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KLA, NCBA submit comments on GHG Emissions Rule

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TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) joined with National Cattlemen Beef Association (NCBA) in filing comments on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) controversial greenhouse gas disclosure rule. The rule would require publicly traded companies to report direct emissions in addition to those from all segments of their supply chain. The rule’s broad scope would burden cattle producers and require the reporting of farm or ranch level emissions data. There currently is no way to accurately measure this data on the individual level and estimates would expose producers to legal liability.

The comments filed with SEC call for the agency to limit the scope of the rule to only direct emissions from publicly traded companies. SEC is a Wall Street regulator and this attempt to regulate private farms and ranches is a massive overreach of the agency’s authority.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers are America’s original conservationists. Thanks to decades of innovation and continuous improvement, cattle production accounts for just 2% of overall U.S. greenhouse gas emissions,” said NCBA Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “Cattle producers have a proven track record of sustainable practices and should not be penalized with overreaching rules from an agency with no expertise in agriculture.”

Additionally, industry-wide emissions data already is collected through the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual greenhouse gas inventory and USDA life cycle assessments. In the submitted comments, KLA and NCBA urged SEC to rely on these existing metrics, rather than placing a burdensome mandate on individual cattle producers.

— Kansas Livestock Association

Lameness in Ruminants Conference updates its schedule

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Lameness in Ruminants Conference Planning Committee released an updated schedule for its 21st International Symposium and 13th International Conference, scheduled for Aug. 1-5, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South in Bloomington, Minn. Visit https://lamenessinruminants2022.com to view the revised schedule.

Organizers of this event will apply for RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) credits, which help veterinarians and veterinary technicians fulfill continuing education requirements. The Lameness in Ruminants Conference Planning Committee members anticipate receiving approval of its RACE application for approximately 28 RACE credits.

Among the changes is an additional “Revisiting the Fundamentals of Functional and Therapeutic Hoof Trimming” session with instructors Karl Burgi of Save Cows Network and Lee Erickson of Sure Step Consulting International, LLC. The originally scheduled session quickly reached capacity. Conference organizers anticipate that this added session will also fill completely, so register soon. Participants in this course will learn and practice modern hoof-trimming techniques. The hands-on course includes applying hoof trimming steps one through five to hoofs collected from slaughter.

Revolving around the theme, “Embracing Excellence in Mobility and Wellbeing,” the event offers four tracks – research, trimmer, small ruminant and beef. All tracks are open to all registered attendees. Those in attendance will learn about the most current research and practices that help enhance large and small ruminant hoof health.

Here’s the Lameness in Ruminants Conference schedule at a glance:

Aug. 1 – Pre-conference Sessions (many include hands-on learning opportunities)

Aug. 2 – Pre-conference Sessions, Case Studies and Welcome Reception

Aug. 3 – Conference Sessions, Abstract Presentations, Exhibitor Reception and Poster Exhibits

Aug. 4 – Conference Sessions, Abstract Presentations and Gala

Aug. 5 – Tour (Bomaz Farms, Hammond, Wis., and Fetzer Farms Inc., Elmwood, Wis.) and Hoof Trimming School, Redhead Creamery, Brooten, Minn.

This conference welcomes researchers, veterinarians, animal producers, hoof trimmers, students and industry representatives from around the world. Go to: https://bit.ly/2022LIR to register. Daily registrations are available.

To make your hotel reservation at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South, go to: https://bit.ly/LIRHotel. Book by July 12, to take advantage of the discounted room block rate.

–Lameness in Ruminants Conference

Continuing the legacy of the Logan Ranch through OSU Ag Research

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STILLWATER, Okla. — Elizabeth Logan has had many loves in her life throughout her 95 years – her husband George W., horses and the Logan Ranch, just to name a few. For more than 50 years, Logan has resided on the 320-acre Logan Ranch in Haskell.

“We bought the farm in 1970 and built the house,” Logan said. “We raised beef cattle and quarter horses. George W. loved the outdoors and loved the horses.”

Her love for horses didn’t begin until later.

