Dr. Billy Bergin

Multi-Ethnic Contributions in the Realm of the Paniolo

The migration of multiple ethnic groups into Hawaii brought cultural practices that include crafts, foods, dress, and artistic and performance skills. Most influential among them was the Mexican or vaquero whose impact on horsemanship and cowboy skills completely revolutionized the way horses and cattle were cared for in Hawaii. The foundation contribution of cowboy gear began with the arrival of the vaquero in the 1830s. The migrating ranch horsemen readily incorporated the tools and attire of the vaquero such as chaps, tapaderos, and braided rawhide leather lariats, bridles, whips and quirts into their daily routine. The awe-awe rigging was a purely Hawaiian contribution. Ethnic foods were another contribution migrating ranch workers brought with them. Different methods of food preparation include sausage making, smoking meat and pickling vegetables such as pickled round onions. Equally important was the role of the chili pepper in a variety of food preparations. Little did these migrating populations realize the significant inspiration their old country’s customs and traditions would have on people and communities in their new home environment.

Biography:

Laupahoehoe born in 1940, Billy was embedded in the plantation and ranch history from age eight when my plantation doctor father shared my upbringing with a small Hawaiian family headed by a cowboy named John Holi Ma'e. I entered the realm of 'po'olua''...having two fathers, one devoted to human health and welfare, the other to that of livestock. Both men were deeply religious; my birth Dad in Catholicism, my adoptive Dad in the Mormon faith while having priestly powers in a native context. I grew to adulthood aware of the compatibility of these diverse avenues of worship, underscored by the betterment of man and animal. 

Soon I was an able bodied hand by my twelfth summer when I became employed by W H Shipman LTD at Pu'u O'o Ranch on the southeastern slope of Mauna Kea. When not on horseback, I got to daily 'doctor' pinkeyed calves with Sulmet powder and witness how the bovine eye can go from blindness to total healing. At brandings and weanings, I manned the pine tar brushing of dehorned calves. When the first commercial parasiticide, Phenothiazine, was released, my job was to accurately dilute the green powder for oral dosing of weaners by the cowboys. The trust the outfit had for me was a profound leap of faith as I later learned how narrow the safety margin of Phenothiazine was between deworming the calf or fatally intoxicating it. But good times were coming in the cattle industry's battle against parasitism 

Around 1955 Thiabendazole (TBZ) was released by Merck and now the industry had an affordable ,safe, and very effective livestock dewormer with a margin of safety. From my father's words, TBZ was the first parasiticide to combat Tichina in man, a disease discovered a century ago with no cure in sight. This is just one example. 'One Health' has been reborn and well underway in a global triad where veterinarians, physicians and environmentalists were engaged in HIV (Simian monkeys), Covid 19 (open markets in Asia) and a host of other zoonotic diseases have been collectively managed. 

America's cattle industry has played an integral and leading role in animal health progress while engaging the human consumer as a partner in this process.

Don Close

Chief Research and Analytics Officer, Terrain by American Ag Credit

Beef Demand Remains Firm In Spite of Challenging Economy

Domestic beef demand has been exceptional throughout the period of inflationary prices. Retail beef demand has shifted marginally within the beef category but has gained market share against other competitive prices even during inflation. US Beef exports have been challenged with the combination of high US cattle and beef prices that has been compounded with the strength of the US Dollar.

Biography:

 Don Close is Terrain’s Chief Research & Analytics Officer. As a part of the Terrain team of economists, he delivers expert analysis to the customers of American AgCredit, Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. Don’s prior experience includes his work as a senior animal protein analyst at Rabobank and as a market director for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. In his three decades of professional experience, Don has been a licensed commodity broker, handled risk management and pricing for large cattle operations, managed a grain procurement program, and published market updates and outlooks for cattle and hogs. Don has conducted research on a wide range of topics including confinement cow/calf operations, dairy-beef crossbreeds, and development in international trade. Don earned his BS in agricultural economics from West Texas A&M. View his latest work here.

