFA Convention

By Ben Lastly


Madison County Middle and Wilbanks Middle chapters were each named Models of Innovation finalists in the Student Development category. Eleven Georgians were recognized for their support of agricultural education and the FFA as part of the Convention. Mr. Von Peavy (Tifton) was recognized with the National FFA VIP Citation. Mr. Sidney Bell (Watkinsville), Representative Brooks Coleman (Duluth), Dr. James Corbett (Valdosta), Mr. Tom Johnston (Thomaston), Mr. Barry Norris (Soperton), Dr. Jason Peake (Valdosta), Dr. Dean Pringle (Athens), Mrs. Jody Strickland (Perry) and Mr. Joe Wright (Talking Rock) each received the Honorary American FFA Degree for the contribution that they make to the agricultural education program and FFA. Mr. John “Chip” Bridges, state Program Manager for Agricultural Education, was named the 2014 Outstanding State Supervisor in the nation by the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE). Seventy-nine Georgia FFA members received the prestigious American FFA Degree, the highest degree offered to an active FFA member. These students spent years developing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs to reach this honor. Those receiving the degree include: Ansley Akin (Franklin County), Candace Barnes (Franklin County), Catherine Bennett (Burke County), Ashlyn Brooker (Brantley County), William Burt (Colquitt County), Barron F. Busby (Elbert County), Colt Calhoun (Miller County), Dylan L. Cantrell (Jefferson), William L. Chapman (Pickens County), Kaylee Chitwood (Mary Persons), Deanna Clay (Jeff Davis), Garrison W. Clenney (Miller County), Christian Delugach (Habersham Central), Sara R. Duncan (Franklin County), Kayla M. Eason (Newton County), Ryan English (Mary Persons), Denton Erickson (Lee County), Gregory T. Fain (Sonoraville), Whitney S. Frazier (Colquitt County), Caleb S. Garner (Treutlen County), Michael Garrett (Dawson County), Cheyenne Gordon (Madison County), Rachel Grimsley (Miller County), J.J. Harper (White County), Maggie M. Hart (Colquitt County), Dustin Haskins (Jeff Davis), Micah Henry (Wheeler County), Patrick Hickerson (Hephzibah), Alex Holman (Jefferson), Timothy Hubbard (Gordon Central), Colby Hunter

(Seminole County), Kevin Jones (Madison County), Bri Kittle (Madison County), Taylor Lancaster (Elbert County), Wilson Landin (Seminole County), Logan Larmour (Burke County), Jordan Lunsford (Madison County), Dakota Meeks (Jeff Davis), Sierra Milligan (Swainsboro), Ashton Mock (Miller County), Vincent E. Mohler (White County), Andrew Moore (Jefferson), Edward Moore (Perry), Joshua C. Moore (Dawson County), Hillary Nicholson (Fannin County), Gabe Outlaw (Bleckley County), Caleb Owenby (Fannin County), Caleb Patterson (Fannin County), Andy Paul (Oglethorpe County), Jenna Phillips (Miller County), Brandon Poole (Franklin County), Hillary A. Pope (Screven County), Lacy L. Powell (Eastside), Megan L. Powell (Johnson County), Hunter Pruitt (Sonoraville), Justin Rectenwald (Evans), Olivia T. Rigdon (Emanuel County Institute), Macie Rohler (Apalachee), Cole Roper (Franklin County), Kate Russum (Madison County), Hunter Saine (White County), Ashley E. Sapp (South Effingham), Brittany S. Sherrod (Emanuel County Institute), Brody Shiver (Mary Persons), Morgan South (Madison County), Cole Summerlin (Colquitt County), Savannah Tanner (Johnson County), Megan R. Todd (Dawson County), Megan Troupe (Turner County), Robert Veal (Johnson County), Jonathan Waters (Dawson County), Nathan Webb (Colquitt County), Casey L. Weredyk (South Effingham), Dustin R. Whittaker (Seminole County), Jacob Wilkie (Dawson County), Joshua D. Williams (Swainsboro), Tanner O. Wilson (Brantley County), Matthew Womble (Seminole County), Adair Woodward (Mary Persons). Three Georgia FFA members earned the opportunity to perform their musical talents at the National FFA Convention. Landon Rowe (Irwin County) was selected to perform in the Talent program; while Aaron Cronon (Cedar Shoals) and Kayla Robinson (Ola) performed in the National FFA Band. The Georgia FFA Association was recognized as a membership growth state. This marks the 16th consecutive year that the Georgia FFA has increased in FFA membership. Georgia was represented in Louisville by 25 official voting delegates, and more than 1,500 local FFA members, advisors and Alumni from across the state.


Left: Andy Paul, of Lexington, was elected to serve as the 2014-2015 National FFA President. Paul was installed by retiring President Brian Walsh and received his new national officer jacket during the final session of the 87th National FFA Convention.

Above: Sonoraville High School’s Livestock Judging team was named Reserved National Champions at the 87th National FFA Convention. Pictured left to right Cullie Williams. Makayla Holmes. Lori Edwards and Kevin Edwards.


Carrol County Extension recently hosted the Master Cattlemen’s Program for the Northwest Region. Carroll County ANR agent Paula Burke and assistant agent Richard Littleton put forth a tremendous effort to serve the beef cattle producers in the area. There were 97 graduates of the program this session. On behalf of the beef team, congratulations to all of the 2014 graduates attending either the Johnson or Carroll County Master Cattlemen’s Programs! In case you are not familiar with Master Cattlemen’s, the program is hosted in by UGA Extension at the county level. The program’s material is presented by the UGA Beef Team and industry expert: • Dr. Lawton Stewart, Nutrition • Dr. Jacob Segers, Nutrition • Dr. Curt Lacy, Economics • Mrs. Carole Knight & Jason Duggin Meats and BQA • Mr. Will Bentley, Georgia Cattlemen Association • Dr. Dennis Hancock. Forages • Dr. Brent Credille, Herd Health / Diseases • Dr. Nancy Hinkle, External Parasites • Dr. John Worley, Facilities • Dr. Lee Jones, Reproduction • Mr. Jary Douglas, Replacement Selection and Culling • Dr. Ronnie Silcox, Recording Keeping

Sessions are rotated across Georgia as follows: Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Northwest. The Beef Team looks forward to working with Blake Crabtree of Ben Hill County for the 2015 Southwest Region session starting on Tuesday, January 20th at 6:30pm. The program will meet the following 7 Tuesdays and conclude on March 10th. Registration is required. The agenda and registration form for the Southwest GA Master Cattlemen’s can be found using the Master Cattleman’s Program link at ugabeef.com.


Master Cattlemen’s Program Northwest GeorgiaBy Jason Duggin, UGA Northwest Georgia Beef Extension Specialist


DOWNTOWN ATHENS

UGA

UGA Animal &Dairy ScienceThe Rhodes Center

University of Georgia425 River Rd. • Athens, GA 30602

Ronnie Silcox706/542-9102

Beef Unit Coordinator (Athens)

Mike MathiS706/614-2864, 706/485-6015Senior Farm Manager (Athens)

chaD WeStMoRelanD706/816-6413

Beef Unit Manager(Eatonton Beef Research Farm)

tYleR MURRaY912/487-6039

Beef Unit Manager(Double Bridges Farm)

kaRl halBiG229/445-0424

Beef Unit Manager (CPES Alapaha)

Lunch at 11 a.m.Sale Site Phone:

706/613-0971

Selling 40Service AgeAngus BullsA few select Angusand Angus-crosscommercial femalesalso sell.

The University of Georgia23 Focus on EPDsRD

ANNUAL

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • NoonUGA Livestock Instructional Arena

Athens, GeorgiaLearn more about the

sale offering atwww.facebook.com/

ugabullsale

Sale Management By:CANNON MARKETING COMPANY, INC.

Carroll T. CannonP.O. BOX 500

TY TY, GEORGIA 31795-0500229/776-4383 • CELL 229/881-0721

[email protected]#249

Georgia Red Angus Breeders • 706-882-7423 BREEDERS


Back in 1981, I became interested in the 4-H beef heifer project, and I discussed several options with my father and our county extension agent concerning how to get started. Dad encouraged me to contact a Red Angus breeder that he had purchased a bull from in 1978, to see if he had any heifers and how much they would cost. As I looked through the classified ads in the back of the “Georgia Cattleman” magazine, I came up on the one inch ad for Angel Farms, owned by Mr. Bob Angel, and right under his phone number in extremely small print, I saw the phrase for the first time. “Just Good Doin’ Cows” is what the fine print said, and I took note of it as I dialed the number that night. That phone call began my venture into the registered seedstock business, and that phrase began teaching me about how the Red Angus breed began and what it stands for even today. My father, our county agent and I made a four hour trip through Atlanta, to the northwest corner of the state, every summer for four years to purchase Red Angus heifers which were shown in area junior shows and then used as brood cows for our growing registered herd. On the first trip, I used money that I had saved from picking up pecans the previous fall to purchase my first heifer. Bob Angel became my mentor in the purebred business and is still a close family friend to this day, and “Good Doin’ Cows” became the goal of my business model. I’m sure some of you are wondering what good doin’ cows are. I’ve come to define them as the cows that have a live, healthy calf unassisted every year beginning on their second birthday. In addition, they will quietly bring their calf to the scales at weaning time where it will weigh at or above the average of the herd without the assistance of a creep feeder. Good doin’ cows seem to be able to accomplish these tasks no matter what the weather conditions from year to year. They never require health treatments other than yearly vaccinations and parasite control, and best of all, they do it on grass, fresh water and mineral supplements ONLY! Mr. Angel’s words are still clear to me. “I don’t work for my cows. My cows work for me,” he said. I’ve had the privilege of working with seedstock from British, Continental and Brahman breeds during my career, and have found good doin’ cattle in all of them. However, the ideology and focus of the Red Angus breed’s founders has resulted in a very maternally and commercially focused breed that has a high percentage of good doin’ cows within its ranks. The breed’s first core policy, set forth by its founders in 1954 and still adhered to today, reads as follows: “The policy of the Red Angus Association is to discourage the more artificial practices in purebred cattle production…and to place its faith instead in objective tests, consisting for the most part of comparisons within herds of factors of known economic importance and known heritability. By making this an integral part of the registration system, Red Angus breeders feel that even faster progress can be made toward the ultimate goal of more efficient beef production.”

