Impacts of Beef Cattle Shortcourses

Dr. Tim Olson Department of Animal Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville

The first Breeder’s and Herdsmen’s Short - probably not such a good idea for the showman Course, the predecessor of the Beef Cattle Short either. Courses that have now been held for 50 years, was held on June 18th and 19th, 1951 at the University Mr. Joe Keefauver, an Angus breeder from of Florida. As the title of this first short course Tennessee, spoke on breeding and commented implies, the emphasis was on the production of that although the best cattle come from purebred cattle and the event was sponsored by linebreeding, most people can’t successfully do it the Florida Angus Breeders’ Association. About and most cattle aren’t good enough to be linebred 75 attended this first short course whose topics without running the risk of bringing out bad included fundamentals of feeding beef cattle by characteristics. A lot of emphasis was placed on Dr. R. S. Glasscock of the UF Animal Husbandry visual evaluation by the speakers, as might have Department, selection of breeding females by Joe been expected for the time, but Mr. Keefauver Keefauver, an Angus breeder from Tennessee and also added “You can’t tell for sure by looking, selection of a herd bull by Rae Ferrell, an Angus production is the ultimate test.” Mr. Keefauver breeder from Georgia. A local Gainesville was ahead of his time. Another speaker, however, veterinarian, Dr. Karl Owens discussed herd made the comment that “You won’t find a bull health issues including Bangs, Blackleg, Scours that is too short-legged.” Unfortunately this and Footrot. Marketing, in this case of purebred statement was rather quickly shown to be false. cattle was a topic of discussion at the first short course. We are still working on this issue as well. Many of the other statements of the speakers that were reported in the Florida Cattleman were The first discussion of genetics at this first true then and remain true today. We would short course shows how far we have come in the probably agree with the comments of Dr. last 50 years. A speaker on the subject of Glasscock that “You can’t raise good cattle by breeding was emphasizing the use of pedigree starving them six months out of the year” and also information in making breeding decisions and that “Don’t let your cattle get too thin before you emphasized a difference between strain selection feed. It’s easier to keep your herd in reasonable (that was supposed to depend on sire lines) and condition than to bring herds back.” He also families that depended on cows and followed the discussed protein content of legume vs. grass hays female lines back. By the 1976 SC the discussion and made the comment that “Minerals alone don’t was on the use of national sire evaluation, the do the job even though they are needed.” genetic improvement program that we are using today. Mr. Keefauver made the comment that Angus bulls were in demand and that there was a There was an interesting discussion of ethical shortage of good bulls making it a good time to issues related to the showing of purebred cattle, get into the Angus business. It seems that the comments related to not using knives to cut ties (I same can be said for the situation 50 years later. guess that we don’t get show cattle fat enough to It was of interest to me that a commercial worry about this anymore) and more interestingly purebred bull should bring three times the price of that it’s not legitimate to give beer to an animal a 1000 pound steer, or about $750. just before it goes into the showring. My thought T. Olson

A comment was made prior to this first short the SC. In a second brief talk and demonstration course that the success of the first short course on selecting replacement heifers, Dr. Koger stated would determine whether or not future short that he felt that too much emphasis was placed on courses would be held. Apparently it was pretty growth rate alone and urged that heifer selection successful as we have now been having them for also consider type and the reproductive record of 50 years. the heifers’ dams.

The second Herdsmen’s Short Course was Edgar Hudgins of J.D. Hudgins spoke and held December 4, 5 and 6th, 1952 in Gainesville at emphasized the importance of a definite breeding the then new Livestock Pavilion and was jointly program coupled with rigid culling of undesirable sponsored by the UF Department of Animal offspring. He commented that they evaluate three Husbandry, the Florida Angus and Hereford calf crops from a bull before deciding what kind Associations and the Eastern Brahman Breeders of bull he will turn out to be. Mr. Louis Gilbreath Association. A total of 27 speakers were involved who was the Manager of the Camp Ranch which with the emphasis being again on purebred cattle is now the Payne’s Prairie State Preserve, also was production with the topics including grooming, a speaker and made the interesting comment that showing, sales, and management practices. This “Florida has been a fertile field for the selling of year the attendance increased to about 150. This inferior bulls by bull peddlers in the last few year’s program was planned in part by Dr. Jim years.” Mr. Gilbreath commented that what he Hengtes. Sloan Baker was reported to have been looked for in a bull was “back, body, bone, and involved in a panel on veterinary problems along britches” and also mentioned the importance of with R.W. Kidder and Mac Peacock. Again there prepotency (the siring of uniform sets of progeny) was an emphasis on the need to feed show in bull selection. Of most interest to me was Mr. animals, starting soon after birth and Dr. Cunha Gilbreath’s very progressive comment that commented that “feeding is an art and not a breeders evaluate the type of carcasses that their science” and although nutritionists today might bulls were producing. disagree with this statement, there probably still is some truth to it. Dr. Cunha added, “It takes years An Angus breeder, Myron Fuerst of New York of experience and a wary eye to become a state, made several interesting comments and was successful feeder of show cattle.” quoted as having said that “We must devote more time to providing commercial cattlemen with the Dr. Marvin Koger gave two presentations, the kind of bulls they need ... it is a moral obligation first in which he emphasized reproduction making that we must assume.” Apparently he felt that too the comment that “poor nutrition was the principle many purebred breeders were too interested in cause of failure to reproduce”. I found it making money and winning shows and were not interesting that he was quoted as saying that 80% concerned with the production of bulls that would is the maximum conception rate in an average improve the quality of commercial cattle. He herd and that 70% would be a good average. He disagreed with comment of a previous year’s strongly urged his audience to cull animals that speaker when he said that too much emphasis had did not reproduce satisfactorily because this factor been placed on short legs, adding that quality of may be handed down and cause continual bone should be given more emphasis and that breeding problems within the herd. This would be animals should have wider muzzles. a message that he would repeat many times over the course of his long history of involvement with Dave Canning commented that purebred

