Minnesota CattleWomen News

Vol.3 Issue 4 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:29:21 GMT

From The Board - A Look Back at 2024 As We Begin 2025!

We are thrilled to share the incredible journey we've undertaken together in 2024. As your board, we want to take a look back at what a wonderful year we have all had together. 2024 marked a significant milestone with our first-ever Summer Banquet in June. What a day it was!

In this Issue:

From The Board - A Look Back at 2024 As We Begin 2025!

New Webinar: "By The Numbers" - EPDs and Other B.S.

Membership Spotlight

2024 Beef Expo

CW360 - September 28th in Aitkin with Neogen Recap

Mark Your Calendar

Vol.3 Issue 3 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:20:52 GMT

Recognizing Greatness in the Minnesota CattleWomen’s Association

The Minnesota CattleWomen gathered on June 14th at Waite Park, Minnesota to select the new ambassador team, take educational tours, and recognize another year of growth and success in our organization. The event was capped with a banquet where members and friends were recognized for their dedication to the beef industry and the Minnesota CattleWomen’s Association.

In this Issue:

"Recognizing Greatness in the Minnesota CattleWomen’s Association"

Whitney Pittman Visser

Beef Expo is Coming Up!

Membership Spotlight

CW360 - September 28th in Aitkin with Neogen

Ambassadors Competition and New Team

Mark Your Calendar

Vol.3 Issue 2 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 01:38:34 GMT

Calving Camp: Young Adult Field Day

How we calve cows has changed a lot in the last several decades. If you ever get the chance to listen to cattlemen and women tell stories of gathering cows at night to simply keep coyotes at bay during calving, it sounds a lot different from the world we live in today.

In this Issue:

"Calving Camp: Young Adult Field Day" Whitney Pittman Visser

Summer Banquet, Tours and Ambassador Competition

They Were the “Good Ole Days”?? Vicky Fick

Membership Spotlight

Meet Your Ambassadors - 2024 Team

Mark Your Calendar

ANCW Update - Region III Meeting

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:49:18 GMT

Hope to see you in St. Joe!

Dear Minnesota CattleWomen,

Hello ANCW Region III members! I know this is a long update, but it contains a lot of important information. Please read it thoroughly and contact me if you have any questions.

I recently attended ANCW’s Executive Team Leadership Retreat held at the NCBA office in Denver. ANCW President Ruth Coffey shared her priority issues for 2024. The executive team worked on recognizing each other’s strengths to help us form a better working team and getting to know the new members of the team. We heard updates from NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and his team, an NCBA Overview with Todd Johnson, NCBA Senior Vice President of Federation Services, and Leadership Training with Barb Wilkinson, NCBA Executive Director of Governance and Leadership Development. It was two very full days of meetings and trainings. However, we did find time for a little fun. We had a painting event one evening. Watch for more information to come about that project! We also did a cooking class. It was fun – and delicious!

I hope you have May 30 – June 1, 2024 reserved on your calendar to join us in St. Joseph, Missouri for our Region III and VII meeting! If not, please do so now!!

Registration is open. You can register online through the Eventbrite link below, or you can mail your check and contact information to Mary Kay Lyle at the address below.

Region 3 & 7 ANCW Meeting

Date: Thursday, May 30 – Saturday, June 1, 2024

Time: beginning at 3:00pm May 30, 2024 ending by 10:00am June 1, 2024

Where: Holiday Inn Express, St. Joseph, MO

Registration costs: $30.00

ANCW- Region 3 & 7 Meeting (American National Cattle Women) Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Eventbrite will add $3.85 to the registration cost for their processing.

If you'd rather register with a check- you can send $30 payable to MCW to Mary Kay Lyle, P. O. Box 207, Savannah, MO. 64485.

Your $30 registration cost covers registration fees for meetings and some group events. ** Dinner and shopping are on your own Friday night.

There are hotel rooms set aside at Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 3600 N. Village Dr, St. Joseph, Missouri. Use the link below to reserve your room at the group rate. Please note the group rate expires April 30, 2024. If you don’t have your reservation done, please do it soon.

