NORTHAMERICANGAMEBIRD.COM [email protected] THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2024 • FEBRUARY 2024 Cultivating Relationships and Results Make the Most of Instagram and TikTok Marketing Three Tips for Biosecurity NORTHAMERICANGAMEBIRD.COM [email protected]
NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 3 04 Directory 05 President’s Report 06 NAGA Sponsors 07 Executive Director’s Report 08 Allies & Partners 09 Communications Director’s Report ARTICLES 10 Sponsors and Awards Banquet 13 2024 NAGA Conference Agenda 14 Cultivating Relationships and Results 16 In Memoriam: Vern Beavers 27 North American Gamebird Foundation Scholarship 28 “Gamebird Medicine and Management” Book Review I N E V E R Y I S S U E 18 Industry Insight 22 Nutrition Note 24 Disease Report 30 Classifieds, Calendar of Events, Announcements and New Members NAGA News is published every two months: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December by the North American Gamebird Association. © 2024, NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COVER PHOTO BY TECHA TUNGATEJA; ISTOCK JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 22 28 16 19 14
4 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS OFFICERS Peg Ballou – Ohio President Mike Martz – Pennsylvania 1st Vice President Sarah Pope – Wisconsin 2nd Vice President Brian Beavers – Kansas Immediate Past President & Treasurer Rob Sexton – Ohio Executive Director Britney Booth – Alabama Communications Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS WITH STATE AND TERM ENDING Brian Beavers – Kansas (2026) Mike Forsgren – Minnesota (2026) Rick Kuhl – New Jersey (2025) Andy Hairston – Idaho (2025) Troy Laudenslager – Pennsylvania (2026) Bill MacFarlane – Wisconsin (2026) Scott Meyer – Minnesota (2025) Tim Zindl – Wisconsin (2025) Sam Ballou – Ohio (2027) Dan Barngrover – Kansas (2027) Michele Bovey – Idaho (2027) Rick Kuhl, Jr. – New Jersey (2027) NAGA BOARD COMMITTEES AUCTION COMMITTEE Rick Kuhl, Jr., Chair Dan Barngrover, Michele Bovey, Jeff Hughes, Alli Hughes, Carrie Wierzba, Kim Zindl AUDIT COMMITTEE Michele Bovey, Chair Sam Ballou, Mike Forsgren, Andy Hairston, Sarah Pope CONVENTION COMMITTEE Rick Kuhl, Sr., Chair Brian Beavers, Mike Forsgren, Chad Hughes, Mike Martz, Sarah Pope, Rob Sexton EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Peg Ballou, Chair Brian Beavers, Rick Kuhl, Bill MacFarlane, Mike Martz, Sr., Sarah Pope EXHIBITS COMMITTEE Brian Beavers, Chair Britney Booth, Rick Kuhl, Jr., Rob Sexton HEALTH COMMITTEE Bill MacFarlane, Chair Peg Ballou, Sam Ballou, Brian Beavers, Carol Cardona, Mike Forsgren, David Frame, Royd Hatt, Troy Laudenslager, Charlie Mann, Mike Martz, Scott Meyer, Loretta Omland, Rich Schambow, Abby Schuft, Rob Sexton, Kaitlyn St. Charles, Chris Theisen, Tim Zindl HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Dan Barngrover, Chair Ben Avery, Peg Ballou, Sam Ballou, Brian Beavers, Britney Booth, Michele Bovey, Phil Dietrich, Bernadette Gilliland, Chad Hughes, Jeff Hughes, Keith Houghton, Terry Kriz, Avery Lacombe, Mike Martz, Sarah Pope,Chuck Purgason, Paul Robertson, Adam Straub, Randy Terry, Taylor Williams MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Sarah Pope, Chair Peg Ballou, Sam Ballou, Dan Barngrover, Michele Bovey, Mike Forsgren, Bernadette Gilliland, Andy Hairston, Rick Kuhl, Jr., Rick Kuhl, Sr., Bill MacFarlane, Mike Martz, Scott Meyer, Jenny Rothmeier, Tim Zindl NOMINATING COMMITTEE Tim Zindl, Chair Dan Barngrover, Andy Hairston, Rick Kuhl, Sr., Scott Meyer PUBLICATIONS Mike Martz, Chair Brian Beavers, Britney Booth, Bernadette Gilliland, Mike Forsgren SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Jeff Hughes, Chair Andy Hairston, Carrie Wierzba, Scott Meyer NAGA FOUNDATION BOARD Brian Beavers, Chair Peg Ballou, Bernadette Gilliland, Jeff Hughes, Bill MacFarlane STAFF EDITOR: Britney Booth [email protected] PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING: Rob Sexton [email protected] GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jim Walsh PRINTING HOUSE: The Herald, Inc. IN EVERY ISSUE DIRECTORY CONTACT North American Gamebird Association 5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242, New Albany, OH 43054-8331 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: northamericangamebird.com NAGA MISSION STATEMENT The North American Gamebird Association’s mission is to protect, promote and sustain a positive environment in which gamebird producers and hunting preserve operators can grow their businesses through monitoring and influencing of legislation, informing and educating our members on current industry trends and issues and promoting and sustaining our hunting heritage through increased public awareness.
The Question Behind the Question BY PEG BALLOU, NAGA PRESIDENT Years ago, when Sam and I, with our six children, would descend upon my parents’ house, there would be a dramatic rise in noise (of course), and mealtime became much more involved for my poor mother. She’d ask me, “How do you feed so many children?” And I’d respond that hamburger would feed them as easily as steak. Now, as my children return home with their hordes of starving locusts, I realize what she meant was How will I feed these ravenous parasites? Poor Mom. What was a vacation for me was a trial for her. She was gone before I could tell her how sorry I was for being so oblivious. Other questions with a hidden meaning include, “Are you going to wear THAT?” (That horrible combination of stripes and plaid in contrasting colors …) “Now, what idiot would do THAT?” (Meaning, you, of course …) “What are you going to do today?” (Danger: I have a honey-do list if you don’t give me an acceptable answer.) Two questions to avoid like hand grenades are: Do you understand what I mean? (Ummmm… maaaybe….) And how dumb do you think I am? (Uhhhh…) My question for you: Are you a member of the North American Gamebird Association? The question behind the question: Then what are you doing to support and promote the organization? In the past several months, I have gotten feedback from folks who attended our Hunting Club Conference, including many who say that if their potential suppliers aren’t members of NAGA, they’ll refuse to do business with them. That may seem extreme, but think of the knowledge on biosecurity, secure transport of birds during an AI event and general healthy standard practices NAGA provides. Would you really do business with someone you know doesn’t practice good biosecurity? Or who doesn’t have a plan should something happen? Another attendee of our Hunting Club Conference in July took home products and practices that served him well during a breakout this fall. He has since told every hunt club operator he knows to join NAGA. This kind of testimonial has much more impact than me contacting folks saying the same thing. If you have benefited from your membership, please share the details with someone you know. We’ve developed a postcard listing benefits and an invitation to join NAGA you could use with your clients. Contact [email protected] to have some sent to you. In October, I joined others from the Board in journeying to the funeral of Vern Beavers. The windswept dusty Kansas scenery evoked visions of pioneer times, wearing a gingham dress and bonnet and following the wagon train to a hillside soddy. The service was a tribute to Vern as a fixture in this industry, the local school and his church and family for many years. Vern was a pioneer in our business, not the first generation, but an early settler to enlarge and expand the crazy notion that folks would buy pheasants to hunt on private property. Vern’s Man of the Year Award (2013) was the first cover photo and article I produced as editor of the NAGA News. Vern’s article and this final paragraph are the bookends of my service in this organization. Thankfully he has a family heritage following in his footsteps in the industry. What is your heritage? IN EVERY ISSUE PRESIDENT’S REPORT NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 5
