August 2014 - Georgia Hereford Association
Transcription
August 2014 - Georgia Hereford Association
AUGUST 2014 GHA SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Paul Smith Not too often do you find someone that enjoys going to cattle shows all of the time and never asks to be part of the limelight or “tan bark” picture as one of their cattle is deemed a champion. To be honest, if he knew I was writing this spotlight about him, he would probably tell me to pick someone else, because that is just the way Mr. Paul is. One thing Mr. Paul loves to do is talk cows, what’s going on in the business, who’s selling out, who’s getting big, what bulls to be on the lookout for, you name it. Paul may not be one of the state’s largest breeders but nestled the heart of Oconee County, Georgia, you will find some of the best fed mama cows in the Southeast. Never will you drive by Paul’s place and see a cow that isn’t in “sale shape”. Paul is a true lover of animals and their well-being. I’ve seen his cows, many a time, eat a hot meal in the dead of winter and when asked why he would simply reply, “Well, Hunter, you wouldn’t want to eat cold food would you?” I guess that is a valid point in that regard. His Hereford herd began with the purchase of a heifer named “Gaby” from the 7 Oaks Farm sale and since then he has developed a small herd of which any cattleman would be proud to own. Predominately based with P606, Revolution, and First Class as AI sires, his herd cows which trace to maternal giants like the Oaks Farm’s donor “Meredith”, and the renowned donor Boyds Fascination, Paul has built an easy fleshing cow herd with strong maternal lineage to back it up. Setting aside his cow herd, it is Paul’s generosity that truly sets him apart from the rest and gives us all something as fellow breeders we should appreciate. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Paul Smith for a number of years and can say I have never met a more selfgiving person in the cattle business. Anytime a friend needs Paul he is more than willing to lend a helping hand. Growing up in the Guernsey cattle business, Paul learned the importance of hard work and making sure that your cattle Mr. Paul Smith are represented to the best of your own ability. While he constantly tries to learn new things about what to do and when to do it in reverence to showing Herefords, he isn’t afraid of making a mistake because he knows that he will learn from it and only be that much better in the end. Paul is always on the lookout for the next big showman in the county. He spends a lot of time with the youth in the community, especially with the Oconee 4-H, allowing children who want to show a unique opportunity that they probably wouldn’t find elsewhere, which is truly commendable. It is with great pride I can call him a friend. I sure hope we can have more members like him join with our breed in the future. 2 With the use of AI breeding and herd bulls like these, we are producing heifers and bulls that will work for today’s cattlemen. Cattle for Sale at Private Treaty VISITORS ARE WELCOME 525 District Line Rd. • Americus, Georgia 31709 E-mail: [email protected] Res. (229) 924-0091 • Office (229) 924-6997 • Cell (229) 337-0038 Registered Polled Herefords Sam and Pat Zemurray 477 HoneyRidge Road • Guyton, GA 31312 Office (912) 772-3118 Night (912) 234-7430 Fax (912) 772-3614 Cows & Bulls For Sale at Private Treaty Performing on Our Forage Bobby Brantley 1750 Wommack-Brantley Rd. • Tennille, GA 31089 Cell 478-553-8598 • Home 478-552-9328 [email protected] P.O. Box 448 – West Jefferson Street Madison, GA 30650 Weyman Hunt www.innisfailfarm.com (706) 342-0264 3 President’s Comments By TOMMY JOHNSON, President, Georgia Hereford Association IT IS TIME TO MAKE HAY, HAVE A SALE, AND PUT OUT A FIRE Well, it is summertime at last and the weather is just perfect in Georgia for making hay. The nights are about 75 degrees and the days are balmy 93 to 98 every day. The good part to this is we are getting those pop up showers some afternoons and this gives a little relief from the heat. Also, this is the perfect combination for hay fields to grow and make hay. My first cutting was probably the best first cutting I have ever had and it seems like the next cutting is also going to be excellent. On June 28, 2014 we had our summer board meeting and the meeting was very productive. All the board members were present except three. At the summer meeting, the most important topic is the spring sale at the beef expo in Perry, Georgia on April 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2015. As you are know, we did not have a sale last year and we missed a great opportunity to display HEREFORD cattle. At the meeting, we came up with two possible avenues for having a spring sale. These two avenues are Plan A and Plan B. Mead Cattle Definition of Family The article below was written by Tommy Lynne Mead and appeared in the Mead Cattle Sale catalog. Tommy Lynne granted her permission to reprint it in the GHA Newsletter. I thought it was important to reprint this article in the newsletter. It not only explains what the Georgia Hereford Association means to the Mead famiy, but also encapsulates the same meaning for so many Georgia Hereford families. I feel a strong tie with the Mead family as well as strong relationships with many of the other families that produce Hereford cattle. These relationships are the backbone of the Hereford breed and association of which I am proud and honored to belong. Thank you Tommy Lynne for sharing your thoughts. – Bill Sims Fam-i-ly, noun: A group of persons sharing common ancestry. Our definition of family at Mead Cattle is a little more complex than this simplified verson. Our family consists of hundreds of people, from several different states and even countries. Our family consists of many different last names and a variety of accents. All of the people we call family have one thing in common, and that is that they are always there for us. During our best and worst times, which recently have been tornadoes, gaining directorship on the Junior National Board, ice storms, knee surgeries and knee recoveries. You are all our family, you have all supported and reached out to us in some way or form and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. From our closeby family coming to help on the farm, to the simple phone call, text or email, we know you are thinking of us and it means the world. After all, what is life without a family? Or a business without a family? My answer? Meaningless. My family is everything, you are everything to me. I cannot wait to see all of y’all at our sale, where you can truly feel like family! Again, thank y’all so much for everything! – Tommie Lynne Mead 4 Plan A is to have the sale at the Beef Expo in Perry, Georgia next April. In the discussion at the board meeting the most common obstacle was the amount of time that was spent in Perry if we had our sale on Saturday. Having to look after your cattle for three days, seems to be the most reason given as to why people did not want to put cattle in the sale. As a big supporter of the sale in Perry, I have had as many as ten lots in the sale at one time and I can tell you from that