Tools of the Trade

All of us are aware the cattle industry is entering a phase of revolution and change. The breed associations and learning establishments are not talking about these changes or trying to help the masses of producers prepare for meeting those demands. Where is sustainability? What will it take to survive? How do I produce fine quality beef, milk and fats? Why aren’t there markets for grass fed beef?

The commodity feeding and marketing system did not demand anything but delivery of animals from the producers; we lost our vision and knowledge for producing fine quality food and what is required of our cows for total grass production.

Some help and answers:

The North American Devon Association is hosting their annual conference in Franklin Texas this October 15, 16 & 17th. The theme of the conference is about producing quality meat, milk and fats. The conference is hosting a meat sampling program (Warner Bratzler shear force) which is free to those who would like to know the texture and tenderness of the meat you are producing with your genetics (all breeds). All you need to do too participate with your beef is send a rib-eye stake to Deb Manahan (see brochure for contact) by the first of October and be there to see for yourself exactly how your genetics stack up for texture and tenderness. We/I plead with you to participate and catch the vision of helping restore quality and sustainability back into your herd and the cattle industry. The system will not help us; we must band together and do this our-self. We do have the knowledge and desire to succeed and we need the support of every producer.

October 15th I will open the conference with a full day of school; True Grass Harvesters (cows) is the class; plus bull selection, cow selection and how to genetically select for quality and volume. This school will educate you about the importance of body type and shape, genetics and production of quality meat, milk and fats with animals that can utilize your grass efficiently and reproduce regularly.

Take advantage of this opportunity before the change is upon us, come learn; get acquainted with like minded producers and we (you/I) can dictate our future and not be dictated to by some other part of the industry. We who have cattle are first grass growers and second cattle producers. We sell grass (food) through our cows. What percent return do you get on your grass through your cows, 50%, 60%, or 70%. The percent utilization of grass determines you’re profitability. If your utilization is below 60% your operation may be in jeopardy.

Friday the 16th the president’s address is catching the vision (producing quality beef) and the producers working for the good of each-other.  Fred Provenza is our key note speaker on animal eating habits and behavior management.  Cody Holmes will teach you how to restore fertility to your soil with your cows.

The Friday night banquet will feature a full blood Devon steer so the attendees can experience the quality of fine gourmet eating and dinning, don’t miss this banquet. 

Saturday the 17th at 2pm we will host the annual Devon female sale. These females are herd builders (flush cows) in the herds they have been selected from.      

Call now and get your name in the pot; don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity for learning and working with like-minded people.  We can shape our future. We must band and work together for our own good.

See you in Franklin, Texas TX on October 15th -17th.