IN EVERY ISSUE SPONSORS NAGA SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSOR MEMBERS Beavers Game Farm LLC Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery, Inc. Kuhl Corporation MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. Martz’s Game Farm MTM Pheasants Oak Ridge Pheasant Ranch, Inc. SPONSOR MEMBERS 3T Products LLC 5R Game Birds Addieville East Farm ADM Animal Nutrition, Inc. Alwerdt’s Pheasant Farm Blaha Pheasant Farm Blue Hill Hatchery & Gamebirds, Inc. Boothill Game Birds LLC Dawe’s Laboratories Decker Pheasants Div - Ag Inc. Dutch Country Pheasants Exclusive Hunting Club Flying B Ranch Forsgren’s Pheasant Farm, Inc. Fuzzy’s Pheasant Farm Gisi Pheasant Farms LLC Harper’s Game Farm Hidden Valley Pheasantry & Warriors Mark Iuka Feeds Krug’s Northwood Game Birds, Inc. Lake Elaine Game Farm, LLC Lakeview Gamebirds Little Canyon Shooting Longtail Farms Mahantongo Game Farms LLC Metzer Farms Murray McMurray Hatchery Muzzy Pheasant Farm National Band & Tag New Feathered Flyer Oakwood Game Farm Prairie Land Gamebirds, Inc. Purely Poultry Ringneck Ranch, Inc. Romeo Bravo Software RTS Strategies Ruff Land Performance Kennels Shady Knoll Gamebird Farm & Hunting Preserve Show-Me-Birds Hunting Resort, LLC Spring Farm, Inc. Star Labs/Forage Research, Inc. Stromberg’s Chicks & Game Birds Tuck Farms, LLC Trace Pheasantry, Inc. Whistling Wings, Inc. Wild Wings of Oneka Wings North Hunting Club and Sporting Clays York Ag Products Inc. Mahantongo Game Farms has been raising game birds since 1935. In 2007, the owners of Mahantongo Game Farms formed 3T Products with the mission of offering one-stop shopping for quality products at fair prices. The acquisition of BF Products in 2012 further expanded their product lines and services. Their goal is to utilize their vast experience and combined volume to provide both proven and new products that will help enhance the game bird and other industries. • Superior Quality Pheasants & Chukar Partridge (Hungarian Partridge & Bobwhite Quail available upon request) • Affordable delivery of eggs anywhere in the world • Pro-Rated delivery charges for started & mature birds • NPIP Certified and A.I. Monitored EGGS CHICKS STARTED & MATURE 4 Million Eggs Produced Annually & Over 460,000 Raised on Site Distributors of Game Bird and Poultry Products NETTING HEX-WIRE WELDED WIRE SHADE CLOTH FEEDERS SPECS NESTS CRATES 559 Flying Eagle Rd Dalmatia, PA 17017 Phone: 800-982-9913 Fax: 570-758-2095 www.PAgamebirds.com 1099 State Route 225 Dalmatia, PA 17017 Phone: 866-439-4660 Fax: 866-538-1789 www.3TProducts.com www.ADMAnimalNutrition.com. For more information, please call Troy Bjorge at 320-412-9957. Performance Proven Game Bird Feeds Research proven • field proven • nutritional, technical, and general management support Logos are © of ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc., Quincy, IL 62305-3115 USA www.admani.com • 866-666-7626 For art questions: call Tracie Hall at 217-231-2239 or [email protected] 732 553 174 553 138 732 159 Pantone Color Swatches Supporting Color Pallette Typeface/Font Condiment
IN EVERY ISSUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT “Information Super-Highway” and Other Antiques BY ROB SEXTON, NAGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR These last few weeks, NAGA has been finalizing the last few items on the Annual Convention agenda and seeking agenda ideas for the 2024 NAGA Hunting Club Conference. In the middle of all of this planning, the realities of life intruded, and we paused to honor the passing of one of our organization’s past leaders, Vern Beavers. Offering our heartfelt sympathies to the Beavers family inevitably leaves many of us in a reflective state of mind. A lot of the programming for the Annual Convention, Hunting Club Conference and other events, like the upcoming MacFarlane Pheasant Management Seminar, highlight the latest strategies, techniques and technologies for gamebird businesses. It reminds me of advice I received from a mentor many years ago. He said that the biggest pitfall as you got older was failing to learn new things. His example was the legendary Ohio State coach, Woody Hayes. Toward the end of his coaching tenure, other coaches began to find Hayes more predictable. My mentor said it was a hallmark of age that we stop seeking new information. That conversation still resonates with me. Sometimes I catch myself scoffing at “new-fangled” ideas and realize it’s a symptom of not wanting to learn the latest trend or product. I recall, for example, being so skeptical of Twitter. Around 2010, my former employer, the Sportsmen’s Alliance, asked the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to send Bill Dunn, their top social media professional, to give us a crash course on the emerging trends in social media. NSSF is a leader in embracing new technologies in our community, and it’s a cornerstone of their success. Unfortunately, instead of mentally investing, I squandered a lot of this presentation by questioning the idea that people would “tweet.” It was a lost opportunity to learn, and one I later had to rebound from as Twitter, now known as X, reaches hundreds of millions of people. This problem presents itself in areas beyond technology. While there may be plenty of things that alarm us about the younger generation, they are the next leaders of our workforce, and successful businesses will learn how to successfully employ and reach them as a customer base. One of the topics during the upcoming NAGA Convention (January 22 - 24, 2024, in Orlando, Florida) will be a human resources discussion about how to interact with Gen Z, who are those born between 1997 and 2012. (By the way, if you think of Millennials as the youngsters, as I sometimes still do, keep in mind that the oldest Millennial is now middle aged at 42 years old.) Things change, and businesses must evolve to remain successful. During the 1970s, we thought a fuel-efficient car was one that got 20 miles to the gallon. Now, people buy vehicles that get 40 mpg! In the 1980s, we read mysterious reports of a future “information super-highway” that is now the internet we all take for granted. While many of us still enjoy hard-copy newsletters and magazines, like NAGA News, Gen Z gets its information from TikTok. Social networks are where many younger folks are going for news, finding new products or learning about opportunities to have fun. Many sporting goods businesses are smart enough to see social media as a place to gain recognition of their products. It’s a great place for a person to watch a video of a family shooting their first birds on a hunting preserve. It’s a great vehicle for showcasing a sporting clays range where friends high-five each other after a good shot. The point of this column is not to be a salesman for TikTok, but instead to be a reminder that things change. And while many of us spend quite a bit of time lamenting change, our complaints won’t slow that process from occurring. Charles Dickens wrote, “Father Time is not always a hard parent, and, though he tarries for none of his children, often lays his hand lightly upon those who have used him well; making them old men and women inexorably enough, but leaving their hearts and spirits young and in full vigor.” For business owners, this quote means that although we all get older, our hearts and state of mind will determine whether we’re still full of energy and welcoming of new ideas. The corporate graveyard is full of industries that were not able to maintain the youthful spirit that is essential to continued success. And while I am not likely to be perusing TikTok for hours at a time, it’s worth remembering that not all the best ideas and ways of doing things are in our past. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 7 Software • Hardware • Service • Support www.hunt.ksystemsinc.com Hunt Club Gamebird Breeders System ...Plus Many More Features 800-221-0204 717-795-7711 KSI • Track Club Memberships • Track members bird totals shot/released • Email customer statements/invoices • Go Paperless - digital tracking of customer release forms etc. • Complete invoice history lookup and/or print older invoices • Full A/R of who owes you money • Invoice/Statement Printing
