Become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certified. Equity s 2018 Graduates of the NLPA s Institute of Management. What s Inside

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1 FALL 2018 VOLUME 56 NUMBER 3 A PUBLICATION OF EQUITY COOPERATIVE LIVESTOCK SALES ASSOCIATION Become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certified Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program that was started by the beef industry to educate itself on accepted ways of handling and treating the animals that were in its care. By my way of thinking, BQA is a valuable tool that aids in the production of a better product for those who are buying that product. In Chuck Adami fact it is a program that reinforces many President/CEO of the things that have been common practice in the industry for quite some time. On January 1, 2019, at least one livestock buyer that purchases animals going to slaughter and possibly more buyers in the future will be requiring that the animals they buy have been raised by a producer that is enrolled in or are a part of such a program. Simply put if the beef animals that are being sold aren t raised by a producer that is certified under a BQA program they will not bid or offer to purchase. In order to put our members cattle in front of as many buyers as possible, we have undertaken the task of informing our patrons of this new requirement and the possible ways to become BQA certified. We are providing this information, not as a requirement to sell a member s cattle, but only as to allow each member an option to be certified. In addition to the information on the new requirement, and the ways to become certified, we have in place an in-house system that will be able to obtain the required information from each producer which will allow us to announce animals are being sold by a seller that is BQA certified. If you have questions on how to become certified or how to inform us of your certification, the answers can be found elsewhere in this newsletter or by contacting any market or our Baraboo home office. Equity s 2018 Graduates of the NLPA s Institute of Management Photo (l-r): Scott Herrman, Devin Ryan and John Kane, are joined with others from New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Colorado, Utah, California, and Nebraska at the National Livestock Producers Association s (NLPA) Graduate Institute of Management held in August. Scott Herrman, Sparta Market Manager, Devin Ryan, Waukon Field Service Representative, and John Kane, Reedsville Yard Supervisor attended a series of training and educational workshops this past summer at the National Livestock Producers Association s (NLPA) Graduate Institute of Management in New York. These classes provide invaluable resources for individuals who will be tomorrow s leaders in livestock marketing and credit. Serving livestock producers requires a skill set that must continue to be developed and involves a high degree of management expertise from financial to human resources to fully understanding the regulatory environment within the industry. Management is not a one size fits all position in our industry. Here s a question and answer discussion from Equity s recent graduates. What s Inside (Continued on page 2) Fair Days... 2 Equity Livestock Credit Corporation... 3 College Scholarships Available Calendar Theme... 3 Upcoming Events... 3 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)...3a, 3b Equity Staff Update... 4

2 Equity News Equity s 2018 Graduates of the NLPA s Institute of Management (Continued from page 1) What part of the Institute did you enjoy the most? Herrman: I enjoyed touring the dairy farm that showcased a new rotary parlor milking system as well as the visit to the Dryden Market. Ryan: Meeting new people and being able to listen to so many interesting speakers. Kane: The ability to connect with markets from around the country and see how we can make improvements to run smoother. What did you learn or plan to implement at your market? Herrman: I realized that others face some of the same challenges as we do with less competition among buyers and less farmers to receive cattle from. Ryan: How important communication really is and being able to develop new ideas to better improve specific situations. Kane: The fact that I want to include my employees in more decision-making on how to make the barn run more efficiently. What is most important in managing livestock markets? Herrman: For our market, possibly selecting a day for grade and yield and another day to go direct with specific cattle. Ryan: Communication and safety. Kane: Ambition is key to go out and market cattle the best way possible. Also understanding what buyers value and want to see in the animals they purchase. Respect is a big one; you have to respect everyone involved in the marketing of cattle from the farmer to your employees, to the buyers, to the truckers, and even the cattle themselves. What key components are vital to livestock marketing? Herrman: We need to continue to keep our patrons satisfied and wanting them to continue marketing. We need to work together to receive the best price for their cattle. Ryan: Being able to keep things organized. Communication is a must for both buyers and sellers. Kane: A good operating barn is important both mechanically and employee-wise; this includes unloading the cattle to getting information entered correctly and sold properly to meet the farmer s needs. Also a well-trained auctioneer who puts his all into selling for the farmer is necessary. Why do you enjoy working for Equity? Herrman: I enjoy the relationships I have with my employees. It is important to listen to their thoughts and ideas. It is just as important to have the same type of relationship with our farmers so that they bring cattle in at the right time in order to get them the best possible prices. I was raised on a farm and like working with both farmers and cattle. Ryan: I enjoy working with people and working with livestock so this position is perfect for me because I get to do both. I appreciate the many opportunities I have been given. Kane: I enjoy working for Equity because I m able to help the farmers out to the best of my ability. Whether it is farm visits, helping the workers unload cattle, assisting in the ring, or even auctioneering, I try my best to support Equity s patrons. What are you most proud of at Equity? Herrman: Trying to keep good quality cattle coming to Sparta so that buyers want to return. I am proud that Equity has been able to keep the auction business competitive. I like helping farmers receive the most they can for their cattle, hogs, sheep and numerous other animals. Ryan: I m proud of the many opportunities I ve been given. Thankful for the summer internship I was able to serve between my second and third semester of technical college. Equity has also helped me get started in auctioneering as well. Kane: I am most proud of the fact that over the last year I have been able to see managers and employees going above and beyond the job description to do the best they can to serve the farmer s needs every way possible. Fair Days As the 2018 fair season comes to a close, Equity would like to congratulate youth participants for their hard work and commitment. We d also like to acknowledge and thank its employees for their time and expertise in making so many local fairs a success. The cooperative s shipping associations also contribute financially and their board members realize the importance of having youth involved in agriculture. Equity enjoys seeing this interest continue and is supportive of fairs in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Whether it is event planning, helping with animal weigh-ins, auctioneering, clerking, purchasing meat animal sale animals, advertising, or making donations for trophies and awards, this is all necessary in making fairs complete. Pedal Power When summer shows up in Wisconsin, so do pedal tractors. An Equity tradition benefiting county fairs in central Wisconsin for many years, these donated pedal tractors are sold during county meat animal livestock (Continued on page 4) 2