experience that it is a lot of work to look after them for three days. After a lot of discussion, the board decided to see if we could get the Georgia Cattlemen Association to let us have our sale on Friday. By having the sale on Friday you would bring your lots in on Thursday and sell them on Friday and we would have our banquet on Friday night. Carroll Cannon, our auctioneer, is head of the committee that makes up the calendar of events for the Beef Expo. Taylor Neighbors volunteered to call and talk with Mr. Cannon about moving our sale to Friday. Plan B is not as good as Plan A but at least we discussed another option. Plan B is to find another date and another place and have a sale other than at the Beef Expo. I hope we don’t have to use this option. Having said that, this is where we need help from every member of the Georgia HEREFORD Association. If we get the date moved to Friday we have GOT to get enough lots to have a sale. So please, if you have not thought about putting a lot in the sale please think about doing so. In conclusion, I would like to remind everyone that any organization is only as good as its members and the participation that an organization gets from its members. Well it is about time for me to go, so I will leave you with these words of wisdom that I heard down at the fire station and I don’t think it has anything to do with HEREFORD cattle but I felt like I needed to share it with y’all. A fireman down at the station was asked one time if they put out every fire. He looked at the fellow and said, “Nope we don’t always put them out completely, but it sure gets a whole lot cooler when we show up.” I am enjoying being your president and I hope we can work together to make our HEREFORD association the best in the country. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please do not hesitate to call me. I will be glad to listen to what you have to say. My cell number is 706-339-4607, and my home number is 706-465-2421. GEORGIA hereford association Officers President Tommy Johnson 7731 Bastonville Rd. Warrenton, GA 30828 (706) 339-4607 [email protected] Randy Roberts 296 Bud Hutcheson Rd. Douglas, GA 31535 (912) 389-0672 [email protected] Taylor Neighbors 525 District Line Rd. Americus, GA 31709 (229) 337-0038 [email protected] Bill Sims 6062 Jefferson Rd. Commerce, GA 30143 (706) 614-1255 [email protected] Vice President Hardy Edwards 505 Lem Edwards Rd. Winterville, GA 30683 (706) 714-9012 [email protected] DIRECTORS Tommy Mead 1222 Reeves Rd. Midville, GA 30441 (706) 339-0201 [email protected] Angie McGinnis 2810 Macedonia Church Rd. Danielsville, GA 30633 (706) 540-0404 [email protected] Paul Harris 8800 Ga Hwy 203 Screven, GA 31560 (912) 294-2472 [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Ray Hicks 660 Seaburn Vickery Rd. Statesboro, GA 30461 (912) 682-8670 [email protected] Diann Strickland P.O. Box 128 Mershon, GA 31551 (912) 288-0024 [email protected] Hunter Grayson P.O. Box 254 Watkinsville, GA 30677 (706) 206-1824 [email protected] John Watson 24605 Highway 193 LaFayette, GA 30728 (423) 834-3457 [email protected] 2014-15 BOARD OF GEORGIA HEREFORD ASSOCIATION Front Row: Tommy Mead, Tommy Johnson, Hardy Edwards, Diann Strickland; Back Row: Ray Hicks, Paul Harris, Taylor Neighbors, John Watson, Hunter Grayson, Angie McGinnis. Georgia Hereford Association Spring Board Meeting June 28, 2014, Perry, GA The board of directors held its spring board meeting at the Georgia National Fairground on Saturday, June 28. Members present: Tommy Johnson, Ray Hicks, Taylor Neighbors, Bill Sims, Diann Strickland, Angie McGinnis, Randy Roberts, Paul Harris, and John Watson. Members absent: Hardy Edwards, Tommy Mead and Hunter Grayson. The meeting was opened with a word of prayer led by Ray Hicks. Only business from last meeting was election of officers. Tommy Johnson – President, Hardy Edwards – Vice President, Ray Hicks – Sec/Treas. Reviewed financial report. Motion by Strickland, second by McGinnis to accept. Open discussion about activities: Jr. shows, A great Jr. Field Day was hosted by McGinnis’s in Madison County. Sunbelt Expo in October. Good public view. Need cattle to display. Contact Ray if interested. Need workers. Oct 14-16. Try in increase membership. At least commercial. Suggested every time you sell an animal to none member you pay one year’s membership for them. The sale was discussed. Check out different facilities Left to right: Tommy Coley, Christy Bradshaw, and Jonny Harris. Bradshaw was guest speaker from AHA at Spring banquet. (Athens, Irwinville Bull test, etc.) Check with Ga. Beef Council (Carroll Cannon) and see if possible to bring sale to Friday. Letter from H. Edwards was read and discussed. Also ideas from H. Grayson was brought forward. Newsletter was discussed. Authors for spotlight was assigned. July-Sept 14 H. Grayson, Oct-Dec 14 A. McGinnis, Jan-March 15 Randy Roberts, April-June 15 Ray Hicks. A list of past articles is to be distributed. Next year we will be publishing a new directory. Paul Harris brought ideas for an adult field day. To develop further. Next meeting is tentatively set for August 23 in Perry. No further business meeting adjourned. Georgia Hereford Field Day Story Begins on Page 10 2014-15 GJHA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS The new Officers and Directors for the Georgia Junior Hereford Association were elected at the annual meeting, held June 20, 2014 during the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Pictured, left to right, are Anna Ruff, 2 year Director, Rebekah Ramey, 1 year Director, Christopher Ramey, Gracie Drue Johnson, 2 year Director, Gabe Brogdon, President, Hannah Roberts, Secretary, Kari Dylong, 2 year Director, and Matthew Murphy, Vice-President. 5 President: Gabe Brogdon Vice President: Matthew Murphy Secretary: Hannah Roberts Directors: Dalton Green Rebekah Ramey Case Wilson Kari Dylong Gracie Drue Johnson Anna Ruff GJHA 660 Seaburn Vickery Road Statesboro, GA 30461 www.georgiahereford.org 912-865-5593 [email protected] Summer has come and nearly gone, and many of you are already back in school. What a great Field Day we had up in Comer, Georgia! The weather was beautiful, hot, but beautiful. Many thanks to the McGinnis Family for having us and all of the hard work they did. It was super, and the Juniors that came and exhibited their cattle made Georgia Herefords look MARVELOUS!!!!!!! We had a good crew travel to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in July for the 2014 Junior National Hereford Expo! And while they were gone, another good bunch of juniors brought their Hereford projects to Perry for the Georgia Beef Futurity. We had juniors and Herefords everywhere! Makes me smile! Be sure to take a look at the Junior “Dates to Remember”, especially with the deadlines for entering the Georgia National Fair and the State Steer and Heifer Shows coming up. You won’t want to miss that! We’ll have a meeting in October at the Georgia National Fair. I can’t wait to see all of you then! – Debbie JUNIORS! We are building an e-mail distribution list for all the juniors to keep you up to date with Hereford, 4-H, and FFA news. Send your e-mail address to [email protected] to get on the mail list. We’re on