Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

2012 SERA041 Meeting Location: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Chair: Ken Coffey, UA Meeting started at 1 PM. Sign-up sheet was sent around and attendees were asked to complete their information (Table at the end of this document). Ken Coffey as chair of the group welcomed all present and invited everyone to introduce themselves. Following introductions, Ken introduced the Administrative Advisors and each of them gave a presentation. Dr. Jimmy Henning (Extension) provided the group with suggestions as to how to be successful. He recommended seeking stakeholders input, use of electronic communication to involve more producers and increase the outreach. He also suggested the need to determine the impact of the different programs. From the standpoint of improving collaborations between members of the group Dr. Henning suggested the use of eXtension, indicating the existence of two communities (CoP Beef and Forages) that should be available for participation. Dr. Steve Oliver (Research) became the advisor for the group after Dr. Morrisons retirement. He indicated that he likes the name of the SERA 41 since it reflects the intention of collaborative work across state boundaries. He directed the attention to the report (handout) from USDA and the small success of proposals. He observed that since priorities are set by stakeholders, they are a moving target from one year to the other. The Chair then explained how the reports should be submitted; indicating that each State report should have just a couple of sentences about the accomplishments under each of the objectives. Neal Schrick also indicated the need to include activities within each of the States. Henning suggested that if needed the group can reduce the number of objectives. The Chair opened the floor for nomination for incoming secretary (Extension); Jeff Lehmkuhler nominated Lawton Stewart who accepted. Dr. Stewart was elected by unanimous vote of acclimation. Coffey then asked to the delegations of AL, MS, KY and TN to present their reports. Russ Muntifering presented the report for AL. He gave an excellent presentation (Powerpoint) describing the type of soils, productivity and the different research stations. When describing the stations he provided the number of acres, heads of cattle and research/extension projects in each of them. In summary: 1) Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (536 ac., clipping studies on tall fescue varieties, annual ryegrass, legumes and triticale; triticale indicated as the most promising and underutilized of the small seed crops); 2) Upper Coastal Plain (735 ac., planting dates and varieties of cool/warm season varieties. Little on animal science projects); 3) Black Belt Research and Extension Center (1116 ac., evaluation of tall fescue, wintering systems for cow/calf production, methods of enhancing productivity and quality of dallisgrass for summer grazing. Some crossbreeding done by Kriese-Anderson); 4) Smith Research Center (3816 ac.; winter annual grazing research and forage breeding; dairy unit; implant and shrink studies at the new backgrounding facility; new faculty members also has some projects); 5) Stanley Wilson Beef Facility (2 animal metabolism rooms and prep labs for beef cattle; cow herd, pasture based; project dealing with runoff measuring volumes, loading rates, pathogens, sediments conducted by a graduate student under Muntiferings supervision). Finally an overview of the current situation, indicating the fact that there is an ear-mark at the State budget that provide funding to the Department. Split appointments are very common at Auburn. Holly Boland and Daniel Rivera presented (orally) the State report for MS. Boland made reference to her work with warm season native grasses and a joint outreach activity planned on this issue with UT for this summer. She reported the availability of a Growsafe facility at the Prairie Unit as well as the yearly meeting with a Producer Advisory Committee (in MS there is one per region) composed of 52 producers for her region. Rivera indicated that at his Research Station he conducts work on gin supplementation, alternative crops such as soybeans and the increasing work on baleage in collaboration with Mike McCormick (LSU AgCenter, Southeast Station). Finally he reported work on the use of implants on calves grazing ryegrass. Jim Neel questioned Rivera about the economics of using baleage in beef systems. Rivera indicated that based on his results it may not be an economical practice. Jeff Lehmkuhler presented (orally) the report for KY. He indicated that there are dollars going to extension that come from the tobacco industry settlement. KY is recovering from a drought that was not nearly what happened in TX for example. However, he was able to observed weakened pasture stands, overgrazing, and increased weed pressure. Row crops have increased, reducing the area of pasturelands, but this opens an opportunity too, changing to more favorable aspects for stockering systems. Beef cattle and forages research is conducted in three research stations with approximately 300 Angus cows. There is a strong program (UT-UK) with the stocker conference. Meetings add up to 250 participants in each conference. At UK, a project dealing with forage fed beef and funded through Risk Management dollars is being conducted. It is a multidisciplinary project (animal science, agronomy, ag economics). Conferences on this issue have been very well attended with positive feedback. Farmer markets are thriving and local foods movement is becoming more and more important. Pasture walks are being conducted in the afternoon from 6:30 to 8 PM, trying to rebuild the image of a station located north of Lexington. In terms of research being conducted at UK: 1) Feeding of co-products especially distillers grains (Vanzant); 2) Grazing standing corn (Vanzant); 3) Level/form of protein (DIP/UIP) associated with direct-fed microbials (McCleod, Vanzant, Lehmkuhler); 4) Mathews is working on the impact of Se on turning on specific genes. Finally, Jeff indicated that there is an ARS group that focuses on fescue toxicosis. From this group, Aiken is linked to the applied work. Seedhead suppression with chemicals seems to improve performance considerably. Waller and Rhinehart presented (Powerpoint) the report (research and extension, respectively) for TN. Waller referred to 7 topics as the main ones in research: 1) native warm season grasses (mainly switch grass and eastern gamagrass); short term grazing (30 d) then let re-grow for biofuels vs. long term grazing (all summer); team working on this topic will hit the raod presenting seminars in KY, MS, and SC/GA; 2) winter annuals for stocker cattle; MaxQ was the best option, ryegrass was successful with some supplementation; 3) Hay vs. balage from switchgrass and tall fescue, 4) Rye balage plus commodity feeds (DDG) for cattle; 5) Genetic markers for fescue toxicosis; SNP for production of prolactin, there is a shift in the allele frequency in spring calving herds related to resistance to fescue toxicosis. 