3 Equity Livestock Credit Corporation Agricultural credit and financing is available through Equity Livestock Credit Corporation (ELCC) for qualified Midwest farmers and ranchers. Credit options are available for the following: Operating Lines of Credit Breeding Livestock Term Loans Machinery and Equipment Loans Farm and Improvement Loans Farmer MAC real estate Loans also available: Year Amortizations Variable, Adjustable, and Fixed Rates Monthly, Quarterly, or Semi-Annual Payments Loan closings are completed as soon as loan underwriting is finished, the credit decision is made, and upon loan funding approval the funds are then made available to the borrowers. College Scholarships Available November 26 Deadline Equity Cooperative Livestock is pleased to once again offer ten $1,000 scholarships for the 2019 academic year to college students pursuing careers. Completed applications are due by Monday, November 26. An applicant from each of the 10 Equity districts will be selected and awarded a scholarship to use during the academic school year. Two $750 scholarships will also be awarded to students earning degrees from technical colleges. Eligibility: Any college student who has not received an Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association scholarship in the past is eligible to apply. Students need to have completed two or more semesters at an accredited college or university, and any student who has completed at least one semester at a technical college. The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, on a 4.0 scale. Either the student or their parent(s) must be an active shipping member of Equity. Scholarship winners are selected based on their scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities, application essay response and dedication to a career. Applications are available from the home page of the cooperative s website at or by calling Janice Schyvinck at , ext Applicants are asked to provide a current college transcript and three letters of reference in addition to their completed online applicant form. Gary Williams Vice President ELCC , ext mobile gwilliams@equitycoop.com Connect with Equity Like us on Facebook 2019 Calendar Theme: Family Traditions with Equity The deadline for submitting photos for the calendar has been extended to September 28, We are looking for photos showing interaction at an Equity event, or at the auction market, or with the staff. Photos will be selected in October and calendars will be available at our auction markets in November. Please submit your photos to Julie Klitzke, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association, 401 Commerce Ave., Baraboo, WI, or to jklitzke@equitycoop.com by September 28, Twitter@equity_coop equitylivestockfocus.com Upcoming Events World Beef Expo September 28-30, 2018, Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St., West Allis, WI Answers: 1) d 2) c 3) d 4) a World Dairy Expo October 2-6, 2018, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI

4 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) The livestock industry is going through a few changes now that two of our largest buyers have notified us that effective January 1, 2019 and January 1, 2020 for the other that they will only purchase cattle that are BQA certified. A letter was mailed to several patrons in early August and it provided information on how to become BQA certified. BQA is not mandatory and Equity will continue to accept all livestock. However, Equity markets will need to inform buyers if cattle are BQA certified, and we have spent time and resources developing tools to allow us to better meet the needs of those buyers, as well as help our patrons become BQA certified. BQA follows these six points, and we believe this is something many members have always done. Demonstrates commitment to food safety and quality. Safeguards the public image of the dairy industry. Upholds consumer confidence in valuable beef products. Protects the beef industry from additional and burdensome government regulation. Improves safe value of marketed beef cattle. Enhances herd profitability through better management. BQA certification can be achieved by logging in on the BQA website at Producers will need to register and sign up and complete one of the free courses which best fit their particular operations. Upon gaining certification, please provide your name and the name of any entity you sell under, as well as your certification number and expiration date. That way, Equity can make the proper announcement at the time of sale. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. We have also set up BQA training sessions at several of our markets for those who prefer classroom instruction. To register, contact Jayde Farbo at at the Wisconsin Beef Council, or contact your local Equity market. Cost is $15 per person, as that will help cover materials and instructor fees. BQA Training Sessions Tuesday, September 25, 5: 30 p.m. Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center... (608) County Road B Sparta, WI Thursday, September 27, 12 p.m. Monroe Market... (608) N1365 Hwy. 69 Monroe, WI Thursday, October 18, 1:30 p.m. Johnson Creek Market... (920) N6225 County Y Johnson Creek, WI (Continued on page 3b) 3a