26 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? IMPACTS OF BEEF CATTLE SHORTCOURSES breeders depended too much on auctions and that at the SC and emphasized that adequate nutrition they should promote and hold private sales of and feeding was necessary to obtain a satisfactory their own instead. He also commented that they calf crop as Florida (50-60%) lagged behind the should steer more of the their bull calves thus national average (80-90%). Dr. Koger followed being more selective regarding the bulls that are him and emphasized that adequate records were sold. This year was the first to mention that a necessary to be able to cull out those cows with barbecue was being served by the Block and poor reproductive rates. Marketing was also Bridle Club which was after the Friday afternoon discussed as it has been many time since. Even program. These barbeques became a fixture of the then there was a concern for the marketing of fat program for many years. I can remember standing cattle as there was still a market for them in in line with J. Wayne Reitz at a barbeque at one of Florida but at prices that were below those in the first short courses that I attended. other parts of the country.

The third Herdsmen’s Short Course was held There was the first mention of weed problems, April 8-10, 1954. Again, breed associations poisonous and others, at this SC with discussion including the Angus, Brahman, Brangus, by Dr. Erdman West and E.O. Burt both of the Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and Shorthorn were co- University of Florida. Chemicals such as 2-4-D sponsors along with the University of Florida. and 2-4-5-T were mentioned as effective brush Don Wakeman along with Jim Pace and others and weed killers. Pastures were another topic were listed as being University of Florida mentioned in 1955 which has been a frequent participants along with W.C. Burns of the topic since that time. Dr. E. M. Hodges and J.R. Brooksville Station. Among the industry Henderson cautioned against over-grazing and participants were Max Hammond, Louis under-fertilization as they were the cause of the Gilbreath, Gifford Rhodes and Horace Fulford. death of many a good pasture. Payne Midyette, Jr. of Tallahassee was a part of a pasture panel In 1955, “upwards of 400 owners, herdsmen, discussion along with D.W. Griffin and R.A. managers and others interested in the state’s cattle Willis, Jr. Dr. Southwell from Tifton, Georgia industry were on hand” for the fourth short course was on a panel together with Mac Peacock, and on April 14-16 and heard from some 64 speakers Gilbert Tucker, then manager of A. Duda and on topics that included finance, marketing, Sons Ranch at Cocoa charged with discussing management, feeding practices and research management practices that would increase results. Dr. J. Wayne Reitz gave the opening income. They concluded that producing the type address. of animal that the buyer wanted and using better bulls were key factors. Carlisle Rogers, President of the First National Bank in Leesburg and a cattleman himself, made Uses of new technology has always been an some interesting comments on what he looks for important item at the SC and in 1955 the new in a loan application to buy cattle. These included technology was AI. Dr. G.T. Easley, the ranch a knowledge of forage production. P.E. Williams, veterinarian for the Turner Ranch in Sulphur, a noted cattleman from Davenport, advised young Oklahoma spoke on the subject. Parasite control cattlemen to have a good plan and to get enough was discussed for perhaps the first time at this SC money for a long enough time. by L.E. Swanson of UF.