IN EVERY ISSUE NAGA CONSERVATION PARTNERS & ALLIES ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ALLIANCE animalagalliance.org BIRD SHIPPERS OF AMERICA birdshippers.org CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN’S FOUNDATION congressionalsportsmen.org MIDWEST POULTRY CONSORTIUM mwpoultry.org NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EGG FARMERS eggfarmers.org NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION nssf.org PHEASANTS FOREVER /QUAIL FOREVER pheasantsforever.org QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION quailforever.org quwf.net SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE sportsmensalliance.org 8 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS
Ringing in the New Year THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2024 BY BRITNEY BOOTH, NAGA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR With 2023 in the rearview, it’s time to look forward to the year ahead, and NAGA has a lot planned with our members in mind. 2024 ANNUAL CONVENTION Plans for the 2024 NAGA Convention are in full swing. If you still need to register, there’s still time! Just scan the QR code with your phone’s camera or visit NorthAmericanGamebird.com. The event will occur in Orlando, Florida, January 22 – 24, 2024. The agenda is FULL of speakers who will bring crucial information to our members, including Tracy Dopko, Daventry Appraisal Services Tracy will discuss how to appeal a judgment on indemnification with USDA-APHIS. Additional agenda highlights include an open discussion on depopulation strategies after a Hi-Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak by Dr. Jacqueline Nolting of Ohio State University, a panel discussion on methods of hauling adult gamebirds, a panel discussion on ordering and delivery logistics between hunting preserves and producers, tips on how to make taxes not suck, biosecurity when delivering, picking up and receiving birds, Jeff Sanderson from the Florida Division of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will talk about complying with interstate bird hauling regulations, succession planning and more. The half-day schedule on January 23 allows for baked-in sightseeing time so NAGA members can enjoy Orlando and Disney. We’re seeking items for the North American Gamebird Association and North American Gamebird Foundation live/silent auction, held during the 2024 Convention Banquet. Funds raised will support NAGA’s ongoing efforts to protect and promote the gamebird industry, as well as NAGF’s scholarship program and research initiatives. Please consider donating an item to support us in this effort. Donation suggestions include sports memorabilia, gift certificates, artwork, jewelry, wine/liquor, experiences or excursions, electronics and general financial contributions to support our organization’s mission. Your name/company name will be listed on auction display/bid sheets, announced by the emcee and printed in the March/April 2024 issue of NAGA News. If you’re attending the convention, please bring your auction items to New Orleans, and drop them off with a NAGA staff member at the registration table. If you can’t attend, but would still like to donate, please reach out to rob@northamericangamebird. com to make shipping arrangements. 2024 HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE The official date and location for the 2024 have yet to be released, but (spoiler alert) it will be in July. We’ll send out an email blast to announce finalized details, so be on the lookout for that. INDEMNITY LOBBYING AND HI-PATH AVIAN INFLUENZA WORK NAGA continues to lobby for gamebird producers and hunting clubs during the ongoing HPAI outbreaks ( just as they have since 2014). During the Convention, Troy Laudenslager of Mahantongo Game Farms and Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director will give an update on the ongoing campaign to update breeder values. We will continue to update the news section of our website, email blasts sent to members and future issues of NAGA News for any updates related to HPAI, Indemnity, Biosecurity, etc. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 9 IN EVERY ISSUE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR’S REPORT Dutch Country Pheasants 620-363-1970 John Booth 3890 Nebraska Rd. [email protected] Moran, KS 66755 Sales Location Dennis K Dutch Country Pheasnat s Game Bird Sales
SPONSORS AND AWARDS BANQUET THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONVENTION! The North American Gamebird Association’s Annual Convention serves many purposes. Most notably, it provides vital education and information to gamebird farms and hunting preserves. The convention is also a networking gathering place, where members can meet and cultivate relationships with each other and our exhibitors. Finally, it’s a family affair where friends in this business meet once per year for some badly needed downtime. None of this, however, would be possible without our sponsors and Annual Awards Banquet. Convention sponsors provide a financial foundation that keeps the event affordable. We’re grateful for their commitment to the gamebird industry. TITLE SPONSOR NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION – THE FIREARM INDUSTRY TRADE ASSOCIATION – The arms and ammunition industry is a longtime key partner to NAGA, providing sponsorships for the association and major events, as well as badly needed research, such as the Upland Gamebird Economic Study funded by NSSF in 2014. YORK AG IS THE AUDIO/VISUAL SPONSOR for the Annual Convention 2024 marks their first time as a sponsor of the event! York is a Sponsor Member of NAGA and a major advertiser. This year’s WELCOME RECEPTION IS SPONSORED BY PRIMALAC/STAR-LABS. Dr. Mark Young is a Sponsor Member of NAGA, annual exhibitor and major advertiser. ROMEO BRAVO SOFTWARE IS SPONSORING THE WEDNESDAY LUNCH IN ORLANDO. The company has also been a major sponsor of the Hunting Club Conference, a Sponsor Member of NAGA and just became an advertiser in NAGA News and the Annual Membership Directory. THE 2024 ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET IS SPONSORED AGAIN BY ELKHORN FARMS AND HATCHERY. Elkhorn is a Diamond Sponsor of NAGA, a major sponsor of the Hunting Club Conference and an advertiser in both NAGA News and the Annual Membership Directory. BREAKS DURING THE ANNUAL CONVENTION ARE SPONSORED BY THE KUHL CORPORATION. Kuhl is a Diamond Sponsor of NAGA and an advertiser in NAGA News and the Annual Membership Directory. “Our sponsors make it possible to hold the NAGA Convention in great locations offering both good business education and a chance for some fun together,” said NAGA president, Peg Ballou. “We’re so thankful to each one of them.” Each year, the NAGA Convention closes with the Annual Awards Banquet. 10 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS oakwoodgamefarm.com GUARANTEED LIVE DELIVERY Experts For Ringneck Pheasant & Chukar Partridge Chicks & Eggs PO Box 274 •Princeton, MN 55371 niteguard.com Protection Against Night Time Predator Animals 800.328.6647 When the sun goes down, Nite•Guard begins to flash. The “flash of light” is sensed as an eye and becomes a threat to the most ferocious night animals.