The Red Angus breed was the first to require performance testing for registration, and embraced a multitude of other “firsts” in the purebred cattle industry, including unrestricted AI policy, use of performance records in shows, total herd reporting, planned crossbreeding, heifer pregnancy, stayability and maintenance energy EPD’s, and an age, source and genetic verified feeder calf program, to name a few. Dedicated breeders with similar goals of making beef production more efficient have moved the Red Angus breed from a concept in 1954 to the third largest beef cattle breed in the United States, sixty years later, and produced a multitude of good doin’ cows along the way. Red Angus cows today are well known as fertile, easy keeping, maternal, heat tolerant cattle with quiet dispositions, and their calves excel consistently in growth, feed efficiency and carcass quality. When I came to Bull Hill Ranch in 1999, I learned early on that Jim and Alvina Meeks shared my appreciation for good doin’ cows. In fact, they settled on Red Angus as their breed of choice when their Red Angus cows were the most trouble free of the five breeds that they compared side by side in their own pasture! Mr. Meeks explained that our goal was to produce cattle that could consistently thrive on grass without being pampered with a feed bucket. Environmental challenges such as fescue, parasites, heat, humidity, freezing rain, drizzle and drought all make an excellent proving ground for good doin’ cows. Cows that will work in this environment can work anywhere, and that’s exactly what our Red Angus cows are doing. The concept of selecting cattle to fit a particular environment is certainly not new. It requires discipline, patience and a consistent set of goals, and a cattle producer won’t see much success if he or she gives out too many second chances to the poor performers. Over the years, some cattle producers have put forth a great deal of effort and expense to make a better environment for their cattle. Calving barns, fungus free fescue, increased use of concentrates, and other management practices have come on the scene and have increased beef production, but in many cases they have done so while giving shelter to cattle that should have been culled. In the future, the use of DNA technology will make the selection process easier for cattlemen who wish to identify the animals that will work best in a particular environment and be most immune to diseases and sickness. With the world’s population expected to reach 9 billion people by the year 2050, and the majority of the world’s agricultural land only suitable for grazing, efficient beef production will be more essential than ever. Most cattle producers will have access to the same genetics when it comes to sire selection, but those that can make or find “Good Doin’ Cows” will be ahead of the rest in producing protein and efficiently feeding the world. I know I can count on good doin’ Red Angus cows to help me get the job done. How about you?


Just Good Doin’ CowsBy Raymond Prescott, manager at Bull Hill Ranch



Lake Creek Farm is located in the quiet and quaint town of Sycamore, Georgia. Virgil “Junior” Belflower owns and manages his purebred herd of Red Angus cattle. However, Virgil hasn’t always had Red Angus. “Virgil has had cattle as long as I can remember—especially red ones,” says Dennis Kendrick, consultant for Lake Creek Farm. “One day we were talking and decided we wanted to work toward a purebred herd of Red Angus cattle.”Dennis attended University of Georgia where he earned his bachelor’s in Animal Science and his master’s in Agricultural Education. After graduation, Dennis returned home to Turner County where he went to teach Agricultural Education at Turner County Schools. “Virgil came to me and told me I needed to put my judging skills and degree to work,” Dennis says. “By work, he meant coming to help him select cows for his Red Angus herd.” Dennis had been doing artificial insemination work for Virgil for a few years. The two sat down and decided that since they had been doing quite a bit of AI work, they might as well be keeping papers and producing registered animals. In 2005 Lake Creek Farm purchased their first Red Angus heifer which they donated to a local junior to show. “It has always been about the juniors,” says Carla Belflower, Virgil’s wife. “We love helping young people and we have had the chance to do this several times through the years.” They continued to build the herd by purchasing bred

heifers out of Alabama. “We are seeking dual-purpose cattle,” Virgil says. “We raise cattle that can be successful in the show ring and can go on to be productive in the pasture.” Virgil gave Dennis free rein on selecting the cattle to add to the herd. “We want to produce cattle we are proud to have people look at,” Dennis says. “But they are still functional in a production setting.” Since the two had similar mentalities, they were able to set goals for the herd. “There are a lot of tools in the cattle industry,” Virgil says. “EPDs are just that—tools.” Dennis and Virgil try to incorporate established and recognizable bloodlines without following trends. “We tend to see people buying other people’s culls seeking simply bloodlines and not the quality of cattle,” Dennis says. “We are not afraid to get an outcross in order to produce the next big thing.” Lake Creek Farm has used Black Angus genetics with the red gene to help incorporate new genetics into the breed. “We can use a black bull and still register them with the Red Angus Association,” Dennis says. Virgil and Dennis enjoy the fact that Red Angus cattle have the qualities of a Black Angus but tend to be more heat-tolerant and they can use the benefits of both breed associations. In 2007 Lake Creek Farm bought a herd of top-quality

Using Red to See BlackBy Bailey K. Toates


Red Angus. The herd included past state winners and a prolific donor cow. They also purchased another donor cow out of Illinois. Before they knew it, they had a donor program. Today, they have produced several state show winners along with animals that do well in the pasture. The presence of these donor cows is still felt in the herd even though years have passed. “The two initial donor cows have allowed us to build a solid foundation for our Red Angus herd,” Virgil says.Building relationships across the United States has also helped grow the herd. “While we were headed across the country to meet Kyle Gilcrest, we ran into Jason Batterson out of Bloomfield, Iowa,” Dennis says. “This was a great connection to make and we have bought about 7 or 8 head from him through the years to add new genetics to our herd.” Lake Creek Farm prides itself on having a variety of superior genetics. “A lot of people start their herd with stock from one breeder instead of creating a herd with some diversity,” Dennis says. “I thought it was key to figure out which bloodlines worked before investing too much with one breeder.” As the effort to build the herd continues to grow, Virgil and Dennis have decided to use more embryo transfer work to help generate high-quality replacement females. “You will see quite a bit of Mulberry blood in the herd,” Dennis says. “Virgil and I were lucky enough to purchase quite a bit of his semen when it was first offered in the United

States. Mulberry has probably been our biggest game changer due to him living up to his reputation. Mulberry’s calves are structurally sound with eye appeal and they grow!” Virgil and Dennis agreed the next logical step was to invest in a good herd and clean-up bull. They purchased half interest in a bull from Olson in North Dakota. “This bull’s presence was felt in the herd,” Dennis says. “He added muscle to the calves and produced a uniform calf crop. We weren’t disappointed and they are definitely easy to look at.” As the donor cows began to get some years on them, the search began for a new donor to add to the program. Virgil and Dennis were able to purchase half interest in the 2008 Reserve National Champion Red Angus female. A few years down the road, Virgil and Dennis heard that Todd Alford had a flushmate of a past state champion. “We were impressed and decided to purchase the bull to be our next herd bull,” Dennis says. “He produced dynamic calves that we liked. They were the type of calves you would want to put in your front pasture.” It has been a 10-year process to get the herd where it is today, but Virgil and Dennis are both proud of what the herd has become. “We want to raise quality cattle to sell,” Virgil says. “We won’t sell them just to sell them. We will take them to the sale barn if we have to. If our name is tied to it, we want it to look good and function. We stand behind what we send out.”

58 October 2014 • GEORGIA CATTLEMAN

When NFL teams prepare for the upcoming season, there is no doubt that the draft is of paramount importance for the future of the team. Although some of the “picks” are very high profile and draw a lot of media attention for one reason or another, you can be sure that the team’s coaches are not making selections based on what everyone else says. Instead, they have compiled a long list of criteria that are necessary for each available position specific to their game plan. I am not a huge fan of the NFL like I was as a child, and It’s obvious that there is a lot of difference between cattle production and sports. However, there are some similarities in the business side of each of these that should make us think about how we all make decisions in our breeding programs. Each college player that is eligible for the draft will go through a thorough evaluation process. This is often initially based on field appraisal by a scout or through video. Then there will be an extensive evaluation of the data that has been compiled on his performance for each game. This is not the end of the process, but only the beginning. There are also interviews and reference checks to assess the likelihood of them fitting in well with the team and its future. Then you have the NFL scouting combine that seems to prove or disprove the initial evaluations. NFL teams are trying to get the best possible candidate that they can. A thoroughly evaluated draft pick should yield more wins and more profit for the owners. It would profit us as cattle breeders to do the same.