Dr. Alvin Warnick made his first appearance In 1956, Charolais and Charbray were added

2001 FLORIDA BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE 27 T. Olson to the list of the sponsoring breed organizations to take advantage of whatever opportunities arise and the FCA was also listed. The more than 400 for making a profit.” It is still true today. I found in attendance were welcomed by College of it interesting that Dr. Zane Palmer discussed Agriculture Dean M.A. Brooker. In 1956 the “what makes meat tender?” and commented that Block and Bridle club served three barbeque beef would have to be tender if it were to compete meals throughout the course of the event. By way successfully with other meats. Finally, W.T. Stitt of entertainment, a cutting horse demonstration of Clewiston told the group how he attained a followed the Friday PM program. The Block and 90% calf crop in his herd emphasizing good Bridle club also had an Alumni-Breeder banquet management practices including good feeding, the Wednesday evening before the SC and the disease and internal parasite control, culling of tickets were $2.00. less fertile cows as well as the feeding of minerals. There was a lot of emphasis on creep feeding. Bill McGregor, an Angus breeder from Maryland, The announcement for the 1957 SC mentioned emphasized the importance of creep-feeding show that it would be held at the Livestock Pavilion, a calves and Ralph Cellon of Alachua also couple of miles from Gainesville. The program remarked that he felt that creep feeding was emphasized beef grading, perhaps this was the profitable for his commercial calves. Drs. Marvin first short course to follow the practice of a Koger and Jim Hengtes participated through a particular theme. Drs. Koger and Warnick again demonstration and discussion of dwarfism. Dr. had their usual places on the program. This year Alvin Warnick’s talk this year focused in on Dr. Koger discussed age at calving, warning that changes in the reproductive organs during the “it would be disastrous for most cattlemen to have estrous cycles and gestation. their heifers calving at 24 months of age...” He felt at that time that a heifer needed to have Both Dr. Koger and Max Hammond reached 90% of their mature weight before emphasized the importance of performance testing breeding them. This was because Florida during their remarks to the SC in 1956. Jim Pace roughages simply did not have the strength to stated that “our best and cheapest winter feed is support both growth (of the heifer) and silage of good quality”. G.A. Fergason of the reproduction at the same time. Instead he Norris Cattle Co. stated that “hegari is our best recommended calving at about 27 to 30 months if silage crop”. Anyone know what hegari is? Dr. this was possible. Dr. Warnick comments related Herb Chapman also talked on the use of silage at to artificial insemination and felt that AI shouldn’t this session. Dr. Sloan Baker discussed rations for be used unless both the bull and the cows alike are fattening slaughter cattle in Gadsden, Jackson and extremely gentle. Many of his comments on the Leon counties commenting on the opportunity to disadvantages of AI still hold true today and replace some of the corn in the ration with “citrus included: 1) heat detection, 2) lack of trained molasses”. Dr. Kirk from Ona discussed feeding labor, 3) lack of availability of truly outstanding programs for Central Florida as did Dr Dan bulls, and 4) breed association rules that Beardsley who is quoted as saying “Because of the discourage AI on any wide scale. fluctuation in the price of feeder and slaughter steers, it is difficult, if not impossible, to devise a Other speakers included W.F. Snead of the feeding program which will return a profit every Santa Fe River Ranch who commented that they year... It would appear that the common sense castrated 20% of their bull calves and approach... is to devise a system flexible enough recommended creep feeding. Additional speakers

28 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? IMPACTS OF BEEF CATTLE SHORTCOURSES included Louis Gilbreath, Elliot Whitehurst, and Doane Agricultural Digest spoke in 1960 on the Sidney Crochet of U.S. Sugar Brahman fame who cattle outlook, a frequent topic for most of the reported that Brangus and Braford calves make future short courses. A price drop was forecast good feeder steers and Tommy Mack of the Norris and he warned those in attendance not to expect to Cattle Company. make any money on cows sold after the summer and fall of 1961. Dr. Koger’s talk this year, The Thursday and Friday evening programs focused on the standardization of performance ran until 10:00 PM during the 1958 SC. Max data for age of calf, age of dam, sex, etc. while Dr. Hammond reported that the W. H. Stuart Ranch’s Warnick had AI as his topic again. In fact, the testing program involved gain testing, progeny whole Saturday program was devoted to AI and and confirmation evaluations and compared the included speakers from several AI organizations returns from his top to bottom-producing bulls. as well as A.W. Dawson of A. Duda and Sons and Dr. J.L. Loosli of Cornell University spoke on the Max Hammond. Saturday afternoon there were importance of adequate protein levels for calves demonstrations of semen collection, semen postweaning. Dr. Loosli would later move to evaluation, insemination procedures and Gainesville and served as an acting UF procedures for the transportation and storage of administrator on several occasions. Dr. George K. semen. Ralph Sexton of Vero Beach, along with Davis cautioned against feeding too high a level Russell Kiser of Lake Worth and Sanford Hartt of of copper. Dr. R.L. Reddish presented the results Avon Park each discussed “New ideas in our of a survey of customer preferences in buying production program which are very valuable to meats. use.” Ralph is still interested in pursuing such new ideas. For the first time there was a horse In 1959 the emphasis was on pastures and session in a program presided over by Dr. Joe fertilization. Dr. Koger discussed results of early Crockett and a group of speakers that included crossbreeding research at the Beef Research Unit Geech Partin, Raymon Tucker, and Fox Parker. and these cattle were shown on a tour of the BRU Other topics covered included liver fluke and on Saturday morning. Dr. Warnick this year grass worm control and methods of wintering in commented on research related to the impact of a various parts of the state. protein deficiency on reproduction. J.R. Henderson, the University Extension Agronomist The tenth SC in 1961 was the first with its explained the carrying capacities of various types main emphasis being crossbreeding. It was of Florida ranges and the improvements in yield of reported that over 675 people from many states beef per acre possible through fertilization and and 13 foreign countries were registered. Dr. incorporation of legumes. A representative of Cunha’s comments indicate to me what a good Pfizer & Co. told those present about their politician he would have made for he is quoted as research into the use of small amounts having said the following regarding data that tranquillizers in feedlot rations, commenting that might seem to show some breeds or crossbreeds a faster rate of gain but not sedation was as being much poorer than others: “I would like to produced. The tranquilized steers had a 8.1% emphasize that all breeds of beef cattle will have higher rate of gain, a 7.4% superior feed a place in future breeding programs in Florida. efficiency and graded slightly higher. Apparently We hope everyone will have an open mind as they this never caught on. listen to the many reports being given at this short course and that they will not be quick to condemn Wayman Chappell, the Southern Editor for a breed because a report may show a certain