During the Wednesday evening event, NAGA members and supporters are recognized for work that has gone above and beyond on behalf of the entire industry. During the convention, attendees have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the official convention shotgun. The silent auction opens before the banquet, and a live auction is held after dinner. Together, these three fundraisers support the North American Gamebird Foundation, which provides scholarships and pays for legal and industry related research. “NAGA Board Member Rick Kuhl, Jr., has graciously chaired the auction these past few years, producing great success in a fun atmosphere, where everyone gets involved in raising money for the cause,” noted Ballou. “It’s a great way to close out our annual flagship event.” Registration and banquet tickets are still available for the convention and banquet and can be reserved by scanning the QR code. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 11 Give Us A Call! We Can Turn Your Property Into A Sportsman’s Paradise NEW & USED CLAY TARGET EQUIPMENT SERVICE REPAIR RENTAL FLEET WIRELESS RELEASE SYSTEM VOICE ACTIVATED COURSE DESIGN & CONSULTING SHOOT MANAGEMENT EVENT SUPPORT TRAP • SKEET • SPORTING CLAYS • SHOTGUN • RIFLE • PISTOL HUNTING • PRESERVE • HUNT PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Bill Prindle 208•390•2577 Andy Perkins 816•423•9557 IF WE DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER, WE KNOW SOMEONE THAT DOES! The ONLY Gamebird Inventory Managment App! KEEP YOUR FLOCK IN YOUR POCKET WITH HatchTracker.com 888.891.3231 TIRED of Files & Excel Sheets? LITTLE CANYON SHOOTING P R O D U C I N G U P L A N D G A M E B I R D S F O R T H E N O R T H W E S T Pheasant • Quail • Chukar E G G S • CHIC K S • S T A R T E R • F L I G H T R E A D Y Delivery Available Field Trials • Hunt Tests • Hunt Preserves • Propagation • Restocking You are guaranteed to get the birds when you buy from folks that hunt the same birds. We operate hunting clubs in Washington and Idaho. References Available / Prices on Request NPIP #46 / Tested and Clean Andy Hairston POB 28 44854 Little Canyon Road Peck, Idaho 83545 208.486.6235 www.littlecanyonshooting.com [email protected] ID • WA ID • WA
GUTTER CREDIT HERE 12 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS PHOTO BY WIRESTOCK - ISTOCK.COM 12 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS PRESERVING OUR VALUES PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS SUPPORTING YOUR FIREARM BUSINESS Your Fight Is Our Fight From the largest manufacturers to the smallest retailers, NSSF® fights to preserve our legacy and secure our future as a critical member of American industry. We fight with resources that promote legal gun ownership. We fight with initiatives that educate the public about responsible firearm ownership and safe participation in hunting and the shooting sports. And we fight on Capitol Hill and in state capitols nationwide—right alongside you—to ensure your ability to operate as a lawful and important business in your community is not infringed. NSSF.ORG/MEMBERSHIP DON’T STAND ON THE SIDELINES. JOIN THE FIGHT BY JOINING NSSF TODAY.
2024 NAGA EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE & CONVENTION MONDAY, JANUARY 22ND 8:30 a.m. 2023 Final Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration 12:20 p.m. Welcome - President 12:30 p.m Animal Rights: The Evolving Threat Todd Adkins, The Sportsmen’s Alliance 1:15 p.m. How to Appeal a Judgment on Indemnification with USDA-APHIS Tracy Dopko, Daventry Appraisal Services 2:00 p.m. Break Sponsored by Kuhl Corporation 2:30 p.m. Depopulation Strategies Dr. Jacqueline Nolting, Ohio State University 3:30 p.m. Different Methods for Hauling Adult Gamebirds Mike Forsgren, Forsgren’s Pheasant Farm; Andy Hairston, Little Canyon Shooting Preserve; Chris Theisen, MacFarlane Pheasants 5:15 p.m. Welcome Reception Sponsored by Primalac/Star-Labs TUESDAY, JANUARY 23RD 8:15 a.m. Ordering and Delivery Logistics Between Hunting Preserves and Producers Jeff Oaks, Flint Oak; Dan Barngrover, Longtail Farms; Brian Beavers, Beavers Game Farm 9:00 a.m. Is Stress Killing Your Game? Improving Performance Through Stress Management Ashley Wagner Ph.D., Probiotech International Inc 9:45 a.m. Bridging the Workplace Gap Between Generations Deloria Nelson, Authentic Culture & Engagement Solutions Inc 10:30 a.m. Break Sponsored by Kuhl Corporation 11:00 a.m. Taxes: They Suck - Tips and Tricks so They Don’t Suck as Much TBD WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24TH 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Second NAGA Board Meeting 9:00 a.m. The Campaign to Update Breeder Values Troy Laudenslager, Mahantongo Game Farms & Rob Sexton, NAGA 9:45 a.m. Biosecurity Measures When Delivering, Picking Up and Receiving Gamebirds Taylor Williams, Milford Hills; Tony Smith, MTM Pheasants 10:45 a.m. Break Sponsored by Kuhl Corporation 11:15 a.m. Staying Legal: Complying with Interstate Bird Hauling Regulations Jeff Sanderson, FL Division of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 12:00 p.m. Lunch Sponsored by Romeo Bravo Software 1:00 p.m. NAGA Update, General Membership Meeting Rob Sexton, NAGA Executive Director 1:45 p.m. Succession Planning and/ or How do you Cash Out and Get Out Dan Iosue & Nate Upton, The Rawls Group 2:30 p.m. Break Sponsored by Kuhl Corporation 2:45 p.m. Auburn College’s Wildlife Enterprise Management Program Todd Franks Ph.D., Auburn College of Forestry, Wildlife & Environment 3:30 p.m. What to Expect During an HPAI Event in Your Region Dr. Elena Behnke, USDA APHIS 5:00 p.m. Awards Banquet Sponsored by Elkhorn Farms and Hatchery NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 13 HOLIDAY INN DISNEY SPRINGS ORLANDO, FL JANUARY 22-24, 2024
BY ROB SEXTON, NAGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR There is an amusing parlor game that focuses on Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon, who has acted in four decades worth of movies among countless co-stars. As I’m sure you’re aware, “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” involves identifying the pathways by which various actors are related to some part of Bacon’s long career. The point of the game, of course, is that connections matter, and this is particularly true in the business world. Knowing who to contact when facing a challenge can make the difference between surviving or succumbing to calamity. Getting those in positions of influence to take a call or, even better, take action or provide vital information at a key time, is the ultimate goal. And it takes work. It requires an investment. Most people are not automatically disposed to be outgoing. And even extraverts don’t normally spend their time looking for relationships that may be useful in the future. Most people just want to do their jobs, make a living and enjoy time with their families. But the truth is that many people benefit from others who spend their time and energy cultivating relationships. Over the years, NAGA has strongly encouraged its members to identify and build relationships with key stakeholders who could have an impact on the gamebird industry. This includes university partners, state agriculture and wildlife officials, state veterinarians, allied organizations, federal officials, staffers in the offices of governors, state legislators and members of Congress. Any of these folks could be in a position to help when the gamebird industry is at its greatest need. In fact, some of these people have already come to the aid of gamebird business owners during challenging times. But these things don’t happen by luck. They happen due to the extra effort of NAGA members in the field. A couple of recent examples vividly demonstrate this point. A little more than a year ago, NAGA worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) to accurately set indemnity values for gamebirds in the event of a loss of birds due to disease. The new values were a great achievement for the industry, but one major hurdle remains: The definition of a breeder bird currently being used by APHIS would result in most gamebird breeder birds being valued at one-third of their actual value. NAGA has been working for months to convince USDA officials to revise the problematic definition. The effort to change the definition received a huge shot of assistance when NAGA member Scott Goetzka of Wisconsin’s Woods & Meadow Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clays met a member of the U.S. House of Representatives at a local fair. The congressman was not from Wisconsin, but he was there to observe other agricultural issues. Scott spoke to the congressman about the issue, and he expressed an interest in helping. That chance meeting just happened to be with Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania, who chairs the powerful House Agriculture Committee. Goetzka’s conversation with the Chairman led to a meeting between NAGA and his staff, who then communicated directly with USDA-APHIS officials. The agency has been responsive to the concerns of the gamebird industry during the HPAI outbreaks, but they also have their hands full with their responsibilities for the entire poultry business. Goetzka’s initiative put the breeder bird issue on the front burner. 14 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS PHOTO BY TIPPAPATT; ISTOCK