How should we choose sires for our herds? Let’s start by contemplating the simple question, “Is this a good bull pictured below?” (change him to any breed or color you want) The first thing that tends to run into our mind is something about the bull’s topline or muscling. What if I was to tell you that this bull weighed 110 lbs. at birth, failed a breeding soundness examination, and just ran over the owner last week? He’s only $2,200 if you buy today. What a steal! Let’s go ahead and land the plane right in the middle of this article. If you purchase a bull without gathering and evaluating the necessary information, you open up your business to failure. Here is what you don’t know if you blindly purchase a bull without knowing his certain history and source herd.

• No information exists and there is no guarantee if he cannot physically mount cows. • No information exists as to whether he has viable sperm. • No information exists on the likelihood of needing to pull his calves due to size or shape. • No information exists as to what the growth potential is for the calves if he is able to settle cows. • No information exists on his ability to pass along the coat color you want. • No information exists regarding infectious and non- infectious diseases such as genetic disorders. If you need a herd sire replaced and/or you are looking to purchase semen from a supplier, it is critical that we do our own scouting and evaluation of the data based on what we need for our marketing goals. Before a bull purchase is made, make sure that the bull has passed a breeding soundness examination before writing a check. A BSE will include the evaluation of the semen sample and the physical evaluation of the reproductive tract, eyes, structural soundness and other criteria. The BSE is just the scouting report saying he is a viable candidate. Now we move on to selection criteria that experienced cattle producers will consider during the selection process. This will help us understand what bulls fit our game plan. • Will the bull need to be mated to heifers? • What is the breed make up of your herd and what breed of bull will introduce hybrid vigor? • What is the marketing point for the progeny: at weaning, as backgrounded yearlings, retained ownership or a branded beef program? • Will replacement heifers be kept? Remember this is just a part of the whole process. A solid breeding bull purchase or A.I. mating will also include visual evaluation of the following examples. We can consider this the interview. This is a condensed list. • Feet and legs • Muscling • Body volume • Breed specific traits such as sheath angle and tightness in Brahman derivatives One way to evaluate for these traits is to look at how proportionate or “balanced” the bull is from the side. If you

Keys to Profit:

Strategic SelectionJason Duggin, Unviersity of Georgia, Animal and Dairy Sciences

E x p e r t A d v i c e

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN • October 2014 59

visually divide the animal into 3 sections like the picture below, you can get a feel for the combination of muscle and volume as well as overall quality. The bull below is well balanced. The circle on the left evaluates muscle and the middle circle evaluates volume. As you evaluate the front circle or front 1/3 of the bull you can evaluate the shoulder and frontend relative to the rest of the bull. Bulls that are proportionate throughout tend to have more muscle and volume in the needed areas. Often times these cattle tend to have better structure in the shoulder and hip. It is also imperative that each selection you make have a good foot and skeleton. In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges we could face in cattle programs is improving skeletal structure. Single trait selection has changed the breeding herd. Poor structure and heavy weights are not a good combination for our feeders that make it to the yards. Troy Marshall of Beef Magazine recently wrote, “Lots of good cattlemen believe there’s a trend taking place – that there’s something we’re doing from either a management or genetic standpoint that is increasing the health risk and susceptibility of these larger-weight animals.” There are a lot of potential factors for this, but it should make us think about the long term consequences of mating decisions. The bull below is an ideal example of having good set and angle to the pasterns, hocks, knees, shoulder and hip. This article would be incomplete without mentioning the great benefit of using Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) as an essential part of the entire selection process. EPD’s and bull evaluation data can be thought of as the NFL combine. Do the numbers back up the potential impact of this bull in my herd? EPDs are now commonplace. One that tends to be somewhat misunderstood is Calving Ease Direct (CED). Simply put, this EPD incorporates all the recorded information related to birth weight and calving ease scores for this bull and his ancestors. Let’s compare “Bull A” and “Bull B” in the example below. Before we can make a decision about the data, we need to understand how it is reported. Calving ease measurements are reported in “deviations of percentages” of unassisted births. In the above example, the difference between Bull A and Bull B is 5 for CED. With this information we can reasonably expect that Bull A should have 5 percent greater unassisted births than bull B when mated to heifers. If you used each of these sires on 100 heifers Bull A should have 5 more unassisted births. It should be noted that the calving ease direct EPD is a more direct measure of potential calving ease and birth weight (BW) EPD’s are considered an indirect measure. Even when using EPD’s, you should always gather information about the pelvic area of the female or at least have historical information. Birth weight (BW) and weaning weight (WW) EPDs tend to be more easily understood. BW and WW EPDs are reported in pounds. The difference between Bull A and Bull B is 1.1 for BW EPD in the above example. This means that calves out of Bull A should be 1.1 lbs. lighter at birth on average than calves out of bull B if all other variables are equal. The difference is 6 for WW, and we can expect that Bull A should sire calves averaging 6 pounds heavier at weaning if all other criteria are same. Let’s pretend for a second that a new NFL team went out and tried to get the cheapest players they possibly could in

the draft for each position. They probably won’t be successful to say the least. On the flip side, you also can’t throw money around and expect it to work. Finding bulls that have all the necessary information and physical attributes that we’ve overviewed should improve your likelihood of success. This should not be a gamble situation, but instead, it should be a very calculated “pick”. This brief overview of selection methods and tools will hopefully inspire you to go above and beyond to create a successful breeding program.


Ideal set to the hock is necessary for longevity of the herd sire and his progeny’s performance.The white line to the right shows ideal angle to the shoulder. You can also see that this follows

with ideal set to the knee and front pastern.

Untitled-4 1 5/14/2014 1:38:51 PM


Calhoun Bull Evaluation Sale Intro

For 45 years now, the Calhoun Bull Evaluation has showcased the genetics of programs across Georgia and surrounding states. On behalf of the 36 seedstock producers that have consigned to the 2014 Calhoun Bull Evaluation and Sale, thank you for your interest and patronage. Breeds represented in this year’s lineup include Angus (63), Black Hereford (2), Charolais (4), Hereford (17), Red Angus (3), Simangus (40), and Simmental (7). The 136 bulls completed the gain evaluation on November 11 and semen analysis was conducted on November 13. The average daily gain at the 84-day report for all bulls was 3.80 lbs. There are a number of bulls approaching 5.0 lbs. for an on-test average daily gain while consuming a ration that is 60 percent soy hulls, 30 percent corn gluten and 10 percent whole corn. The bulls are in large grass pens with room for exercise and access to free choice water and hay.

“Impressive” is the word that I’ve used to describe this year’s offering when folks ask, “How do the bulls look this year?” The crew at the Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center and myself are excited to show them off and look forward to this year’s sale. The top two-thirds will be sold at auction at the Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center Livestock Pavilion on December 5 at 12:30 pm in Calhoun. They will be available for viewing on December 4 at the sale facility or feel free to contact us for an earlier visit. The catalog and videos are available for online viewing by visiting ugabeef.com. Click on the “UGA Beef Programs” link at the center of the page and go to the “Bull Evaluation Centers” link. If you should have any questions regarding the bulls or information, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 706-624-1403.

By Jason Duggin, UGA Northwest Georgia Beef Extension Specialist


CalhounBull Test Sale

45th Annual

Directions to the Livestock Pavilion: From Exit 312 off I-75, take Hwy 53 W approximately 2 miles. Turn right on McDaniel Station Road and continue to stop sign. Turn left

on Hwy 53 Spur. The Livestock Pavilion is located approximately 200 yards on the left side of the highway.

Friday, December 5, 2014 • Sale Starts at 12:30 p.m.at the Northwest Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion

1282 Hwy 53 Spur SW, Calhoun, GA 30701

Only the Top-Performing Bulls Will Sell! The official 112-day feed test gain records, 205-day adjusted weaning weights, 365-day

adjusted yearling weights, hip heights, ultrasound data, and EPDs will be available. All sale bulls tested negative for PI-BVD and are free from all known genetic defects.