Facebook! Check us out! Georgia Junior Hereford Association Getting to Know Our New Georgia Hereford Queen, Anna Ruff My infatuation with the Polled Hereford breed all started Even with my short amount of time showing Herefords, I four years ago when I began my first livestock showing project. have fallen in love with the breed so much I have started my Little did I know it would have such a major impact on my life own herd, consisting of five cows. I just had my first successful and help mold me into the person I am calving season of three heifers and two today. bulls. When I’m not in the show ring It began with sheep for me. In the or taking care of livestock on the farm I summer of 2010, I was able to exhibit my devote much of my time to livestock and first market lamb. The first few weeks were poultry judging. I took high individual quite difficult. I had no idea what I was honors at the 2012 Gwinnett County Fair doing, but with a loving, supportive family livestock judging contest, and I was top and a willing attitude I was determined to five at our region poultry judging contest. conquer the task at hand. In my first show I hope with all of my experience, my amateur showing skills were quite passion, and willingness to learn I will evident. I had the tendency to find myself be a great asset to the Georgia Hereford in the bottom of every class. My drive Association. The Hereford queen is going and self-determination are what kept me to be an amazing opportunity for me and going, and before long I found myself at will expand my knowledge in the Hereford the top every class. After just one season world. It bring me great joy to be able of showing lambs I had fallen in love with to represent the Hereford industry that the stock show life. means so much to me. My passion and success in the sheep My hopes are to continue learning show ring influenced me to broaden my about my passion of livestock production species of interest. On January of 2011, by building a sustainable and healthy I was able to exhibit a dairy heifer. In May polled Hereford herd and create a positive of 2011, I was able to buy and show my influence on the Polled Hereford breed first Hereford heifer. I had always loved as a whole. I will be attending Emmanuel all breeds of cattle but I always had a soft College this fall and later transfer to the place in my heart for the red and white University of Georgia to earn a degree in Herefords! Over the past four years I Animal Science. ANNA RUFF have been involved with lots of livestock I am very honored to represent the 2014 Georgia Hereford Queen shows, including sheep, dairy, beef, and state of Georgia as the Hereford Queen. even got the chance to exhibit a market goat. Not only have Anna Ruff comes to us from Ruff Hereford Farms, in Dewey I been able to compete all over Georgia but I have shown in Rose, Georgia. Her parents are Greg and Shannon Ruff, and many other states as well. she has a sister Ansley, and brother Gantt. 6 When Ryegrass Becomes a Weed By Wayne Tankersley From roadsides to pastures and lawns to wild- life food plots, annual ryegrass is used extensively across the U.S. For its intended use, annual ryegrass offers numerous agronomic and nutritional benefits. It is easily established, has excellent seedling vigor, is highly competitive and thrives on marginal soils with limited fertility. It also produces tremendous forage yields. But the same attributes that make ryegrass an excellent multi-use annual forage can also make it an unintended and difficult weed pest. Nowhere is this seen more than in trying to establish new tall fescue pastures or attempting to establish small-seeded forages such as clovers, forbs and brassicas in wildlife food plots that have a history of annual ryegrass production. Volunteer annual ryegrass can dominate fledgling tall fescue, clover, forb and brassica seedlings. It is not unusual to see complete stand failures of these desired forages due to annual ryegrass dominance. So, what can be done when ryegrass becomes a weed? While no one strategy can guarantee a total elimination of annual ryegrass problems, there are some sug- gestions that can be offered to curb the effects of ryegrass competition. Suggestions for new tall fescue plantings – Planning ahead is key. Do not overseed annual ryegrass in pastures or fields the year prior to a planned new tall fescue planting. Also, do not feed hay containing ryegrass in these fields during the winter and spring previous to seeding fescue in the fall. When planting tall fescue into fields with a history of annual ryegrass production, delay seeding in the fall to allow the first flush of volunteer ryegrass to emerge. Use a non-residual herbicide such as glyphosate or paraquat to kill this flush of ryegrass prior to seeding tall fescue. If the volunteer ryegrass population is moderate to heavy, the newly established tall fescue planting may need to be flash-grazed or mowed periodically in late winter and/or during early spring to keep the ryegrass growth in check. Suggestions for food plot plantings – On new food plots, the use of seed mixtures such as Pennington’s Rackmaster and Buckmaster product lines that contain no annual ryegrass is highly recommended. On food plots with a history of ryegrass presence, plant perennial broadleaf plants such as clover, chicory or brassicas (radish, turnips, rape, etc). Once these forages emerge, a “selective” herbicide that only kills grassy weeds can be applied - if needed - to control seedling ryegrass. Note: The herbicide application should be made when the ryegrass is no more than 2-3” tall. If no herbicide is used, periodic mowing of the plot in late fall and late winter and throughout the spring will be required to remove excess ryegrass growth and reduce grass competition with the desirable forages. (Wayne Tankersley is a forage consultant for Pennington Seed.) The aggressive nature of annual ryegrass can dominate fledgling tall fescue, clover, forb and brassica seedlings leading to stand failure of the desired forage crop. Pennington offers a premium line of forage and wildlife products for livestock farmers and wildlife enthusiasts. For more information about these products and their management or to find your nearest dealer, contact Pennington Seed at 1-800-285-Seed or visit www.pennington.com. 7 Georgia Poll-ettes I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying some of this great rain that the Good Lord has been sending our way. I want to start by saying a huge THANKS for all the help we got at field day. We truly hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and we are looking forward to doing it again in the future. ❦❦❦ Ladies, the desserts for field day were absolutely wonderful, as always. You never know which ones to start eating first. The silent auction did well again this year. Thanks for all the donations and thanks to the bidders for your generous Children With Troubles... Little Marvin told a neighbor, “I lost a tooth and this morning there was a quarter under my pillow. My mother said the tooth fairy left it there.” “So what’s the problem?” the neighbor asked. “Actually,” Marvin replied, “it’s kind of disturbing having a mother who believes in tooth