Unrelated to this development, NAGA Health Committee Chairman Bill MacFarlane received word from his own congressman, Rep. Bryan Steil, that he would be in town for an event that also featured Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small. Steil asked Bill to share any information that needed to be raised with the Assistant Secretary. At the event, Bill was able to share information about the breeder bird issue with both Steil and Torres Small. The issue of breeder bird values has not been resolved yet, but indications from APHIS make it clear that the agency is considering information brought forward by NAGA and very likely the advocates cultivated by members of the association, such as Scott Goetzka and Bill MacFarlane. Having the right relationships at the right time is not an accident, and it’s no small endeavor. It takes time. Going to a local fair to chat with a politician you’re not aware of. Going to a local business association dinner with a lawmaker you could meet again down the road. Like with any investment, the key is to invest early and grow your portfolio. Get to know local, state and federal elected officials. Get to know the state veterinarian and officials from the state departments of agriculture or wildlife. Get to know officials from the governor’s office. Do this by attending events that don’t seem directly connected with your everyday business, even if they take time away from your farm or hunting club. And when you’re there, engage with the types of people who are in positions of responsibility. Invite them to visit your business. It’s not an unwelcome strategy to elected and appointed government officials. They want to know what is on your mind, because that’s how they meet the needs of their constituents and ultimately stay in office. It’s part of their jobs. And it can pay off. In the case of Bill MacFarlane, the key was his congressman, Bryan Steil, and the relationship Bill had already been cultivating. Steil knew Bill would be interested in sharing his perspective with the Assistant Secretary. He knew about the challenges faced by the gamebird industry, because Bill had put in the effort, not knowing such a moment would come. Relationships matter. So does knowing people who can have a direct impact or tap someone else who can address issues quickly. All of these things take an investment of time and energy. But it’s time and energy that can make a huge difference when it matters most, compounding the influence of the gamebird industry far beyond our modest numbers. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 15 SERVING KS, OK, TX & NM Specializing in Gamebird Feeds for Chukar, Pheasant & Quail Randy Dowling ✔FOR ALL YOUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS ✔ BULK OR SACK DELIVERY 100 Maple St., Pratt KS 67124 • (800) 672-5508 [email protected] Dan Barngrover • Baxter Springs, KS • 620-674-2474 • [email protected] More than 30 years of experience in the gamebird industry SPECIALIZING IN DAY-OLD CHICKS AND MATURE BIRDS Longtail Farm ad_05.indd 1 7/31/23 9:57 A
IN MEMORIAM VERN BEAVERS (1933 – 2023) B Y R O B S E X T O N , N A G A E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 On Monday, October 23, Vern Beavers of Pierceville, Kansas — a past president and Board member of NAGA, who opened Beavers Game Farm in 1987 — passed away in his home at age 90. His passing was not a surprise to his family, as Vern had been having some health issues over the last several months. His son, former NAGA president and current treasurer Brian Beavers, telephoned me to share the news. In an industry as small as the gamebird business, NAGA feels like a family, and in recent years our family has lost some of its most prominent members, such as Sonny Hairston and Jim Zindl. Vern’s passing felt similar. Vern was yet another leader in the gamebird industry who I recall warmly welcomed me as a new executive director in 2014. Unlike most, however, I interacted with Vern on a personal level. As former treasurer of the Board, Vern was careful with the organization’s finances and stayed informed, even as he retired from the business. I also spent one of my most enjoyable days at NAGA with Vern and his wonderful wife, Claudette, when we took a group trip to Graceland during the 2020 convention. I don’t know if Vern was as devoted to Elvis as Claudette and I are, but if he wasn’t, he was smart enough not to say so in front of her. Upon hearing the sad news, NAGA Board members began to organize to honor Vern. The organization was well represented as current president Peg Ballou and past president Sam Ballou flew from Ohio to be there for the gathering. Former president Bill MacFarlane was joined by Sarah Pope, NAGA’s second vice president, as they made the trip from Wisconsin. Board member Dan Barngrover drove for hours clear across Kansas to be there to honor Vern. I flew into Wichita, which is about three hours from Pierceville. 16 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS
NAGA members who couldn’t be in attendance sent beautiful flower arrangements to express their condolences to the Beavers family. The Pierceville Federated Church had lunch for those attending, and we all were able to visit with Claudette, Brian, and the rest of the Beavers family to express our sorrow and sympathy. The Beavers family is invested in their community. Vern served on the local school board, and his son continues that service to their schools. We also read about Vern’s time serving our country as a military policeman before he met the love of his life and came to Pierceville. Honoring those who serve is a continuing legacy of the Beavers family as they operate a charity aimed at providing badly needed recreation and respite for those who have served in harm’s way. Their American Gratitude charity hosts events for veterans, their spouses, and children. You learn something about people when you join their family in grief after a loss such as this. In this case, I learned that Vern loved racing. Not just to watch racing, mind you, but to actually race, always in the number 25 car. The concept of a life serving God as a race is echoed throughout the Bible by several of its authors, but most prominently by the apostle Paul, who used the metaphor in 1 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans. But perhaps the most apt passage using this comparison is in 2 Timothy, chapter 4, when Paul knows he is facing the end of his life, in which he didn’t waver in his service to the Lord: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race …” This photo of the number 25 car was featured in the funeral bulletin we were all given as we entered the church. And, as we later said our final goodbye to Vern at the graveside, this final statement resonated repeatedly. Seeing generations of the Beavers family honoring Vern, while we shared just a small portion of their grief, the verse couldn’t have been more appropriate. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 17
Make the Most of Instagram and TikTok Marketing BY MOLLIE ROHRBAUGH, PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE – HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY B efore you begin producing c ontent for any s ocial media campaign, it’s important to understand the different s ocial media channels. Business es need to know which markets are on which s ocial media platforms and how ea ch platform distributes c ontent. For this article, we will discuss Instagram and TikTok’s basic post types. We’re focusing on these platforms, because they’re most popular with younger age groups — a crucial demographic for the growth of any business. INSTAGRAM Instagram has established itself as the most popular social media platform for those aged 12 to 34. Between 2022 and 2023, it also grew in popularity for those ages 35 to 45. Originally, Instagram was a social media app where people would share one picture at a time in one endless feed. But it’s grown to include several types of posts and other places to see and discover content. Harnessing these options effectively can 18 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS GRAPHIC BY PRESSUREUA; ISTOCK