Selling Approximately 90 Bulls-- Seven Beef Breeds! Angus • Black Hereford • Charolais • Hereford • Red Angus • SimAngus • Simmental

Auctioneer: Carroll T. Cannon

GAL #249 229-881-0721

For catalog and information, contact:Georgia Cattlemen’s Association

P.O. Box 27990 Macon, GA 31221

478.474.6560 Sale Day Phone: 706.624.1398

Jason Duggin, Public Service Assistant 1282 SR 53 Spur, SW

Suite 200Calhoun, GA 30701

706.624.1403 • [email protected]

www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/animals/beef

Hardy Edwards505 Lem Edwards Road • Winterville, GA 30683

Hardy Cell: (706) 714-9012 Office: (706) 742-2658 Kim Cell: (706) 206-6725www.hmeherefords.com

Selling Dec. 5 CALHOUN, GA TEST STATION SALE

BW WW YW Milk M&G REA Marb

+2.9 +57 +85 +28 +57 +0.57 +0.09


+2.6 +54 +81 +28 +55 +0.54 +0.09

TATTOO REG# BULL TEST # SIRE REG# DAM REG# BW WW YW Milk M&G REA Marb

A22 43457517 147 P42841162 P42774455 +3.7 +49 +78 +22 +47 +0.26 +0.38

A27 43457522 151 P43214853 P42585301 +1.9 +51 +88 +23 +48 +0.31 +0.47

A31 43457526 149 P43214853 P42585301 +2.5 +53 +90 +23 +49 +0.32 +0.46

A45 43457540 140 P24020737 P42585301 +4.4 +48 +71 +30 +54 +0.57 +0.29

A46 43457541 143 P43214853 P42585301 +2.6 +53 +91 +23 +49 +0.33 +0.46

A52 43457547 144 P43214853 P42585301 +2.6 +53 +91 +23 +49 +0.33 +0.46

A53 43457548 141 P43214853 P42823452 +2.7 +54 +89 +22 +49 +0.57 +0.26

A56 43457551 139 P24020737 P42585301 +4.4 +48 +71 +30 +54 +0.70 +0.23

A62 43457557 142 P43214853 P42823452 +2.7 +54 +89 +22 +49 +0.57 +0.26


+3.3 +55 +91 +22 +49 +0.57 +0.26


+3.1 +59 +98 +23 +52 +0.39 +0.46

HME 719T 545 A29 ET DLF,HYF,IEF HME 10Y 7063T A32 ET DLF,HYF,IEFDOB: 9/17/13 REG# P43457524

TH 122 71I VICTOR 719T X WALKER MISS P606 06N 545

VIEW THE BULL TEST RESULTS ONLINE AT: WWW.CAES.UGA.EDU/COMMODITIES/ANIMALS/BEEF/STATIONS/

HME 719T 545 A26 ET DLF,HYF,IEFDOB: 9/15/13 REG# P43457521

TH 122 71I VICTOR 719T X WALKER MISS P606 06N 545

HME 10Y R536 A34 ET DLF,HYF,IEFDOB: 9/21/13 REG# P43457529

NJW 73S W18 HOMETOWN 10Y ET X MC 9615 DUTCHESS R536

DOB: 9/18/13 REG# P43457527 NJW 73S W18 HOMETOWN 10Y ET X PR 102K SELMA 7063

Also Selling

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN • November 2014 2728 November 2014 • GEORGIA CATTLEMAN


Clark Hill Farms

+ =SAV Angus Valley 1867 SAV Primrose 4247 Lot 59

Lot Sire DOB WT ADG Ratio WDA Ratio59 SAV Angus Valley 1867 9/3/13 1465 3.83 101 3.61 11560 SAV Angus Valley 1867 9/6/13 1490 4.85 128 3.70 11784

Day

Rep

ort

Marty Clark Jefferson, Ga. • 770-294-5579





Lot DOB ADG ADG Ratio WDA WDA Ratio93 10/25/13 4.25 107 3.31 10094 11/02/13 4.50 114 3.79 11495 11/02/13 4.69 118 3.68 111

Chuck Traxler402 Old Spell Rd., St. George, S.C. • 843-200-4471

All three bulls are sired by Ellingson Legacy M229. Come check them out at Calhoun!

Lot 95

Lot 94

We look forward to seeing

everyone at the Calhoun Bull Test

Sale on Dec. 5!

For more information on the Calhoun

Bull Test, including consignors and bull

performance reports, visit

http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/

animals/beef/stations/

ANKONY – The Golden Standard –

Selling by Private TreatyOffering quality, functional females and bulls ready to go and work for you! Nothing has been picked through or held back!

Coming two-year-old bullsBred heifers due to calve in FebruaryGroups of yearling bulls and heifers

ANKONY FARMS125 Ankony Farm Drive

P.O. Box 1767 | Clarkesville, GA 30523Office 706.754.6000

www.ankonyfarms.com



BREE

DERS Chris and Julie Throne, Advisors

[email protected] and Jan Scott, Advisors

[email protected]

Mark your calendars...Georgia Angus Annual Meeting and Banquet

Saturday, January 24, 2015The Classic Center – Athens, GA

Georgia Beef Expo SaleFriday, April 3, 2015

Looking for Superior Angus Lots Nomination Deadline: January 15, 2015


The CABE Family Carnesville, GA 30521706-384-7119 home706-988-0018 Will [email protected]

www.cabeperiod.com

BREEDERS

Advertise your farm here!Call Bailey to reserve your space!

478-474-6560


Bud & Lorraine HillCell: 423-322-6007

[email protected]

50

Wayne Allen, manager (404) 985-7829

Your business card would look GREAT here!

Call Bailey to reserve your space!478-474-6560

This space is waitingon you!

Call Bailey to reserve your space!478-474-6560

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | 12:00 NOONHyder-Burks Agricul ture Pavi l ion | Tennessee Tech Univers i ty | Cookevi l le, TN

Bulls have been developed on a high roughage ration and managed in large grass pastures. All bulls selling are A.I. Sired and qualify for TAEP Genetics cost share program. Each bull will pass a breeding soundness exam, have a negative test for Bangs, Johne’s, BLV, and BVD PI. All bulls are AMF, NHF, CAF, D2F, M1F, and/or DDF by test or parentage. Ultrasound carcass data will be collected on each bull and that data will be available sale day.

AUCTIONEER: EDDIE BURKS

RICHARD BROWN Spring Oak Farm931-239-9785 [email protected]

DAVID HOLT Holt Farms931-397-1751 cell

[email protected]

KENT BROWN Jared Brown & Son931-265-9200 [email protected]

View Our Catalog: www.angusjournal.com

GENETIC EXCELLENCEGENETIC EXCELLENCEAngus Bull Sale

11th Annual

Also Selling:

Selling 100 Registered Angus Bulls

Connealy Mentor 7374 Connealy Thunder

SAV Priority 7283

VDAR Really Windy 4097

AAR Ten X 7008 SA

OTHER SIRES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO BUYERS ARE: SAV Final Answer 0035, SAV Thunderbird 9061, SydGen CC&7, Plattemere Weigh Up K360.

T h e a v e r a g e E P D ’s o f t h e b u l l s s e l l i n g : C E D + 6 | B W + 1 . 8 | W W + 5 5 | Y W + 9 7 | M i l k + 2 7

Open heifers, bred heifers (bred to low birth weight Angus bulls), & heifers with 1st calf at side.All heifers will have negative test for Bangs, Johne’s, BLV, and BVD PI.

125+ COMMERCIAL ANGUS HEIFERS

Nationwide Son & Iron Mountain. Son

Final Answer x Connealy Danny+10 CED, -1.2 BW, +58 WW, +97 YW

Built Right x Woodhill ForesightSim-Angus Bull

Final Answer x In Focus Son +10 CED, -.6 BW, +77 WW, +111 YW

New Sale Location-- N.E. GA Livestock, Athens Georgia

Selling 60 Powerful Angus & SimAngus Bulls and 100 commercial females! Breed Leading Genetics!

January 10 - Noon

Fred and Anne Gretsch (706) 340-0945 • Lexington, Ga.

Come enjoy some of Mrs. Anne’s cooking for lunch! See you there!

Videos available by Christmas • Check us out on Facebook!

Annual Sale • December 6, 2014 at Noon • Elberton Ga.45 Performance Tested Angus Bulls • 50 Angus Based Commercial Females

15 Elite Young Registered Angus Females (All Bramblett Angus)

SAV Momentum 9274

BW +2.3 | WW +54 | YW + 101| Milk +28 | CW +47 | $B +97.55

Momentum is being used in 17 states. His daughters and sons are phenomenal. The bulls are broad based, deep, big hipped, square on top with plenty of muscle expression. His daughters come with similar features but look feminine in nature and are exceptionally soft. They all come in a moderate birth weight package, and grow. There will be 25 lots of SAV Momentum 9274 progeny in the sale.

Additional Stud Bulls represented in the sale include the following: Consensus, Mentor, Regis,Big Eye, Confidence, and Style. Guest Bull consigners include these respected breeders: Acres of Grace, D&W, Elrod &Tolbert, Green Cattle Co., Gretsch Angus, Mathis Angus, Meldon Angus, Pruitt Angus and Rolling Acres. The commercial females are consigned by the following breeders: Bar Cron (Barry Cronic), Britt Angus, Green Cattle Co., Lee Cattle Co., South Wind and Saxon Farms.

Catalogs will be mailed in mid-November and available online at www.Angus.org.

We welcome your visit to review the sale lots and our program any time. You can reach us at 706-654-8272 and [email protected]

Larry, Virginia, John & Laura Bramblett • 2339 Almar Rd, Elberton GA 30635

11_14_Bramblett_Final.indd 19 10/7/2014 2:56:34 PM


My

Success

SWEETLIX.COM l 1-87-SWEETLIX

””

SWEETLIX® Rumensin® pressed blocks help provide extra weight gain and improve my stocker health program.