6) Spring vs. Fall calving; 18 years of data showing that fall calving herds have more calves with lower weaning weights but make more dollars than spring calving herds. 7) Matching hay quality to cows needs. Fall calving herds get 8% more nutrients than spring calving herds. Rhinehart indicated as projects of extension/research the following topics: 1) P and vitamin B12 supplementation, 2) fescue balage, 3) Uterine health, 4) Carcass data and stayability, 5) Bull selection data. Rhinehart indicated that there are 900 cows in 6 different research stations that are include in the synchronization program across the state. As extension activities the priorities are: BQA, master beef producer, reproductive learning center, heifer development program, Beef/Forage Center (it is a centralized place where to see all the information together). It is something similar to what Iowa State has. It will serve to communicate with producers, get feedback for research topics, and coordinate resources across stations. Coffey then asked Lehmkuhler to address the organization of Webinars to be sponsored by the SERA041. Reinhardt indicated that webinars are usually user-friendly and that we may able to get impact reports. Discussion about the need or use of chat rooms was promoted but the need to control them can be an issue, especially when there are a lot of attendees. Poore suggested having a schedule of seminars with time to prepare. Lehmkuhler suggested the idea to create a committee in charge of the organization of the webinars. Coffey nominated Paul Beck who accepted the nomination. Stewart nominated Rhinehart but he did not accept at this moment. Poore nominated Lehmkuhler who will chair this committee, and Jeff nominated Matt Hersom who accepted the position. The next discussion was how to approach the organization of these webinars. It was accepted that we need to think of webinars to be regional within the Southeast region because of the diversity of topics of interest and reality in each of the states. After some discussion the Webinar Committee was asked to prepare an agenda of webinars with the first one to be presented in early March. Coffey then ask for suggestions for next years- Interdisciplinary Beef Symposium. Several possible themes were presented: 1) Heat stress (Beck) which was also presented as a possibility in our last years meeting, 2) Nutrient cycling on pastures, carbon sequestration (Poore, Coffey), 3) Water quality (Coffey), 4) Beef cow size and adaptability to the environment; few comments by Andrae, Scaglia referring to the lack of a dataset that can deal with the topic, and the fact that a similar symposium was presented in the last ASAS Annual Meeting; 5) Grazing research methodology, statistical approaches, sampling methodology (Muntifering); Russ suggested Sollenberger as possible speaker. Beck suggested that this could be a great topic to include in the Pastures and Forages section. Finally, Scaglia reminded the group about the deadlines; State Reports should be submitted to Guillermo Scaglia (gscaglia@agcenter.lsu.edu) BEFORE March 23, 2012 (as early as possible, thanks). Guillermo will consolidate all reports into one to be submitted BEFORE April 5, 2012. Meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM.

Objectives for SERA 041 1. Identify and prioritize beef-forage research and Extension issues in the Southeast. Develop multi-institutional research projects that will assist producers to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, and design develop and implement Cooperative Extension educational programs to maximize knowledge transfer and impact through local and regional county agents/educators. Sub-Objective 1: Research Initiatives (1) Seek input from stakeholders and create advisory groups that will help develop research programs which will aid in securing external funding. Louisiana Accomplishment: An advisory committee of producers and agents was formed 3 years ago. This committee meets at least once a year at the Iberia Research Station. Impact: Discussion of the progress of an externally funded project as well as to collaborate in extension activities (pasture walks, field days, seminars). It served as feedback from stakeholders as to what issues/topics to address in new areas of research. Mississippi The North MS Producer Advisory Council meets every February in Verona, MS to discuss topics that stakeholders would like to see research conducted on. This group has had yearly meetings for nearly 60 years. Topics in 2011 included: nitrogen use for hay crops, dealing with predators, recreational enhancements, and acorn toxicity. (Boland) North Carolina Faculty in the NCSU Forage-Based Beef Production program continues to work with the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association to set research priorities for the state. Funding from the NC Cattlemen's Assessment Program is providing funding for high priority research projects. (2) Evaluate the performance and production systems of beef cattle utilizing forage and biomass residues associated with cellulosic biofuel production. Arkansas In Arkansas, post-weaning performance was monitored over a 3-year period on fall and spring-born calves that were weaned from different tall fescue grazing systems. Overall post-weaning gains were greater by spring-born steers than by fall-born steers, primarily due to differences in forages available during the post-weaning period. Removing calves from toxic tall fescue for one month prior to weaning had little impact on post-weaning performance. Reductions in weaning weight because of grazing toxic fescue prior to weaning were not completely compensated for during a post-weaning grazing or feedlot periods. Tennessee One study at three locations compared early-season (30 d) to full-season (~90 d) using stocker steers on stocker steers grazing either switchgrass, eastern gamagrass, or a combination of big bluestem and indiangrass. Animal daily gains were greater for big bluestem/indiangrass followed by switchgrass and then eastern gamagrass. Switchgrass was allowed to regrow following early-early season grazing for biofuel production. (3) Evaluate forage systems that