ensure you reach a wide and diverse audience. When somebody opens the Instagram app on their phone, they see a row of circles at the top, followed by a seemingly endless stream of photos and videos. Along the bottom of the screen there’s a series of icons, including a magnifying glass and a filmmaker’s clapperboard. The circles at the top link to posts that are called Stories. These are photos or videos shared by an account you follow, and they’re only available for 24 hours. The Stories feature is great to use to post things that are timely, but don’t necessarily need to be available forever. One additional benefit of Stories is that users can get notifications indicating someone they follow has posted a new Story. If, instead of clicking on a Story, the user begins to scroll, they’ll see photos and videos posted primarily by accounts they have selected to follow. A small percentage of the posts shown here will be suggested posts, which Instagram thinks they would be interested in based on other content that they view and interact with. If you were to go to an individual account profile, these posts would make up the grid of content below the account’s name, bio and description. The things you want to post in the feed or your grid should be more evergreen. This should be content that will always pertain to your operation. One way these types of posts can be leveraged is through using hashtags and location tags. If a person is interested in seeing something, they can tap on the magnifying glass and search for things that are tagged with different keywords or locations. You will want to make sure you’re utilizing a variety of hashtags so you will show up on different searches. There’s also a world of trends that can assist you with getting your content in front of a wider audience. Typically, these trends are related to what’s going on in pop culture. If you don’t have time to peruse and see what’s trending, you can typically find information by using Google to search current trends. You typically want to balance between about 80% brand content and 20% trending content. Another way of being more visible to those who don’t follow you is by creating Reels, or short videos — typically less than three minutes in length. There’s a separate feed for Reels where your videos may be suggested to interested users. Instagram’s algorithms take data from a user’s demographics, as well as things they have previously interacted with. Using appropriate hashtags and personally interacting with a variety of accounts is a great way to convince the algorithms NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 19 GRAPHIC BY PETRO BEVZ; ISTOCK 2821 S. U.S. Hwy 51 Janesville, Wisconsin 53546 Phone: 608-757-7881 Toll Free: 800-345-8348 www.pheasant.com CHINESE RINGNECK KANSAS RINGNECK MANCHURIAN RINGNECK CROSS MELANISTIC MUTANT CHUKAR PARTRIDGE FRENCH REDLEG PARTRIDGE HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE ® SALES Vice President of Operations • Sarah Pope [email protected] Mature Bird Sales • Sarah Baker [email protected] Day Old Chick Sales • Natassia Gonzalez [email protected] Food Product Sales • Karina Haas [email protected] Visit our food product website at: www.pheasantfordinner.com TECHNICAL ADVICE Vice President of Production • Chris Theisen [email protected] Director of Production • Troy Cisewski [email protected] Director of Food Products • Shayne Noller [email protected]
that more people will be interested in your content. Reels are one of the best ways to get your content in front of an audience that is broader than just your followers. TIKTOK TikTok is a video app that’s quickly growing as one of the most popular social media platforms for the younger generations. Originally, TikToks were limited to 60 seconds, but videos can now be as long as 10 minutes. Some of the earliest videos were people showing off lip sync skills and sharing dance choreography. In late 2023, the app still has its fair share of dance videos, but there are also videos of everything from home improvement to storytelling and parenting advice to silly trends. When you open TikTok, the first thing you see is your “For You” page. As the name would imply, this feed is full of videos that the app believes you’ll enjoy. At the top of the page, you can choose to see a list of only accounts you have selected to follow. On the right side, it shows the profile photo of the account, a like button shaped like a heart, a comment button, a flag that you can mark it as your favorite and an arrow to share. At the bottom of the screen, it shows the caption and the sound being used. The feed serves up video after video with a simple scroll. Again, an algorithm determines what you might be most interested in seeing next. If you’ve been interacting with videos about holiday recipes, it will likely bring you more holiday recipes. One way to get content in front of a wider audience is to utilize different trending sounds. Sometimes there will be a song that’s popular on a TV show and a dance will get choreographed to it. People will use that sound and then do their version of the dance. In the summer of 2022, it was the song Fancy Like by Walker Hayes. Sounds could also be one person making a joke, but it’s applicable to multiple people. By using sounds that are already popular, the TikTok algorithm will think a wider range of users will be interested in what you are posting. Following trends doesn’t just stop at adapting popular sounds. Sometimes, you can use a similar template as a viral video and make it your own, like adding the same humorous GIF or movie clip to your own post. Appropriately leveraging trends is a great way to distribute your content to a wider audience. While this just scratches the surface on content you could be posting to grow your business on Instagram and TikTok, it’s a good place to start. Check in with the performance of each post, and you’ll be able to track what brings people to your account and what makes them stay. 20 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS VIEW LISTINGS OR PLACE YOUR AD
NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 21 BENNETT BIRD BOX MOLD FOR SALE Interested Buyers Call 406•468•8671 or Email [email protected] You Could Manufacture The #1 Bird Box! We’re selling the Mold for the Bird Box Manufacture at the same plant or move the molds to your location Dimensions • Lightweight: 11 lbs. • Constructed from High Density Plastic • Approximate Size (outside dimensions): 31.5” x 23.5” x 9.5 • Preventing injuries makes the upgrade to our boxes cost eff ective. • Drastically reduces head, tail and feather damage, and bird fatalities. • Feathers stay looking almost as good coming out as going in. • Calmer birds due to less light and less visibility. • Easy 2 minute assembly No tools required • Long lasting, durable, easily repaired if damaged. • Removable, full end sliding door that slides at both ends in either direction. • No springs, latches or hinges to break. • Cleaner birds, with our solid bottoms. • Boxes stack and lock in place. • When stacked, the boxes have a 3/4 inch top and bottom air space, as well as a 1 inch air space on sides and ends to dissipate heat. • Boxes hold approximately 8-14 mature pheasants, 35 Chukar and 60+ quail. Bennett Bird Box 1/2 HOR_02.indd 1 11/21/23 11:51 AM PHOTO BY ADAM YEE; ISTOCK
Animal vs. Plant Proteins and Feed Performance BY DR. NANCY JEFFERSON, PHD – KALMBACH FEEDS, POULTRY NUTRITION AND TECHNICAL SERVICE Modern feed formulations allow nutritionists to use a wide variety of feed ingredients to meet the nutrient needs of gamebirds — in fact, there are very few feed ingredients that can’t be used in formulations. Further, the development of feed additives, like synthetic amino acids, has made it possible to fill most major nutritional gaps. The type of ingredients used in your feed can have a direct effect on the performance of your birds and the success of your operation. And, despite advances, some feed ingredients remain nutritionally superior. The one that producers may think of first is crude protein, still arguably the most recognized nutrient to most consumers. But feed formulation in general is moving away from focusing on protein as an essential nutrient and moving toward the more precise amino acid balance of the feed. Proteins are chains built from individual amino acids linked together. Most animals require approximately 20 different amino acids — poultry require up to 22. Of these, 10 amino acids are considered essential, which means that birds can’t synthesize them in their body and must consume them as part of their diet. This’s why it’s valuable to examine the amino acid content to determine the value of any type of feed. Animal proteins that provide all 10 essential amino acids that poultry need are considered “complete” proteins. The amino acids in animal proteins are also generally more digestible than plant proteins. Examples of common animal proteins used in poultry and gamebird feeds include meat and bone meal, fish meal, blood meal, feather meal and insects. Plant proteins are valuable feed ingredients too. In fact, due to cost restraints, plant proteins are likely providing most of the protein and amino acid content in a feed even if they’re not as digestible as animal proteins. Plant proteins do contain most of the essential amino acids. However, in some cases, plant proteins have lower levels of essential amino acids or are missing some of the essential amino acids. These gaps can be filled with synthetic amino acids or complimentary feedstuffs with a more favorable amino acid profile. Examples of common plant proteins used in poultry and gamebird feeds include soybean meal, canola meal and corn distiller’s grains. Each individual amino acid plays a unique and vital role in metabolism and a bird’s bodily functions. The most well-recognized amino acids are the first-limiting amino acids – methionine, lysine and threonine. Methionine is essential for feather synthesis and muscle formation. Lysine is essential for growth and meat yield. Threonine is essential for synthesis of proteins and plays a major role in ensuring good gut health. Given that the majority of poultry species are omnivores, a combination of plant and animal proteins may better mimic a natural diet. Recent research has also shown that most species of poultry will choose diets containing animal protein when given the option of an all-vegetable diet versus a diet that contains some animal protein. In studies conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia, multiple types of poultry (broilers, layers and turkeys) were given free-choice access to both animal and plant protein products in separate feeders. The birds were then allowed to self-balance their diet. In all cases, the birds chose to consume both types of protein, though the amounts and type of protein consumed did vary by species. Soybean meal, a plant protein, was the most popular option, followed by poultry byproduct meal, an animal protein. As a manufacturer of high-quality gamebird feeds, we know a healthy bird is extremely important. We also know that 22 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE NUTRITION NOTE