2001 FLORIDA BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE 29 T. Olson weakness. These weaknesses can be overcome in genetically adapted to the stressful conditions of almost all cases by proper selection programs. A the Florida environment through centuries of weakness that is evident in a breed may not be natural selection and that this genetic advantage apparent in crosses involving this breed.” He has been underestimated. He felt that this further commented that what all beef producers “Criollo” influence could do much to help, need to concentrate on is the production of an through hybrid vigor, crossbreeding systems for irresistible piece of beef for the consumer. Florida, especially in crosses with Zebu. This Perhaps we have been too slow to work on this statement did not result in any major attempt to aspect of genetic improvement. save the Cracker cattle although Dr. Koger might have made a more diligent effort to do so himself The hand of Dr. Koger on all aspects of this had he not been hampered by very severe health program is evident. His mentor at New Mexico problems in the mid-sixties. We still have a few State, Dr. J. H. Knox as well as his colleagues Cracker cattle left in Florida and in other parts of from throughout the country and close the Americas and programs exist to preserve the collaborators (Dick Kelley, Mac Peacock, Cal Criollo cattle indigenous to their areas. Burns, Max Hammond, Alto (Bud) Adams, Jr. and others) within the state compose most of the Perhaps to avoid the wrath of some purebred speakers. Dr. Koger’s talk was extensively breeders, however, Dr. Koger was quick to point covered in the Florida Cattleman Magazine. He out that in spite of the obvious improvements commented that the breeding of beef cattle, as possible due to crossbreeding, “we should opposed to that of dairy, swine, and poultry is remember that there will continually be a demand more complex and will likely remain more for straightbred or purebred stock in operations complex as beef cattle must be produced under where crossbreeding is not practical [very small pasture conditions where it is more difficult to herds] and, of course, as a source of bulls for remove nutritional and climatic stresses. In crossbreeding.” In one of my own first talks at a referring to Zebu-type cattle he mentioned both SC where I discussed the possible use of their desirable characteristics, such as heat crossbred bulls, I had to fall back on this latter tolerance and insect resistance as well as their comment to defend myself from an irate question tendency to have poorer reproductive rates than from a purebred breeder. the “English” type cattle. Because of their adaptability and combining ability, however, In 1961 crossbreeding was not utilized to Koger said that the Zebu will continue to play a nearly the extent that it is today and so it was quite leading role in beef production in the tropics. prophetic [and this is exactly the word that the While we have seen a reduction in the influence of FCA article used regarding Dr. Koger’s comment] Zebu cattle in the U.S., throughout the tropics his when Dr. Koger stated that “It may well be that statement continues to be true. we are entering into a period when crossbreeding of beef cattle may be widespread throughout the Dr. Koger’s comments continued with a United States as well as in the Gulf Coast region.” mention of the native or Criollo cattle that He had earlier commented that two major factors descended from the Spanish cattle that populated favored crossbreeding. These are that “experience most of the Americas. Today we call these cattle of cattlemen coupled with experimental data show Cracker Cattle in Florida but they were more that there is no existing breed that will perform commonly called native or “scrub” cattle in 1961. satisfactorily... under conditions on many Koger mentioned that these cattle have became commercial ranches in Florida” and that it isn’t