fairies.” ••••• After an argument with her mother, a four-year-old girl announced that she was going to run away and never come back. “Well, goodbye. I will miss you sweetheart,” her mother said. Soon the little girl returned, acting as if nothing had happened. “I thought you were leaving forever,” her mother reminded her. “I was,” the child replied, “but I missed my plane.” ••••• First Dad: Every time I lay down to nap in my recliner, I stick a rabbit’s foot in my pocket. Second Dad: Why’s that? First Dad: So when my kids stick their hand in my pocket to sneak some change, they think it’s a mouse. ••••• Teenager to a friend: “Fooling my mom is like trying to sneak a sunrise past a rooster.” ••••• JUST THINKING: Children are small creatures that make parents old and grandparents young. GEORGIA POLL-ETTES officers and directors Vice President Rene Brogdon 13519 Hwy. 112 Irwinton, GA 31042 478-290-1941 [email protected] Secretary-Treasurer Diann Strickland P.O. Box 128 Mershon, GA 31551 912-647-5439 Home 912-288-0024 Cell [email protected] Director – 2 years Kim Dylong 1140 Gum Creek Rd. Oxford, GA 30054 770-786-0586 Home 404-403-3806 Cell [email protected] Director – 2 years Cheri Johnson 1039 Bazemore Dr. Dexter, GA 31019 478-875-3065 Home 478-697-2081 Cell [email protected] Director – 2 years Kay McCurdy 1284 New Hope Rd. Chadsworth, GA 30705 706-695-9634 [email protected] Director – 1 year Jennifer Gillooly 2731 River Rd. Wadley, GA 30477 478-625-7665 Home 478-494-6693 Cell [email protected] Director – 1 year Ann Patton P.O. Box 282 Illa, GA 30647 706-248-2020 [email protected] www.georgiahereford.org/pollettes.html 8 ❦❦❦ Diane has mailed you packets of information concerning our last meeting at field day and has enclosed a membership form with it. Be sure to get your dues to her so you can get on our membership list and receive newsletters. ❦❦❦ Show season has started and I encourage you to attend a couple of different shows in your area and visit with some junior member. Take along some membership forms with you; never know, you might get a new contact. ❦❦❦ Well, got to run and check for new babies in the pasture. Call me and let me know your thoughts good or bad. My door is always open for you. God bless all of you, Angie M. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles Georgia Poll-ette Membership Form July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 Name Address City,State, Zip Home Phone Cell Phone E-mail Address Farm Name President Angie McGinnis 2810 Macedonia Church Rd. Danielsville, GA 30633 706-795-2747 706-549-3427 Work [email protected] Director – 1 year Debra Giddens 4985 Douglas Hwy. Millwood, GA 31552 912-282-5551 [email protected] donations. All the money the Pollettes raise goes straight back to our junior members. Do you wish to be a member of the National Hereford Women? Yes No Georgia Poll-ette Membership – $20.00 per year National Hereford Women membership – $20.00 per year The Georgia Poll-ettes is involved in the following activities: • Award two $1,000 scholarships to college bound Georgia Junior Hereford Association members per year. • Provide a tiara for the Georgia Hereford Queen. • Provide $500 to the Georgia Hereford Queen for expenses to the Junior National Expo and the American Royal. • Pay entry fee of $100 for the Georgia Queen to participate in the National Queen contest. • Provide a crown for National Hereford Queen. • Provide a plaque for Georgia Poll-ette of the Year. • Provide a belt buckle for Reserve Champion Heifer at Field Day. • Provide contest money for Juniors at Field Day. • Provide refreshments at Georgia Hereford Association events. We need you to be a part of our group! Please join and be an active member of a ladies organization that supports Georgia Junior Hereford members and the Georgia Hereford Association members. JOIN TODAY!!!!! Mail check and form to: Georgia Poll-ettes P.O. Box 128, Mershon, Georgia 31551 Minutes Georgia Poll-ettes Meeting Perry, Georgia June 20, 2013 President – Angie McGinnis Vice President – Charlene Roberts Secretary/Treasurer – Diann Strickland Directors for 2 years: Rene Brogdon Jennifer Gillooly Ann Patton July 1, 2013 – June 18, 2014 Checking Account Balance July 1, 2013 The Georgia Poll-ettes held their annual meeting on June 20, 2013, in Sylvania, Georgia. There were 7 members present. Angie McGinnis, president, called the meeting to order. Sarah Anderson made a motion to accept the minutes. Debra Giddens seconded the motion. Motion passed. Rene Brogdon made a motion to accept the Treasurers report. Sarah Anderson seconded the motion. Motion passed. We had no queen or princess applications for the 2013 year. Sarah Anderson made a motion to elect Starr Whaley as Georgia Hereford Woman of the Year. Angie McGinnis seconded the motion. Motion passed. Sarah Anderson gave the nominating committee report as follows: Financial Report Georgia Poll-ettes Directors for 1 year: Sarah Anderson Debra Giddens Cindy Wilson Debra Giddens seconded the motion. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Diann Strickland Secretary Road or Ga te Sign Income Deposit 6-25-2013 Deposit 7-16-2013 Deposit 4-08-2014 Deposit 6-11-2014 $ 500.00 1,010.00 50.00 60.00 Total Expenses Juniors (Field Day Prize Money) GHA (Belt Buckle) Scholarship (Kari DyLong) Scholarship (Krissi McCurdy) GHA (Meal, SE Regional) $ 2,940.37 $ 1,620.00 $ 540.00 140.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,403.04 Total $ 4,083.04 Account Balance 6-10-2014 $ 477.33 Savings Account xxxxx7773 (Business Savings) $ 154.90 Savings Account xxxxx2588 (Scholarship) 5,741.83 Balance Scholarship/ 6-20-2014 $ 5,896.73 Savings Account CD (Mature 12-9-14) CD (Mature 8-17-14) CD (Mature 9-2-14) $ 5,686.67 3,890.38 1,997.58 Balance CD (Three CDs) 6-20-2014 $11,574.63 Kitchen Corner Smoked Steak 4 (1 to 1¼ inch) thick ribeye steaks 1 cup lemon pepper seasoning ½ cup favorite steak sauce Rub both sides of each steak with lemon pepper seasoning. Lay steaks flat in pan and sprinkle steak sauce generously on both sides. Cover and refrigerate for three to four hours. FARM SIGNS AVAILABLE 3’ x 5’ Road Sign, One Side – $175.00 18” x 24” Gate Sign, One Side – $60.00 12” Stick on Screen, $35.00 18” x 24” Hanging, Double Sign – $95.00 22” x 28” Hanging, Double Sign – $125.00 Contact Color Wheel Sign Co., 478-553-1600 (Sandersville, GA 31082) Bobby Brantley, 478-552-9328 (Tennille, GA 31089) Shipping cost will be added to all signs. Sign sales will be between Color Wheel and buyer. Checks should be made payable to Color Wheel Sign Co. Smoke steaks over indirect heat using oak or hickory wood. Cooking time will depend on degree of indirect heat, approximately one to two hours. These steaks are better served medium. Pecan Cheese Cookies 1 lb. grated sharp Cheddar cheese 1 cup butter or margarine cayenne pepper to taste 3 cups sifted flour 1 cup chopped pecans Combine cheese and butter, cream thoroughly; add cayenne pepper. Add flour and pecans; mix thoroughly. Mixture will be very stiff. Shape into rolls and refrigerate overnight. Slice ¼ inch thick and bake in 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Do not brown. Can be frozen before or after baking. Yields approximately 100 crackers. 