feather quality, agility and the aerial ability of your birds need to be a primary focus. The amino acid content of your feed, especially the first-limiting amino acids, plays a major role in each of these functions. The natural instinct of a bird to choose both plant and animal proteins further supports the importance of a well-balanced feed with a well-rounded ingredient profile. The type of feed ingredient is directly connected to how valuable your feed is and how well your birds perform on that feed. At Kalmbach Feeds, we are committed to producing high-quality gamebird feeds with proven results. Our dedication to research and innovative technology allows us to stay on the cutting edge of nutrition. We know focusing on the amino acid profile of both plant and animal proteins is essential to the success of your gamebird program. That’s why our entire line of Kalmbach Wild Flush gamebird feeds is formulated with these key factors in mind. The health and performance of your birds is our primary focus, and we’re committed to producing the products you need to stay on top. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 23 fifffflffiflfffffflfl Protect your farm by using disposable, one-way boxes for gamebird transport. fifffflffifflflfflflffifflflfl fflfl ff ffiffifflfl ffi fflfl fffflffl fl fffflfl fifffflffiflfl fifffflffififlfflfflflfflfflflflfflfi flfflfl flfflfififfl flfi fifffflfiffiflfifflfiffifflfifi ffl Frederick Packaging, Inc. www.frederickpkg.com 262-373-1400 [email protected] fi fffflffflflflflflflflfl flflfl flfffl fflffflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl fiflfffflfl fflff fffflfl fflfflflffl ffiff flfflfffflflfffl fflffl fffflffl fflffff ffl fl ffifflfflfl PERCENT AVAILABILITY OF TOP THREE FIRST LIMITING AMINO ACIDS IN COMMON FEED INGREDIENTS1,2 1 Feedstuffs Ingredient Analysis Table: 2020-2021 Edition. Prepared by University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 2 True amino acid availability coefficients were determined with cecectomized roosters. Methionine (% Av.) Lysine (% Av.) Threonine (% Av.) ANIMAL PROTEIN PRODUCTS BLOOD MEAL 91 86 87 FISH MEAL, MENHADEN 92 88 98 MEAT AND BONE MEAL 85 79 79 FEATHER MEAL 76 66 73 PLANT PROTEIN PRODUCTS CORN 83 58 58 SOYBEAN MEAL 92 91 88 CANOLA MEAL 90 79 78 CORN DDGS W SOLUBLES 84 70 72
The Three Tiers of Biosecurity and How to Apply them in 2024 BY ABBY SCHUFT, ASSOCIATE EXTENSION PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Awareness of highly pathog enic avian influenza (HPAI) is no long er rare for anyone who makes their living in the gamebird industr y. In fa ct, NAG A has provided s o much information on HPAI in rec ent histor y that I worr y new alerts and warning s are bec oming easy to tune out. That’s why I’d like to revisit a topic I’ve written about here before — the three tiers of biosecurity: • Conceptual biosecurity, or the location within a production system and regional density of similar production animals • Structural biosecurity, or the fixed cost features and physical structures that can and will minimize the spread of disease • Operational biosecurity, which relies on human behavior to keep birds and other animals free of disease. As an extension educator, I want to ensure you have the resources to best support your gamebird business. With this article, I want to provide you with questions to consider as you end 2023 and enter a new year and season for your business. Ultimately, I hope to engage you in considering biosecurity protocols differently and/or in a deeper way to ensure protection of your business and the gamebirds that are its backbone. CONCEPTUAL BIOSECURITY When assessing conceptual biosecurity, consider the following: • Are you in an area where HPAI has been confirmed, even if it’s in a different avian species? Familiarize yourself with your state commodity groups and get to know your neighbors. After all, your disease status affects their ability to do business and vice versa. • If you’re in an area where HPAI is confirmed, how are you connected to that farm, the people that work there, shared services and local commerce? • Where do you draw employees and customers from? Do you know where a new employee has worked previously, if they engage in the sport personally or if they have poultry at home? Are you having conversations with customers about best practices for delivering birds, picking up birds onsite or where their dogs have been recently? Investment in these conceptual biosecurity ideas don’t require a financial commitment, but they do take time and effort. This is a task every leader in a breeding business or club can commit to. I’m not suggesting you must have a formal gathering of all these folks, but an effort to reach out in a way that’s comfortable for you can make all the difference when push comes to shove. As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” STRUCTURAL BIOSECURITY By observing production systems of multiple avian species over the past seven years, I’ve learned there’s no one way to structurally implement biosecurity. Applying biosecurity doesn’t mean you have to build a new outbuilding to serve as a Danish entry. It doesn’t mean you have to spend a year’s worth of revenue on changing your entire farm/club system. Biosecurity changes can be inexpensive while still being highly impactful. Buying a new set of boots specific for your brooding barn? Sure! You were going to invest in a new pair anyway. Having a meeting with a local extension professional or your veterinarian about a specific procedure on your farm? Absolutely! Extension professionals from 24 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE DISEASE REPORT LIKE EVERYONE’S FAVORITE COOKIE RECIPE IS DIFFERENT, YOUR BIOSECURITY PROTOCOLS SHOULD BE DIFFERENT, TOO. THEY CAN ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE’S ABILITIES WHILE BEING FISCALLY ATTAINABLE. RETRAINING ON BIOSECURITY PROTOCOLS FOR THOSE WHO ENTER YOUR PREMISES IS ESSENTIAL TO ADAPT TO CHANGES.
your land-grant university are trained to assist in any way they can, and the vet already needs to visit your farm on a regular basis, so schedule an extra hour. OPERATIONAL BIOSECURITY The final tier of biosecurity, operational, is by far the most challenging, because it relies on human behavior. A primary role for anybody who reads this is to lead by example. If you’re an owner or leader in your business, it’s essential to practice the biosecurity protocols you have established each time you have an interaction on the premises. This is where I want to leave you with the most substantial question to answer: Are you and your employees observing changes around your premises that should cause you to adapt something in your biosecurity protocol? For example, are nearby farm fields attracting wild waterfowl to browse on the chaff and fallen grains? Is the weather unseasonably warm, like it has been in Minnesota, allowing waterfowl to postpone their migration? Are you in southern states that will eventually receive the migrating waterfowl? Furthermore, are you appropriately training and retraining employees, visitors and service providers when these adaptations are needed? Biosecurity is no longer about the basics. As the HPAI strain currently circulating is seeming to change and adapt to its surroundings, so must you. Be observant of what’s happening around your farm, in your community and across the region. Economics don’t need to prohibit you from participating in biosecure practices that can and do protect your business. As you move into a new year, consider the questions I have posed regarding aspects of conceptual, structural and operational biosecurity. I’m always willing to have a conversation about even the smallest of steps that can help you keep your birds and businesses healthy. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 25 AS A GAMEBIRD BUSINESS OWNER, MANAGER OR EMPLOYEE, YOUR ROLE IS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND PRACTICE BIOSECURITY ALL DAY, EVERY DAY.