incorporate the use of native grasses and/or legumes in conjunction with perennial grasses on cow-calf, stocker, and finishing cattle performance and products; forage nutrient availability; and optimizing fertilizer inputs. Alabama An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different N-fertilization regimes on foliar P uptake and P utilization by grazing cattle in plots with high soil-test P. In October 2010, 6 0.28-ha plots were overseeded with triticale (Triticum secale) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) into a tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) sod and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (2 plots/trt.): 100% of N recommendation for tall fescue in a split application (100N), 50% of N recommendation (50N), and 0% of N recommendation (0N). In October 2010, 6 0.28-ha plots were overseeded with triticale (Triticum secale) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) into a tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) sod and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (2 plots/trt.): 100% of N recommendation for tall fescue in a split application (100N), 50% of N recommendation (50N), and 0% of N recommendation (0N). In the second year of a 3-year grazing study, we evaluated beef cattle performance from continuously stocked triticale (T,Triticale secale), wheat (W, Triticum aestivum) and ryegrass (R, Lolium multiflorum). No differences were observed for steer ADG among forage treatments (1.32, 1.40 and 1.48 kg/d for T, W and R, respectively). Stocking-density, steer-grazing-day, forage-mass and forage-quality data have yet to be analyzed. Louisiana 1) Accomplishments: In May 2011 (second year of data), 18 steers from the forage fed project were harvested (6 steers/treatment), carcass data collected and steaks obtained. Shear force values were determined from each of the steaks and beef samples were analyzed for fat content and fatty acid profile. In June 2011, the third year (grazing season) began with a new group of steers. Up to date, steers have been grazing summer pastures until November, with conserved forages being fed thereafter until the end of the year. Performance has been as expected, with moderate gains during the months of direct grazing and limited gains during the hay-feeding period. Impact: Major relevance for established and new producers who are diversifying their enterprises or starting to market this product (direct marketing, retailers, restaurants) in Louisiana and neighboring states. 2) Accomplishment: Allowing the grazing animal to express free dietary choice between legumes and grasses during grazing might help achieve greater consistency of nutrient supply to the animal from pasture, greater control of intake, and production. Heifers grazing pastures with access to clovers (clover pure stand, mixed, or adjacent monocultures of ryegrass and clovers) gained on average 0.25 kg more when compared to grass monoculture (ryegrass). Heifers on mixed swards walked more than those grazing adjacent monocultures, notably explaining the search for the legume component. Impact: Legumes improved daily gains of replacement heifers, allowing them to reach target weights at the start of the breeding season. 3) A project is designed to determine if selection for larger size beef cows with the intent to produce faster growing calves would improve efficiency over smaller size beef cows. These improvements will result in increases in red meat production as well as reductions in environmental impact due to more efficient utilization of feed resources. Mississippi Prairie Research Unit is conducting a study evaluating native warm season grasses (Indiangrass, Big & Little Bluestem) and common Bermudagrass for stocker production. The first year of grazing was completed in 2011. Preliminary cattle performance data show that native grasses can provide comparable if not superior body weight gains. Insect and bird response in these pastures was also evaluated. Cattle will be followed through both feedlot and forage-finishing systems and meat quality evaluated. (Boland, Riffell, Schilling) North Carolina Winter annual legumes overseeded on bermudagrass pasture were evaluated over two years. Crimson clover, hairy vetch, Austrian winter pea, and arrowleaf clover all increased biomass production and led to increased uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen compared to bermudagrass alone. Tennessee Summer grazing of switchgrass or combination of big bluestem and indiangrass by pregnant dairy heifers indicated that these native grasses provide adequate nutrition for these animals. (4) Evaluate the role of multiple industries -co-products as supplements for beef cattle offered forage-based diets and their impact on beef cattle production. Arkansas In Arkansas, lactating ruminally-cannulated cows that were fed a bermudagrass hay basal diet were offered hominy feed or ground corn at 0.25 or 0.5% of BW. Total DM intake was greater from cows offered 0.5% of BW as either corn or hominy feed. The potentially degradable hay fraction was greater from cows offered hominy feed at 0.25% of BW, but few other advantages were observed for hominy feed compared with ground corn. Georgia 1) Byproducts increasing in availability in Georgia (sunflower meal and canola meal) were evaluated as supplementation for stocker cattle fed a corn silage-based diet. Accomplishment: One year of data is summarized and the second years data is currently being collected. Impact: Preliminary data indicate both meals maintained animal performance compared to soybean meal while decreasing cost of gain by $2.90 and $4.20/cwt. for canola meal and sunflower meal, respectively. 2) Diets utilizing bulk commodities (50:25:25 soybean hulls, corn, and corn gluten feed or dried distillers grains) were evaluated as a replacement for a commercial ration (traditionally used in the Georgia Bull Test Program) for developing yearling bulls. Accomplishment: One year of data is collected and summarized. Impact: Bulls consuming the corn gluten diet gained similar to the commercial diet while bulls on the distillers - grains gained less (3.9, 4.0, and 3.5 lb/d, respectively). However, all gains are acceptable for developing bulls, and both the corn gluten and distillers grains diets decreased the cost of gain compared to the commercial diet ($75.70, $76.30, and $94.00/cwt). Kentucky 1) Coproducts readily available in Kentucky were selected to develop a specialty pellet for backgrounders in Kentucky. Accomplishment: Preliminary data has shown the pellet to be palatable and provide excellent performance. Impact: Additional research with slight formula alterations is being conducted prior to releasing the formula to the public. 