- Chuck Sebranek of Covington, Oklahoma

A letter from the Media and

Communications Committee:

Change is not always good or fun, but it is sometimes much needed. That is where we are with our advertising pricing for the Georgia Cattlemen. It has been several years since we last had a rate increase. We were long overdue. We were not in line with the other magazines rates in the Southeast. Many of our prices were, for a lack of a better word, were wacky figures also. We looked at our rates and made adjustments accordingly. After the adjustments were made, we are still very much in line with the other state magazines rates, and in most cases, still on the lower side price wise. The new rates will go into effect with the January issue of the magazine. Printing and postage prices have continued to rise. It was time for us to make the change. We have the best magazine in the Southeast and I hope you will continue to support it. - Dean Daniels

Committee Chairman

Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association23rd ANNUAL REPLACEMENT HEIFER SALE

Saturday - Feb. 28, 2015 - 12:30 p.m. Saluda Livestock Market - Saluda, SC

200 Open and Bred Heifers Sellingè Sired by Angus, Simmental, SimAngus, Gelbvieh,

Balancer & Polled Hereford bullsè Performance Testedè Offering both open heifers and fall calving bred heifersè Calfhood vaccinated and on excellent herd health pro-

gramè All heifers are BVD-PI testedè Sold in uniform groups of 2 to 5 headè Officially screened and sorted by Clemson University

Extension Service Representatives

Lunch provided by Saluda 4-HFor Information Contact:

Saluda County Cattlemen’s AssociationTravis Mitchell, Area Livestock and Forages Agent201 East Church Street, Saluda, SC 29138-1403

(864) 445-8117, extension 113 (office) • (803) 609-2828 (cell)(864) 445-8119 (fax) • email: [email protected]



Farm Signs

Available!

l i m i t e d q u a n t i t i e s !

Call Michele to Order Yours! 478-474-6560

[email protected]

Believe in it? Put YOUR NAME on it!

Show off your Georgia Cattlemen’s

Association membership and

support of the Beef Checkoff with a

custom FARM SIGN!

Custom farm signs are $45 plus shipping.

*Please note signs are one sided*

New Accuration® Block from Purina Animal Nutrition takes the games and guess-work out of beef cow nutrition supplementation. Accuration® Block includes Purina’s Intake Modifying Technology®, allowing cows to consume the nutrients they require, when they need them, while providing a balanced supplement. A part of the Sustained® Nutrition program, the Accuration® Block helps keep cows at an optimal BCS all year-round, for their best performance.

GET SERIOUS WITH ACCURATION® BLOCK

PART OF PURINA’S SUSTAINED ® NUTRITION PROGRAM

Accuration® Block is available in 200 lb block, 500 lb block and 200 lb tub form.

Ask Your Dealer About: Accuration® Liquid and Sup-R-Lix Liquid Feed Supplements

ANDERSON’S GENERAL STORE23736 Highway 80 EStatesboro, GA 30458

912-764-9084

BARNHART’S 2323 Highway 88

Hephzibah, GA 30815706-592-2549

BOSS BROTHERS COUNTRY STORE 3084 Highway 78 SWLoganville, GA 30052

770-466-0570

CHEROKEE FEED AND SEED

2370 Hightower RoadBall Ground, GA 30107

770-887-0440

CHEROKEE FEED-GAINESVILLE

869 Grove StreetGainesville, GA 30501

770-532-6291

DEASONS FARM AND GARDEN

30 Railroad AvenueRoyston, GA 30662

706-245-5001

DUCKWORTH FARM SUPPLY

122 North Elbert StreetMilledgeville, GA 31061

478-452-2515

MADDOX FEED AND SEED

1915 Winder Hwy.Jeff erson, GA 30549

706-367-9207

MOUNTAIN VALLEY COUNTRY STORE

670 Highway 69Hayesville, NC 28904

828-389-1402

SHIRLEY FEED AND SEED

2439 N. Elm St.Commerce, GA 30529

706-335-2162

TOWN AND COUNTRY GENERAL STORE59 Highway 212 W

Monticello, GA 31064706-468-7211

SMITH’S FARM SUPPLY

Lincoln Pl DriveLincolnton, GA 30817

706-359-7616


730 Industrial DriveSandersville, GA 31082

478-552-2255


136 Depot StreetWarrenton, GA 30828

706-465-3366

W B MILLER 2001 Bob Culvern Road

Louisville, GA 30434478-625-3900


Final results for the 2014 Southeastern Hay Contest (SEHC) are listed in Table 1. The results are broken down into the six categories of the contest: warm season perennial grass hay (bermudagrass, bahiagrass), perennial peanut and alfalfa hay, perennial cool season grass (tall fescue, orchardgrass, etc.), mixed and annual grass hay, grass baleage, and legume baleage categories. This contest is held in conjunction with the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie, GA. Weather is always a major limiting factor when attempting to produce high quality forage. This year, dry conditions in the later half of the growing season caused drought to be a major limitation. Drought stress increased the incidence of high nitrate levels in the forage in 2014. Still, the forage quality was much higher than in 2013, when near daily rainfall greatly limited the SE hay producer’s ability to harvest good quality forage. The average relative forage quality (RFQ) was higher in each category in 2014 compared to last year’s results. Also, the winning entries from each category were far greater in 2014! Good management can make a remarkable improvement in forage quality in both favorable and unfavorable weather conditions. The number of entries in the SEHC was also dramatically increased compared to previous years. We received 185 entries to the contest compared to only 109 entries in 2013. What is Relative Forage Quality? In the past, hay quality prediction equations were based on the fiber concentration of the hay crop. However, forage crops can have similar fiber content yet have very different digestibility. For instance, Tifton 85 bermudagrass often has a higher fiber concentration than other bermudagrass varieties, yet it is more digestible. This improved digestibility results in enhanced animal performance, but is not reflected using traditional forage testing methods. The Relative Forage Quality index was developed by the University of Florida and the University of Wisconsin to predict the fiber digestibility and animal intake of harvested crops. Since 2003, hundreds of warm season samples have been used to refine the RFQ equation for bermudagrass and other warm season forages. Currently, all forage sample results from the UGA Feed and Forage Testing Lab in Athens contain an estimate of Relative Forage Quality. This value is a single, easy to interpret number that improves producer understanding of a forage’s nutritive quality and helps in establishing a fair

market value for the product. How can Relative Forage Quality help me? Relative Forage Quality allows hay producers to easily categorize and price hay lots based on relative quality. Producers can purchase hay lots depending on its end use. For example, there is little need to feed high-quality hay to livestock that could easily utilize poorer quality forage. Hay with a RFQ of 115-130 can be fed to maintain beef cow-calf pairs, hay with an RFQ of 125-150 is adequate for stocker cattle or young growing replacement heifers, and hay with an RFQ of 140-160 is suitable for dairy cattle in the first three months of lactation. It is also easy to see that Relative Forage Quality could provide the framework for a quality hay marketing system. For example, hay with a RFQ of 155 could conceptually be labeled “premium” hay, while hay with an RFQ of 105 could be labeled “fair”. This simple system could allow producers to price hay consistently and fairly across harvest maturity, fertilization regimes, or plant species (i.e. bermudagrass, bahiagrass, perennial peanut, or tall fescue).


2014 Southeastern Hay Contest Results

there is little need to feed high-quality hay to livestock that could easily utilize poorer quality forage. Hay with a RFQ of 115-130 can be fed to maintain beef cow-calf pairs, hay with an RFQ of 125-150 is adequate for stocker cattle or young growing replacement heifers, and hay with an RFQ of 140-160 is suitable for dairy cattle in the first three months of lactation. It is also easy to see that Relative Forage Quality could provide the framework for a quality hay marketing system. For example, hay with a RFQ of 155 could conceptually be labeled “premium” hay, while hay with an RFQ of 105 could be labeled “fair”. This simple system could allow producers to price hay consistently and fairly across harvest maturity, fertilization regimes, or plant species (i.e. bermudagrass, bahiagrass, perennial peanut, or tall fescue).

Table 1. Category winners from the 2014 Southeastern Hay Contest (185 Sample Entries).

Results (185 Entries)

Category Farm Crude Protein, % TDN,% RFQWarm Season Per. Grass Hay Eddie Turner

Tennille, GA 14.9 62.0 14694 Entries Eddie Turner

Tennille, GA 15.1 61.6 143Eddie TurnerTennille, GA 19.8 61.3 143

Category Average 116

Per. Peanut/Alfalfa Hay Roper Farms 25.1 68.4 2409 Entries Canon, GA

Roper Farms 22.2 68.8 219Canon, GABohlen & Son Farm 24.8 68.8 215Madison, GA


Cool Season Per. Grass Hay Davis Farms 13.5 61.5 14112 Entries Carnesville, GA

Slater Chandler 12.9 61.2 139Colbert, GAMcDonald Farms 14.2 60.7 138Covington, GA


Mixed and Annual Grass Hay Joe Armstrong 12.9 65.2 16052 Entries Cairo, GA

Trails End Farm 14.8 64.3 156Colbert, GABohlen & Son Farm 26.5 62.7 151Madison, GA


Grass Baleage Yon Family Farms 13.9 74.0 22117 Entries Ridge Spring, SC

Leavelle Farms 14.0 66.8 171Buhl, ALWalters Farm 19.8 66.2 168Barnesville, GA


Legume Baleage Yon Family Farms 24.2 69.5 2001 Entry Ridge Spring, SC


By Dennis Hancock, UGA Extension Forage Specialist

Jonny & Toni Harris

Bud & Lorraine HillCell: 423-322-6007

BREEDERS


R e a d e r S e r v i c e s • C l a s s i f i e d A d v e r t i s e m e n t s

for more information or to advertise, call 478-474-6560

MIKE JONESPUREBRED LIVESTOCK

AUCTIONEER GAL #97819120 GA Hwy 219

West Point, GA 31833Ph. 706-773-3612

[email protected] www.mikejonesauctioneer.com

SoutheasternSemen Services, Inc.

