Barzona_Bulletin_Summer_2020

www.Barzona.com

Summer 2020

Barzona Bulletin A Publication of the Barzona Breeders Association of America

President’s Message

By Dodd Carmichael, Wild N Grazy Farm, BBAA President

W e are halfway through 2020, and it is bound to be a big one in the annals of history. If I didn’t need the time, I would like to press the fast forward button ... but, I need it. So, if you feel like I do, make sure you use the time wisely. Distractions are immense, so it’s time to buckle down and focus on the things that are most important. Listen while I give myself some advice about eliminat- ing distractions: 1. Remove distractions by limiting time on social media. As Bobby Boucher says in The Water Boy , “... it’s da debil.” If someone is a good enough friend that you value what they

have to say, call or text them. Social media is specifically designed to keep you engaged, i.e., distracted. Nobody needs to know that much of someone else’s thoughts or everybody else’s business! In the truest sense of these words, mind your own business. 2. Quit listening to the news ... especially politics. We all have various ideas about the government and the elections. According to my echo chamber, I’m right and you’re wrong. That’s right, we just turn to Faux News or Cartoon News Network to justify our decisions and cheer for our team. These echo chambers are just divisive wastes of time. They either give you undeserved

righteous indignation or generate unreasonable fear and hate, and both are bad for your heart and soul. In reality, we already know how we are going to vote. Just vote! 3. Now that you’ve eliminated all the noise, indulge yourself in an original thought or idea. It may be an idea that just flashed through your mind. Or it may be a thought that you have had a million times but repressed because “everyone would think it’s dumb” or “I’m too old” or “I’ve seen too many dreams die to chase another one.” This time, don’t dismiss it. Write it down, develop it, visualize it and act upon it. Just the newness of the exploration will make you more alive. Who knows, you may actually come up with an idea worthy of risk-taking – and that’s where things really get interesting! 4. Make and own your decisions. With your mind back from the abyss of distraction, your decision-making will improve. You will still make mistakes, but guess what? You will get to make more decisions in life. Live and learn and don’t beat yourself up over mistakes. Indecision is still a decision, and I’m pretty sure more opportunities have been lost that way than any other. I believe original thinkers and decision makers are more likely to consider Bar- zona cattle. If you are a current breeder, try a new marketing approach or graz- ing technique – something new – to keep your enthusiasm high. Our annual meeting will be Aug. 21-23 in Montgom- ery, Ala. Our host, Raymond Boykin, has plenty of keen insights to share about the value and performance of his Barzo- na cattle in hot, humid Alabama. Come, join us, and bring your ideas! BB

SAVE THE DATE 2020BarzonaBreedersAssociationof AmericaAnnualMeeting

August 21-23, 2020

HolidayInnExpress 9250BoydCooperPkwy.,Montgomery,AL36117 (334)271-5516 RoomBlock:BarzonaCattleMeeting

Consumers Are Getting a Taste for Farm to Table

By Emily Stribling, BluePrint Media

Raising Quality Barzona Cattle for 46 years. Bulls & Females Available Two-Year-Old Bulls Available Now F & F Cattle Company With an understanding of the different inspection types vs. custom-exempt harvesting, you can search for a meat packing plant in your area that meets your needs.After you’ve selected a suitable packing plant, you need to consider labeling While the farm-to-table movement has been gaining popularity over the years for a multitude of reasons, it has been further amplified by a desire for individuals to “stock up” on food resources. I n the era of COVID-19, the “buy local” movement has become even more prevalent. As everyday staples such as meat prod- ucts appear to be in short supply at grocery stores, consum- ers are gaining further interest in buying directly from the source. While the farm-to-table movement has been gaining popularity over the years for a multitude of reasons, it has been further amplified by a desire for individuals to “stock up” on food resources. With an even greater demand for local beef, many producers are beginning to harvest and sell their products locally. Direct marketing your beef is a great opportunity to contribute to your local community and can be quite profitable; however, there are a few factors to consider before jumping in. Whether you’re a cow-calf producer feeding out a few of your calves to send to the local meat packing plant, a cattle feeder getting a meat processing license and harvesting animals on- site for sale, or any number of other combinations, the No. 1 place to start is understanding your state’s regulations on inspection and licensing.

for your products. All labels must be approved at the chosen establishment and be applied to the product there, as well. Understand that any product claims made on the label (ex. organic, grass fed, etc.) must be able to be proven. No other labels can be added later, so be aware of the plant’s labeling capabilities. You’re ready to sell your product! Now, where to begin? Direct marketing can seem intimidating, but you just have to be willing to put in the work. There’s no time like the present to get started selling your beef locally. The farm-to-table movement is in full force as consumers strive to support local businesses while also stocking their freezers. With proper planning and initiative, you can be prosperous while providing consumers with a unique, personal buying experience. For detailed tips about marketing your beef product, read our blog at www.blueprintma.com . BB

Weichman Feedyard, L.P.