Higher-for-longer interest rates, volatility in markets, and concern for beef affordability: Factors like these are what make business decisions more and more difficult for U.S. farmers, ranchers and cattle feeders to navigate. And factors like these are what the Terrain team of economists analyze for their reports, presentations and more. Terrain delivers expert insight and confident forecasting for the customers of its partner Farm Credit Associations, which include American AgCredit. Don Close is Terrain’s Chief Research and Analytics Officer. He led the creation of Terrain and continues to focus on analysis of the cattle industry and how big trends could affect agriculture. In his three decades of professional experience, Don has been a licensed commodity broker, handled risk management and pricing for large cattle operations, managed a grain procurement program, and published market updates and outlooks for cattle and hogs. When he’s not working and visiting cattlemen, Don is likely driving his Harley to a specialty meat shop. Family and friends enjoy his craft of grilling restaurant-quality meals.

Catherine Dowling, DVM

Zoetis, Senior Beef Technical Services Veterinarian

Reframing Sustainability in the Beef Industry

“Sustainability” is a buzzword seen across nearly every industry today; in this this session we will discuss technologies and advancements that have improved and defined sustainability within the beef industry. Dr. Dowling will offer management solutions that naturally fit the bill to offer sustainable practices across beef operations, which inherently offer positive returns on investments when implemented.

Biography:

Dr. Catherine Dowling is a senior veterinarian with the U.S. Beef Technical Services team at Zoetis, where she provides technical support to 7 Territory Business Managers and their customers in the Northwest United States and Hawaii. Dr. Dowling began working for Zoetis in 2020 after 3 years in a mixed animal practice based out of southwest Idaho. In practice, she focused her efforts on large scale cow/calf, growyard, and feedlot operations throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada while also incorporating sale barn and equine work. She continues to pursue her professional passions of integrated herd health and management for beef operations spanning all sectors of the industry. Dr. Catherine received her DVM from The Ohio State University after completing her undergraduate work at Montana State University. Dr. Dowling maintains active professional membership in the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Academy of Veterinary Consultants, regional veterinary medical associations and cattlemen’s associations. Dr. Catherine now calls Montague, California home with her husband, Everett, who manages a local ranch- together, they enjoy roping, working cattle, and everything the outdoors have to offer.

Mark Eisele

NCBA President, 2024

National Cattlemen's Beef Association Updates

Updates on topics such as the Corporate Transparency Act, Traceability, and the Farm Bill. Discussion on the benefit of being an NCBA/HCC member

Biography:

Mark Eisele lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where his family runs Red and Black Angus cow-calf pairs, retained yearlings that sell into branded programs, and a custom haying operation on the historic King Ranch.   The ranch runs cattle on both privately owned and public lands with state and federal grazing leases. Eisele understands the delicate balance that is protecting private property rights and maintaining access to public lands while increasing numbers of people want to experience the beauty of the West. The King Ranch was recognized in 2015 for the Leopold Conservation Award and Wyoming Stock Growers Environmental Stewardship Award. Eisele also served as the 51st Wyoming Stock Growers Association president.   Both his parents came from ranching families, but he built most of their livestock business from scratch starting with four cows and a little equipment. He experienced the difficulties of agriculture as a young person with little capital. Eisele realized that if his family and ranch was going to both survive and thrive, he had to rely on the guidance support of his state and national associations and fellow producers. It’s this that drives him as NCBA president, wanting to open up as many opportunities as possible for people who want to participate and succeed in this business.   Eisele has been heavily involved in the NCBA since 2009 when he sat on the board of directors before serving on the Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee for eight years. Since his start with NCBA, Eisele has served many roles including serving on the Nominating Committee, Public Lands Council - Legislative Session, Environmental Stewardship Award Wyoming (Region V), and being a Political Action Committee (PAC) donor.   Eisele has been married to his wife, Trudy, for 43 years, and has three adult children - Colton, Kendall, and Kaycee. Together, they enjoy working the family operation, as well as outdoor recreation, hunting, and volunteering for organizations.