“I was afraid of horses until my husband had open-heart surgery in 1995,” Logan said. “He had a barn full of studs, and I had to take care of them during his recovery. Finally, I just got more comfortable with them.”

As Logan spent more time caring for the horses, she decided to start showing them.

“George W. had a yearling filly, Scottish Nurse, that I took a shine to,” she said. “I came in one evening after feeding and told George W. that I was going to show Scottish Nurse. He about fell out of the chair. I told him that I’m going to make her high point filly of Oklahoma the next year, and I did.”

Logan had success showing horses for 20 years until she was 88 years old. However, her journey with horses did not end there.

About six years ago, Logan got into the racehorse business after encouragement from her veterinarian, Jay Ross.

She started with Chrome Kisses her first year, then acquired Batter Up and Josey Wales the next. Logan got her first win with Batter Up. When her horses would do well, she would use the prize money to buy more. She currently has nine racehorses.

To say Logan has done well with her racehorses is an understatement. In 2019, at the age of 92, she won the Oklahoma Futurity at Remington Park with EC Revenge. She won it again in 2022 with Tres Crystals.

“I can’t tell you how exciting it is to win the Oklahoma Futurity not once but twice,” she said. “When my horse ran it the first time, it was the biggest thrill of my life. I get thrilled every time; it doesn’t matter. My trainer has had horses in the futurity to run, but he has never won it. Now we’ve won it twice, so he’s thrilled, too.”

In May, Tres Crystals won the Heritage Place Futurity, which is another first for trainer Dee Keener.

Reminiscing on her life achievements, Logan says she’s not getting any younger.

With no children, Logan and her husband planned for the future of their property. In 1999, the couple decided to donate their estate, including their ranch, to the Oklahoma State University Foundation for agricultural research after their passing.

Although she has carried on George W.’s legacy since his death in 2011, Logan recently made the decision to donate the property while she’s still living.

“I’ve been blessed; I really have,” Logan said. “I decided there’s no better time than now.”

The decision to donate their land and property spurred from a trip to Stillwater in 1983. When their champion mare, Bandy, got sick, and after receiving no answers from local veterinarians, the couple loaded up and took their horse to the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

OSU veterinarians identified the problem as hyperkalemic periodic paralysis disease, an inherited muscular genetic disease the equine industry was not familiar with at the time.

“If they wouldn’t have found out that she had HYPP, she wouldn’t have lived very long,” Logan said. “OSU gave us more time with her. They were so good to save our mare; that instigated us to give OSU the farm.”

Heidi Williams, associate vice president for the OSU Foundation, said OSU developed a relationship with Logan, which led her to consider gifting the property for agricultural research use during her lifetime.

“We’ve had the privilege of getting to know Elizabeth during the past six years,” William said. “We’ve hosted her for a campus visit and football game, visited her ranch with several OSU Agriculture administrators and joined her at the racetrack, all while stewarding her planned gift. She is an incredible lady, and we are fortunate she sees value in donating her land to OSU for agricultural research.”

Chris Richards, director of the field and research service unit for OSU Ag Research, said Logan’s property is not only a great addition but also perfect timing.

“We had the Eastern Research Station in Haskell as a lease property since the early 70s,” Richards said. “However, we recently lost the lease on that property, so this generous gift will allow us to continue research in that area of the state.”

Current work includes building a fence around the property and developing a cattle handling facility to prepare for future research on the site.

“We hope to do very similar things at the new facility as we were doing at the old one, which includes cattle grazing research,” he said. “The first project is funded under the Oklahoma Water Resources Center using geofencing cattle collars. It is a very appropriate use for that space since it’s entirely in forage.”

During this research period, Richards said they will work on pasture weed control and fertilization to increase the forage consistency across the property. In addition, they will prepare smaller replicated pastures with internal fencing and water sources designed for specific research interests.

Thomas G. Coon, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, said he values the personal connection Logan has made with the university and her commitment to helping OSU Ag Research.

“Someone who gives a gift like this becomes one of those key people who have contributed to the building of this institution,” Coon said. “They are giving of themselves in a very concrete way to make sure the big idea behind this place continues.”

In addition to donating the property, the Logans started a scholarship fund for students entering OSU’s veterinary program.

