Speaking of Ashley- here's my favorite pic I took last night- showing lots of joy in the face of the owner of the Reserve Grand Champion Steer moments after the judge shook her hand-

We have all of the Breed and Division Champions and Reserves listed in our story in the Blue Green Gazette section of our website- click or tap here to see that complete listing and more.

Dr. Glynn Tonsor of Kansas State University began work last year on measuring domestic beef demand through the retail level, or grocery stores. He has continued that study this year and told me, that he has discovered beef demand is looking particularly good, in the Northeast region of the United States.


"All regions, really, are up here in 2017, but the Northeast is the strongest of the four and I highlight that because that is the same region that may not have the same cultural background and the connection to production like we have here largely in the Midwest," Tonsor reported. "If you have a region like the Northeast where you don't have that same historical connection to production, and yet it is the region leading the way, that's a good sign."


Part of this region's demand strength, Tonsor believes, could possibly be attributed to the developing employment situation occurring there. He cites that unemployment numbers have receded recently and talk of more job mobility has been alluded to as well. While he admits it may be somewhat speculative on his part, Tonsor's attempt at connecting the dots has led him to the possible conclusion that Northeasterners may be more comfortable with their economic standing and more willing to pay up for beef, compared to other parts of the country. As time goes on, Tonsor says more data will be collected, measurements will continue to be fine-tuned and ultimately, a better understanding of consumer demand will be gained.


"We have beef sold as many different products, to many different people, through different channels, and the more fine-tuned we can measure that, the better we can allocate - not just Checkoff resources - but more generally to help producers understand who it is that most values their product and therefore you can cater to those needs and add the most value to the cut out, which adds value to fed cattle and feeder cattle."


Listen to Dr. Glynn Tonsor speak to me about his work in better understanding and measuring consumers' domestic demand for beef, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.

On Tuesday night this week, the U.S. Senate confirmed both Steve Censky and Ted McKinney as the USDA's deputy secretary and undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs, respectively.

One of the first industry groups to congratulate the pair on their confirmations, was the National Pork Producers Council.

"The confirmations of Stephen Censky and Ted McKinney come at a critical time for U.S. agriculture," said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff. "They bring strong agriculture leadership experience and a commitment to the expansion of international trade on which our industry depends."

Maschhoff continued to say that "NPPC looks forward to working with these USDA leaders to develop policies that advance the development of the U.S. pork industry and agriculture sector."

Censky brings previous USDA experience to the job, having served in department during the Reagan and G.H.W. Bush administrations. Prior to his confirmation, he served as the CEO of the American Soybean Association.

McKinney formerly served as Indiana's agriculture secretary and brings extensive experience in the private agriculture sector.

For more information on these newly confirmed leaders at the USDA, or to read NPPC President Ken Maschhoff's congratulatory remarks, click here.

With wheat pasture again likely to be a key source of protein for cow herds this fall and winter, OSU's Dr. Glenn Selk, offered some tips to maximize the efficiency of your pasture's use this year, while supplementing your cattle's forage intake.

According to Selk, a dry cow's protein requirements can be easily met by rotating them onto dry pasture grass (with plenty of additional hay if needed) for 2-3 days
after one day of grazing wheat.

For cows that have calved, a pattern of one day on wheat, one day off, should suffice to keep cows properly nourished.

Selk also notes that a "day on wheat" should be defined as the amount of time required for the cow to graze her fill of wheat forage - about 3 to 5 hours. Not a full 24 hours. This helps to limit the unnecessary loss of valuable forage due to trampling, bedding down and manure deposits.

One adverse thing to consider when allowing cattle to graze on wheat pasture, is the looming threat of "grass tetany." Selk suggests that if you suspect conditions are ripe for grass tetany, make sure to provide mineral mixes containing 12 to 15 percent magnesium. He says it is best for the supplements to be started a couple of months ahead of the period of tetany danger so that proper intake can be established. And because tetany can also occur when calcium is low, calcium supplementation should also be included.

For a complete look at all of Dr. Selk's bits of wisdom on the subject of grazing cattle on wheat pasture, click here.