9 What a great group of Georgia Junior Hereford Exhibitors participating in the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day! Pictured from left to right, front row: Hardy Edwards IV, Thomas Lord, Jesse Tod Johnson, Jake Eller, Preston Reid Burnham, Avery Burnham; 2nd row – Ansley Ruff, Emma Huff, Macayla Kellum, Carver Moore, Anna Ruff, Rebekah Ramey, Krissi McCurdy Kari Dylong, Andy Chastain, Cody Hardin; 3rd row – Mackenzie Kellum, Grace Drue Johnson, Gabe Brogdon, Christopher Ramey, Tommie Lynne Mead, Hannah Roberts, and Savannah Hardin. Georgia Hereford Field Day June 20-21, 2014 Madison County Fairgrounds, Comer, Georgia On June 20 and 21, 2014 the McGinnis Family – Francis, Angie, and Richard – of Danielsville, Georgia, hosted the Georgia Hereford Field Day at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Comer, Georgia. It brought 26 Hereford junior exhibitors and their families from all over the state together to Comer to show their Hereford cattle, compete in various contests, and just have fun! On Friday, juniors and adults competed in the Beef Quiz, juniors turned in their posters and photos for judging, and showed their skills in Showmanship. Judge Todd Shultz, Director of Vocational Education with the Madison County Board of Education from Jackson, Georgia, put them through their paces to find Andy Chastain, from Danielsville, as the Overall Champion Showman. He received the Richard Poss Memorial Trophy and the John Wesley Rakestraw Memorial Scholarship. A wonderful supper and good fellowship followed. Bright and early Saturday morning juniors presented Judge Shultz with their best Cow/Calf pairs, Bred & Owned Bulls, Steers, and their Heifers projects. Following the naming of the Grand and Reserve Champion Heifers and the Grand and Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Heifers, everyone enjoyed lunch in the air conditioning. Our thanks to all of the sponsors and especially to the McGinnis Family for making this event really special. The show and contest results from Field Day follow: PeeWee Showmanship Champion – Thomas Lord Junior Showmanship Champion – Jake Eller Junior Showmanship Reserve Champion – Jesse Tod Johnson Intermediate Showmanship Champion – Andy Chastain Intermediate Showmanship Reserve Champion – Matthew Murphy Senior Showmanship Champion – Krissi McCurdy Senior Showmanship Reserve Champion – Kari Dylong Overall Showmanship Champion – Andy Chastain 10 Champion Cow/Calf Pair – Kari Dylong Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair – Gabe Brogdon Champion Bred & Owned Bull –Krissi McCurdy Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Bull – Kari Dylong Champion Steer – Gabe Brogdon Reserve Champion Steer – Jesse Tod Johnson Heifer Show Class 1 – 1st Gabe Brogdon (B/O 1st) Class 2 – 1st Cody Hardin, 2nd Krissi McCurdy Class 3 – 1st Krissi McCurdy (B/O 1st), 2nd Hannah Roberts (B/O 2nd), 3rd Hannah Roberts (B/O 3rd), 4th Gracie Drue Johnson Class 4 – 1st Krissi McCurdy (B/O 1st ), 2nd Matthew Murphy (B/O 2nd ), 3rd Matthew Murphy (B/O 3rd), 4th Tommie Lynne Mead, 5th Tommie Lynne Mead, 6th Cody Hardin Class 5 – 1st Emma Huff, 2nd Anna Ruff, 3rd Tommie Lynne Mead, 4th Jake Eller, 5th Tommie Lynne Mead, 6th Ansley Ruff, 7th Savannah Hardin Division I Champion – Krissi McCurdy, Class 4 (B/O) Division I Reserve Champion –Matthew Murphy, Class 4 (B/O) Class 6 – 1st Matthew Murphy (B/O 1st), 2nd Kari Dylong Class 7 – 1st Emma Huff, 2nd Jake Eller, 3rd Makenzie Kellum Class 8 – 1st Jake Eller, 2nd Makenzie Kellum, 3rd Macayla Kellum (Continued on Page 17) Georgia Hereford Field Day Photos on Pages 12 & 13 GRIFFIN HILLS FARM “Seeking Shade” at Griffin Hills Farm. Visitors are always welcome GRIFFIN HILLS FARM POLLED HEREFORDS Phone (706) 484-1799 CSR POLLED HEREFORD FARM Cell Phone (706) 473-1374 301 Dennis Station Rd., SW Eatonton, Georgia 31024 2186 Gum Creek Rd. Oxford, GA 30054 Donald Griffin Home770-786-7868 Cell678-787-4705 “Breeding Cows for the Next Generation” Clay Chapman, Farm Manager 706-594-3813 • Barn 770-786-8900 59 Moores Farm Road Covington, GA 30016 Steve & Elaine Roberts 5561 Wycliff Roberts Road Alapaha, Georgia 31622 (229) 532-7963 (229) 238-1129 11 The Showmanship Champions for the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day are pictured, from left to right: Assistant Macayla Kellum, PeeWee Champion Thomas Lord, Junior Champion Jake Eller, Intermediate and Overall Champion Andy Chastain, and Senior Champion Krissi McCurdy. The contest was held June 20, 2014 at the Madison County Fairground in Comer, Georgia. Judging the event was Todd Shulz, from Jackson, Georgia. The 2014 Champion Bred and Owned Hereford Bull for the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day was shown by Krissi McCurdy, LPH My Town 10Y A7, an October 21, 2013 bull calf sire by NJW 73S W18 Hometown 10Y ET. Holding the Jordan Ellis Memorial Trophy Belt Buckle for Krissi is Tommie Lynne Mead; holding the bull calf is Krissi McCurdy, along with Judge Todd Shultz. The 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day was held at the Madison County Fairgrounds, in Comer, Georgia, and was hosted by G & M Farms, the McGinnis Family of Danielsville, Georgia. The 2014 Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Hereford Bull for the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day was shown by Kari Dylong, GHF Nick Y12 X09 A29, a December 25, 2013 bull calf sire by GHF Miami M03 U56 X06. Holding the Rope A Dream Foundation Trophy Belt Buckle for Kari is Tommie Lynne Mead; holding the bull calf is Kari Dylong, along with Judge Todd Shultz, from Jackson, Georgia. Congrats to Kari Dylong, who led the Champion Cow-Calf Pair at the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day. Her cow is December 14, 2011 GHF GA Girl W13 X02 Y12, paired with her December 25, 2013 bull calf GHF Nick Y12 X09 A29, which was later named the Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Bull for Kari. Pictured holding her cow is Kari Dylong, assisting her and holding the bull calf is Krissi McCurdy. Also pictured is Judge Todd Shultz. Gabe Brogdon is pictured holding his 2014 Champion Hereford Steer at the recent Georgia Hereford Field Day. Pictured from left to right are Judge Todd Shultz, Gracie Drue Johnson, proud mom Rene Brogdon, and Gabe with his November 24, 2012 steer. Jesse Tod Johnson is pictured holding his 2014 Reserve Champion Hereford Steer at the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day. Pictured from left to right are Judge Todd Shultz, Gracie Drue Johnson, and Jesse Tod with his December 6, 2012 steer. 