“George W. always said we’ve worked for what we’ve got,” Logan said. “Because of what OSU did for us, we decided to try to help someone else or other students who are going to college.”

–Mandy Gross
Oklahoma State University

Cattlemen's Leadership Academy class 29 announced

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OKLAHOMA CITY — An elite group of Oklahoma beef producers have been selected to be part of class 29 of the Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy (CLA). CLA is a program of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) targeted for beef producers ages 25-40 and designed to develop young OCA members through industry exposure, education, and association communication.

The CLA Class 29 participants include: Rindy Bacon, Ada; Kyle Barby, Beaver; KC Barnes II, Hulbert; Rashele Blakley, Bristow; Kendall Cross, Frederick; Dillon DeMuth, Stillwater; Annie Jo Gilbert, Mustang; Jake Grossnicklaus, Chickasha; Thomas Jones, Gate; Matt Landwehr, Enid; Justin McGee, Paoli; Jerod McGee, Paoli; Alex Morcom, Marlow; Taylor Otis, McAlester; Tyler Richter, Morris; Kenneth Robinson, Blanchard; Loni Schultz, Okeene; Brandon Schultz, Okeene; Jacob Thompson, Byars and Ian Wilson, Loco.

“The CLA program is very valuable to our Association and the beef industry,” said Byron Yeoman, OCA President. “This program helps identify and develop young cattlemen willing to take a leadership role and carry out the OCA’s vision – protecting and empowering Oklahoma Cattlemen today, to serve tomorrow,” Yeoman said.

CLA consists of a series of four seminars designed to expose participants to leaders from all segments of the industry, including: purebred, cow-calf, backgrounding, dairy, feeding, processing, retail, food service, animal health, marketing, finance, etc. The seminars provide participants the opportunity to further explore our business, gain essential information and network with fellow OCA members.

“The first seminar is scheduled for August 3-5 in Oklahoma City,” said Yeoman.

The CLA program is completely funded by several generous sponsors including Oklahoma Ag Credit, Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, Merck Animal Health, The Noble Research Institute, ABS Global, ADM, Multimin USA, American Angus Association, Oklahoma Beef Council, Farm Data Services, Reproduction Enterprises Inc., Langston’s Western Wear, Stuart Farm and Ranch, National Livestock, Livestock Nutrition Center, Oklahoma National Stockyards, Pickens Auction, BancCentral NA and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation.

The OCA is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry and works to protect and empower Oklahoma cattlemen today, to serve tomorrow. OCA is the only voice that speaks solely for the cattlemen of Oklahoma and represents beef producers in all 77 counties across the state. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or activities call 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.

–Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association

Dalton Birdwell earns Junior Bronze and Silver Awards

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BRYSON, Texas — Dalton Birdwell, Bryson, Texas, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Birdwell is the 16-year-old son of Henry and Sheila Birdwell and attends Bryson ISD. He is a member of the NJAA and the Texas Junior Angus Association, where he has served as director.

He has participated in local, state and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Birdwell participated in the livestock judging, Skill-A-Thon and auctioneering contests and the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off. In 2017 he attended the Angus Convention.

The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.

–Amber Wahlgren, Angus Communications

Feeding insects to cattle could make meat and milk production more sustainable

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SAN MARCOS, Texas — The world’s population is growing, and so is the challenge of feeding everyone. Current projections indicate that by 2050, global food demand could increase by 59%-98% above current levels. In particular, there will be increased demand for high-quality protein foods, such as meat and dairy products.

Livestock producers in the U.S. and other exporting countries are looking for ways to increase their output while also being sensitive to the environmental impacts of agricultural production. One important leverage point is finding ingredients for animal feed that can substitute for grains, freeing more farmland to grow crops for human consumption.

Cattle are natural upcyclers: Their specialized digestive systems allow them to convert low-quality sources of nutrients that humans cannot digest, such as grass and hay, into high-quality protein foods like meat and milk that meet human nutritional requirements. But when the protein content of grass and hay becomes too low, typically in winter, producers feed their animals an additional protein source – often soybean meal. This strategy helps cattle grow, but it also drives up the cost of meat and leaves less farmland to grow crops for human consumption.

