Kansas Cattlemen’s Association Hosts Final Regional Meeting of 2017
Kansas Cattlemen’s Association in conjunction with Ed Graham Agency-American Family Insurance hosted a regional cattlemen’s meeting in Fort Scott, Kansas to discuss industry topics on December 5, 2017. The meeting took place at the Ellis Fine Arts Center. A free USA Beef supper was catered by the Butcher Block for those who attended the meeting.
Tyler Dupy, KCA Executive Director, discussed topics related to legislation and regulation that are currently of focus by KCA, including but not limited to the 2018 Farm Bill, Electronic Logging Device Mandate, Animal Disease Traceability, Kansas School Funding Formula, Corporate Farming Bans Repeal, and Beef Sustainability.
“There are many critical issues facing independent cattle producers, the ag community, and our rural communities. We appreciate so many people taking the time out to discuss these topics. We need producer involvement,” Dupy stated.
The meeting opened with State Senator and 2nd District Congressional candidate Caryn Tyson. Senator Tyson explained her career in Topeka, and her refusal to vote for a retroactive tax increase. She explained her belief that Kansas needs a true agriculturalist in Washington, and how she is the only candidate legitimately involved with farming and ranching.
Dr. Drew Crisler of Fort Scott Veterinary Center provided a discussion of various Bovine Reproductive Services provided by the center in coordination with ReproLogix. Aside from exams, pregnancy checking, and synchronization services, Dr. Crisler discussed most specifically Convention Embryo Transfer, In Vitro Fertilization, Fetal Sexing, and Embryo Biopsy.
Conventional Embryo Transfer works by producing, in vivo, viable embryos from genetically superior donor cows for transfer into recipient cows. Using superovulation and insemination, the embryos can be collected by non-surgical flush, and transferred either as fresh or frozen embryos. Advantages include accelerated rate of genetic improvement, consistent results, facilitates import/export, and genetic evaluation.
In vitro fertilization produces numerous viable embryos from genetically superior cows for transfer into recipient cows. Oocyte are collected ultrasonically, and maturation, fertilization, and development are conducted in the laboratory. The embryo transfer can then be done with fresh embryos or frozen. No hormone use is required, and you may be able to overcome some reproductive anomalies as well as maximize use of expensive semen. The process is generally repeated much faster than traditional, and the donor cows are worked less.
Fetal sexing services provides for the opportunity to determine calf’s sex prior to birth. Advantages include marketability of calves, identification of freemartins, and provides for better management decisions. Procedures need to be completed in a window of 60 to 90 days of gestation, to gain highest level of accuracy of 95%.
Colby Flatt of Joplin Regional Stockyards discussed service offerings at the sale barn, projects, and services that are coming up in the future.
Proud sponsors of the event included: Ed Graham Agency of American Family Insurance, Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, ReproLogix™, HydraBed by Triple C, Inc., R&R Equipment, Inc., Union State Bank, Fort Scott Livestock Market, Fort Scott Veterinary Center, AgChoice, Mills Feed & Supply, Joplin Regional Stockyards, Castagno Oil Co., Livestock Nutrition Center, Coffeyville Livestock Market, and Forms One.