Hotel information : Use for Group rate expires 4/30/2024

Missouri CattleWomen are planning a great meeting and interesting tours for us. We will hear updates from ANCW Vice President Casey Matzke, State Cattlewomen, and State Beef Councils. We will have presentations from our meeting sponsors. Tours being planned include a winery and farm visit, Pony Express Museum and American Angus Association. There will be time for fellowship and getting to know each other. There are a couple items that need finalized on the agenda; I will send it out as soon as that is done.

To help you with your travel plans, the meeting will start Thursday afternoon, around 3:00 p.m. We should be done by noon on Saturday.

There will be ANCW elections at our meeting. Each region has representatives that serve on the following committees: Budget, Membership, PR Communications and Ways & Means. The committee members for Region 3 are Penny Zimmerman on Budget, Jennifer Schiefelbein on Membership, and Rosemary Gustafson on PR Communications. They are all eligible to be re-elected and have all indicated that they would like to serve another year. Kat Peper is currently serving on the Ways & Means committee. Due to other commitments, she is not running for re-election. The Ways and Means Committee works to develop and solicit financial resources for ANCW in coordination with the Executive Committee, staff, other ANCW members, and the ANCW Foundation. The committee consists of an appointed Chair for a term of two (2) years (maybe re-appointed for a 2nd term). The Immediate Past President and seven (7) region representatives. These members will be elected at region meetings for a one (1) year term and can be re-elected for a maximum of three (3) terms. Please let me know if you are interested in serving on the ANCW Ways and Means Committee.

Another election we will need to do is someone to serve as ANCW Region III Director. My term will be up as of our 2025 ANCW Annual Meeting. I cannot believe I have been in this position for 3 ½ years! The time has gone fast! I have made lifelong friends and mentors from one side of our country to the other. It has truly been an amazing experience. I am so glad I have been able to serve you – the cattlewomen of region three – on the national level.

If this is something that interests you, please consider. If you have questions, please contact me. I would be very happy to visit with you about time commitment, responsibilities and duties as an ANCW Region Director.

If you have any questions or concerns about ANCW, please contact me.

In Minnesota, we had more winter weather the last week of March than we had all winter! But the snow that came is gone, the temperatures are getting warmer and maybe spring is around the corner! Whatever your spring work on the farm involves, please be safe, watch out for your family members and friends, and I hope the weather cooperates with the workload.

I look forward to seeing you in St. Joseph, Missouri in May!

Debbie Chute

ANCW Region III Director

218-330-0042

dchute59@gmail.com

Vol.3 Issue 1 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:19:05 GMT

Spring Has Sprung: 2024 Brings Change

Welcome to spring! I have been holding my breath all winter, waiting for winter to really hit. Since this is Minnesota – that could still happen.

In this Issue:

Spring Has Sprung

Ambassador Team Hosts Calving Camp

CW360 Feb Recap and Looking Ahead

Preparing for Calving: Tools in your toolkit

Membership Spotlight

Ambassador Update

Mark Your Calendar

Vol.2 Issue 4 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:28:48 GMT

Reflections: Thankful For Our Community

Let’s get together, eat, laugh, learn, and serve; finishing out 2023

well nourished by the strength we gain from not going it alone.

In this Issue:

Goodbye Summer and Hello Fall

Back To The Homestead & T-shirts

ANCW Regional Meeting Recap

Meet Your Beef Ambassador Team

Registration Open for 2023-2024 Beef Ambassadors

What's Coming Up

Vol.2 Issue 3 MNCW Newsletter

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:51:05 GMT

Goodbye Summer and Hello Fall!

Let’s get together, eat, laugh, learn, and serve; finishing out 2023

well nourished by the strength we gain from not going it alone.

In this Issue:

Goodbye Summer and Hello Fall

Back To The Homestead & T-shirts

ANCW Regional Meeting Recap

Meet Your Beef Ambassador Team

Registration Open for 2023-2024 Beef Ambassadors

What's Coming Up

More than Meat

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 19:23:46 GMT

More than Meat - Alicia Holtz - 2023 MN State Sr Beef Ambassador

One of the challenges facing beef producers is informing and educating consumers about the many "more than meat” benefits of beef animals. This was the theme of our county beef entry in the 4-H Speaking Up for Animal Agriculture program at the Minnesota State Fair. In our interactive presentation exhibitors asked the people to name some things that come from beef cattle. Most answered with manure. We followed up with “Yes, manure comes from cattle but do you anything else that comes from cattle?” Sometimes we got an answer and other times we got, “no, tell me more.” We would explain items such as glue, medicines, leather, gelatin, brushes, sports equipment and pet foods are just a few common byproducts. Some of the people were in shock that so many items come from cattle and that byproducts are even a thing. I asked someone what they thought happened with what is leftover when we harvest the meat from a beef animal, I generally got a look of intrigue and an “I don’t know.”