Growing grains also has environmental impacts: For example, large-scale soybean production is a driver of deforestation in the Amazon. For all of these reasons, our laboratory is working to identify alternative, novel protein sources for cattle.

Black soldier fly larvae

An insect farming industry is emerging rapidly across the globe. Producers are growing insects for animal feed because of their nutritional profile and ability to grow quickly. Data also suggests that feeding insects to livestock has a smaller environmental footprint than conventional feed crops such as soybean meal.

Among thousands of edible insect species, one that’s attracting attention is the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). In their larval form, black soldier flies are 45% protein and 35% fat. They can be fed efficiently on wastes from many industries, such as pre-consumer food waste. The larvae can be raised on a large scale in factory-sized facilities and are shelf-stable after they are dried.

Most adults in the U.S. aren’t ready to put black soldier fly larvae on their plates but are much more willing to consume meat from livestock that are fed black soldier fly larvae. This has sparked research into using black soldier fly larvae as livestock feed.

Texas State University graduate student Kayra Tasci holds dried black soldier fly larvae. (Photo: Merritt Drewery, CC BY-ND)

Already approved for other livestock

Extensive research has shown that black soldier fly larvae can be fed to chickens, pigs and fish as a replacement for conventional protein feeds such as soybean meal and fish meal. The American Association of Feed Control Officials, whose members regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds in the U.S., has approved the larvae as feed for poultry, pigs and certain fish.

So far, however, there has been scant research on feeding black soldier fly larvae to cattle. This is important for several reasons. First, more than 14 million cattle and calves are fed grain or feed in the U.S. Second, cattle’s specialized digestive system may allow them to utilize black soldier fly larvae as feed more efficiently than other livestock.

Promising results in cattle

Early in 2022, our laboratory published results from the first trial of feeding black soldier fly larvae to cattle. We used cattle that had been surgically fitted with small, porthole-like devices called cannulas, which allowed us to study and analyze the animals’ rumens – the portion of their stomach that is primarily responsible for converting fiber feeds, such as grass and hay, into energy that they can use.

Cannulation is widely used to study digestion in cattle, sheep and goats, including the amount of methane they burp, which contributes to climate change. The procedure is carried out by veterinary professionals following strict protocols to protect the animals’ well-being.

A steer fitted with a cannula that allows scientists to study digestion in its rumen. (Photo: Merritt Drewery, CC BY-ND)

In our study, the cattle consumed a base diet of hay plus a protein supplement based on either black soldier fly larvae or conventional cattle industry protein feeds. We know that feeding cows a protein supplement along with grass or hay increases the amount of grass and hay they consume, so we hoped the insect-based supplement would have the same effect.

That was exactly what we observed: The insect-based protein supplement increased animals’ hay intake and digestion similarly to the conventional protein supplement. This indicates that black soldier fly larvae have potential as an alternative protein supplement for cattle.

Costs and byproducts

We have since conducted three additional trials evaluating black soldier fly larvae in cattle, including two funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We are especially interested in feeding cattle larvae that have had their fat removed. Data suggest that the fat can be converted to biodiesel, yielding two sustainable products from black soldier flies.

We are also studying how consuming the larvae will affect methane-producing microbes that live in cattle’s stomachs. If our current research on this question, which is scheduled for publication in the spring of 2023, indicates that consuming black soldier fly larvae can reduce the amount of methane cows produce, we hope it will motivate regulators to approve the larvae as cattle feed.

Texas State University student Brady Williams tests the pH of fluid from the rumens of cattle fed black soldier fly larvae. (Photo: Merritt Drewery, CC BY-ND)

Economics also matter. How much will beef and dairy cattle producers pay for insect-based feed, and can the insects be raised at that price point? To begin answering these questions, we conducted an economic analysis of black soldier fly larvae for the U.S. cattle industry, also published early in 2022.

We found that the larvae would be priced slightly higher than current protein sources normally fed to cattle, including soybean meal. This higher price reflects the superior nutritional profile of black soldier fly larvae. However, it is not yet known if the insect farming industry can grow black soldier fly larvae at this price point, or if cattle producers would pay it.