2) The level of dried distillers -grains for stocker cattle grazing tall fescue was investigated in 2011. Accomplishment: A graduate student was trained in ruminant research techniques. Data regarding feeding dried distillers grains to stockers grazing fescue was obtained. Impact: Information will be utilized in making recommendations to stocker operators regarding the appropriate supplementation level of dried distillers- grains when grazing tall fescue. Louisiana Activities: We evaluated hay waste efficiency, animal, and fertility performance of beef cows fed medium- to poor quality carry-over warm-season grass hay supplemented with a liquid-base protein supplement or dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) during the winter. Accomplishments: Cows fed carryover hay supplemented with the liquid protein supplement poured into bales at 10% of bale weight had numerically greater dry matter intake (21.8 vs. 19.6 lb) and wasted less hay (21 vs. 23.9%) than cows fed DDGS. However, beef cows gained 13.2 and 12.6 lb more during late gestation when supplemented with DDGS compared to the liquid protein supplement poured into a bale or provided in a lick tank. Conception rates to AI were greater for cows supplemented with DDGS (76%) compared to the liquid protein supplement (60%). Impacts: Pouring a liquid protein supplement into round bales allowed for controlled supplemental intake. With the high cost of production in the beef industry and due to previous droughts, producers are actively searching for methods to reduce input (or feed) cost by reducing waste and utilizing cheaper feed stuffs. Providing a liquid-based protein supplement poured into bales can provide producers opportunities to utilize poor quality (possibly carryover) hay without impacting hay waste and hay intake. However, dried distillers grains supplementation during late gestation may have more benefits on fertility. Mississippi Several studies were conducted in 2012 at the White Sand Unit. Implant management of calves, examined time of implanting on performance of pre and post weaned calves. Results have shown that implanting calves whether at calfhood or at weaning resulted in increased weight gain and daily gain. Additionally, if implanting at weaning, it might be more beneficial to wait at least 60 d prior to shipment to gain the full benefit of the implant. Protein supplementation to heifers fed ryegrass baleage. Providing a source of by-pass protein resulted in increased ADG of growing beef heifers. Additionally, supplements high in lysine tended to decrease intake compared to supplements not high in lysine. Results suggest that due to the high digestibility of baleage, a by-pass supplement is required. (Rivera) North Carolina Research continues to determine optimal feeding strategies for byproduct-based concentrates. Research was published that showed with hay-based stocker cattle diets that feeding a mix of soyhulls and corn gluten feed 3 times a week or 2 times a week compared to daily feeding (at the same weekly total) did not reduce animal gains, but did reduce hay intake and improved feed efficiency. Tennessee Rye balage was supplemented with dried distillers grains, corn gluten feed or a 50:50 combination of the two in a feedlot study. Distillers grains provided the greatest daily gains with corn gluten feeds the lowest gain while the combination was intermediate. (5) Evaluate methods of harvesting and conserving forage and the subsequent impact on forage quality and cattle performance. Arkansas The University of Arkansas SWREC and the Hill Farm Station in Homer, LA are cooperating on cow calf research through the sharing of equipment, and collaboration in a study to evaluate the impact of cow size on DM intake of silage. Louisiana Accomplishment: The use of hay as a strategy to reduce the area of ryegrass needed to sustain a profitable stocker system is under evaluation (2011 was the first year). Hay is offered: 1) no hay, control, only grazing ryegrass; 2) ad libitum access to a round bale of bermudagrass hay; 3) when forage mass (ryegrass) is below 1000 kg/ha, a round bale of hay is provided; 4) alternate days of grazing ryegrass and hay fed using calan gates; 5) 4 days on ryegrass and 3 consecutive days in the barn when hay is fed. Steers in treatments 3 and 4 had reduced performance but greater production per unit of land. Impact: Positive results in beef produced by unit of land may help small producers to maximize their income. Mississippi Prairie Research Unit conducted a study evaluating cattle preference for hays harvested at different times of day (AM or PM). The GrowSafe Feeding Facility at Prairie was utilized to measure DMI of stockers when offered a choice between these different hays which included two sudangrass varieties and common bermudagrass. Data are currently being analyzed from the trial. (Boland) Tennessee Laboratory silo were used to compare harvesting dates for switchgrass and tall fescue. Each forage was harvested as balage at 40 or 60% moisture and as hay. Nutrient composition comparisons are underway (6) Evaluate the use of supplemental nutrients to enhance animal immunity and health being grown on southern forages. Louisiana Activities: Parasite control recommendations are in a state of flux due to the increase in anthelmintic resistant cattle parasites, such as Cooperia ssp. This project evaluated the effects of moxidectin, oxfendazole, or a combination of on fecal egg count and performance of weaned fall-born calves turned out on late spring/summer forages. Accomplishments: Parasite load was most controlled by a combination of Synanthic given in early summer followed by Cydectin applied 74 d later (mid-summer) compared to Cydectin only given at early summer, Synanthic only given at early summer, Cydectin given at early summer followed by Synanthic given 74 d later, and a control. Shrunk BW gain and ADG from grazing warm-season Coastal Bermudagrass pastures was greatest for calves receiving Synanthic plus Cydectin treatment (147 and 1.33 lb), over time, compared to Cydectin only (116 and 1.05 lb) and the Control (106 and 0.96 lb), but similar compared to the Cydectin plus Synanthic (138 and 1.24 lb) and Synanthic only (135 and 1.22 lb) treatments. Impacts: Parasites can detrimentally affect profitability of cattle production through poor health and poor animal performance. Providing a combination of dewormers that include an Oxfendazole up front may provide the most control on larvae during the summer grazing period, and offer the most gain performance. North