• Semen Collection • Semen Storage• Semen Shipping • Semen Sales• Storage Tanks • Custom Breeding

Scott Randell16878 45th Rd. • Wellborn, FL 32094

386-963-5916 • Email [email protected] Located For Accessibility To All Southern States

Randy Daniel348 Daniel RoadColbert, GA 30628706/788-2533

Daniel LivestockService

Distributors for:Pearson ChutesRiverode Galvanized Equip.Paul ScalesStoll TrailersBarrett Trailers

auctioneeRs LivestocK seRvices

cLassiFied adveRtiseMentsfor more information or to advertise, call 478-474-6560

Embryo Transfer Ultrasounding for Early PregnancySynchronization & Breeding ProgramsFetal Sexing

Jim [email protected]

Perry Smith540-815-7847

[email protected]

Office (229) 776-7588Fax (229) 776-3509www.tysonsteel.com

361 Doerun RoadDoerun, GA [email protected]

Fertility testing BullsA-I training

tRaiLeRs ~ FencinG ~ etc.Carroll T. CannonAuctioneerP.O. Box 500

Ty Ty, GA 31795-0500229/776-4383

Cell: 229/[email protected]

HIGHVIEW FARMSBreeding Cattle since 1973 • Williamson, GA

Hereford, Angus and BaldiesFor Sale Private Treaty

Call Harold Leo Corley at 770-567-3942 or 678-333-3509

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

Hoof Trimming • Photography • Sale Consulting • Clipping • Livestock Hauling • UltrasoundBill & Stephanie Martin & Family / PO Box 683, Jefferson GA 30549 / 706-367-8349 • 706-654-8883

cattLe FoR saLe

cLeMents’ LivestocK seRvices, inc.Embryo Transfer (In house or on farm)

Mobile labFetal Sexing

(Via Ultrasound)19 years experience

Pregnancy Detection(Via Ultrasound)

(200,000+ Head Checked)Greg Clements1800 Hog Mountain Rd.Statham, Ga. 30666

Office: 770-725-0348Cell: 706-202-7208

Home: 770-725-2611

Senepol CattleHeat tolerant • Red & Black • Easy Calving

Milk • Great Crosses • Good Udders • GentleDisease Resistance • Polled • No Brahman

George Fiveash 229-563-5380 — South GABobby Griffin 478-230-0422 — Middle GARoy Lee Strickland 770-459-5997 — North GA

Come see our senepol! www.senepolcattle.com

eQuipMent

Joey Roberts: 706-318-8848

3000 Deep Creek Rd.,Bowman, GA 30624

[email protected]

visit Gca at www.gabeef.org

RESOLVE TO EAT MORE BEEF! !

LivestocK Feed

CHICKEN LITTER

TRIPLE E POULTRYEstablished 1976

Delivered In Bulk 25 Ton Loads.243 TALKING ROCK DR. N

BOB EDWARDS JASPER, GA 30143(706) 692-5149 CELL: (404) 408-3709

DarrenCarterAuctioneer/

Sale Manager1410 Carter Rd.

Ninety Six, SC29666

(864) [email protected]

Reach 5,000 ReadeRs whowant to buy youR pRoducts

and seRvices! Advertise here next monthin the Georgia Cattleman.


Bill Hagemann Land Broker

120 South Park Square • Suite 206Marietta, Georgia 30060o: 770.424.6366 • c: [email protected]

We specialize in farm and timberland sales. If you are considering buying or selling a farm,

please give us a call.

Southern Farm & Forest, LLC

Advertise your business here!

Contact [email protected] • 478-474-6560

1(800)487-5326

A Meyer Natural Foods Company

ANTIBIOTIC & HORMONE FREE? CALL US FIRST!Continental Cattle

Angus or


Beef Management Calendar for the Month of DecemberEditor’s Note: This calendar contains a monthly listing of the common management practices needed for commercial beef herd production in Georgia. Some practices are recommended at a certain time of the year and others are recommended when calves are a certain age or at a certain point in their reproductive cycle. Each monthly list is divided into three sections: general, spring calving and fall calving. Management practices in the general category are seasonal and apply to most cattle producers in Georgia. The spring calving list is based on Jan. 10 to March 31 calving dates, and the fall calving list is based on Oct. 1 to Dec. 20 calving dates. These dates are not necessarily the best dates for all producers but were chosen because they are reasonably close to what many producers use. Establish calving dates based on your feed resources and availability of labor. A cow’s energy and protein requirements increase greatly at calving and remain high through the breeding season. It is best to plan breeding season for the time of year when forage quality is at its best. With good winter grazing, fall calving is a good option. If cows are wintered on hay, spring pasture offers the best feed for breeding season and spring calving is a better choice. If your calving season is different, adjust management practices accordingly. Revised by Ronnie Silcox and Lawton Stewart, Extension Animal Scientists. Original manuscript by Ronnie Silcox and Mark McCann, Extension Animal Scientists.

General Do not graze winter annuals closerthan 4”. Over grazing can reducewinter forage production. Provide high magnesium mineralsupplement for cows on wintergrazing. Treat for lice if not already done. Keep a close eye on cattle whengrazing on crop residues and residualsummer grass. Quality will declinerapidly now. Evaluate your winter feed supply. Consider the amount of grazingplanted, condition of grazing fields,hay quantity and quality. There is stilltime to buy supplemental feeds at fallprices. Vitamin A supplementation might beneeded if frosted grass or weatheredhay is the primary forage source(1000 lb cow requires 35,000 IU/day).

Spring CalvingJanuary, February, March

Move heifers into dry, clean pasturesand check frequently. They shouldbegin calving in December. Tag calves at birth. Record birthdates, tag numbers and cow ID. Castrate, dehorn and implant at birth. Check breeding dates on cows.Watch closely as due datesapproach. Feed requirements increase about10-15% during the last 30-45 days


prior to calving. Do not underfeed inan effort to reduce birth weight. Check with your veterinarian aboutsuggested pre-breeding vaccinationsfor cows.

Fall CalvingOctober, November, December

Check cows frequently. Be ready toassist with calving if necessary. Castrate, dehorn and implant calvesat birth. Tag calves at birth. Record birth date,tag number and cow ID. Start breeding heifers about a monthbefore the cow herd. (They shouldweigh of expected mature weight.) For a high percentage of cows to rebreed early, they must be in moderateto good condition. You probably needto start grazing or feeding your besthay now. Supplement as neededaccording to forage test. Check bulls’ semen before turning inwith cows.


Beef Industry Calendar of EventsJanuary 17

Bull Hill Ranch More Bull for Your Buck Production

SaleGray Court, SC

Florida Bull Test Sale

Greenwood, Fla.850-394-9124

January 20Lake City 15th Annual Invitational

Black Bull Sale Lake City, Fla.386-755-2300

January 26-27Emerging Leaders Conference

Macon, Ga.478-474-6560

January 31NSR Winter Type Conference

Perry, Ga.

February 4-7, 2015NCBA Cattle Industry Convention &

Trade ShowSan Antonio, Texas

303-694-0305

February 7, 2015 Turnpike Creek Farms 16th Annual

Bull & Female SaleMilan, Ga.

229-315-0986

February 12, 2015 23rd Annual Focus on EPDs

UGA Instructional Arena, Athens, Ga.706-542-9102

February 14, 2015 Tokeena Angus Bull & Female Sale

Seneca, S.C.865-241-0000

February 21, 2015Yon Family Farms Performance Tested

Bull SaleRidge Spring, S.C.

803-685-5048

February 20, 2015 Beef Maker Bull & Female Sale Barnes Herefords Sale Facility

Cedartown, Ga.

February 28, 2015Pigeon Mountain Beef Builders Spring Bull

SaleRome, Ga.

770-547-1433

December 5, 2014Calhoun Performance Bull Test

Calhoun, Ga.706-624-1403

Knoll Crest Annual Production SaleRed House, Va.

4343763567

Meadows Creek It’s All Black & White Bull Sale

Montgomery StockyardMontgomery, Ala.

334-797-4870

December 6, 2014Bramblett Angus

Hartwell, Ga.706-654-8272

Next Step Cattle Co.Auburn, Ala.

205-755-5431

December 7-9, 2014Georgia Farm Bureau Annual

ConventionJekyll Island, Ga.

December 12, 2014Lawler Farm Complete Dispersion

Opelika, Ala.662-837-1776

December 13, 2014Driggers Simmental Farm Bull Sale

Glennville, Ga.912-237-0608

Myers Hereford Farm Annual Bull & Heifer Sale

Statesville, N.C.704-872-7155

January 3, 2015Genetic Excellence Angus Bull Sale

Cookeville, Tenn.931-265-9200

January 10, 2015Gretsch Brothers Angus Bull & Female

SaleLexington, Ga. 706-340-0945

Southeast Angus Classic Bull SaleOpelika, Ala.

662-837-4904

Tanner FarmsWiggins, Miss.601-477-2202


Saluda County Cattlemen’s Assn’s23rd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale

Saluda, S.C.803-609-2828

March 20, 2015CES Polled Herefords / Predestined

Cattle Co. / Smith AngusWadley, Ga.

