Good News
By: John Stenen
There are only two kingdoms in this world; the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. You and I right now, are in one of these kingdoms.
The living God, Creator of all things is Supreme Ruler of the Kingdom of light. Satan is the ruler of darkness. You are either saved or lost.
Ephesians 2:2 tells us that we all “once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, (Satan), the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience.” We all tend to think that we are our own man or woman, not knowing that if we are living our lives without Christ – we are simply pawns of the devil, even if you believe you are a good person
Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Quit blaming all tragedy on God.
About the age of twelve I began getting further and further into wickedness. I did not have an understanding about spiritual things and just went the way of the world, not knowing that I was being led and manipulated by the prince of darkness; he was my spiritual father. I started smoking, then drinking -along with a foul mouth, and later, immorality. I saw nothing wrong with it. Then I spent four years in the Marine Corps with a tour of duty in Viet-Nam as a Scout-Sniper. At the age of twenty-two I was nearly an alcoholic, mentally warped by the years of sin and sat on a bed with a pistol to my head ready to commit suicide. God then spoke to me and said, “John, do not kill yourself, you have much to live for.” It was so real that I put the pistol away and for nearly forty-six years I have been enjoying the abundant life that Jesus spoke of -after I surrendered my life completely to Him.
Who is your master? Which kingdom are you living in? Please, choose Jesus and the Kingdom of light.
The Skinny on BQA Requirements
SLAYTON, Minn. (1/2/2019) -- Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a voluntary program but as of January 1, 2019 it is mandatory for beef producers to sell cattle to large packers and processors such as Tyson Foods. Cattle sold to a local auction market will only be labeled BQA with a certification on file. Without BQA certification they will be sold non-certified. Tyson and other large packers requiring certification will not bid on non-certified cattle. Why is this important? Bidding competition raises prices. Worst case scenario? Only one bidder paying almost nothing for your cattle.
The second phase of Tyson’s new BQA policies affect people who transport certified livestock. Transportation certification must be completed by January 1, 2020. As of now, this is only for people who transport cattle directly to Tyson Foods or other packers who require it. Certification is not required for anyone hauling cattle to sell at local auction markets.
Dairy farmers who have completed the FARM 3.0 certification meet the BQA certification as it’s covered in the 3.0 module. Your creamery can tell you if you have the new 3.0 certification, the old FARM certification does not qualify. They can also provide a copy of your certification.
I attended a BQA certification workshop at the Pipestone Livestock Auction Market conducted by Ashley Kohls with the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. The workshop focused on best management practices for raising quality beef. Most of us are already using the practices she discussed, but I did learn new things to improve our beef quality. Some best practices discussed to ensure high quality beef included 1) not overcrowding a trailer, cattle are bigger now and overcrowding creates bruised meat; 2) proper ways to give injections, and 3) required record keeping for the veterinary feed directive and how that is audited. If you were not able to attend a local certification workshop, you can certify online at no cost at www.bqa.org/certification Allow two hours to complete the certification which includes five modules: Cow-Calf, Stocker, Feedyard, Dairy and Transporation.
Kohls said if you are unsure which module is needed, it’s most likely the Cow-Calf unless you have a large feedlot then you would take the Feedyard module. Kohls is a helpful resource if you have questions; her email is mnbeefbqa@mnbeef.org University of Minnesota Extension Educator Melissa Runck in Pipestone and Murray Counties can also help you with BQA questions. Her phone number in Slayton is 507-836-1143 or 507-825-1193 in Pipestone; send emails to mkrunck@umn.edu.
The final step? Bring your BQA or FARM 3.0 certification to your local auction market or packing plant so they can file a copy. Now you’re ready to apply best management practices on your farm or feedlot and receive a competitive price for your quality beef. Celebrate the new year by eating a delicious beef steak!
U of M Beef Team to Host Cow/Calf Days Seminar Tour and Trade Show in January and February
Melissa Runck, U of M Extension, (507) 836-1143, mkrunck@umn.edu
The University of Minnesota Beef Team is proud to host the annual Cow/Calf Days Seminar Tour and Trade Show at 10 locations across the state in January and February. This event has been held for over 45 years and continues to be the leading information, technology, and research outlet for cow/calf producers in the state of Minnesota.
The 2019 event will feature information on cow herd efficiency, genetic selection for commercial cow-calf operators, and optimizing ranch production per acre. The program will feature a Q & A session with Elanco Animal Health veterinarians Dr. Brett Terhar and Dr. Bruce Hoffman. Updates from the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association will also highlight the event. The corresponding tradeshow will feature vendors with new information, technology, and products with a wide-array of practical uses for operators in the cow-calf sector.
The program is directed at cow/calf producers, allied industry representatives, and is open to the public. A meal will be served with the program and a registration fee of $10 will include the meal, proceedings book, and program materials.
The Pipestone program will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the MN West Community & Technical College, Room 127. The address is 1314 N Hiawatha Avenue, Pipestone. The program will begin at 9:30 am and conclude at 2:30 pm. For questions regarding the Pipestone Cow/Calf Day event, please call 507-825-1190.
More information on other locations around the state can be found at the Cow/Calf Days Seminar Tour and Trade Show website: www.extension.umn.edu/beef or contact Eric Mousel at 218.398.1916, emmousel@umn.edu.
