Animal Health Commissioner Provides Updates During KCA Regional Meeting

Independent cattle producers gathered together at PrairieLand Partners-John Deere in McPherson, Kansas for a Kansas Cattlemen’s Association regional industry meeting on June 5th, 2018. KCA industry policy topics were reviewed, Dr. Justin Smith presented an update on the Animal Health Department’s activities, and Craig Kerbs provided valuable information on animal nutrition.

Tyler Dupy, KCA Executive Director, briefly reviewed policy topics KCA is currently focused on, including: Meat (Protein) Alternatives, the 2018 Farm Bill, Country of Origin Labeling, Beef Check-off Redirection and Reform, and the Food Safety Modernization Act.

“Although the Kansas Legislature is now out of session, there is plenty going on at the federal and regulatory levels that require our attention. Producer involvement and awareness with these issues is critical to maintain the effectiveness of our responses. We certainly appreciate the producers taking the time to come out to the regional meeting in McPherson,” Dupy stated.

Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner, discussed the Kansas Animal Health Organization, and the various areas of the department that provide critical services to producers. These areas include the Brands Program and the Livestock and Brand Investigation Unit, Secure Food Supply Plans, and the Animal Facilities Protection Program. Smith also reviewed statistics of Animal Disease Control as well as Animal Disease Traceability.

Dr. Smith represented that Kansas is in decent shape relative to other states where disease is concerned. Even still, there are areas of the state affected by Anaplasmosis, Cow-Calf Johne’s Disease, Rabies, Bovine Tuberculosis, and Trichomoniasis. Smith discussed how proper preventative measures and a disease response plan helps to keep operations safe and productive.

Craig Kerbs with SmartLic Supplements reviewed Veterinary Feed Directives and Animal Husbandry. Kerbs presented four ways to improve cattle operation bottom lines. The steps involved decreasing animal competition, increasing forage utilization, improving reproduction efficiency, and increasing gains on pasture.

The meeting included a USA Beef dinner prepared by Meat Rubbers BBQ and Catering.

Proud sponsors of the event included: Allan & Deanna Sents, A5 Western, LLC., Central Prairie Co-Op, Central Livestock, Countryside Feed, LLC., Farmers Alliance Mutual Ins. Co., First Bank Kansas, PrairieLand Partners-John Deere, SmartLic-New Generation Supplements, State Auto Insurance Company, SweetPro Feeds, Te-Pe Oil & Gas, WaterTight Roofing, and Zeitlow Distributing Company. Numerous door prizes were donated by Key Feeds, Tractor Supply Co., and Orscheln Farm & Home.