It is important that people know we use nearly the entire animal when harvesting them with the first intention of meat production. According to the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, only 60% of the beef animal is used for meat. So what happens to the other 40%? It all gets turned into byproducts. The fat from the animal can be made into lipstick, cosmetics, soap, cream, and brake fluids. The pancreas can be used for insulin and other medications. The gelatin makes gummies, jams, candies, and even gum. These products are just a few of many that come from beef cattle.

Farmers and Ranchers use more than 95% of the animal in some way. If the United States does not use certain parts of the animal, they send the parts to other countries to be used such as tripe, liver, and intestines for many international dishes. Next year, it is my hope that we can continue this discussion but with multiple items at our table that people can talk about, touch, and learn that when we harvest an animal for beef, we get so much more out of it than just the meat.

Alicia Holtz

2023 MN State Senior Beef Ambassador

Why you should apply to become a Beef Ambassador

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 18:29:18 GMT

Why you should become a Beef Ambassador - Amelia Teersteg - 2023 MN State Sr Beef Ambassador

My Name is Amelia Tersteeg and I am from West Central Minnesota. I am 14 years old and the only Minnesota Junior Beef Ambassador. I was chosen to become a beef ambassador last October at the Minnesota Beef Expo. The application process included 3 different parts; 2 of which were completed online prior to the in person interview. The interview process forced me to reflect on my own involvement in the beef industry, review the goals I have for myself and beef production, and educate myself further in my knowledge of beef cattle and the industry as a whole.

The beef ambassador program this past year has brought myself and others from the team to events throughout the upper Midwest. These events included farm finance clinics, beef legislation experiences, cattle production farm tours, annual beef sale at Schiefelbein farms, volunteer opportunities, and finally planning and presenting beef bingo at the Minnesota State Fair and Beef Expo.

I have had the opportunity to meet so many people through this program. I have met congressmen and women that are working to change the laws and legislation in favor of beef farmers. I met the 2022 National Cattlemen's Beef Association president, Don Schiefelbein at their family’s annual production sale.

Last winter the Beef Ambassador Team was required to complete something called the Masters of Beef Advocacy program (MBA). It is a series of lessons on cattle production, beef management, cuts of meat, and more about the industry. I also learned a lot about new and different aspects of having cattle and how to manage them. Having the exposure and education that I received during this year furthered my understanding in so many areas.

This year has been an amazing experience for me while working and bonding with the rest of the ambassador team. They have taught me so much and they are sure to be amazing lifelong friends.

You can apply to become a Minnesota Beef Ambassador if you are between the ages 14 - 19 by September 1 (of whatever year that you are applying.) Anyone who is within these age requirements and has a strong passion can go to the Minnesota Beef Ambassadors Instagram or Facebook page to find out more information.

Applications can be found at: Mncattlewomen.org/mnsba-application

The Scoop on Cultured Beef

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 17:53:46 GMT

The Scoop on Cultured Beef - Sarah Fisher - 2023 MN State Sr Beef Ambassador

Well, the time has come. We are going to start seeing lab grown, or “cultured” beef in stores. But what is it and what does it mean for the beef producers of America? These are things that we need to educate ourselves on as we begin to see this new competition arise.

First of all, what is it and is it safe? According to GCF Global, lab grown meat is a more sustainable and humane way of using cellular agriculture to create meat. This meat is grown completely outside the animal's body. It is made by taking stem cells from cattle. By using amino acids and carbohydrates, the cells are multiplied for an end product that looks similar to ground beef. However, it is more expensive. I did some of my own calculations, and I broke it down. One ounce is about $2.20, meaning a pound of lab grown hamburger would be $35.20. Compared to the grocery store price-at least here in Minnesota-that is a $30.61 difference.