Patrick Linell

CattleFax, Director of Market Research

Cattle Market Outlook: The Long-Awaited Expansion

U.S. cattle inventories are at multi-decade lows after years of low margins followed by devastating drought forced a massive and prolonged liquidation. But despite record cattle prices and improved moisture conditions in many areas, beef cow producers have yet to expand. Expansion will occur but high costs, producer demographic trends, and market volatility and uneasiness favor a rebuild that is slower and looks different than prior expansion phases. Smaller calf crops will continue to work their way through the supply chain, and a slower expansion means that the supply-rebound would not be as swift as the last cycle – but that likely remains years away. On the demand side, despite inflationary challenges, consumer demand for beef has remained unphased by higher prices, largely due to the quality of the product. While economic risks persist and market volatility is likely to remain high, cyclically tight cattle and beef supplies favor a strong cattle prices and producer margins for the years ahead.

Biography:

Patrick Linnell is the Director of Cattle Market Research and Analysis with CattleFax. In his role, he leads research and forecasting efforts for supply and price trends in the cattle and beef markets. Patrick works with CattleFax members in the Western states to manage risk and navigate volatile cattle markets and writes frequently for CattleFax publications. Patrick received his Bachelors and Masters in Ag Economics from Colorado State University where his graduate research focused on fed cattle price forecasting, before joining CattleFax in 2018. Patrick grew up in Northeastern Oregon with a commercial cow-calf and registered Red Angus background.

Jared Redulla

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT 

INTRODUCING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Department of Law Enforcement has a strategic plan and a vision for confronting agricultural crime in Hawaii.  The strategy is to use data to inform decision making and then to take law enforcement actions that are combined with technology to make the agricultural industry safer in Hawaii. 

Biography: 

 Most recently, Jared was the Chief Investigator of the Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement where he also previously served as a Criminal Investigator and Supervisory Investigator. In his capacity as the State’s Narcotics Enforcement Chief, Jared was responsible for the regulation of the legitimate controlled substances industries in Hawai‘i, as well as the enforcement of the State’s controlled substances laws. He has also served as a Criminal Investigator with the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and as a Harbors Enforcement Officer with the Department of Transportation.

The Department of Law Enforcement has a strategic plan and a vision for confronting agricultural crime in Hawaii.  The strategy is to use data to inform decision making and then to take law enforcement actions that are combined with technology to make the agricultural industry safer in Hawaii.  Biography: Most recently, Jared was the Chief Investigator of the Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement where he also previously served as a Criminal Investigator and Supervisory Investigator. In his capacity as the State’s Narcotics Enforcement Chief, Jared was responsible for the regulation of the legitimate controlled substances industries in Hawai‘i, as well as the enforcement of the State’s controlled substances laws. He has also served as a Criminal Investigator with the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and as a Harbors Enforcement Officer with the Department of Transportation.

Elle Terhaar

CEO, Reproscan Tehcnologies, LLC

The Value of Pregchecking: Implementing Technology

 In this presentation, we explore the critical role of pregnancy checking in livestock management and how the integration of ultrasound technology can enhance this process. We will discuss the importance of pregchecking, examining its benefits for herd health and productivity. By comparing traditional methods with ultrasound, we highlight the superior accuracy and efficiency of this technology. The session will cover the mechanics of ultrasound equipment, including how ultrasounds function and key limitations to consider. We will also delve into optimal setup strategies, focusing on the use of extension arms and chute-side configurations to ensure successful implementation. Finally, we will address the added value that ultrasound technology brings, emphasizing the wealth of data it provides for informed decision-making. Join us to discover how adopting ultrasound for pregchecking can lead to improved outcomes in bovine reproduction and overall herd management.

Biography:

Elle Terhaar grew up on a ranch in the mountains of Colorado. During her teenage years and college summers, she gained valuable experience working with a mobile large animal veterinarian. Elle attended Dordt College in northwest Iowa and has been with ReproScan Technologies since her graduation. Her role has grown from sales and marketing to her current role as CEO.

At ReproScan, Elle has partnered with bovine and mixed animal practitioners to enhance their practices through the implementation of ultrasound technology. Additionally, she serves as a RACE-approved instructor for advanced bovine reproductive ultrasound courses. Currently residing in Winterset, Iowa, Elle and her husband, along with her in-laws, operate Thunderhead Charolais, where they offer private treaty Charolais bulls. 