The global market for edible insects is growing quickly, and advocates contend that using insects as ingredients can make human and animal food more sustainable. In my view, the cattle feeding industry is an ideal market, and I hope to see further research that engages both insect and cattle producers.

–Merritt Drewery
Assistant Professor of Animal Science
Texas State University
The Conversation

Prussic acid toxicity explained as recent drought ramps up risk

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STILLWATER, Okla. – Ranchers turning cattle onto pastures with new forage growth this season should watch out for prussic acid toxicity, a condition fatal to livestock and commonly linked to consumption of Johnsongrass.

In counties of Oklahoma that recently suffered from extreme drought conditions, ranchers are reporting cattle deaths suspected from prussic acid toxicity.

“One of our producers found a calf and cow dead on a small patch of Johnsongrass,” said Dana Bay, Oklahoma State University Extension agriculture educator in Ellis County. “We’ve gotten a lot of calls about testing, and several grass samples have tested positive, resulting in ranchers not moving cattle to new pastures.”

Barry Whitworth, DVM, OSU Extension southeast district area food and animal quality health specialist, said when temperatures rise and the ground dries out, certain plants in the sorghum family become toxic and can kill cattle at a rapid rate. Johnsongrass is one of Oklahoma’s most invasive plants.

“Hydrocyanic acid, which is also referred to as cyanide or prussic acid, is a toxin created when the harmless hydrocyanic glycosides in plants are stressed or break down,” he said. “Once a plant’s hydrocyanic glycosides are damaged, they quickly convert to prussic acid.”

When cattle ingest the plants high in hydrocyanic glycoside and break them down by chewing, prussic acid is released in the rumen and absorbed into the blood stream. Whitworth explained that once prussic acid reaches the circulatory system, the toxin prevents cells in the body from taking up oxygen. The blood becomes saturated with oxygen that cannot be absorbed by cells, and cattle perish from asphyxiation within minutes. Rosslyn Biggs, DVM, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, explains what happens in more detail in this video from SUNUP, OSU Agriculture’s television show.

Clinical signs of prussic acid toxicity are:

  • Muscle tremors
  • Increased respiration rate
  • Excess salivation
  • Staggering
  • Convulsions
  • Collapse

Producers should note prussic acid levels are highest in the leaves of young plants, and the upper leaves contain the most toxin. Stress from drought or frost increases prussic acid as well as fertilizing with large amounts of nitrogen and nitrogen/phosphorus soil imbalances.

While Johnson grass is high in prussic acid, the toxicity of other sorghum plants such as Foxtail millet is low. Ranchers should first identify the toxicity level of any sorghum variety intended for grazing purposes. Forage samples can be submitted to any OSU Extension county office for testing at OSU’s Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory in Stillwater.

Once a sample of grass is collected, producers should immediately take it to the local Extension office for testing. Bay said a county Extension educator can also meet the rancher on site and perform a test at the field. When moving cattle from one pasture to another along a road, she also advised to take caution with the Johnsongrass that often grows in roadside ditches.

Take the following steps to prevent prussic acid toxicity:

  • Never turn hungry cattle into onto a new pasture
  • Take soil samples and fertilize accordingly
  • Graze mature plants
  • Wait until plants are cured before grazing after frost (at least seven days)
  • Rotate pastures to keep cattle from consuming lush regrowth
  • Place one or two cows in a pasture and observe for problems before turning in all cattle

When an animal displays signs of prussic acid toxicity, the producer should immediately remove all animals that appear to be normal to a new pasture and contact their veterinarian. Sick animals can recover if treated quickly with sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate to reverse the toxicity.

Additional OSU Extension resources are available through SUNUP:

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.

–Gail Ellis
Oklahoma State University

Cost of July 4th cookout 17% higher compared to a year ago

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WASHINGTON — U.S. consumers will pay $69.68 for their favorite Independence Day cookout foods, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, based on a new American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.

The average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person. The overall cost for the cookout is up 17% or about $10 from last year, a result of ongoing supply chain disruptions, inflation and the war in Ukraine.

