Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2018

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association

632 Grand Canyon Drive

Madison, WI 53719

Phone: 608-228-1457

Email: info@wisconsincattlemen.com

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association Hosts First Annual Summer Tour

Madison, WI:  The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) hosted a revival of their Summer Tour on Saturday, June 30^th in central Wisconsin. The tour featured three farms in central Wisconsin and despite the unusually warm weather, the tour was a success. The goal of tour fulfilled the mission of the organization to promote networking and education opportunities to Wisconsin beef cattle producers. 

The first stop on the tour was Eron Beef, LLC near Stevens Point, WI.   The feedlot operation is owned and operated by Dave Eron, who feeds both Holstein steers and beef cattle. At this stop, the group was able to see how Dave manages his cattle in a slatted floor facility, and the attendees were able to stay cool in the new facility due to exceptional air flow and design.  One of the major highlights was to see Dave’s management of his feed resources, including by-product feeds, to ensure the cattle get the best possible nutrition.  Matt Brennman said, “One of the take home messages for me was I need to go home and do a better job of managing my feed resources.”  Additionally, the group learned how manure is managed to provide nutrients to the crops growing in nearby fields, which will ultimately feed the next group of finishing steers.

The second stop on the tour was Bula-Gieringer Farms, located near Coloma, WI. The farm operates a herd of approximately 450 cows, both registered and commercial. While enjoying burgers for lunch, the group heard from Kevin Kester, the current National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President. Kevin shared a legislative update with the group, informing every one of the work that NCBA does each day on behalf of cattlemen in Washington, D.C. Cattle Manager Jay Wodill, along with his crew, shared information on how genetic testing and evaluation are used to increase the genetic quality of the cattle they market.

The final stop of the day was at Matt Brennman Farms near Pardeeville, WI.  Matt was awarded 2018 WCA Cattlemen of the Year at the WCA Winter Conference this past February.  The farm tour included two locations, the first location featured his barns to house donor cows and working facility for embryo transfer.   The second location featured his new monoslope barn for his bull development facility, new sale facility, and handling system.  Matt discussed his evolution from feeding cattle to custom development of females and bulls for his customers. The dinner that evening featured a steak dinner sponsored by Compeer Financial, Linz Heritage Angus, Gaffney Family Cattle, and Murray’s Livestock.

The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association would like to extend a special thank you to our tour sponsors, as without their generous support the event would not be possible. We enjoyed a great day touring the diversity of Wisconsin’s beef industry. Please keep an eye out for details on next year’s tour. If you would like more information on WCA, or to become a member, please visit www.wisconsincattlemen.com.

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2018

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association

632 Grand Canyon Drive

Madison, WI 53719

Phone: 608-228-1457

Email: info@wisconsincattlemen.com

Zuck Attends National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Madison, WI: In early June, Brady Zuck attended the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Zuck, a cow-calf producer from Ladysmith, WI, is involved in the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association as an At-Large Director. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference has occurred each summer for over 30 years, developing the future leaders of the beef industry.

The tour began on Wednesday, June 30^th, in Denver, CO. The first evening, a social was held, as 65 young cattlemen met for the first time. The next several days were spent at the NCBA Office, learning more about the day-to-day operations of NCBA, as well as the Beef Checkoff. “It was great to get an inside look at how our Beef Checkoff dollars are put to use everyday” said Zuck. “After visiting with staff and learning about all the different ways checkoff dollars are utilized, I feel very confident that our dollars are being put to good use, to ultimately increase the demand for beef.”

As part of the time in Denver, the group also toured the JBS Beef Plant in Greeley, CO. “The extreme attention to detail and cleanliness in the plant really demonstrated to me how safe our beef supply really is” said Zuck. After the plant, the group also toured Kuner Feedlot, home to approximately 100,000 head of feedlot cattle. Before departing for Chicago, the group also toured a Safeway grocery store, visiting with management and staff at the meat counter, to learn more about what questions consumers are asking when they purchase beef.