What does it mean for the beef producers of America? Inevitably, more competition. Beef producers already compete with similar products such as “Beyond Beef”. It can mean that the price of our authentic product can go down, because demand will go down as people become more interested in lab grown beef.

How does lab grown beef compare to the real thing? According to Sentientmedia.org, lab grown beef and the real things are almost identical on a cellular level. They will never be exactly the same because a lab cannot recreate the authenticity of farm-to-table beef products. Although the farmers of America will have another contender in the field, there are benefits to this approach and it could mean more affordable alternatives in the future for people who do not have access to good quality beef. I am interested to see how these lab-grown products will fare in the American grocery stores.

If you would like to learn more about this, there are lots of neutral resources to get information from! Here are a few:

https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nyas.12569
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jsfa.10663
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095311914608893

Young Farmers

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 15:20:50 GMT

Young Farmers - Raija Gustin - 2023 MN State Sr Beef Ambassador

According to the US Department of Agriculture, farmers, ranchers, and producers of every kind in the United States are growing older. “The average age of farm producers increased from 56.3 to 57.5 years from 2012 to 2017.” In 2017, only 9% of the country’s beef producers were ages 35 or younger. As they age, the beef industry faces a big challenge…getting more young people involved in industry. While it is common for the children of farmers to continue in the industry, I came into the beef industry through a different path. That path has resulted in challenges, along with important life lessons.

When the avian flu canceled the poultry shows in 2015, my neighbors, Kevin and Carol Hoge, owners of Flat Rock Farm, offered me the opportunity to show one of her calves at the Aitkin County Fair. In my mind, a “calf” was a newborn, but the heifer I would name Sparkles weighed over 600 pounds on the day I met her. The Hoge family showed me the ropes. I learned how to feed, bathe, walk, and work with Sparkles. I learned how to prepare her for the show arena, along with how to be a showman. I fell in love with showing cattle and with farming.

The next year, I showed Sparkles again, this time along with her first calf, a steer I named Rocket. Every year since, I hoped that Sparkles would have a girl (a heifer) that could grow to be as great as Sparkles; every year since, Sparkles has given birth to a healthy bull calf! Each calf was raised as a market steer and has been processed into some of the highest-grade beef. In the farming industry, you want your best cows to give you a heifer or two along the way, so you can have your next generation of great cows. Beef industry lesson #1: you can’t always get what you want.

In 2018, I purchased my own heifer, a registered Shorthorn, Storm. Storm gave me my first calf, and as fate would have it, that calf was also a bull. I showed Storm and baby Kevin as a cow/calf pair. He was my first baby, and I loved him dearly. Kevin was processed as a healthy market steer, which broke my heart but gave me my first farming income. Beef industry lesson #2: raising beef is rewarding and heartbreaking, all at once.

Over the next two years, my farming operation, Perfect Storm Cattle Company, would face challenges. I lost Storm to a rare bovine lymphoma and another Shorthorn cow, Murphy, to an infection. I had worked so hard. Isn’t hard work supposed to pay off? Isn’t hard work supposed to be rewarded? I questioned my passion for the industry, and at times, I even regretted my decision to have cattle. Beef industry lesson #3: farming is hard; it is not for weak.

Throughout the years, I have been involved in the Central Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association (CMCA). My family and I joined the organization and have learned a lot through speakers, events, and meetings. I currently serve as the Youth Director, and this summer, I completed my year as the CMCA beef princess. Through these experiences, I have met countless people in the beef industry. These individuals have offered their knowledge, guidance, assistance, and support to me. Beef industry lesson #4: the local beef farmers in our area are kind, generous, and helpful; they help each other and do their best to promote the beef industry.

Through the CMCA, I attended several events hosted by the Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association and the Minnesota Cattlewomen’s Association. This year, I have had the pleasure to serve as a member of the Minnesota Beef Ambassador Team. I was asked to help present a training for law enforcement students on how to deal with traffic accidents involving cattle; this training was the first of its kind. The training was a success, and planning is underway to offer it again, even outside of Minnesota. Beef industry lesson #5: no matter where you are from or what position you hold, you can be a leader.