We have more than 30 years’ experience finishing cattle and more than 10 years’ experience finishing Barzona cattle. We offer a value-based marketing systemwith a history of premiums for Barzona cattle. Give us a call (620) 874-5231

Mike & Pat Fitzgerald 130 Fitzgerald Lane, Mosquero, NM 87733 (575) 673-2346 ffcattleco@plateautel.net

4030 Highway 83 North Scott City, KS 67671

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From Our Association Secretary

By Alecia Heinz, Golden Hz Farm, BBAA Secretary H appy Dog Days of Summer, everyone. 2020 has yet to be kind to us, but the weather and calving have gone well for most I have talked to, and I hope that proves the same for you. Convention iscurrentlyplannedforAug. 21-23 inMontgomery, Ala. Please watch our Facebook page and website in case we have to change the format to a conference call (we hope not). The Barzona Breeders Association of America is looking at some very new topics this year, so please help us start charting

new waters. I am going to send out a survey to get general ideas and preferences for a Barzona Annual Production Sale! If you are not already on our email list, please send me a request at barzonabreeders@gmail.com to receive the survey, as these results will be the initial mold we will work from. If you let us topics this year, so please help us start charting new waters. The Barzona Breeders Association of America is looking at some very new

know to move your newsletter from regular mail to electronic email, you will be entered into our drawing for a bull or heifer. Other items include moving the newsletter entirely to electronic format; an incentive for membership and registration; and 2020 is an officer election year! If you, or anyone you know, would like to take on a leadership role to help move us forward, please take up a chair. New ideas and diversity in leadership are present in every successful organization, and ours is no different. BB Hampton Cattle Company Breeding Purebred since 1973 Fertile Range Cattle Steve Hampton P.O. Box 134 • Kirkland, AZ 86332 (928) 442-3438 Purebred Barzona Bulls Virgin 2-year-olds and yearlings, perfect for improving your herd by crossbreeding with Angus, Hereford, Limousin and Charolais. Hybrid vigor resulting in superior-preformance calves with LBW and rapid growth. Heat tolerant, disease resistant, hardy with gentle dispositions, guaranteed. Will work with you on delivery terms. Walking Stick Ranch

Golden Hz Farm Barzona: The breed for busy people

These cows take care of themselves!

Breeding Stock Available

Matt & Alecia Heinz 2432 250th St Greenfield, IA 50849 smartace007@yahoo.com (641) 745-9170

Alvin & Karen Havens 2429 Orange Ave. Greenfield, IA 50849

www.barzonas.com

REGISTERED, PUREBRED BARZONA Breeder since 1986

Raymond Boykin, Jr. (334) 430-0563 • etheldozierboykin@yahoo.com 8727 Lydia Lane • Montgomery, AL 36117

Ron & Peggy Erjavec (719) 947-3645 • www.walkingstickranch.com Boone, Colorado

WWW.BARZONA.COM • SUMMER 2020 | 3

Barzona Breeders Association of America 604 Cedar Street Adair, IA 50002

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIGHTON, CO PERMIT NO. 51

If you’d prefer to receive the Barzona Bulletin by email,

please contact Alecia Heinz at

(614) 745-9170 or barzonabreeders@ gmail.com

Wild N Grazy Farm

FOUNDATION HERD BREEDING STOCK Since 1974

(254) 205-0360 • bobbydodd12@hotmail.com Bynum, Texas Dodd & Sonda Carmichael

Selling bulls private treaty. Yearling bulls available now.

ADVERTISING RATES The Barzona Bulletin is published four times per year by the BBAA and is mailed to more than 600 Barzona enthusiasts. Full Page Ad. ................................. $350 per issue Half Page Ad..................................$200 per issue Third Page Ad................................ $165 per issue Quarter Page Ad.............................$135 per issue Eighth Page Ad................................ $75 per issue

Semen available for a number of older bulls. Females available periodically private treaty. Foster, OK 73434 (217) 649-5616 Bard Cattle Co. Nancy Bard Nunn 18800 E. County Road 1603

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