Carolina A two year study was completed evaluating byproduct supplementation level for replacement heifers developing on stockpiled fescue. The initial level of supplementation (0.5% of body weight) improved artificial insemination and overall breeding rates compared to un-supplemented heifers. Higher levels of supplement improved growth rate but had little impact on breeding rates. (7) Meet annually to discuss ongoing research, Extension programs and build collaborations for future programs. Georgia Attended the annual SERA-41 meeting. Accomplishment: Information was exchanged from various states regarding extension and research activities. Impact: Contacts were identified in different states as a source of information. Kentucky Attended the annual SERA-41 meeting. Accomplishment: Information was exchanged from various states regarding extension and research activities. Impact: Contacts were identified in different states as a source of information. Louisiana Attended the annual SERA-41 meeting. Accomplishment: Information was exchanged from various states regarding extension and research activities. Personal contacts with scientists open the door to future talks trying to identify common ground for future projects. Impact: Contacts were identified in different states as a source of information. This may allow increasing future collaboration. Mississippi J.D Rivera and H.T. Boland attended the 2012 SERA 041 meeting in Birmingham, AL. H.T. Boland also met with researchers from LA (G. Scaglia) to discuss collaborative research and extension programs. A working group Sustainable Native Grass Based Biofuel Production was developed with multiple MSU departments to develop and submit proposals. Rivera works with the LSU SE Ag Experiment Station in Franklinton as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ag Center and the South MS Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. (Boland, Rivera, Riffell) Sub-Objective 1: Extension Initiatives (1) Seek input from stakeholders in developing educational programs priorities as well as securing financial support for developing and implementing Extension educational programs in beef cattle and forage management. Arkansas The University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science Extension Faculty has a county agent advisory committee. This committee meets once or twice a year and the purpose of this committee is to determine the direction of the state-wide animal science extension programs (including beef/forage). This stakeholder input is vital to insure that the programs implemented are pertinent and timely. For the past 10 years, the Department of Animal Science Extension secured grants from Farm Credit of Western Arkansas specifically for supporting educational programs related to beef and forage production management. Dr. Tom Troxel serves on the NCBA Producer Education Committee. A stakeholder meeting was held at the Livestock and Forestry Branch Station in Batesville, AR to determine direction to the research and extension programs. Georgia An advisory group consisting of producers, specialists and industry representatives from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina was assembled to develop the Southeastern Cattle Advisor. Accomplishment: Funding was secured for FY 2011 through a grant from the Southern Risk Management Education Center. A multifaceted program was developed that included a website, seminars, and decision aides to help producers manage risk in marketing and production (including forage systems). Impact: The seminars were available in person, at satellite locations, and via personal web connections. This allowed 155 producers across five states to participate. Kentucky An advisory group consisting of producers, specialists and county agents was assembled to develop a Master Stocker educational program. Accomplishment: Working with the Kentucky Beef Network, financial support for 2011 and 2012 was obtained for the program from the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund. Impact: Approximately 225 Kentucky producers participated in the new Master Stocker program in 2011 from about 40 counties across Kentucky. Mississippi The North MS and Southeast MS Producer Advisory Council meets every February in Verona, MS, and Biloxi, MS, respectively to discuss topics that stakeholders would like more educations programs conducted on. Several extension publications and workshops were developed that addressed topic areas provide by these stakeholders. (Boland and Rivera). North Carolina In North Carolina, faculty are interacting with state and national representatives of NRCS to provide a variety of educational programs for conservation staffs. A course, Pastureland Ecology 1 is delivered funding and cooperation of the National Educational Development System of NRCS. This 8 day course is very popular and includes range and pasture specialists and other conservations from across the Country. Additional interagency training is conducted for extension agents, Department of Agriculture staff, and state and national conservationists. These programs have led to improved team efforts in many areas and have led to improved education and services for beef producers. Tennessee Stakeholder meeting was held to obtain input into development of Master Beef Producer Plus program for Tennessee. (2) Develop educational programs that can be delivered via web-based technology and distance education through regional and multi-state efforts to address forage management for cow-calf, stocker, and finishing systems for county agents/educators and ultimately clientele. Arkansas Beginning in November of 2009, the University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science Extension began video recording of conference presentations and posted on the internet. From November 2009 through September 2011 64 videos were posted. Total videos loads were 21,044. Sixty-four percent were loaded from Vimeo and 36% were embedded video loads. Georgia The Southeast Cattle Advisor utilized a web-based seminar series and website to deliver risk management education via distance technology Accomplishment: A seminar series covering production and financial risk management plus marketing strategies was offered via distance technology. Additionally, information and decision aids were made available on a website. Impact: The seminars were attended by 155 people in person and remotely. Additionally, website statistics indicated over 58,000 unique users visited the website and 9,400 that visited multiple times. Tennessee All sections of Master Beef Program were video-taped and will be uploaded to the