12 Winning the Senior Heifer Division, and being named Grand Champion Female for the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day is TNB Bailout Ruby 11 1288 ET, owned and shown by Andy Chastain. Pictured from left to right are Amy Allen and George Allen, from TNB Herefords, who bred the heifer, Judge Todd Shultz, and Andy Chastain. “Ruby”, a November 14, 2012 heifer, was sired by TH 75J 243R Bailout 144U ET. Krissi McCurdy is pictured holding her October 18, 2013 heifer calf, MLM Rachel 144U A5, who was named Division I Champion, and went on the be the Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Hereford Heifer for the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day. Pictured from left to right are – brother Matt McCurdy, Judge Todd Shultz, from Jackson, Georgia, and Krissi McCurdy. The Reserve Grand Champion Female and the Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female for the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day is LPH Rachel 144U Z446, bred and owned and shown by Krissi McCurdy. Pictured from left to right are Judge Todd Shultz, proud parents Kay and Donnie McCurdy, and Krissi McCurdy. LPH Rachel 144U Z446, a December 24, 2012 heifer, was sired by TH 75J 243R Bailout 144U ET. Anna Ruff is excited as she is crowned the 2014 Georgia Hereford Queen by Georgia Poll-Ette President Angie McGinnis at the 2014 Georgia Hereford Field Day, held June 20-21, 2014. The Georgia Hereford Field Day has many contests, along with its premier Hereford Junior Cattle Show. The Winners are pictured here from left to right: Christopher Ramey – 3rd Place Junior Beef Quiz, Rebekah Ramey – 3rd Place Intermediate Beef Quiz, Kari Dylong – 1st and 3rd Place in Senior Photography, John Wesley Rakestraw Memorial Scholarship, Hannah Roberts – 2nd and 3rd Place in Intermediate Photography, 1st Place in Intermediate Beef Quiz, Carver Moore – 1st Place Junior Poster Contest, 1st and 2nd Place Junior Photography, Gabe Brogdon – 1st Place Intermediate Photography and Overall Best Photo, Winner of the Waunell Strickland Scholarship, Emma Huff – 1st Place Junior Beef Quiz, Macayla Kellum – 2nd Place Senior Poster Contest, Thomas Lord – 1st Place PeeWee Poster Contest, 1st and 2nd Place in PeeWee Photography, 1st Place PeeWee Beef Quiz, Krissi McCurdy – 2nd Place Senior Beef Quiz, Gracie Drue Johnson – 2nd Place Junior Beef Quiz, Tommie Lynne Mead – 1st Place Senior Poster Contest, 2nd Place Senior Photography, 1st Place Senior Beef Quiz. 13 Junior Dates TnB Herefords Allen Cattle Co. to Remember 864 Hardman Hooper Rd. • Hull, Georgia 30646 George and Ruby Allen Phone 706-338-3472 August 1-3 South Carolina Junior Beef Round-Up, Clemson, SC August 8-9 Young Farmers Cattle and Goat Show, Perry, GA August 17 UGA Block and Bridle Summer Classic, Athens, GA September 1 Entry deadline for the Georgia National Fair September 11-21 Gwinnett County Fair, Lawrenceville, GA Greenview Farms, Inc. October 1 Entry and ownership deadline for the State Steer and Heifer Show Square & Round Bermuda Grass Hay G GeorGia Retirement Council R C Registered Polled Herefords • Thomas R. Johnson, Owner Home: 706-465-2421 Cell: 706-339-4607 The club’s mission is to promote, mentor, and provide opportunities for Georgia’s Junior Hereford youth, future beef industry leaders. Shows, clinics, workshops, and fundraising, will provide experiences for our youth to learn the Hereford industry, both show side and production side, and the beef business in general. Membership is annual, running from July 1 through June 30. New members who join after March 31 will be credited with a full year’s membership plus the remaining time in the current year. We encourage all adults interested in young people, especially Hereford youth parents, to become involved. Membership fee: $25; for existing GHA members and Poll-ettes: $5 GEORGIA HEREFORD ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FORM Name Cell Mailing Address 525 District Line Road • Americus, GA 31709 (229) 924-0091 Cell (229) 337-0038 or (229) 886-7465 City, State, Zip Farm Name (if appropriate) Farm Jones Top Quality Hereford, Angus, & Commercial Cattle Address (if different) City, State, Zip JACK JONES 3621 Roddy Highway • Cochran, GA 31014 [email protected] Home 478-934-2175 • Cell 478-214-4505 ADVERTISING RATES Meeting Date SetRates as Deadline Past Due 1 Issue 4 Issues 1 issue $200 105 70 20 Information due on following dates: February 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st. Contact Bill Sims to place ads, articles, and information in Georgia newsletter. 706-335-2808 • 706-335-6085 • E-mail: [email protected] 14 Fax: 706-468-5399 Turkey Creek Ranch, LLC Phone $150 80 50 12 400 1-800-884-4820 2100 Pennington Rd., Newborn, GA 30056 www.georgiaretirementcouncil.com Georgia Junior Hereford Booster Club Johnson Polled Herefords $180 96 60 15 350 B. Frank Malcolm, CLU CATTLE AT THEIR BEST November 21-23 Southern Classic Cattle Show, Perry, GA 1 page 1/2 page 1/4 page Column Inch Color 1 Page Performance & Quality from Grazing Since 1942 JOHN A. WATSON, JR., owner 24605 Highway 193 Phone: 423-834-3457 La Fayette, Georgia 30728 [email protected] October 2-12 Georgia National Fair, Perry, GA Braford Winton C. & Emily C. Harris and Family Jonny & Toni Harris • 334 K-Ville Rd., Screven, GA 31560 (912) 586-6585 • Cell (912) 294-2470 706-468-7550 September Ogeechee Classic Steer and Heifer Show, Sylvania, GA 7731 Bastonville Road Warrenton, GA 30828 Polled Hereford Types of Membership: (Please check desired membership.) Registered Breeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35.00 Commercial Breeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00 Poll-ettes (Ladies Support Group) . . . . $20.00 Junior Membership (Up to Age 21) . . . . $ 5.00 Give birthdate of Junior Send Completed Form With Remittance to: GHA 660 Seaburn Vickery Rd. Statesboro, Ga 30461 Membership in the Georgia Hereford Association is on an annual basis, July 1 through June 30 each year. New members who join after March 31 each year will be credited with a full year’s membership plus the remaining time in the current year. Benefits in GHA membership include: (1) the opportunity to consign cattle to association consignment sales; (2) receiving information about shows and field days sponsored by GHA; (3) receiving a quarterly newsletter updating activity of GHA and its members; (4) having your Hereford operation listed in the GHA biennial directory at no additional cost; (5) entering cattle in GHA shows; and (6) supporting an organized effort to promote Hereford cattle. In addition, you will be able to make new friends and learn what others are doing by attending the various activities such as sales, shows and field day. GHA is a registered non-profit Georgia Corporation. A copy of the by-laws is available to anyone interested in joining the association. The association has been active since 1968. Two affiliated groups of GHA are the Georgia Poll-ettes (the ladies support group) and the Georgia Junior Polled Hereford group. Greetings from the GJHA Prez: President: Gabe Brogdon Vice President: Matthew Murphy Secretary: Hannah Roberts Directors: Dalton Green Rebekah Ramey Case Wilson Kari Dylong Gracie Drue Johnson Anna Ruff GJHA 660 Seaburn Vickery Road Statesboro, GA 30461 www.georgiahereford.org 912-865-5593 [email protected] As we come to the close of another summer vacation and the beginning of another show season, I would like to wish everyone luck in their endeavors. If you had the chance to compete in the Georgia Junior Hereford field day, Southeastern Junior Hereford Show, or Junior National Hereford Expo, I would like to congratulate you on your successes and the memories made. Let me encourage those who did not participate in these competitions to become active in the Junior Hereford Association and to begin