CALF_News_February_March_2020

18 CALF News • February | March 2020 • www.calfnews.net A weather-weary but grateful group of cattle producers gathered to cap off one of the most difficult years in Nebraska history. Kearney was the December stop- ping point for about 575 members of Nebraska Cattlemen (NC); the lower attendance reflected an arduous time. Painful reflection of 2019’s weather events and packing plant issues were inevitable. Nonetheless, business was conducted, officers elected and awards presented as usual. Feedlot Council President Mike Drinnin of Clarks presented the Secure Beef Supply Plan. Comparable to a swine Specific Patho- gen Free program, it secures (among many other things) a perimeter around a given feeding operation, used to reduce the risk of contracting Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in case of a U.S. outbreak. Drinnin explained it will “aid in getting back some form of normalcy” during an FMD emergency. The extensive plan is set up with the aid of state animal health officials. Drin- nin further said that, currently, his was the only feedlot in Nebraska that is accredited. Kansas feeders have been more aggressive in the program, with many lots already compliant and mock FMD outbreaks con- ducted to help educate and prepare cattle- men. The subject is deep and complex; Drinnin and NC plan on communicating with the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) for suggestions on facilitating the program across Nebraska. To learn more, go to www.securebeefsupply.org . Natural resources and environment Mid-sized producers, those hous- ing 300 to 999 head of cattle, are now a focus of the EPA and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Nebraska DEQ is not a regula- tory agency, more of a presence to aid producers in becoming compliant with EPA regulations. They conduct educa- tional seminars across the state and will come out to a given farm upon request. Consensus from the DEQ is that large operations (more than 1,000 head) are largely compliant with the EPA, and the government agencies will move on to smaller operations. Clearly, the agency is speaking specifically of runoff. Every feeding operation needs to have a plan in place in case the EPA comes calling. What causes the red flags to go up? 45 days in a field without vegetation is a violation. This includes fields where cattle are grazing crop residue; any area bare of vegetation is now considered a Concentrated Animal Feeding Opera- tion (CAFO). Calving and weaning pens are subject to the same standards as large feedlots. Water may not be discharged under any circumstances, no matter how small an area is involved. Additionally, 150 cows with calves at side is considered 150 animal units. The day the calves are weaned, that number is 300. The audience was encouraged to“make a plan” to control runoff. A 5- to 10-year plan will affect decisions on dirt work and expansion of facilities, and keep one abreast of zoning and permitting procedures. Brand Committee The Brand Committee meeting, always frank and lively, did not disappoint. Chairman John Gangwish reported that Nebraska Cattlemen Convention Looking Ahead to a Brighter 2020 By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor LEFT: The NC Foundation Friend of Foundation Award went to Homer and Darla Buell of Bassett. Mark Jagels, Foundation President, presents their award. RIGHT: Retiring NC Board Members are Shannon Peterson, Jerry Kuenning, Galen Frenzen, Ed Klug and Justin Jarecke. CONVENTION COVERAGE