web for use by producers and educators. (3) Design and deliver multi-state and multi-disciplinary educational programs that address southeast specific issues for beef production systems including cattle nutrition, marketing, health, genetics, and management decisions. Arkansas At the 2012 Cattlemen's College at National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Nashville, TN, the 300 Day Grazing Program was presented by University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science faculty. Approximately 200 cattle producers from around the country attended. The Arkansas Fescue Management Conference was held in Harrison, AR on August 25, 2011 and was attended by cattle producers from Arkansas and Missouri. The research-based program addressed numerous areas of tall fescue management and was supported by USDA-AFRI grant # 2006-55618-17114. Paul Beck (Arkansas) and Claude Bess, SE OK district director, have started discussion on a beef and forages meeting for SE OK and SW AR. Paul Beck (Arkansas) gave a presentation entitled 'No-Till Wheat Pasture Production' at the Oklahoma No till Conference in June. Georgia In a collaborative effort with the University of Florida, Auburn University, and Clemson University, the Southeast Cattle advisor was developed to make production and financial risk management education material and tools available to cattle producers in the Southeast. Accomplishment: In addition to the accomplishments in sections Ext-1 and Ext-2, a newsletter was developed and webcast and presentations were made available via the internet . Impact: Newsletters were distributed to county Extension offices and made available online. Presentations and decision aids are available for download. Kentucky In a collaborative effort with the University of Tennessee and allied industry partners, the Mid-South Stocker Conference hosted a multi-state program focused on the stocker & backgrounding segments of the beef industry in Bowling Green, KY in February of 2011. Accomplishment: Approximately 200 individuals registered and/or participated in the conference representing in excess of 30,000 head of cattle managed and an average of 550 head/operator. Impact: Post-program evaluations revealed an increase in participants knowledge of all areas presented using a scalar pre- and post-knowledge approach. Management changes that were reported to be changed as a result of participating in the conference included: composting mortalities, new health protocols for receiving calves, pasture management changes, increasing number of stockers, economic risk management. Louisiana Accomplishment: Participation (Scaglia, presenter) in different activities including the Acadiana Cattle Producers Spring Field Day at the Iberia Research Station, Oak Creek Farm Field Day (Chappell Hill, TX); and the Louisiana Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting. Impact: Approximately 200 producers were reached in these presentations. Mississippi A Beef Cattle Boot camp was conducted at White Sands and Prairie Research Unit in April of 2011. These programs were developed to provide information to novice cattle producers. (Rivera, Boland) A Forage Field Day was conducted at White Sands in April 2011, and examined the role that baleage plays in cattle production. (Rivera) A Beef Unit Field day was conducted at White Sands in October 2011 and highlighted research conducted at the station. (Rivera) North Carolina One key program is Amazing Grazing. This program is a Pasture-based Livestock Education Initiative which focuses on production management of livestock in pasture-based systems and pastureland ecology. This program involves both livestock and forage management, and focuses on the complex interactions in a pasture agroecosystem. This program is targeted at livestock producers, extension agents, conservationists and other advisors (e.g. veterinarians), and information is regularly delivered through the Amazing Grazing monthly column in the Carolina Cattle Connection which is distributed to producers throughout North and South Carolina. During 2011 we conducted 2 three day interagency training schools (one in Raleigh and one in Waynesville) that reached 46 advisors, and we also conducted a national Amazing Grazing seminar at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners convention in St. Louis, MO. In addition we conducted one producer targeted full day seminar, and presented the Amazing Grazing concept to producers at a variety of area beef conferences and NC Forage and Grassland conferences. Amazing Grazing was presented to local audiences in South Carolina and West Virginia, and in Costa Rica the Amazing Grazing program concept at 2 producer meetings (in Spanish). Currently an educational initiative has been underway for two years in North Carolina to demonstrate winter grazing as a winter feeding option. In the winter of 2009 and 2010 16 demonstrations supported producers as they grew and strip-grazed stockpiled pastures. In 2010-2011, demonstrations were repeated on 4 of the farms used in 2009-2010, and an additional 20 farms were added to the project. In these demonstrations producers saved $1.15 per cow for every day of additional winter grazing compared to hay feeding. This project has provided producers with a kit of temporary grazing supplies to incentivize their participation. As a result many producers have tried this technology for the first time, and documented cost savings have encouraged them to continue improving their grazing management. Increasing participation in workshops and requests to participate in demonstrations indicates increasing interest in thoughtful grazing management. Tennessee Mid-south Stocker Conference was a success and video tours of stocker operations were added to the education program at the meeting. The Tri-State Beef Conference was held for producers from TN, NC and VA. (5) Share education program evaluation tools to improve data capture, demographics, and information needs of clientele within states and the region. Arkansas The University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science shared market barn data sheets with the faculty of Mississippi State University to assist them in determining the factors affecting the selling prices of calves. (7) Coordinate a Beef-Forage symposium at the annual meeting of the Southern Section American Society of Animal Sciences (ASAS) meeting. SERA-41 coordinated an interdisciplinary Beef Cattle Symposium at the Southern Section Animal Science meetings in Birmingham, Alabama. The focus topic was opportunities in stocker cattle production and included information on 1) the economic outlook for stocker cattle production compared to cow/calf production, 2) optimal production systems for stocker cattle in the southeast, 3) physiology of the receiving stocker calf, and 4) the influence of various stocker systems on feedlot performance and stocker quality. The symposium was well attended with the audience ranging from 60 to 80 persons, and the activity stimulated discussion of forage-based production systems by faculty from multiple states and institutions. 