Farmers are feeling the price-point pain too, like the people they grow food for, according to AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan.

“Despite higher food prices, the supply chain disruptions and inflation have made farm supplies more expensive; like consumers, farmers are price-takers not price-makers,” Cryan said. He added, “Bottom line, in many cases the higher prices farmers are being paid aren’t covering the increase in their farm expenses. The cost of fuel is up and fertilizer prices have tripled.”

Cryan also pointed to the cascading effects of the war in Ukraine, as that country’s contributions to global food security are cut off, Russian and Belarusian fertilizer exports are constrained, and some other countries pull back exports to protect their domestic supplies.

The marketbasket survey shows the largest year-to-year price increase was for ground beef. Survey results showed the retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef at $11.12, up 36% from last year. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department’s Producer Price Index indicates that compared to a year ago, farm-level cattle prices are up 17.5%, but wholesale beef prices are down 14%. This serves to highlight the differences between farm-level, wholesale and retail beef prices and how the events of the last few years have had significant impacts on the beef production and cattle pricing cycles, making them all hard to predict.

Several other foods in the survey, including chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, fresh-squeezed lemonade, pork & beans, hamburger buns and cookies, also increased in price.

One bright spot for consumers is the average retail price for strawberries, which declined by 86 cents compared to a year ago. Sliced cheese and potato chips also dropped in price, 48 cents and 22 cents, respectively. Better weather conditions in some fruit-growing regions and greater retailer pricing flexibility for processed products are the likely drivers behind the modest price declines for these items.

The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home and general inflation across the economy. Both the index and the marketbasket show increases of more than 10% compared to year-ago levels.

“According to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series, farmers currently receive approximately 8% of every food marketing dollar,” Cryan said. “The farmers’ share of the retail food dollar is as low as 2% to 4% for highly processed foods such as bread and cereal, and can be 35% or more for some fresh products.”

Commenting on big picture concerns related to food security, AFBF President Zippy Duvall said: “The increased cost of food and supplies is a very real concern in our country and across the globe. U.S. food assistance programs and food banks help those who struggle to make ends meet here at home, but the story is much different around the globe as food insecurity skyrockets. The big impact of a single event in Ukraine shows how dependent the world is on stable, productive agriculture.

The July 4th cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home.

Data for this year’s survey was collected by 176 volunteer shoppers across the country and in Puerto Rico, including Farm Bureau members and others.

Individual Prices, AFBF 2022 Summer Cookout

  • 2 pounds of ground beef, $11.12 (+36%)
  • 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, $8.99 (+33%)
  • 32 ounces of pork & beans, $2.53 (+33%)
  • 3 pounds of center cut pork chops, $15.26 (+31%)
  • 2.5 quarts of fresh-squeezed lemonade, $4.43 (+22%)
  • 2.5 pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.27 (+19%)
  • 8 hamburger buns, $1.93 (+16%)
  • Half-gallon of vanilla ice cream, $5.16 (+10%)
  • 13-ounce bag of chocolate chip cookies, $4.31 (+7%)
  • 2 pints of strawberries, $4.44 (-16%)
  • 1 pound of sliced cheese, $3.53 (-13%)
  • 16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.71 (-4%)

AFBF is the nation’s largest general farm organization with member families in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Learn more at http://facebook.com/FarmBureau or follow @FarmBureau on Twitter or @farmbureau on Instagram.

–American Farm Bureau Federation

National Safety Month highlights ag and summer hazards

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STILLWATER, Okla. — June is National Safety Month, but for farmers and ranchers, safety is a 24/7, year-round priority. The agriculture industry is filled with many dangers involving equipment, animals, chemicals and weather.

Oklahoma State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture offer safety pointers for the following areas.

Livestock handling

Whether vaccinating calves or providing first-aid to horses, working with livestock in close quarters is a risky job. Mark Johnson, OSU Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, said 50% of all injuries to humans are the result of bad judgment, being in a hurry, exhaustion, being preoccupied and trying to get things done too quickly. On a recent episode of OSU Agriculture’s SUNUP television program, he explained why it’s necessary to recognize cattle behavior, learn animal husbandry skills and work in well-maintained facilities. These three areas are detrimental to reducing animal stress, improving labor efficiency and avoiding injury to cattle and humans.