Matthew Woodward

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Hawai’i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney West Hawai’i Felony Unit

Prosecuting Agricultural-Based Crimes Abstract:

The purpose of the presentation is to provide a detailed explanation of the legal process once a case has been charged in criminal court. The main focus will be specific to the prosecution of agricultural crimes with an emphasis on trespassing, illegal hunting/poaching, and agricultural theft. The presentation will cover:

• Importance of witness and victim cooperation
• Explanation of why victims may have to testify
• Motions and trial Proceedings
• The rights of Defendants charged with these types of crimes
• Possible defenses to ag crimes including the exercise of native Hawaiian rights
• Confrontation clause explanation
• Victim advocacy
• Rationale for plea offers/agreements/case resolution
• Self Defense issues

Ultimately, the goal is to provide the audience with a basic understanding of the time frame, complexities, and legal hurdles that may occur throughout the adjudication of agricultural criminal prosecutions.

Biography:

Matt Woodward has served as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the last 4 years and is currently assigned to the major crimes/felony unit in West Hawaiʻi. He prosecutes cases involving murder, major traffic crimes including negligent homicide and impaired driving, as well as property crimes. He is also assigned to the Unresolved Homicide Unit which handles long-term investigations relating to unsolved murders, long-term missing or unidentified persons, undetermined deaths, and sexual assault cases. Prior to joining to joining the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, he worked on Wall Street focusing on financial crimes and compliance, including money laundering and insider trading. He is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from the Fox School of Business-Temple University. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from the James E. Beasley School of Law-Temple University. He is licensed to practice law in Hawaiʻi, Pennsylvania (inactive), New Jersey, and New York.

Lyda Garcia

Associate Professor, Extension Meat Specialist

The Ohio State University 

Impacts of Animal Handling on Beef Quality Abstract:

Meat quality refers to meat characteristics impacting the tenderness, flavor, color, and water holding capacity. Proper management practices can, and will, have an impact on the overall quality and safety of meat. Animal handling is a critical component to the product that can, and will, make or lose profit. Understanding stress and its three forms can help beef producers strengthen their management practices aiding in producing a high quality and safe beef product.

Biography:

Dr. Lyda G. Garcia joined the Department of Animal Sciences in February 2015. Raised in a rural south Texas town (Hebbronville, TX) just 40 miles east of the Texas-Mexico border and ninety miles from the Gulf of Mexico, she was constantly involved in various areas of livestock. Raised by a cowboy and a public school teacher, Dr. Garcia developed a technique to relay her passion for agriculture and higher education inside and outside of the classroom. 

Prior to joining the Buckeye Family, Dr. Garcia was a Visiting Assistant Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at Texas Tech University where she taught an undergraduate meat science course, traveled to Central America and Mexico as a food safety team member to collect and process samples for E. coli and Salmonella in beef and pork processing plants and markets, and assisted the dean’s college in increasing diversity for CASNR. 

Currently, Dr. Garcia is responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in meat science (introduction to meat science, harvest and fabrication, processed meats, and meat carcass evaluation) and advises undergraduate Meat Science students. 

Dr. Garcia is highly involved in presenting at workshops, clinics, and conferences on meat science, specifically targeting youth and livestock producers in the state of Ohio. In addition, Dr. Garcia serves as carcass judge for county Carcass Shows in the state. She has participated in the Ohio State Fair skillathon and has partnered with the Ohio Beef Council demonstrating beef cuts and palatability in a culinary setting. Dr. Garcia has gone as far as breaking down a side of beef for local beef producers, explaining quality and yield grade evaluation and explaining where meat cuts originate followed with proper cooking method. Through her Extension work, Dr. Garcia assists in recruitment efforts into agriculture, specifically animal and meat science. Finally, Dr. Garcia offers assistance to agriculture in Ohio as a Spanish interpreter. Dr. Garcia believes it is critical to provide a Spanish speaker equal opportunities in cases involving a workforce who speaks Spanish. 

Dr. Garcia also serves as faculty advisor for the Meat Science Club and supervises the Meat Judging Team.

View Dr. Carcia's publications here!