Nine years ago, my knowledge about beef consisted of little more than the fact that I liked cheeseburgers. Today, my knowledge consists of so much more. I can tell you all about different cuts of beef, the benefits of different feed components, and the reproductive cycle of cattle. I can analyze the data and select the best bull to breed with a heifer versus a cow. I am getting ready to further my education at the University of Minnesota to pursue a degree in Animal Science; after that, I plan on going to vet school. But the beef industry has provided me with much more than knowledge. It has provided me with lessons I’ll use throughout my life: grit, perseverance, generosity, and faith. Faith that there are good people in this world. I know them, and I hope to be one of them someday. I hope to bring the person who fosters a love for the industry in a young person, to give them the gift that I was given.

Vol.2 Issue 2 MNCW Newsletter

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:05:42 GMT

Learning and Growing: Spring Has Sprung in Minnesota!

Summer is here and we are busy getting our farm ready to host the second

CattleWomen 360 event on June 10th.

In this Issue:

Spring Has Sprung in Minnesota

Say Hello to Our New Website

Regional Meeting & CattleWomen 360

Beef Ambassadors Head to Nebraska

Small Nutrients That Fuel Cattle Health

Extraordinary CattleWoman

What's Coming Up

Vol.2 Issue 1 MNCW Newsletter

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 03:20:28 GMT

Passion With A Purpose

“Seeing the women come together and be excited about their life and their

lifestyle of raising beef cattle…the camaraderie that comes from that is

incredible and it fuels me.”

In this Issue:

"Passion with a Purpose" Michelle Mouser

2022-2023 Beef Ambassadors

CattleWomen 360

New Year, New Committee, New Website

2022 Fall Events

KASM - Cattle Convention Interview

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 23:46:16 GMT

KASM - Cattle Convention Interview

Joe Gill from KASM Radio interviews Michelle Mouser, President of the Minnesota CattleWomen, at the Minnesota State CattleMen's Convention in Wilmar, MN.

Vol.1 Issue 4 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 00:20:58 GMT

CHANGE AHEAD

“With every change of season our farms and ranches experience change too. The

cows come home, calves get weaned, crops get harvested, and the workload surges.”

In this Issue:

Change Ahead

October Workshop

Volunteer and Visit

A Different Perspective on EPD"S"

Upcoming Events

Vol.1 Issue 3 MNCW Newsletter

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 00:13:57 GMT

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration!

“2022 is off and running! We are in full swing with preparations for our first event of the

year, and it is going to be outstanding! More than anything I look forward to seeing all of

you in person, sharing a cup of coffee, telling our stories of life, and lots of laughter.”

In this Issue:

A Word from the President

Third Look Back

Upcoming Events

Meet our State Beef Ambassadors

Beef News "N" Notes 6-30-21 Radio Interview

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 01:03:26 GMT

Beef News "N" Notes - 6-30-21

WIRED coming to Minnesota!

Vol.1 Issue 2 MNCW Newsletter

rosemary.v.gustafson@gmail.com (Rosemary Gustafson) — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:07:13 GMT

A Word from the President

“2022 is off and running! We are in full swing with preparations for our first event of the

year, and it is going to be outstanding! More than anything I look forward to seeing all of

you in person, sharing a cup of coffee, telling our stories of life, and lots of laughter.”

In this Issue:

A Word from the President

Upcoming Events

Meet the Board

Second Look Back

Beef News "N" Notes 3-30-22 Radio Interview

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:50:06 GMT

Beef News "N" Notes - Regional Meeting

Discussing our Region 3 & 7 meeting, Upcoming 50th Celebration and more!

Beef News "N" Notes 1-19-22 Radio Interview

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 02:00:01 GMT

Beef News "N" Notes - 1-19-22

Pullin Through Calving, Beef Expo and 2022!

Vol.1 Issue 1 MNCW Newsletter

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 00:45:36 GMT

Reflect To Grow

“2022 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Minnesota CattleWomen. This year

we will “Reflect to Grow.” With our massive, clear windshield we will pursue

our mission to, “promote, support, and encourage women in the beef industry”

In this Issue:

Reflect To Grow

Meet the President

First Look Back

Announcements

2021 A Glance Back