“All beef cattle have a flight zone and point of balance, are motivated by fear and don’t like to be alone,” he said. “Ranchers need to capitalize on cattle behavior and follow a facility checklist.”

  • Size of cattle
  • Frequency of the facility’s use
  • Interior or exterior location, including the chute, alleyway, lighting situation and drainage

Additional safety information can be found in Chapter 40 of the OSU Beef Cattle Manual.

Farm equipment and storage facilities

From understanding the hazards of power take-off equipment and mower blades to engine fluids and exhaust mufflers, the USDA provides ag safety resources for children and employees on the farm. OSU Agriculture also offers a video on grain bin safety produced by OSU’s Stored Products Research and Education Center.

Sun Exposure

Most people prioritize their skin more in the summer when they spend a greater amount of time outdoors. Gina Peek, OSU Extension associate dean of engagement and continuing education and director of OSU Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences, advised the following tips to avoid mid-day sun exposure and to properly apply sunscreen:

  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection value (SPF) of at least 15
  • Follow directions on the sunscreen label for correct application and frequency
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, hands and feet

Read more about sunscreen application and sun safety.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs, such as four-wheelers and other utility vehicles, are convenient on the farm but can be dangerous if not operated in a safe and responsible manner. Inexperienced drivers are more apt to operate ATVs in the summer when children are home from school. All drivers should complete a safety course to learn the critical thinking and judgment skills needed to safely operate an ATV.

The OSU Extension ATV Riders Course includes a two-hour online component as well as a three-hour skills course conducted by a licensed ATV Safety Institute instructor. Oklahoma schools can also request a training session on location.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a corporate sponsor of the ATV safety program. Both OSU Extension educators and OFB staff are trained and certified to teach the course.

Water

Nicholas Sumpter, aquatics program assistant at the Colvin Recreation Center on OSU’s campus, is a certified water safety instructor who is managing the center’s swim lesson program this summer. The Colvin Center offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months old. In pools, oceans, lakes or any other body of water, he suggested these basic water rules:

  • Be aware of the hazards – know the water depth and what dangers exist with each different body of water.
  • Know how to help in an emergency – call 911 and identify lifeguards.
  • Learn how to choose and properly put on a lifejacket.

The American Red Cross recommends life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard with a lower strap to prevent the jacket from sliding off the swimmer. Life jackets are made for all ages and should always be worn in boats.

“We do swim tests in our pool here at the Colvin Center, and if you’re not able to do a half-length of the pool without getting tired, we recommend you wear a life vest,” Sumpter said.

Sumpter said a person can drown in as little as 1 inch of water. The risks increase, of course, when swimming is mixed with alcohol or drugs.

“As adults, we don’t think we have to listen to the kid rules for swimming, but it’s still important to look out for others, always have a buddy and know what kind of hazards there are in the water,” he said.

Mental health

Working in agriculture is rewarding but also involves many challenges that can negatively impact a person’s mental and emotional health. OSU Extension, the OSU Center for Health Sciences and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry have teamed up through a one-year grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to host a series of webinars aimed at mental health support for farmers and ranchers.

Farm stress is a real issue for many rural families, and OSU is partnering with the USDA to increase mental health awareness while helping people get the assistance they need.

Gardening

OSU Extension horticulture specialists recommend taking safety precautions while gardening. A segment of the television show Oklahoma Gardening details what to watch for while tending fruits and vegetables.

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost. 

–Gail Ellis
OSU Extension

Wisconsin Cattlemen recognize award winners

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MENOMONIE, Wis. — Acknowledging their dedication to excellence within Wisconsin’s beef industry, the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) honored four award recipients during the 2022 Summer Tour hosted in the Menomonie Area.

The 2022 Cattleman of the Year is Steve Springer of Linden, Wis. Springer is a third-generation beef farmer who has been in the cattle business for approximately 40 years. He runs a commercial cow-calf operation with nearly 250 cows. His high standards for genetics and management practices create high demand for his feeder cattle.

