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Mission Statement:
To provide
leadership, service
and educational programs
for the promotion of
North Carolina Angus cattle. |
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NORTH
CAROLINA
ANGUS
ASSOCIATION
2009 FIELD
DAY
Submitted
by:
John
Cassavaugh, Field Day Chairman
 Saturday, September 12th was a great day at Cool Spring Plantation in Halifax, where the North Carolina Angus Association’s held their annual field day. President Dean Crocker introduced out host Winslow Goins, welcomed us to his farm and introduced farm manager Ryan Metcalf who was busy grilling hot dogs for lunch. Thank you Winslow and Ryan for your hospitality.
Four very knowledgeable speakers provided information that would help everyone involved in cattle farming. Jim Johnson from Pfizer Animal Genetics (GeneSTAR) opened the program and explained how we can now use DNA information to assist us in making genetic improvements in our herds. GeneSTAR MVPs provides a new 56 DNA-marker panel that delivers more genetic information on core traits with greater reliability. GeneSTAR MVPs (Molecular Value Predictions)-measure the molecular breeding value for the following traits: feed efficiency, marbling and tenderness. This new reporting system provides information that can be used to make breeding and management decisions. MVPs allow producers to make selection decision when an animal is very young for traits that are difficult or costly to measure, or that can only be collected much later in life. For example, MVPs can help identify young bulls for progeny testing and heifers for herd replacements when all other factors appear to be equal.
Next up was Nate Jaeger, Southeastern regional field representative for NCBA (National Cattlemen’s Beef Association). Mr. Jaeger brought us up-to-date on the animal rights movement and how to cope with the un-informed and mis-informed people who want to tell us how to farm. He spoke of numerous articles, which have recently been printed in national magazines that are full of misinformation regarding the treatment of animals. HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) is an animal-rights lobbying organization that is closely aligned with PETA. Some of the initiatives they have headed are the 2002 outlaw of hog gestation crates in Florida, the 2006 Arizona outlaw of gestation crates/veal crates; 2008 California Proposition 2 which outlawed gestation crates, veal crates and battery-cage hens (eggs) and they are now working in Ohio on a ballot similar to the Proposition 2 in California. With an annual budget of over $121, 000,000 they are a force to be reckoned with. He also encouraged us to email our congressmen regarding the EPAs attempt to pass regulation regarding greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) caused by the biological processes of livestock digestion. Among NCBA Priorities for 2009 are opening markets for U.S. beef; expanding markets access in Korea and Japan; eliminating the Death Tax; supporting renewable energy development and preventing congressional efforts to redefine “water of the United States”. NCBA is the voice in Washington of the U.S. cattle industry. Dean mentioned the Beef Check-Off Vote, which is on Tuesday, October 6th and encouraged everyone to vote.
David Gazda our regional representative from American Angus was up next; Dean thanked David, his wife Carolyn and his daughters for their part in planning the Junior Nationals in Perry, Georgia in July. David thanked Winslow and Ryan for hosting the field day and said he had enjoyed working with Cool Spring Plantation and told Winslow the door was always open if he decided to go back in the cattle business in the future. He said the Cool Spring dispersal was an excellent opportunity to capitalize on some of the best genetics in the Angus breed. He also related a story of his daughter’s encounter with animal rights activist during high school.
David said that 2009 has been a challenging year with the identification of two genetic defects (and possibly a third) and a depressed economy. Everyone has become financially strapped, both producers and the American Angus Association. Everyone has encountered the extra expense of having our animals tested this year to verify animals as either carrier or clean. Registrations are down approximately 16% due in part to the genetic defects, the economy and/or the shrinking cattle inventory. The board of directors has instructed the AAA staff to make budget cuts and so far they have exceeded that goal. The decision has been made to increase annual dues by $50.00 beginning January 1, 2010. Including the subscription to Angus Journal, it will now cost $130.00 yearly. AAA will offer a lifetime membership for $1,500.00. He also touched on the Angus Source, Gateway Program, AHIR, Beef Records Program, Sire Evaluation Report, ultrasound technology, DNA technology, Angus Journal, Beef Bulletin, AAA website and other tools offered for it’s members. David thanked the North Carolina Association for the opportunity to work on sale catalogs and the handbook this year.
Next up was Joe Hampton, Treasurer of American Angus Association and fellow North Carolina Angus breeder with the latest news from the American Angus Association board. Joe reiterated many of David’s comments on the many activities and services provided for the members, including comments on the recent increase in dues and the reasons behind this decision. Joe updated us on information on the AM and NH status and testing, and also what is known so far on “fawn calf”. He reminded us of the deadlines for registering calves sired by untested or carrier animals. On a bright side Joe told us that in July of this year, CAB sold 60 million pounds of Certified Angus Beef and they had cake to celebrate. That celebration was premature; in August 2009 they sold 63 million pounds, the two highest selling months in CAB history. “In a depressed economy with 25-30% reduction in restaurant receipts, the demand for our product is that strong!!” Joe said.
After retiring from the food processing and distribution business, Winslow Goins started assembling his Black Angus herd in 1997. He traveled to several farms and sales across the country to buy females with strong pedigrees and exceptional type. He flushed the best donor cows for multiple embryos and implanted them in recipient cows. Winslow became a premier breeder and his 2007 annual production sale was the first million dollar sell in North Carolina. Cool Spring Plantation will be having a complete and total dispersal on Saturday, November 21 at the farm in Halifax. Embryos, semen, cows, heifers, bulls, equipment; everything will be sold.
Winslow had penned some of his great Angus cattle nearby for us to view. Davis Rita 4001, a five-year-old daughter of E161 from the Kahn Ranch in Georgia, is the featured female in his upcoming dispersal on November 21. For the last three years, she has been heavily flushed with an average of 19 embryos. Her Predestined daughter (T348) was also on display. CSP Rita T348 is an outstanding heifer with much potential as a donor in someone’s program. Also on display was Z42, a cow from Virginia Tech.
Several bulls were also displayed, Limestone PAF Texas Tea 320, the bull they are currently using as “clean up” bull and U001, ( Mytty In Focus son) a young bull that will be two years old in January. There will be several lots of good, young bulls available for sale if you need a herd bull. There will be cow/calf pairs, bred cows, yearling heifers, two-year-old first calf heifers and three-year-old ET females bred with ET calves or AI bred. The equipment will sell first around 9a.m. and the registered cattle will follow. The commercial cattle and the bulls will sell after the registered cattle—come plan to spend the day. It was a great program. Our attendance was off, but those who missed the field day missed some outstanding information, great lunch and the fellowship of good Angus friends! Thanks to Winslow and Ryan, John Cassavaugh for planning the field day, Jim Johnson, Nate Jaeger, David Gazda and Joe Hampton for the information they shared.. |
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This
site is sponsored by... |
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NC Angus Association, Inc.
Suzanne Brewer, Executive Secretary
3942 North NC Hwy 150 • Lexington, NC 27295
Phone/Fax: 336-787-NCAA(6222) • Email:
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