30 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? IMPACTS OF BEEF CATTLE SHORTCOURSES possible to utilize hybrid vigor without has been since that time. Dr. Jan Bonsma of the crossbreeding. University of Pretoria in South Africa was the featured speaker and nearly 800 people attended. The biggest crowd in the history of the SC to The theme was “Factors Affecting the Calf Crop.” date, over 600, attended the event in 1962. Cattle Dr. E.J. Warwick, a beef cattle breeder from prices must have been high that year. Doyle USDA Beltsville spoke on the subject of Carlton, Jr., of Wauchula gave his advice to young men interested in the cattle business as a future. “Comparison of Reproductive Rates in Beef Cattle in Various Countries of the World.” He There was no mention of what he said in FCM. Ralph Sexton was again on the program and commented that perhaps the biggest detriments to explained his selection procedures as keeping high fertility were unusually high environmental records, having a proper breeding season, having temperatures and uneven distribution of rainfall. a good level of nutrition by using fertilization and He did say, however, that the breeds most proper pasture management and selecting and commonly used in such areas seemed to have a culling. Other longtime UF faculty on the great deal of adaptability, otherwise their calving program in 1962 were Don Wakeman, Jim Pace, percentages would be even worse. Dr. Warnick’s Sloan Baker, Mac Peacock, Herb Chapman, Elver comments this year indicated that even though Hodges, Zane Palmer, and Bob Reddish. Dr. Florida was, as a state, at the bottom of the ladder Warnick again stressed the nutrition/reproduction in beef cattle reproduction, this does not mean that interface by reporting that the pregnancy rate as we needed to stay there and that marked two-year-old heifers was only 16% on native improvements had been made in the research grass, but was 92% on improved pastures. This herds of the University through improved was the first year that Commissioner of management practices. Dr. Hentges and out of Agriculture, Doyle Conner, was reported as state speakers such as Dr. Jim Wiltbank then of having been a speaker. Commissioner Conner USDA and Dr. L.S. Pope of Oklahoma State all had been made an honorary member of the Block discussed different aspects of minerals and and Bridle Club at its banquet that year. The SC nutrition on reproduction and Dr. W.C. ended with a tour of the Cellon Feedlot near McCormick of Tifton, Georgia told of the Alachua. improvement in reproduction they had experienced through crossbreeding. The successful feeding of Florida’s cattle was the theme of the twelfth BCSC in 1963. Dr. Dr. Bonsma’s presentation emphasized that Cunha commented that we need more corn in selection for specific visual characteristics in bulls order to feed out more slaughter cattle in Florida. and heifers along with culling based on Cushman “Cush” Rodebaugh, Sr., then of Orlando reproduction will produce productive cattle. He who was the President of American National also made a comment that I found interesting....a Cattlemen’s Association discussed beef great deal of what any given breed may lack in its marketing, importing, and exporting. Don ability to adapt itself to climatic conditions may Wakeman, Sloan Baker, Marvin Koger, Herb be made up by proper nutrition . This seems to be Chapman, Cal Burns, Jim Pace and Jim Hentges true with regard to using cattle with less and less all discussed various aspects of steer fattening in Brahman influence here in Florida. Those that do Florida. The SC ended with a tour of the so successfully seem to have the highest levels of Whitehurst Feedlot near Williston. nutrition. Dr. Koger was again on the program, discussing the impact of different pasture In 1965 the BCSC was held in early May as it programs on reproduction. In a later presentation