26 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS PHOTO BY ARTUR; ISTOCK NAGA 2024 CONVENTION JANUARY 22-24, 2024 ENJOY A FULL SCHEDULE OF INFORMATIVE SESSIONS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY TARGETED TO GAMEBIRD PRODUCERS, HUNTING PRESERVE AND CLUB OPERATORS AND OUTDOOR INDUSTRY MEMBERS. northamericangamebird.com fi lando, Fl ida
North American Gamebird Foundation Scholarship APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR JOHN MULLIN SCHOLARSHIP The North American Gamebird Foundation (NAGF) is once again offering the John Mullin Memorial Scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 15. JOHN MULLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The John Mullin Memorial Scholarship awards up to five $1,000 post-high school scholarships in the name of the late John Mullin. Any NAGA member, or child or grandchild of a NAGA member, is eligible to apply. Applicants will be asked to submit the following information: 1. Completed application 2. One-page bio/essay explaining the applicant’s interest in gamebird production, hunting preserve or other shooting sports operations, along with their career interests and goals 3. If in high school, a transcript of their grades 4. If in high school and accepted to a college or university, a copy of the letter of acceptance 5. If in college, a transcript of their grades 6. Verification of SAT or ACT scores Scholarship applications submitted by May 15 will be reviewed by the NAGF Scholarship Committee. Funds will be sent directly to the learning institution of the recipients. Please visit northamericangamebird. com/nagf/nagfs-john-mullin-scholarship to apply online, or to download the application form to mail in. Any questions may be sent to [email protected]. BILLIONPHOTOS, ADOBESTOCK NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 27 Chad Hughes 19379 Homestead Road · Pine City, MN 320.629.4868 · [email protected] European shoot 3rd Sunday of every Month
“Gamebird Medicine and Management” EDITED BY TERESA Y. MORISHITA AND ROBERT E. PORTER BY AL HOLLISTER, PH.D. The title of this important referenc e is dec eptive in that the 20 chapters include far more than it implies. We often refer to the c ommon captive-reared birds like pheasant, partridg e and quail as gamebirds, but anyone with an interest in the almost 300 related species of Galliformes will als o find this a valuable textbook or guide. It’s for not only c ommercial produc ers, but als o veterinarians, nutritionists, students, tea chers, res earchers, breeders, c ons er vationists, exhibitors, zoo staff and diagnostic labs. It includes quality photos throughout and information-filled tables, where needed. 28 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS NAGA BOOK REVIEW
The editors were able to accumulate a group of authors that together provide a fitting tribute to Dr. L. Dwight Schwartz, the poultry pathologist and educator who penned the original resource for our community in 1997. To quote Schwartz’s children, “Gamebird Medicine and Management” is “the best and most valuable book ever written on the topic of gamebird health.” Take a look at this extensive table of contents: 1. Gamebird history - Robert Sexton, Robert E. Porter, Jr and Teresa Y. Morishita 2. Gamebird laws, regulations and the national poultry improvement plan - Elena Behnke 3. Galliformes; species, varieties and behavior - Gen Anderson and Chris Holmes 4. Gamebird anatomy - Wael Khamas and Joseph Rutlant 5. Avian physiology – Khina Boukherroub and Sally L. Noll 6. Gamebird housing and handling - Bill MacFarlane and Casey W. Ritz 7. Gamebird nutrition - Al Hollister 8. Biosecurity for gamebirds - Rodrigo A. Gallardo and Eva Wallner-Pendleton 9. Field investigation, medication, vaccination and diagnostics for gamebirds - David D. Frame, Douglas Anderson and Mark C. Bland 10. Gamebird respiratory diseases - Richard M. Fulton 11. Gamebird digestive diseases - Robert E. Porter, Jr and Teresa Y. Morishita 12. Gamebird musculoskeletal and neurological diseases – Daniel P. Shaw 13. Gamebird skin diseases and multi-systemic diseases - Robert E. Porter, Jr and Teresa Y. Morishita 14. Gamebird toxicologic diseases - Richard M. Fulton 15. Gamebird necropsy procedures - Robert E. Porter, Jr 16. Gamebird medication regulations - Lisa A Tell, Krysta L. Martin, and Tara Marmulak 17. Guinea fowl - Jacqueline Jacob and Anthony Pescatore 18. Exhibition galliformes - Abigail Duvall 19. Peafowl -Teresa Y. Morishita, Linda G. Florez, and Stephen E. Benscheidt 20. Conservation of gamebirds - Chris Holmes The list of topics and authors speak for themselves. “Gamebird Medicine and Management” is available from most booksellers starting at $125. It’s an investment in a reference you will use for years. NAGA NEWS • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • 29 815 Earl Street Office: (402) 385-8647 Pender, Nebraska 68047 24 Hour: (888) 573-8004 [email protected] www.MTMPheasants.com Chinese Ringneck Pheasants Hungarian Partridge Melanistic Mutant Pheasants Chukar Partridge Centrally located in the U.S. with 2 locations! Delivery Available NPIP Certified Pender, Nebraska & Gregory, South Dakota Tony Smith, Owner Enrique Juarez, Farm Manager
CLASSIFIEDS 2 Jamesway 252 Incubators complete with trays with gamebird inserts, turner, time clock, end panels, also includes many spare parts. $2,000 OBO. Contact: Jeff (815) 943-7396. Harvard, IL for pick up. Flight Ready Bobwhite Quail: $7 2680 County ROAD 7360, Caulfield, MO, 65626 [email protected] Contact: (417)257-4456 Bobwhite quail or ringneck pheasant day old chicks and flight birds. NPIP. AI Clean. NAGA Member. Contact: Harper’s Game Farm at www.harpersgamefarm.com or (806) 435-0528 in Booker, Texas. Flight Ready Chukar: $9.75 2680 County ROAD 7360, Caulfield, MO, 65626 [email protected] Contact: (417) 257-4456 30 • JANUARY 2024 / FEBRUARY 2024 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS • CALENDAR • ANNOUNCEMENTS • NEW MEMBERS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS SPONSOR Oakwood Game Farm Princeton, MN Hatchery, NPIP, Producer Tuck Farms, LLC Blountsville, AL Hatchery, NPIP, Producer BASIC Black Raven AFC Chesterfield, MO Chukar Land Ranchita, CA Hatchery Mallard Limit Byhalia, MS Mims Game Bird Farm Clanton, AL NPIP, Producer Orvis Shooting Grounds at Pursell Farms Sylacuga, AL HPO UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2024 JANUARY 22-24 NAGA Annual Convention Holiday Inn Disney Springs Orlando, FL northameriangamebird.com 23-26 National Shooting Sports Foundation Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) Sands Expo and Convention Center Las Vegas, NV shotshow.org 30 International Production & Processing Expo Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, GA ippexpo.org MARCH 1-3 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic Denny Sanford Premier Center Sioux Falls, ID pheasantsforever.org/pheasantfest
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