Kyle Gillooly-478-494-9593

March 28, 20158th Annual Southern Tradition Sale

CSR FarmsAlapaha, GA

April 1-4, 2015GCA’s 53rd Convention, Beef Expo

and Trade ShowPerry, Ga.

478-474-6560

April 22-25, 2015GCA’s Spring Tour

478-474-6560

April 26, 2015Rocking W Angus & Hillside Angus

Farm 2nd Annual Female Production Sale

404-316-4969

May 2, 2015Ogeechee Farms & CAM Ranches 8th

Annual Angus Production SaleWadley, Ga.

706-551-2878

Timberland Cattle’s Spring Female Sale

Vernon, Ala.205-695-6314

May 23, 2015Barnes Herefords & White Hawk

Ranch “Inaugural Production SaleBarnes HerefordsCedartown, Ga.

July 23-25, 20155th Annual GCA Summer Conference

St. Simons, Ga.478-474-6560

To have your event added to the calendar, email [email protected]


BREE

DERS

a Division of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc.

229/559-6224 [email protected]

Tracy Holbert 979/255-4357Ranch located just off I-75, on the Georgia-Florida line.

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We Can Help

WASTE LESS HAY!

HayMaster NutritionInjection Systems, INC.

www.haymastersystems.com

Call Us TOLL FREE888-992-7222

Discounted Shipping RatesNow Available

GEORGIA CATTLEMAN

“Let’s talk marketing!”Contact Bailey Toates at [email protected]

to talk about marketing and advertising rates.

BREEDERS

Georgia-Florida Charolais Association For information on the Georgia-Florida Charolais Association,

contact Scott Tipton, President1001 Preacher Campbell Rd, Clarkesville, GA 30523

706-200-6655 • [email protected]

Happy Holidays from Mayo Cattle Co.

Your source for purebred Charolais cattle!

Tom Mayo • Richland, Ga. • 229-310-6661



Reproductive efficiency in beef cattle requires a live, healthy calf. Fortunately for us in the beef cattle business most of the beef calf births occur without any direct human assistance. However, successful calving depends on good herd nutrition and health and good calving management practices. It is frustrating to get cows pregnant and carry the calf to term only to lose it at calving. The most common reason for losing calves within the first 2-3 weeks of life is calving difficulty (dystocia) or consequences of a difficult birth. Calves that experience a difficult birth may not nurse soon after birth. If they don’t nurse and absorb sufficient colostrum within 24 hours they have a higher risk of getting sick in the first few weeks after birth. Calving problems can also have negative effects on subsequent cow fertility and calving-related problems are a major cause of cows leaving the herd due to death or involuntary culling. Calving or labor is broken down in 3 stages: Stage 1 is preparation for calf delivery. The cow usually goes off by herself to a secluded part of the pasture. During this time her cervix is dilating, uterine contractions are increasing and she may have a thick, mucous discharge. This may last from a few hours to as long as 24 hours. Stage 2 is the delivery of the calf. The first sign of actual delivery is often the water bag hanging from the cow’s vulva. She may lie down and push and get up and check the area for a calf and repeat the process

several times until the calf is delivered. A good rule of thumb is to expect the calf to be delivered within two hours after noticing the water bag. As long as the cow is making progress intervention isn’t necessary. The third stage is delivery of the afterbirth, fetal membranes, and may take several hours to complete. It is not always easy to decide when to intervene. Usually, if a cow or heifer is not making any progress within two hours of beginning Stage 2 labor it is a good idea to check her. Depending on the frequency of observation of the calving herd ranchers may not know when Stage 2 started. If two hooves and a nose appear when she is pushing then she may be making good progress. However, if there is only one hoof, the nose isn’t visible or the dew claws are pointed up or she is walking around with her tail out like she is trying to urinate then it is time to bring her in and check her to see what is wrong. The most common causes for calving problems is the calf is too big for the birth canal or the calf is in the wrong position. If the calf is too big it is best to have a caesarean section done by a veterinarian. If the calf is in the wrong position or has a leg or head back you may be able to correct the problem and deliver the calf by pulling. Using too much force to pull a large calf through a small birth canal can result in injury or death to the calf and injury to the cow or heifer. Heifers require help more frequently than cows. In one

Beef Cattle

CalvingManagement

Dr. Lee Jones, DVM,MS, University of Georgia



study of calving management practices in beef herds, less than 85 percent of heifers calved without assistance while more than 97 percent of the cows calved unassisted. There were differences between herd size and regions of the country about when managers assisted or if they assisted. Ranchers that were more likely to assist reported easier delivery scores (easy pull) than those that did not. It is possible that assistance wasn’t actually necessary but the value of the calf and heifer to the ranch justified the early intervention. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to calving problems and poor calf health. Protein deficiency prior to calving has been shown to lead to weak calves, and energy restriction (attempting to keep birth weights low) may lead to calves with reduced body fat and cold tolerance. Cows consuming insufficient energy and protein may sacrifice their own body reserves to produce good quality colostrum. Cows that don’t have sufficient nutrition prior to calving may not have the energy and stamina required for calving and give up, which can lead to more calves born dead. In some cases these cattle may also have an increased risk of uterine prolapse after calving. Adequate pre-calving nutrition is essential for optimum reproductive performance of the cow as well. Nutritional needs increase as the cow approaches calving time and peaks in the first few months after calving. It is best to feed cows to be in BCS 5 or even 6 at the time of calving. The cow’s condition at calving is the best predictor for fertility after calving. Many cows will lose one to two condition scores in the weeks after calving. This is especially critical for first calf heifers to get them bred back in a timely manner if you have a controlled calving season. It is best to have a calving area that is clean (free from excessive manure and disease causing organisms), dry (or access to a dry area) and somewhat protected from harsh elements (we don’t worry about blizzards often in the southeast but winter rain storms can be severe). New calves

can get infections in their wet umbilical cords (called navel ill) which can lead to diarrhea or septic arthritis (infected joints). Calving areas that have been used for an extended period of time become contaminated with disease causing bugs. Calves born on highly contaminated calving areas will be exposed to an increased volume of disease causing organisms. If you have many cattle to calve over a period of time the best management practice is to move dry cows onto fresh pasture so the new calves aren’t exposed to the same things as the previous calves. Pastures need to have good drainage so mud or water doesn’t build up and the calves can find a dry place to lie down. When calves get wet they have difficulty maintaining body temperature even in relatively mild weather. Proper heifer development, culling heifers with small, narrow pelvic openings, adequate pre-calving nutrition for cows and heifers and selecting calving ease bulls for heifers are good management practices that help minimize calving difficulty. For heifers it is wise to select bulls with a proven calving ease EPD (expected progeny difference) score. Many ranchers take advantage of estrus synchronization and AI to use proven AI sires for calving ease. There are tables that help compare EPD scores across breeds. Mature cows can have larger calves with heavier weaning weights but selecting for bulls with exceptionally high weaning weights may also include high birth weights and calving problems. Since dead calves don’t have very high weaning weights sometimes it may be best to select moderate growth bulls with average birth EPDs. Calving success is an all or nothing event. A little extra effort or planning at calving time can go a long way toward putting a lot more money in your pocket. One of the most frustrating things for me as a cattle owner was to lose a calf when I could have prevented it with just a little effort. Those girls can do a lot for us if we just do our part and give them the support they need to do their job.


Principles for Successful Calving Assistance

1. Timely intervention. Sooner is better than too late. If there is no progress after 2-3 hours then it is time to see if there is a problem.

2. Practice good hygiene – use a mild soap (Ivory is good) and clean the vulva and area around it before doing the examination. Make sure the equipment (chains, handles and puller) is clean and working properly.

3. Remember plenty of lubrication – both for the examination as well as to aid in pulling the calf. Dry tissue will tear easily so proceed slowly with caution.

4. Determine if the calf is in the wrong position; the heifer isn’t dilated enough or if the calf is just too big for the birth canal. If it’s too big, call a veterinarian.

5. Don’t get in a hurry pulling the calf, especially with poor dilation. Give the tissues time to stretch so it doesn’t tear. Remember: Use PLENTY of lubrication. Too much force may injure the calf or cow.

6. After delivering the calf, allow the cow and calf to pair up in quiet. Make sure the calf gets adequate colostrum.

Association Reports • Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association

My Favorite Time of YearBy McKayla Snow

P.O. Box 27990Macon, GA 31221

478-474-6560http://www.gabeef.org/gjca/

GJCA Mission Statement:The mission of the Georgia Junior

Cattlemen’s Association is to prepare the members of the junior association

for membership and leadership in the Young Cattlemen’s Council and Georgia Cattlemen’s Association,

and to offer education opportunities to prepare them to become industry

leaders.