2. Enhance relationships between the Land-Grant University missions of research and extension with beef cattle commodity groups through State Beef Cattle Associations and other beef cattle related organizations. Arkansas University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science faculty assisted the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association in planning and making presentations at the Producer Education Seminars conducted at their annual Convention. Dr. Tom Troxel serves on the Arkansas Cattlemen's Education Committee. University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science faculty assisted with the Arkansas Farm Bureau Beef Cattle Commodity Committee. North Carolina A representative from this group (Dr. Matt Poore) sits on the executive board of the NC Cattlemen's Association and gives input on setting priorities for applied research and extension programs. Planning for educational programs includes Area Beef Conferences, the State Beef and Dairy Conference, and other targeted programs funded by the NC Cattlemen's Association. North Carolina is in the third year of a supplemental Cattle Industry Assessment Program. One dollar per head marked is assessed at the point of marketing in this voluntary program (producers can request a refund). At least 10% of the funds collected have been targeted at youth livestock programs, producer education programs, and applied production research. These funds are generating approximately $120,000 per year for beef programs at NCSU and NCA&TSU. A column in the Carolina Cattle Connection called Amazing Grazing targets beef producers in North and South Carolina. This column addresses all aspects of pasture-based beef cattle production and uses guest authors, co-authors on specific topics. Tennessee Developed a proposal for a Beef/Forage Center for Tennessee. The center will serve the beef industry as a portal for research and extension activities and aid in communication between beef producers and university research and extension personnel. 3. Develop strategies for funding high-priority integrated research and extension programs. North Carolina As a result of discussions at the annual meeting of SERA-041, a collaboration has been developed with Clemson University to sample and analyze beef fat and fatty acid composition and tenderness from various brands of local beef being sold in North Carolina. Detailed production history of this beef from diverse programs will be collected. Information from this project will be used in an extension publication contrasting the nutritional value of beef from various production systems with other protein sources.

Refereed Journal Articles Boland, H.T., and G. Scaglia. 2011. Giving Beef Calves a Choice of Pasture-type Influences Behavior and Performance. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27: 160-166. Boland, H.T., G. Scaglia, D.R. Notter, A.J. Rook, W. S. Swecker, Jr., A. O. Abaye, and J. H. Fike. 2011. Grazing behavior and diet preference of beef steers grazing adjacent monocultures of Tall fescue and alfalfa: I. Spatial allocation. Crop Sci. 51(3):1314-1324. Boland, H.T., G. Scaglia, D.R. Notter, A.J. Rook, W. S. Swecker, Jr., and A. O. Abaye. 2011. Grazing behavior and diet preference of beef steers grazing adjacent monocultures of tall fescue and alfalfa: II. The role of novelty. Crop Sci. 51(4):1815-1823. Bungenstab, E.J., A. C. Pereira, J. C. Lin, J. L. Holliman, and R. B. Muntifering. 2011. Productivity, utilization, and nutritive quality of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) as influenced by stocking density and rest period under continuous or rotational stocking. J. Anim. Sci. 89:571-580. Drewnoski, M.E., M.H. Poore, and G. A. Benson. 2011. Effect of frequency of supplementation of a soyhulls and corn gluten feed blend on hay intake and performance of growing steers. Animal Feed Science and Technology 164:38-44. Abstracts Anderson, M.E., K.A. Gray, G.R. Hansen, M.H. Poore, C.S. Whisnant, and J.P. Cassady, 2011. Evaluation of the phenotypic correlations between feed efficiency measures in postweaning heifers and cows during their first lactation. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 187. Anderson, L.H., K.D. Bullock, J.D. Rhinehart, J.W. Lehmkuhler, W.R. Burris. 2011. Using Estrus Synchronization and AI to improve market value of calves. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2):24. Boland, H.T., S. T. Willard, K. Umemura, G.Scaglia, J. A. Parish, and T. F. Best. 2011. Pre-separation behavior of calves being weaned by different methods. J. Anim. Sci. 89:9 (E-Suppl.1). Burris, R., L. Anderson, D. Bullock, J. Lehmkuhler and J. Randolph. 2011. Forage/management systems for beef cow calf production. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2):23. Campbell, B.T., Backus, W.M., Dixon, M.C., R. J. Carlisle, and J. C. Waller. 2011. Comparison of spring and fall calving beef herds grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 2):604. Campbell,B.T., J. B. Neel, F. D. Kirkpatrick, C. D. Lane, Jr, and W. W. Gill. 2011. Effect of producer characteristics on size of beef operations and management practices. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):36. Freeman, S. R., M.H. Poore, A.D. Shaeffer, and H.M. Glennon. 2011. Seeding winter legumes into Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures: forage yield and impact on subsequent summer hay crop. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 27. Junell, B., G. Huntington, M. Ashwell, M. Poore, and A. Rodger. 2011. Ingestion of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seed reduces surface temperature of Angus steers in a thermoneutral environment. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 28. Lehmkuhler, J.W., K. Burdine, and W.R. Burris. 2011. Assessing variability in On-farm post-weaning feeder calf performance. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 2): 34. Lehmkuhler, J.W., S.R. Smith, G.D. Lacefield, M. Bilderback, and W.R. Burris. 2011. Using Electronic Forms for Rapid Response. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 34. Neel, J. B., B.T. Campbell, C. D. Lane, Jr, F. D. Kirkpatrick, and W.W. Gill. 2011. Effect of age of beef producers on type of operation and use of computers J. Animal. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl.3). Neel, J. B., F. D. Kirkpatrick, C. D. Lane, Jr, W.W. Gill, and B.T. Campbell. 2011. Effect of size of beef operations on management techniques. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):36. Poore, M.H., S.R. Freeman, S.M. White, G. Whitener, A.D. Shaeffer, and S.L. Vick. 2011. Intake and digestibility of corn stover by beef cattle. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 26. Poore, M.H., J.P. Cassady, M.A. Alley and K.A. Gray. 2011. Influence of crude glycerin in the growing diet on Angus and Braunvieh-sired steer calves. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 22. Ramos, M. H. and J.W. Lehmkuhler. 2011. Comparison of dry matter intake of cattle grazing cool season grasses receiving nitrogen or interseeded with legumes. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 67. Rowntree, J., K. Guidry, G. Scaglia, G. Gentry, and L. Southern. 2011. A mineral survey of Louisiana Beef cow/calf production systems. J. Anim. Sci. 89 Suppl. 2: 321(Abstr.) Scaglia, G., J. Rodriguez, K. McMillin, G. Gentry, and J. Gillespie. 2011. Performance of beef steers finished on three forage systems in the deep South. ASAS Southern Section Meeting, 64:21(Abstr.) Scaglia, G., J. Rodriguez, K. McMillin, G. T. Gentry, and H. T. Boland. 2011. Total fat and fatty acid composition of steaks from steers finished on three different forage systems in the Gulf Coast Region. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 89, E-Suppl. 1: 317 (Abstr.). Shaeffer, A.D., M.H. Poore, M.J. Kistler, J.A. Moore, and M. L. Alley. Building confidence and skills of female livestock extension agents. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 36. Proceedings Rhinehart, J. 2011. Cattle selection for grass-fed beef. In Proc. Tennessee Forage and Grasslands Council. November 4, 2011. Nashville, TN. Rhinehart, J. 2011. Crossbreeding to optimize heterosis. In Proc. Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo. October 13, 2011. Greeneville, TN. Scaglia, G. and H. T. Boland. 2011. Impact of spatial arrangement of grass and legumes on performance and grazing behaviour of beef heifers. Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores in Advances in Animal Biosciences Vol. 2(2) p. 257 Schrick, F. N., J.P. Harris, J. L. Edwards, J. C. Waller, and F. M. Hopkins. 2011. Nutritional influences on reproduction: Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue on beef cattle performance. Pages 273-280 in Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. Joplin, Missouri. Walker, R. S., S. L. Bird, G. I. Crawford, and A. DiCostanzo. 2011. Evaluating cow efficiency at the producer level: The Northwest Minnesota Beef Improvement Program. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1): 510. Extension Halich, G., K. Burdine, and J. Lehmkuhler. Valuing Corn Silage for Beef Cattle Feed 2011 Guide (AEC-2011-17). Higgins, S., S. Wrightman, and J. Lehmkuhler. Strategic Winter Feeding of Cattle Using a Rotational Grazing Structure. ID-188. 2011. Lacy, R.C., R.L. Stewart, Jr., J.W. Prevatt, G.C. Lamb, D. Mayo, B. Beer, and T.D. Davis. 2011. The Southeast Cattle Advisor website. Available online at (www.secattleadvisor.com). Lane, Jr, C. D., J. Rhinehart, J. B. Neel, F. D. Kirkpatrick, F. M. Hopkins, and G. E. Bates. 2011. 2011 beef integrated resource management calendar. UT Extension Publication 1663-2011. Lehmkuhler, J. W. and W. Roy Burris. Distillers Grain Coproducts for Beef Cattle. ASC-186. Neel, J. B. 2011. 2011 Beef Cattle Time. Quarterly, Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Extension. Neel, J. B. 2011. Guidelines for conducting Junior Beef and Sheep Shows in Tennessee. UT Extension, University of Tennessee. Neel, J. B. 2011. Official Entry Form, Tennessee 4-H/FFA Beef heifer or Breeding Ewe Lease Agreement, F 789. UT Extension, University of Tennessee (Rev.) Neel, J. B. 2011. Official Entry Form, Tennessee Junior Beef Heifer Show, F 730. UT Extension, University of Tennessee (Rev.). Neel, J. B. 2011. Tennessee Master Beef Producer Manual. University of Tennessee Extension. PB 1722 (Rev.) Neel, J. B. 2011. Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program. UT Extension, University of Tennessee (Rev.) Smith, R., G. Lacefield, R. Burris, D. Ditsch, B. Coleman, J. Lehmkuhler, and J, Henning. Rotational Grazing. ID-143. 2011. Departmental reports Gillespie, J., G. Scaglia, H. T. Boland, and W. Wyatt. 2011. The economics of supplementing beef stocker calves grazing ryegrass. LSU Agricultural Center Beef and Forage Report, 36:40-43. Scaglia. G., H. T. Boland, G. T. Gentry, C. C. Williams, and W. E. Wyatt. 2011. Effects of Time of Supplementation on Beef Stocker Calves Grazing Ryegrass. I. Animal Performance. 2011 LSU Agricultural Center Beef and Forage Report, 36: 32-35. Scaglia, G., H. T. Boland, G. T. Gentry, and C. C. Williams. 2011. Effects of Time of Supplementation on Beef Calves Grazing Ryegrass. II. Behavior and Dry Matter Intake. LSU Agricultural Center Beef and Forage Report, 36:36-39. Popular Press Bates, G. E. 2011. Don t Forget the Red Clover. Beef Cattle Time vol. 29 no. 1. Bates, G. E. 2011. Improve Pasture Use Through Rotational Grazing Beef Cattle Time v. 29 no. 2. Boland, H.T., 2011. How weaning management can get calves off to the right start for stockering. Stocker Cents , Cattle Business in Mississippi, September issue. Boland, H.T., 2011. Grazing Behavior Basics. Stocker Cents , Cattle Business in Mississippi, March issue. Boland, H.T., 2011. How weaning management can get calves off to the right start for stockering. Drovers Cattle Network. August 10. http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-resources/baby-calf-health/How-weaning-management-can-get-calves-off-to-the-right-start-for-stockering-127259898.html Boland, H.T., 2011. Grazing Behavior Basics. Drovers Cattle Network. March 8, 2011. http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-resources/healthy-heifer/Grazing-behavior-basics-117599234.html. Scaglia, G. 2011. Issues to consider in forage-fed beef production. Part 1. Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine. Vol.7(7):30-33. Scaglia, G. 2011. Issues to consider in forage-fed beef production. Part 2. Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine. Vol. 7(8):28-29. Scaglia, G. 2011. Issues to consider in forage-fed beef production. Forage systems under evaluation at the Iberia Research Station. Part 3. Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine. Vol. 7(11): 34-35.