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association
The 2022 Cattleman of the Year is Steve Springer (left) of Linden, Wis. (Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association)

Always willing to help when needed, Springer is heavily involved in the industry as a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA), and Iowa County Cattlemen’s Association. He served on the board of directors for both the Wisconsin and Iowa County Cattlemen. Springer is Beef Quality Assurance certified and actively participates in both state and national cattlemen’s educational programs. The USDA recently selected Springer to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, commonly known as the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). CBB is responsible for overseeing the collection of the Beef Checkoff and funding of Checkoff programs.

Jim and Roxanne Lund of K-Lund Angus near Woodville, Wis., received the Beef Quality Assurance Award. K-Lund is a commercial cow-calf operation with 170 pairs of Angus females. Spring calving occurs from March to April utilizing a specially designed hoop barn facility. Top-end steer calves are marketed each fall with the lighter steers and heifers being fed out to market locally as freezer beef. Jim and Roxanne structure their nutrition strategy to support fetal programming which maximizes growth and production later in life. With limited labor, the operation focuses on low-stress cattle handling and facilities to ensure cattle can be managed by only one or two people.

K-Lund Angus exemplifies a beef cattle operation that implements the best management practices in BQA on daily basis. The Lunds are diligent in implementing preventative health care with the cow herd year-round. They apply that low-stress handling through the weaning process to improve the health and performance of cattle.

Ryan Sterry of UW Extension shared these comments: “My experiences with Jim have been all positive. He takes innovative approaches with his cow-calf heard and has taken great care in building his reputation with buyers by consistently producing top-end feeder calves. Jim has welcomed several organizations hosting field days to demonstrate his cattle handling systems.”

For several years, Jim and Roxanne hosted the UW-River Falls Beef Production to help students see how they could implement these practices in the future.

Craig and Vickie Dunnum earned the 2022 Friend of the Cattlemen award after managing the WCA Steak Trailer for 3.5 years. The Dunnums operate an organic cow-calf operation near Westby, Wis. and sell most of their cattle locally as freezer beef.

There was a steep learning curve when Craig and Vickie took over the steak trailer as the previous managers had been in business for 12 years, but they excelled with the challenge. Craig and Vickie helped make updates to equipment and processes. In 2020, they faced the chaos of COVID-19, navigating event cancellations and the State Fair Drive-Thru. The Dunnums informed WCA they would like to retire at the end of 2021 but continued to help with two additional events in 2022 as the search for the new steak trailer manager continued. Brady Zuck, Steak Trailer Manager and WCA President, said their positive approach, can-do attitude and support for the cattlemen is irreplaceable.

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association
The Environmental Stewardship Award went to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm. UW-Platteville Alumni Steve Springer and Tammy Vaassen are pictured on behalf of the UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm. (Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association)

The Environmental Stewardship Award went to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm. The UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm includes a herd of 50 Angus and Red Angus cows. They are also the site of the Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association, the longest-running continuous bull test in the United States. The herd provides hands-on training for students as well as provides the ability to do grazing and environmental research. A highlight is the incorporation of Managed Intensive Grazing. This includes grazing in riparian areas and creating the need for additional environmental considerations. Beef unit research includes pasture runoff and pathogens in runoff. Research projects address environmental, economic, and social issues identified by farmers and interest groups through a voluntary collaboration among producers, regulatory agencies, science and education institutions, and non-governmental organizations. They participate as part of Discovery Farms. All manure applied to Pioneer Farm fields is carefully monitored as part of our nutrient management plan, which is updated annually. Solid manure is composted in windrows and turned regularly using a pull-type compost turner.

Manure samples are taken prior to application to determine the nutrient contents and proper application rates. In many cases, the composted manure is sold to local farmers and community members for use on fields and gardens.

The Awards were presented following the WCA Annual Meeting at ALCIVIA-Menomonie Feed Mill. Additional stops during the 2022 WCA Summer Tour included K-Lund Angus and SKOR Cattle Company near Clear Lake, Wis. WCA partnered with the Northern Wisconsin Beef Producers Association (NWBPA) for the event.

— Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association