5 FALL 2018 VOLUME 56 NUMBER 3 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) (Continued from page 3a) Friday, October 19, 9 a.m. Bonduel Market... (715) N. Cecil St. Bonduel, WI Friday, October 26, 1 p.m. Altoona Market... (715) Hwy. 53 South Eau Claire, WI Friday, November 2, 12:30 p.m. Stratford Market... (715) EP4363 State Hwy. 97 Stratford, WI Thursday, November 8, 12 p.m. Lomira Market... (920) N11579 Industrial Dr. Lomira, WI Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m. Waukon Market... (563) Hwy. 76 North Waukon, IA Wednesday, December 5, 12 p.m. Richland Center Market... (608) County Hwy. O Richland Center, WI Connect with Equity at 3b

6 Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association P.O. Box 1003 Baraboo, WI Equity Staff Update Julie King Joins as Credit Manager We welcome Julie King, our new credit manager. She previously served the banking industry for 18 years and now will work on Julie King accounts receivable and approve buyer applications forms, as well as other tasks. Julie lives in Cazenovia with her husband, Scott. Trish Allen Appointed Monroe Office Manager Trish Allen was recently promoted to office manager at our Monroe location. She has worked Trish Allen Fair Days (Continued from page 2) auctions. The sale proceeds are meant to go to the respective county junior meat animal programs. Our Lomira market in conjunction with the Ripon-Lomira Livestock Marketing Cooperative local association, donates pedal tractors along with Ballweg to the following county fairs: Marquette, Fond du Lac, Washington, Columbia, Ozaukee, Green Lake, Winnebago, Dodge, Waushara, and Sheboygan, as well as the Alto Community Fair. We have seen prices range from $200 to $6,000. Sometimes pedal tractors are sold more than once at an auction to raise funds for a single large county project benefiting all livestock exhibitors. Such was the case in 2017 when a pedal tractor sold three times at the Dodge County Fair in Beaver Dam. It generated $6,000 for a new building used during the fair for the livestock show and to utilize as fairground storage during the rest of the year. for Equity in various roles over nine years. She has served as clerk, weigh master and most recently as interim office manager. Trish lives in Juda. Lightner Joins as Office Training Facilitator Bob Lightner recently joined Equity as office training facilitator and will work with Information Systems staff to assist in the ELM (Equity Bob Lightner Livestock Management) software market rollout. He will then develop and maintain office staff training material and audit our markets. Bob lives near Lyndon Station with his wife, Sue. Congratulations Julie, Trish and Bob! The building replaces a leaky old trailer that was slowly sinking into the ground. It was constructed in time for the 2018 Dodge County Fair. Wiring was donated by a fair friendly electrician. While the front entrance is meant for people, the back has an overhead door allowing efficient loading and unloading. There is plenty of space for the meat animal sale committee s activities during the fair. Equity has a long history of supporting livestock youth projects. These young people are critical to the future of agriculture, and represent a sound investment on behalf of our patrons, one pedal at a time. Once again, at Equity, we are very grateful to our staff, associations and markets for all that you do. Thank you! Equity News is published quarterly by Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association, P.O. Box 1003, Baraboo, WI Subscription $1.00. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, WI and additional mailing offices. ISSN#: Postmaster, send address changes to: Equity News c/o Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association P.O. Box 1003 Baraboo, WI Board & Officers Les Danielson... District VI Chairman of the Board David Wilke...District II Vice Chairman of the Board Steven Schleis...District III Secretary/Treasurer Karl Merow... District VII Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Dan Leischer...District I Pete Kleiman... District IV Allan Cihlar... District V Dwight Truttmann... District VIII Norm Fruit... District IX Adam Quandahl... District X Charles Adami...President & CEO Janice Schyvinck... Editor Maureen Tobias...Copy Editor Market Directory Altoona Arlington Barron Bonduel Johnson Creek Lomira Marion Monroe Reedsville Richland Center Sparta Stratford Thorp Waukon Equity Livestock Credit Corporation Gary Williams , ext. 125 Commodities Division James Schroeder , ext. 132 Please recycle this newsletter.