On Sunday, June 3^rd, the group departed for Chicago, IL. In Chicago, stops included Tyson Food – Hillshire Farms, McDonald’s Corporate Headquarters, and OSI Industries. “It was a neat experience to be in McDonald’s Corporate Headquarters on their very first day in operation at the new building in downtown Chicago. Additionally, one of my favorite stops was the OSI Industries plant, which produces burger patties for McDonald’s. The extreme attention to quality and cleanliness once again reaffirmed my belief that our beef supply is truly safe and wholesome” stated Zuck.

The final leg of the tour was Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, the group spent a day working with NCBA staff to learn more about current beef industry issues, and pending legislation. The next day, each young cattlemen spent the day visiting with their Senators and Representatives. “For me, it was the first time I had visited Washington, D.C. The opportunity to visit with our elected officials, and express our position on key issues, was truly unforgettable. We all need to make sure we take the time to reach out to the people in Washington, to make sure our voices are heard” said Zuck.

“This was truly the trip of a lifetime. I would like to say thank you to the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association for allowing me the opportunity and support to represent them on the trip. For any young cattlemen interested in attending, please be sure to submit an application next year. The trip helped me grow in my knowledge of the beef industry, become a better beef advocate, and ultimately lead to 65 new connections that will last a lifetime” concluded Zuck.   

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association

632 Grand Canyon Drive

Madison, WI 53719

Phone: 608-228-1457

Email: info@wisconsincattlemen.com

Madison, Wi:  The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) will be hosting the first Summer Cattle Production Tour in central Wisconsin.  The tour will be held on Saturday, June 30 featuring three stops in central Wisconsin.  The goal of the tour is to fulfill the mission of the organization to promote networking of beef producers and learning from other producers.

The first stop on the tour will be Eron Beef, LLC near Stevens Point, WI.   The feedlot operation is owned and operated by Dave Eron and feeds both Holstein steers and colored cattle.  Recently Dave built a slatted floor facility to move his finishing cattle operation from dirt lots in order to have a more controlled environment for feeding cattle as well as capture more value from the manure generated.  Dave utilizes a variety of by-product feeds to lower his feed costs and maintain a competitive advantage.  Dave also focuses on technology, low-stress cattle handling and modern data/performance tracking to be competitive. 

The second stop on the tour will be Bula-Gieringer Farms, located near Coloma, WI. Jay Wodill currently manages the operation.  The farm was established in 1980 when a partnership was formed between Mark Bula and Mark Gieringer to raise vegetable, row crops, and cattle.  The farm maintains a 450 head of cows comprised of Angus, Simmental, and Sim-Angus with commercial and purebred herds.  The farm utilizes local marsh for summer pasture, crop residue when available, and winter feeding consisting of haylage, corn silage, ryelage and baled hay.  The spring calves are sold at the end of the year directly to a feedlot for finishing.  Bula-Geiringer also has two cooperator herd relationships with Nichols Farms of Bridgewater, IA and Thomas Angus Ranch of Backer City, OR.

The final stop will be at Matt Brennman Farms near Pardeeville, WI.  Matt’s farm showcased the diversity of the industry with his enterprises of embryo transfer cooperator herd, custom cattle feeder, and custom bull development. Matt was awarded 2019 WCA Cattlemen of the Year at the WCA Winter Conference this past February.  Matt owns 400 commercial cows; custom feeds over 500 head of cattle and farms 1600 acres.  This past winter he hosted the first bull sale at the farm for his customers that develop bulls in his newly built bull development facility.   At this final stop, a dinner will be provided with meat provided by Linz Heritage Angus.

The tour will also have special guest, Kevin Kester, 2018 NCBA President.  He will provide an update on NCBA efforts in Washington D.C. on behalf of cattlemen.  Both lunch and dinner are provided on the tour.  Busses will leave from both Abbotsford and DeForest, WI and provide transportation for the day.  Registration for this one-day program and meals will be $40 prior to June 1 and then $45 for late registration until June 22.   You can register online at www.wisconsincattlemen.com or contact WCA at 608-228-1457 or info@wisconsincattlemen.com.

WCA is looking forward to a great event, and hope to see you there!