GJCA Leadership:

ChairmanGreyson Fernandez

[email protected]

Convention/Summer Conference Merritt Daniels

[email protected]

Chapter RelationsDalton Green

[email protected]

Chapter RelationsKatie Fife

[email protected]

Chapter RelationsMcKayla Snow

[email protected]

Youth Activities AdvisorBailey Toates816-824-0002

[email protected]

Is Christmas really almost here? It seems like just yesterday I was washing my show heifer and taking her to the fair in Perry. But we are in the last month of the year and we are starting the final countdown for the Georgia Junior National show in February and everyone is also gearing up for Christmas at home. I can remember my previous Christmas memories and how our house never seemed to stop growing. Aunts, uncles, grandparents: you name it, they were at our house. The best part wasn’t the presents that they brought with them; it was the comfort of being with family and how it seemed to warm the entire house with love. On Christmas morning, most kids would be excited about seeing what Santa brought, but I was more worried about when I could go to the barn and feed the calves. I’m sure a lot of the juniors can relate to me as well. But after a few weeks have gone by after this wonderful holiday, the presents won’t be brand new and the wrapping paper will be long gone. One thing that remains, however, is the memories of Christmas, whether it be seeing your grandparents for the first time in a few months or having a new calf that was born on Christmas morning. Keep this in mind as we fly through the month of December and into the New Year, and remember that the memories that family and friends bring can never grow old. After the excitement of Christmas and the New Year has worn off, you will realize that you have a busy year ahead of you. State show is coming up in less than a month; and for some of our juniors, including myself, it will be our last. However, we also have to remember that we have the annual GCA Convention and Beef Expo coming up April 1-4, 2015. Make sure to mark your calendars because we have a lot of opportunities for juniors as well as adults. So, as the year comes to a close, I just want to share a piece of advice that I was given the other day. “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe is what you can achieve.” So do something new or bold as we close out 2014 and enter 2015. Happy Holidays and may they be filled with love from family and friends.


Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association

Goin’ Showin’

Want to be featured on the Goin’ Showin’ page? Send results to [email protected]

Overall Grand Champion HeiferMariah Lynn

Georgia National Fair Junior Heifer Show- Perry, Ga.

Overall Reserve Grand Champion HeiferKatie Fife

3rd Overall HeiferAndy Chastain

4th Overall HeiferBrett Dyer

5th Overall HeiferDylan Chastain

Angus Champion Heifer Brett Dyer

Angus Res. Champion Heifer Bella Chandler

Brah-Influ Champ. Heifer Austin Hill

Brah-Influ Res. Champion Heifer Molly Wright

Charolais Champion Heifer Sarah Cantrell

Charolais Res. Champion Heifer Madison Abbs

Chi-Influence Champ. HeiferPayton Jackson

Chi-Influence Res. Champ. HeiferJay Glass

Commercial Champ. HeiferKatie Fife

Commercial Res. Champ. Heifer Allie Duck

Hereford Champ. Heifer Andy Chastain

Hereford Res. Champ. Heifer Lowry Hunt

Dec14_GoinShowin.indd 1 11/5/2014 11:38:25 AM

Georgia National Fair Junior Heifer Show- Perry, Ga. Continued

Limousin Champ. Heifer Gayla Sizemore

Limousin Res. Champ. Heifer Will Frost

Maine-Anjou Chp. Heifer Mariah Wynn

Main-Anjou Res. Chp. Heifer Landon Herring

Shorthorn Champion Heifer Tom Morgan

Shorthorn Res. Champion Heifer Hannah Barrett

Shorthorn Plus Champ. HeiferJustin Turner

Shorthorn Plus Res. Champ. Heifer Gabe Claxton

Simmental Chp. Heifer Drew Brooksher

Simmental Res. Chp. Heifer Morgan McDaniel

Overall Grand Champion SteerAaron Kingler

Overall Reserve Grand Champion SteerMaddie Dean

3rd Overall SteerMegan Greeson

4th Overall SteerCharles Bailey

5th Overall SteerPike Lynn

Georgia National Fair Junior Steer Preview Show- Perry, Ga.

% Simmental Chp. Heifer Dylan Chastain

% Simmental Res. Chp. Heifer Makayla Holmes

AOB Champion Heifer Lori Edwards

AOB Reserve Champ. HeiferHannah Panter


Overall Grand Champion Heifer Branson Beasley

Overall Reserve Grand Champion Heifer Tom Morgan

3rd Overall HeiferAnna Scott

4th Overall HeiferJacob Collins

5th Overall HeiferHaley Pulsifer

Overall Grand Champion SteerAli Moore

Overall Reserve Grand Champion SteerDalton Barlow

3rd Overall SteerWyatt Chandler

4th Overall SteerDylan Chastain

5th Overall SteerWilton Pittman

Junior Invitational Steer & Heifer Show - Perry, Ga.

Not Pictured



Advertising IndexNext Month: Livestock Handling & Farm Equipment

Magazine & online advertising available: Call 478-474-6560!

3-J Farms.......................................46AgAmerica Lending.......................23Ankony Farms................................53Beef Maker Bull Sale......................27Bramblett Angus Sale.....................60Bull Hill Ranch .............................39Calhoun Bull Test Sale....................44Carroll County Livestock..............68Carroll T. Cannon, Auctioneer......68Cattlesoft......................................54Clark Hill Farms...........................48Collins & Son...............................48Daniel Livestock Service................68Darren Carter, Auctioneer.............68Double T Farms............................50Elrod & Tolbert.............................47Emilan Angus Farm.......................51Farmers Livestock Market, LLC....68Flint River Mills..............................7Florida Bull Test Sale.....................26Focus on EPDs Sale.......................37Franklin County Livestock............68Fuller Farm Supply.........................25Gary Jenkins..................................33Genetic Excellence Sale..................58Genex Cooperative, Inc.................68Georgia Angus Breeders...........56, 57Georgia Beefmaster Breeders.........26

GEORGIA CATTLEMANO F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E G E O R G I A C A T T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I A T I O N • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4

A Trip Down Mayo Lane p. 40 • Feed to Breed p. 58 • Centennial Farms p. 74



Georgia Brahman Breeders............28Georgia Brangus Breeders..............72Georgia Chianina Breeders............26Georgia Farm Credit........................2Georgia Hereford Breeders.............65Georgia Limousin Breeders............30Georgia Red Angus Breeders..........37Georgia Santa Gertrudis Breeders..28Georgia Senepol Breeders...............28Georgia Shorthorn Breeders..........26Georgia Simmental Association.....32Georgia Simmental Breeders.........32Georgia-Florida Charolais Breeders..73Gretsch Brothers Angus Sale..........59Haymaster Systems........................72Highview Farms.............................68HME Herefords............................45JanBil Farms..................................39Lake City Invitational.................IFCLand South....................................31Laura’s Lean Beef...........................68Lemmon Cattle Enterprises...........49Malcolm Financial Group.............70Martin’s Cattle Services.................68Mayo Cattle Co.............................73Meldon Farm................................49Mike Jones, Auctioneer..................68Mix 30..........................................61

National Swine Registry................31Norbrook......................................22Northeast Georgia Livestock........BCParallise Properties, LLLP...............52Pasture Management.....................24Priefert Supply...............................25Purina...........................................63Reproductive Management Services..68Rockin R Trailers...........................69Saluda Cattlemen’s Assn Sale.........62Southeast AgNet............................70Southeast Angus Classic Sale.........55Southeast Livestock Exchange.......70Southeastern Semen Services, Inc..68Southern Farm & Forest, LLC......68Sweetlix.........................................61Tanner Farms..................................1The Bull Whisperer.......................68Tokeena Angus................................3Trax Cattle.....................................52Triple E Poultry..............................68Triple S Cattle Co..........................50Tyson Steel....................................69Vigortone......................................70Williams Angus.............................51Yancey Brothers.............................68Yon Family Farm........................IBC


160 Angus Bulls20 SimAngus BullsSelect offering of 50 Females also sell!

Many Calving Ease Bulls with Excellent Growth

Quiet Dispositions

Developed on a High Roughage Ration

Sound Feet and Legs

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Yon Bulls Add VAlue

Kevin & Lydia YonPO Box 737 • Ridge Spring, SC 29129

Email: [email protected]

(803)685-5048 or (803)622-8597

Live, on-line bidding available through

www.dvauction.com

Selling 180 BullS

Preview the Bulls on our website at www.yonfamilyfarms.com

Request a sale book today!

25th Annual

PerformAnce TesTed Bull sAle

Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 11 a.m.

Selling

Northeast Georgia Livestock LLC

1200 Winterville Road, Athens, GA 30605 • Manager: Todd Stephens P: 706.549.4790 • F: 706.549.1701 • www.negalivestock.com

Regular Sale Every Wednesday @ Noon Video Sale Every Wednesday @ 3 pm

Mark Your Calendars!!

December 17, 2014 • Noon Customer Appreciation Day

Lunch Starts at 10:45 am** Last Regular Sale of the Year **

January 10, 2015 • Noon Gretsch Brothers Angus Bull Sale

We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

• Café Open Serving Breakfast and Lunch •

Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible prices for their cattle.

Check out our load lot video sales results and other information at our website:

www.negalivestock.com

Feed and water available! • We also haul and work cattle!

Thank you to all of our loyal customers of our regular Wednesday and video sales.

Come see us Dec. 17 for our complimentary customer appreciation luncheon!

Video Sale Representatives Todd Stephens • 770.601.6286 • GA, SC, TN & AL

Ross Strickland • 770.547.3644 • Northwest GA Mark Hart •706-.498.2769 • Northeast GA & SC

Donnie Duke • 706.491.6103 • Northeast/Northwest GA & SC

Selling 75

young bred

cows on Dec.17!

Documents

Georgia Cattleman December 2014