2001 FLORIDA BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE 31 T. Olson he discussed culling stating that “Culling open Edwards of Quincy, J.O. Pearce, Jr. of heifers is the most important single control factor Okeechobee, R.D. Bennett of Greenwood and for improving the calf crop.” He also commented George Terry of Orlando then discussed feeding that “Through culling we remove unthrifty programs for stockering calves. A panel animals as well as those poorly adapted o the area, composed of Henry Chitty, Ralph Sexton, Gilbert and these two factors are of utmost importance.” Tucker, Dick Kelley and Bud Adams discussed Several University and state veterinarians also their experiences with marketing their calves and were on the program including longtime state added suggestions for improving marketing in veterinarian Dr. C. L. Campbell as well as UF Florida. veterinary faculty, Dr. G.T. Edds and Dr. C.B Plummer. Pastures, fertilization and irrigation highlighted the 1967 SC. Dan Beardsley gave a Dr. Bonsma demonstrated his ability to talk on the present status of forage evaluation tests determine how many calves a cow had produced and their value to cattlemen commenting that poor based on visual evaluation of 10 Angus cows at forage quality is a real problem and that “Any Stardust Ranch; of the 10 cows he was wrong on program which would help the cattleman produce only one, and that by only 1 calf. Dr. E.J. and utilize good forage efficiently should be Warwick concluded the conference with a number considered.” Dave Jones discussed forage of predictions regarding the future of beef cattle production and utilization and Elver Hodges breeding programs including that selection would mentioned that the most vigorous clovers were be based on records and would be related directly Louisiana and Ladino white clovers. Dr. Warnick to the performance of ancestry.....this is essentially reported that the pregnancy rate of Brahman X what EPD selection is all about today. Native lactating cows increased from 47% on straight grass pastures to 79% on clover-grass Marketing was the theme of the 1966 SC. Dr. pastures. Dr. Al Kretschmer of the Ft. Pierce lab Ken Tefertiller, then the head of the Agricultural spoke on tropical legumes for Florida and Economics Dept. chaired all three of the Friday moderated a panel discussion of the subject with sessions . Commissioner of Agriculture Doyle Edsel Rowan (Ocala), Bud Adams, Pat Corrigan, Conner kicked off the event with comments and Lat Turner. stressing the importance of sound beef cattle marketing programs and added the statement that J.E. McCaleb of the Range Cattle Station, “I am reassured by the doggedness and ingenuity discussed the use of winter annuals on flatwoods of Florida cattlemen who whipped the odds many pastures and stated that both oats or rye could be times over a 400-year history to arrive at the used successfully but cautioned that both required production peak that they are experiencing today.” intensive fertilization and management and In other words he felt confident that marketing therefore might best be used in conjunction with problems as well as all other problems faced by pasture establishment or renovation as a means of Florida cattlemen would be overcome and he getting some supplementary feed. Sloan Baker pledged the help of the State Department of and Jim Hentges also spoke on winter pastures Agriculture in doing so. The impact of the Florida and forage quality, respectively. Dave Jones International Trade Council, Inc. on sales of moderated a panel discussion on the use of Florida cattle and products to Latin America was temporary pastures with Mann Bailey (Oxford) discussed by Dr. Roberto Parajon and B. Edmund and Kirby Hancock (Kissimmee). Bob Crane of David. A number of speakers including O.T. Alachua was honored in 1967 by the Florida

32 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? IMPACTS OF BEEF CATTLE SHORTCOURSES

Banker’s Association as having the best weaning weights of 600 pounds and yearling production testing program in Florida. The 1967 weights of 1200. Dr. John Moore spoke on the program ended with discussions of native forages factors influencing the nutritive value of forages by L. L. Yarlette, continuous vs. rotational grazing and described high quality forage as one that is of cut-over pine forests by Ralph Hughes and the readily palatable, highly digestible and results in interaction of cattle and timber by E.R. Felton of efficient animal performance. Alico Land and Development Co. “What kind of beef should we produce?” was In 1968 close to 700 persons were on hand for the question that was raised at the eighteenth a program that had as its theme the nutrition and BCSC in 1969. The registration fee was $5 per feeding of beef cattle. The program was dedicated person. Over 900 were “on hand”. Rhule B. to Dr. W.G. Kirk of Ona and R.W. Kidder of Sleeth of Armour and Co. addressed the group on Belle Glade both of whom were retiring on June future trends in beef processing and 30. The opening speaker was Stephen C. merchandising but his prophetic abilities were a O’Connell, president of the University. Dr. bit lacking in that he said that “In the future O’Connell, who was reported to “raise cattle” told prepackaged retail meats will be frozen because it the cattlemen that he knew of no area of Florida retains meat color... and preserves meat quality.” agriculture where greater progress had been made John Pierce, director of USDA Livestock than in beef cattle and attributed much of the Division, was also a bit off as he predicted that progress to UF research. Dr. T.W. Perry, a electrical devices would probably be used in the professor from my alma mater, Purdue University, future for grading. We are still waiting for that. described corn silage as the real “ace in the hole” Dr. Warnick again promoted AI as a means of for cattle feeders and predicted that beef cattle genetic improvement of beef cattle and told the feeding programs of the future will include more cattlemen in attendance that he was aware of a and more silage and that this will be the key to herd that increased its weaning weight from 518 increased supplies of animal products that are to 605 pounds and the percentage grading choice being demanded by the American consumer. The from 50% to 97% over a four-year period through feeding value of blackstrap molasses as a the use of AI. The experiences with use of AI supplement for cows was discussed by Herb were reported by Azel Lewis of A. Duda and Chapman. Dr. Clarence Ammerman discussed the Sons, Bob Crane, Jr. of Rock Hollow Farm, Max use of pelleted citrus pulp and later also talked on Hammond of W.H. Stuart Ranch, Herb Lloyd of trace mineral supplementation. Dan Beardsley’s Big B Ranch of Belle Glade and Mike Milicevic talk examined the possibility of replacing corn of U.S. Sugar. Max Hammond told the audience with raw sugar, and Herb Chapman, Sloan Baker, that “We can make AI work, but first let us be and Joe Bertrand all discussed various topics sure that the bulls used are genetically superior related to beef cattle nutrition. Dr. Cunha spoke and not just highly promoted for sales purposes. on the topic of Vitamin A supplementation. Then, let us be sure that we have the feeding conditions that will permit the expression of the Dr. Koger’s talk was on feeding programs for superior genetics.” This is still very good advice bulls on performance test. Dr. Warnick was on in 2001. the program as usual and emphasized that energy level was probably the most important single Later speakers discussed programs to take factor limiting reproduction in beef cattle. Bob weaned calves up to 600 to 800 pounds when they Crane mentioned that his goal for his program was would go into the feedlot. Speakers included Jock