making plans to participate in these events next year. While these shows are not until next summer there are several events right here in Georgia that GABE BROGDON juniors can take advantage of, like the heifer and steer show at the Georgia National Fair or the Georgia purebred steer show at the state show in February. I also encourage juniors to become active in their local cattleman’s association and to become well educated on uprising industry matters. During this year there are several chances for juniors to succeed and shine. Let me encourage you to work hard in the show ring as well as at home breeding and raising your Hereford cattle and preparing them for the show ring. I encourage the parents and grandparents of students who are not active in exhibiting Hereford cattle to encourage those young people to join the association and consider showing. I hope to see all of you somewhere at a show this year. Good luck and safe travels as you participate in the upcoming events! Sincerely, Gabe Brogdon 1-800-230-0024 by www.pasturemgmt.com 10ft Galvanized 5-Brace Poly-Bunk 14ga 2-pc Round Bale Feeder with Cone Hay Saver Low-Profile, 3-Compartment Mineral Feeder ATV sold separately 1000# Calf Creep Feeder Perfect for feeding livestock and wildlife in small, remote, or confined areas ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 500# (+/-) Capacity Tank with large fill opening & full visibility 4” Auger services multiple feed types and bunk heights Dual-Speed dispensing control with 15ft cord Battery Tender & Circuit Breaker protection on electronics 2” Ball Hitch - 12” Hitch Height - 22x1100x8 tires Providing superior products and exceptional service to the agricultural industry since 1991! Contact us for the dealer nearest you! 15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 1 . . . . . . Walker Polled Herefords Farms Morrison, TN, 11 a.m. Ad back page Oct. 2-12 . . . . Georgia National Fair Perry, GA Oct. 14-16 . . . Sunbelt Ag Expo Spence Field, Moultrie GA Oct. 26 . . . . . . Debter Hereford Farm Sale Horton, AL Oct. 27. . . . . . Hill Vue Farm Angus and Hereford Production Sale Blairsville, GA, 1 p.m. Nov. 7 . . . . . . Bull Power Sale Colbert, GA, 12 p.m., Innisfal Farm Contact Weyman White, 706-474-0536 March 20. . . . CES Polled Herefords/ Predestined Cattle Co., Wadley, GA Kyle Gillooly, 478-494-9593 [email protected] BULLS FOR SALE Contact our Georgia Hereford Breeders for your next cattle purchases. BOBBY BRANTLEY, Tennille, GA 31089 478-553-8598 TOMMY MEAD, 1222 Reeves Rd., Midville, GA 30441 706-554-0201 JONNY HARRIS, GREENVIEW FARMS 334 K-ville Rd., Screven, GA 31560 912-294-2470 PETE BAILES, BAILES RANCH, Eatonton, GA 31024 706-473-1374 JOHN A. WATSON, JR. 24605 Hwy. 193, La Fayette, GA 30728 423-834-3457 J. TAYLOR NEIGHBORS HEREFORDS 525 District Line Rd., Americus, GA 229-924-0091 SAM ZEMURRAY, HONEYRIDGE PLANTATION 477 Honeyridge Rd., Guyton, GA 912-547-0251 BILLY MARTIN, SUNSET RIDGE HEREFORDS 1359 County Line Rd., Cummings, GA 30040 404-376-6414 •••••• If anyone has bulls or heifers for sale, they can contact Bill Sims. Next deadline is October 10th. 16 GHA Members Web Page and E-Mail Address American Hereford Association Tommy Coley, Eastern Region Field Rep. Web Site: www.hereford.org E-mail: [email protected] Apple Valley Farm – Bill Sims E-mail: [email protected] Double B Farm – Bobby Brantley E-mail: [email protected] FourRFarms – Randy Roberts E-mail: [email protected] Georgia Hereford Association Web Site: www.georgiahereford.org E-mail: [email protected] Greenview Farms, Inc. – Winton & Emily Harris Web Site: www.greenviewfarms.net E-mail: greenviewfarms.net Ray Hicks Web Site: www.sandbriarfarms.com E-mail: [email protected] HME Herefords – Hardy Edwards Web Site: www.hmeherefords.com E-mail: [email protected] Hill-Vue Farm – Bud Hill Web Site: www.hillvuefarm.com E-mail: [email protected] Johnson Polled Herefords – Tommy Johnson E-mail: [email protected] Jones Farm – Jack Jones E-mail: [email protected] Leonard Polled Herefords – Sherman Leonard Web Site: www.lphfarm.com E-mail: [email protected] Mead Cattle Enterprises – Tommy Mead Web Site: www.meadcattle.com E-mail: [email protected] Kay McCurdy E-mail: [email protected] Moore Farms – Terry Moore Web Site: http://www.moorefarms.net E-mail: [email protected] Stonegate Farm – Bob Neligan E-mail: [email protected] Sunset Ridge Farm – Billy Martin E-mail: [email protected] James Thompson Herefords Web Site: www.thompsonherefords.com TnB Herefords E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Anyone wanting on this list should contact Bill Sims. Georgia Hereford Field Day… (Continued from Page 10) Division II Champion – Emma Huff, Class 7 Division II Reserve Champion – Jake Eller, Class 7 Class 9 – 1st Andy Chastain, 2nd Krissi McCurdy (B/O 1st), 3rd Matthew Murphy, 4th Gabe Brogdon, 5th Cody Hardin, 6th Gabe Brogdon (B/O 2nd), 7th Tommie Lynne Mead (B/O 3rd) Class 10 – 1st Anna Ruff, 2nd Emma Huff, 3rd Rebekah Ramey, 4th Hannah Roberts (B/O 1st), 5th Gracie Drue Johnson Division III Champion – Andy Chastain, Class 9 Division III Reserve Champion – Krissi McCurdy, Class 9 (B/O) Receiving the Jim and Erma Hadden Memorial Belt Buckle: Grand Champion Hereford Heifer Andy Chastain, Division III Receiving the Georgia Poll-Ette Belt Buckle: Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Heifer Krissi McCurdy, Division III Receiving the J.E. Strickland Memorial Belt Buckle: Bred & Owned Grand Champion Hereford Heifer Krissi McCurdy, Division III Receiving the W. A. Leonard Memorial Belt Buckle: Bred & Owned Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Heifer Krissi McCurdy, Division I Contests Poster Contest: PeeWee – 1st Thomas Lord Junior – 1st Carver Moore Senior – 1st Tommie Lynne Mead, 2nd Makayla Kellum Photography Contest: PeeWee Division – 1st Thomas Lord, 2nd Thomas Lord, Junior Division – 1st Carver Moore, 2nd Carver Moore Intermediate Division – 1st Gabe Brogdon, 2nd Hannah Roberts, 3rd Hannah Roberts Senior Division – 1st Kari Dylong, 2nd Tommie Lynne Mead, 3rd Kari Dylong Overall Photo Winner – Gabe Brogdon Beef Quiz: PeeWee Division – 1st Thomas Lord, Junior Division – 1st Emma Huff, 2nd Gracie Drue Johnson, 3rd Christopher Ramey Intermediate Division – 1st Hannah Roberts, 2nd Gabe Brogdon, 3rd Rebekah Ramey Senior Division – 1st Tommie Lynne Mead, 2nd Krissi McCurdy Adult Division Winner - Shelly Patton The Waunell Strickland Scholarship went to Gabe Brogdon. And congratulations to Anna Ruff, who was named the 2014 Georgia Hereford Queen. The Georgia Junior Hereford Association wishes to thank the following special folks: The Family of Jim and Erma Hadden for sponsoring our Grand Champion Hereford Heifer belt buckle. The Georgia Poll-ettes for sponsoring our Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Heifer belt buckle. The Family of J. E. Strickland for sponsoring our Bred & Owned Grand Champion Hereford Heifer belt buckle. The Family of W. A. Leonard for sponsoring our Bred & Owned Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Heifer belt buckle. You made our Field Day so special! We love you! 17 Thinking About Herefords… B R y andy Roberts Just thinking out loud… Those who bless God while going through their trials will be blessed by God to get through their trials. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS As we think about the business that we are in, just what is our business? Is it purely purebreds? Is it to produce structurally sound, highly fertile bulls for other purebred breeders and/or for the commercial cattle producer? Is it to produce and market structurally sound, and highly fertile replacement heifers? Is it to produce show cattle? Or, are you in the business for some other reason, for tax relief, stress relief, etc.? I think that the bottom line is that every one that is in the Hereford business is “in” to make a profit. How much profit will depend on how intensely we manage our business. Years ago, in our area, the average commercial cow was looked at as being a scavenger. Those cows were something to have around to clean up crop residue and to keep underbrush under control. During the spring and summer months, the cows and bulls roamed unimproved pastures and woodland areas. Neither the cows, their calves (if she had one), or the bull received much attention from their owner. In fact, I once had a farmer tell me that he had one cow that went three years without a calf before he figured it out. A farmer was usually involved in producing row crops such as tobacco, corn, and peanuts. If that producer also had a few hogs around, he would occasionally walk or drive by the pens to see it they had any feed; if he had any dead ones; if they had water; if he had any out, or, if he had any new litters. But for the most part, his cows were on a “take care of yourself, find something to eat on your own” management plan. Little to no attention was paid to controlled breeding or herd health. Talking to a farmer about using controlled breeding was like trying to explain grits or boiled peanuts to a Yankee. Then, if the cows were lucky to be owned by a farmer with fences, they were turned into the corn fields after the corn had been harvested to “clean up” what the corn combine had missed. There was usually corn, weeds, and stalks to be scavenged. I guess that over time, natural selection and mother nature did cull out the ones that needed to be culled. Sadly, we still have a few operations like that across the state. But in today’s market, most commercial and purebred producers realize that their cattle are a “crop” to be managed just like their row crops, or a business they might be involved in off the farm. I used to tell the farmers in my county that if they managed their cows like they did their tobacco crop, then they would see more return from their animals. So, what level of management do you give your cattle? Is it the minimum or the maximum? If you are a purebred breeder, are you using all of the technology that is available to you? 18 Do you have a specific “plan” for your operation: where you are now, and where you want to be in five years? Good cattle managers are going to be good whether they are in the purebred or commercial business. I have a neighbor that is as good a commercial cattleman as you will find anywhere in the country. Just recently, he told me that he had run a purebred cow into the “thousands” of dollars. But he said that even he had set a limit on what he could spend. He is still looking though. His plan was to bring her home and AI her and flush her. He was then going to use the females to build a small purebred herd of full and half-sisters. As for her bull calves, he was going to use the best of them on his commercial cows. He has a plan. Do you? STATE SALE At the recent board meeting in Perry, having a state sale next April at the Beef Expo was discussed at length. The board voted to seek a move of the sale from Saturday at noon to sometime on Friday. But in order to make the sale work either day, we have to have consignments. We have to have support of our members to make this happen and to make the sale a success. Right now, we are riding a crest of interest in both Horned and Polled bulls and Horned and Polled females. We need to make them available. We need to offer quality cattle. What the sale committee needs are females that are going to go home and work for their new owners. What we do not need is those that are “just better than what we would carry to the sale barn.” As soon as we know whether we are going to be able to move to Friday, or if other plans for a state sale are made, we will let you know. Now is the time to start making your plans, not when you get the letter in the mail this fall seeking consignments/ commitments for the sale. SPRING BORNS Here in the State of Georgia many purebred producers have found it hard to sell spring born heifers for show calves because of the age categories that kids were allowed to show. But starting with the 2015 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show, exhibitors will be allowed to bring back “spring borns” to show. Any heifer that was shown at the 2014 show and whose birthday was after January 1, 2013, will be allowed to show again and compete for a championship. This will be a “one more time” opportunity. The thinking being that spring born heifers generally have a hard time competing with fall born heifers. Maybe this will make it easier for purebred producers and even commercial producers sell some good spring born heifers. For more information, contact your local County Extension Agent or your high school Ag-Teacher. Just a thought: Every word in the Bible was placed there with a purpose; any part that you have not read is your “buried treasure.” … stonegate proud a feeling we get when we look at each new crop of AI sired calves from a great set of dams. We’re pushing harder than ever to produce functional Hereford cattle that meet our bull buyers needs with carcass traits, sound feet and legs, moderate birth weights, and excellent growth. Feed efficiency, form, and functionality all intersect and make us Stonegate proud. 485 Milledgeville Road Bob and Pat Neligan • Eatonton, GA 31024 • Cell: 706-318-0068 JPS HEREFORDS Greenview Farms Inc. Hardy Edwards 505 Lem Edwards Road • Winterville, GA 30683 Hardy Cell: (706) 714-9012 Kim Cell: (706) 206-6725 Office: (706) 742-2658 www.hmeherefords.com 19 SEEDSTOCK AVAILABLE Strong Maternal Families PO Box 901 • Watkinsville, GA 30677 Phone 706-224-2898 Paul & Malinda Smith, Owners Preston Burnham, Herdsman Brandon Eller & Jake Eller, Show Herd Supplying seed stock for southern cattlemen for over 50 years. Jonny and Paul Harris 334 K-Ville Rd., Screven, GA 31560 912-586-6585 • cell 912-294-2470 [email protected] www.greenviewfarms.net Labor Day • Monday, Sept. 1, 2014 • 11 a.m. At Walker Polled Hereford Farm, Morrison, Tenn. Selling 75 Lots of Predictable Performance Genetics W19 Powerhouse Donor 441 “Big League” 545 Selling 1/2 embryo interest 0145 Stylish and Sweet 442 “Bachelor” 269 Herd Bull Deluxe 333 Predictable Performance Genetics 0225 Brood Cow Potential For catalog or more information, contact: Eric, Rhonda, Cody and Casey P.O. Box 146 • Morrison, TN 37357 931-607-6356 Cell • 931-668-4622 Office 931-635-2181 Home • 931-668-7365 Fax www.walkerpolledherefordfarm.com • [email protected] 244 Dark Red and Stout Bid online at: Videos available on cattleinmotion.com