2001 FLORIDA BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE 33 T. Olson

Sutherland of Immokalee, J.O. Pierce, Jr. of Francis of A. Duda and Sons and Dick Kelley of Okeechobee, Lat Turner of Sarasota, and R.D. Monreve Ranch in Stuart. Dr. Koger stated that Bennett of Greenwood. Sloan Baker, Jim limiting the breeding season was one of the best Hengtes, and Joe Bertrand discussed the use of tools for improving production. corn silage, grazing on summer annuals and other issues. The final major topic was calving at two- Over 1000 persons including a large number vs three years of age and Dr. Koger discussed the from Central and South America attended the successful use of two-year old calving at the Beef 1971 BCSC on crossbreeding. Dr. Koger was Research Unit. Jock Sutherland, Jeanette Chitty, joined by H.H. Stonaker of Colorado State (but at Ralph Sexton and Pat Corrigan all presented their the time in Colombia), E.J. Warwick of USDA, experiences with two-year old calving. Tom Cartwright of Texas A & M , Richard Willham of Iowa State, J.W. Turner then of LSU, Tender beef was an issue addressed in 1970 at Joe Crockett, and Mac Peacock in discussing the BCSC. R.B. Sleeth of Amour & Co. various aspects of crossbreeding. Joe Crockett

demonstrated the use of the Tenderometer I in pointed out that although F1 cows show a great determining tenderness. I am not sure what increase over purebreds their continuous use in happened to this device. Dr. Cunha commercial programs is limited as too many prognosticated about beef production in Florida in purebred cows are required to produce them. Jan 1980. He predicted that Florida would increase its Bonsma was again on the program and beef production by 84% by 1980 with the increase commented that “cattlemen could not place coming from a 30% increase in cattle numbers, a enough emphasis on selecting sleek coated 5% increase in calf crop percentage, a 100 pound animals with the ability to shed hair early in the increase in average calf weaning weight and a spring.” He later discussed the development of 25% decrease in calf losses from birth to weaning. the Bonsmara composite breed. I’m not sure that we achieved his goal. Sid Crochet of U.S. Sugar talked about the progress The use of crossbred bulls was discussed by they had made by utilizing new management Dr. D.E. Franke (then of UF), Bud Adams, and techniques. Doyle Carlton, Jr., explained how Max Hammond. Don Franke commented on the they use fertilization and management to grow loss expected when crossbred cows are bred to clover. Jim Hengtes discussed the problem of crossbred bulls of the same breed composition founder when full-feeding Brahman cattle, while Bud Adams commented that through commenting that 3% salt in the diet and selection selection they had developed Braford cattle that would likely help. Cal Burns discussed the bred quite uniformly with weights of steer calves importance of breeding cattle that are adapted to being increased to 600 pounds. Max Hammond, the local climatic and environmental conditions, however, reported that the use of crossbred bulls commenting that the Montana Hereford cattle on crossbred cows had not been satisfactory at the

underwent a “shock” upon their arrival in Florida. Stuart Ranch. He also said that while F1 cows Ranch management procedures was a topic were very adaptable that the problem of their addressed by a panel that included Gene Felton of production made use of a crisscross system that La Belle, John Stitt of Clewiston, Alto (Bud) allowed more heifer selection a superior option. Adams, Jr., Ralph Cellon, Sr. of Alachua, and Crossbreeding in Latin America was discussed by R.D. Bennett of Greenwood. The length of the Drs. Dieter Plasse of Venezuela, Bernardo Bauer breeding season was discussed by another panel of Bolivia and Juan Salazar of Colombia. that included Drs. Koger and Warnick, George

34 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? IMPACTS OF BEEF CATTLE SHORTCOURSES

A variety of topics were discussed at the 1972 cane tops for steers and the program ended with BCSC. Sloan Baker discussed the pros and cons Clarence Ammerman’s discussion of the use of of feeding out cattle in Florida. Lat Turner citrus pulp. commented on taxation of land used for cattle production and outlined major changes in the Over 1000 were again in attendence in 1974. green belt law concerning which he had had a Beef grading standards was the major topic and major role. E. J. Warwick was again on the Dr. Roger West discussed the problem of waste program and discussed national sire evaluation fat, suggesting that marbling requirements should programs for beef cattle. They had been used for be reduced and that increased feed costs will dairy cattle and were showing tremendous results dictate that producers produce and feeders feed but efforts to develop the same systems for beef cattle which have gainability, gradeability and sires were just beginning. Don Wakeman cutability. Pat Wilson as president of FCA was described the ideal steer and Jim Pace looked at a concerned about “governmental interference” and comparison of the productivity of home-raised vs. high land taxes in Osceola County. Beef grading purchased replacement heifers. Mike Milicevic was also discussed by Zane Palmer of UF, John explained how the production testing program at Armstrong of the King Ranch and vice-chairman U.S. Sugar had helped the ranch produce more of the ANCA’s grading committee. A new grade pounds of better quality beef more efficiently. between choice and good was being recommended Herd health was discussed by a panel composed of by the ANCA. While the packer representative on Max Hammond, R.D. Bennett, Ralph Cellon, Sr., the program was reluctant to support this change, John Stitt, Russ Kiser and Mike Milicevic J.W. “Dr. Pete” Carpenter already had a name to suggest for it, “choicette!” A record crowd estimated at over 1000 attended the 22nd BCSC in 1973. Topics There was no mention of the number of folks discussed included preconditioning of calves attending the 24th BCSC in 1975 which (Derrill McAteer) and cattle diseases. Max emphasized finishing cattle on forage. Probably Hammond was recognized as the Eastern attendence was down as the executive vice Brahman Association’s “Man of the Year.” Joe president of the ANCA, C. W. McMillan, was Crockett spoke about his work with the Seminole quoted as saying “we’ve always had cycles in our Indian Tribe’s Hereford cattle which resulted in an business, but never before have so many adverse increase of 20% in calf weaning weight over a factors been combined with a peak cycle in a seven year period. A discussion of cattle feeding single year.” These factors included increased in the southeast included Gene Felton and Bell cattle numbers, double-digit inflation, an ill- Greene of Alico Land and Development and Don advised price control program and price freeze in Kaplan of Bartow. Dan Childs outlined the 1973, a truck strike in 1974, government controls problems that he had as a western cattleman put in place by FDA and EPA as well as a world adapting to managing cattle in Florida. This was beef surplus. Production of cattle on forage was the first SC program to discuss Smut grass and its thought to be a means of dealing with the low control. A survey indicated that 75% of improved cattle prices. Zane Palmer stated that forage-fed pasture in central and south Florida was infested meat can be as good as grain-fed beef in quality with Smut grass to some degree. Alvin Warnick and with less waste fat. Other issues addressed discussed estrous synchronization and included saving on fertilizer costs by W. G. Blue, superovulation for the first time this year. Findlay use of legumes to reduce nitrogen application by Pate presented data on the use of pelletted sugar Dave Jones, sales of “baby beef” by “Dr. Pete”

2001 FLORIDA BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE 35 T. Olson

Carpenter, futures of forages in the southeast by then. Many of the same issues have been Dr. Glenn Burton of Tifton, haymaking using addressed since that time. We are still interested large bales by Jim Hengtes, and the results of the in market forecasts, properly designed Brooksville Hereford genotype by environment crossbreeding programs that will produce cattle (Florida-Montana) experiment by Cal Burns. that will produce high quality meat, selection programs to improve productivity, weed control, Marketing was the focus of the 25th BCSC in fertilization, forage production, the use of AI and 1976 and with this I will end my review. The mechanisms to improve reproductive efficiency reason for this is that I arrived on the scene prior and improved animal health. We still have panel to the 1977 SC and therefore everything from discussions and several will appear on this year’s 1977 to date cannot yet be historical! This was program. We still visit our research farms on also the first year of the SC without Dr. Cunha. occasion as we will this year. The cast of Gilbert Tucker was president of FCA and speakers has changed a little over the years but commented on the poor prices being received for one thing has not changed, we still are fortunate to beef cattle saying that prices must improve if have Dr. Alvin Warnick as a speaker at this year’s profit is to be made. The results of the “Baby short course, continuing a tradition that began in Beef” promotion efforts were given by Al 1955. Other early faculty members, now retired, Bellotto, chairman of the Florida Beef Council. with a long history of participation in the program that may be able to attend the 2001 SC include Dr. Dr. Ed Uvacek, a marketing specialist with the Jim Hentges, Professor Don Wakeman, Dr. G.K. Texas Agricultural Extension Service gave the Davis, Dr. Clarence Ammerman, Dr. Herb U.S. market outlook. He followed the up and Chapman, Dr. Zane Palmer, Dr. Dave Jones, and down cycles of the cattle business over the years, Dr. Joe Crockett. saying that each cycle had taken about eight years. He said nothing seemed to point to a change now. I guess that has been proven true in the years since

36 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? IMPACTS OF BEEF CATTLE SHORTCOURSES

NOTES:

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