THE HIGHLAND HOOFBEAT NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH CENTRAL HIGHLAND CATTLE ASSOCIATION   JANUARY 2009…VOLUME 21, NUMBER 4
Presidents Page: It’s hard to believe it is time to write something again, is this really in the job description?  Not too much has happened since the last Hoofbeat, mostly it has just been cold and snowy which the cows respond to by eating a lot of hay.  The digesting of forage and the heat produced by that process is what keeps our critters warm when the weather outside is frightful, so be sure they have enough to eat.  We like to fortify the ration for our just weaned calves with a little grain, it provides nutrition to help keep them growing through that first winter along with hay to keep them warm.  I know grain is considered a no no by many Highland breeders but in my opinion its bad reputation is undeserved.  When a plant grows it puts the very best it has into the seeds for the next generation, and when we feed those seeds to our animals they are getting the very best part of the plant with the most nutrition available in a concentrated form.  That’s not to say cattle should have only grain as in a feed lot setting, hay and other forage is an important part of their diet, and they should have as much as they want, but a little grain to fortify a ration for growing cattle is usually a good thing.  Mature cows on the other hand should be able to get all they need from forage plus salt and minerals, which brings up another point, don’t forget the salt blocks and mineral tubs for a healthy herd, particularly your brood cows. I think I have rambled on long enough.  I hope everyone had an enjoyable safe and healthy holiday season.  I would like to encourage everyone to come to our convention in February, it is your opportunity to be heard and participate in what is happening.  See you there.   Roger Weideman
NOTES FROM THE SECRETARY January 2009 submitted by Pat Zea The year 2009 is finally here; what will it bring?  Our association had several activities that our members were involved in.  Our annual meeting was held in February, where we planned out our activities for 2008.  Roger Weideman was elected our president then.  In May several of our farms had Highlands at the Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland games.  Lots of people were there: a great place to show off the Highlands.  Next came the AHCA Convention in the state of Virginia in June.  Three of the four Scholarships offered by AHCA to Junior members went to three Juniors in our association: Ryan Weideman, Katie Johnson, and Kevin Kicker.  CONGRATULATIONS to all three of them.  Larry Zea was inducted into the AHCA Hall of Fame.  In July, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days took place in Brown County, Greenleaf, Wisconsin.  This event was shortened by a terrible storm.  Highlands were at the Minnesota State Fair for eight days: the last eight days, not the first eight days.  Again, this is a great place to meet people and talk about our beautiful Highlands.  Several of our members attended the 2nd Annual Cornhusker Highland Show in York, Nebraska, in early September, a show dedicated to the late Dr. David Demuth.  However, the main activity of the association was our one and only show:  the North Central Highland Cattle Regional Show, which was held at the West Salem Fairgrounds in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  Fifty-two animals were shown; Joan Rose did a GREAT job with organizing the show while Heather Nelson did a GREAT job with the Juniors.  Thank you, ladies, for all the work you did making this Highland show a terrific event. Welcome these new members: Joseph & Jaclyn Bisinger 1917 Bear Creek Road Monmouth, IA  52309 563-673-5601 Our membership now totals 83 members.  Let’s see if we can raise that membership total.  Dues for 2009 are now due: only $30.00. Hope to see you at the annual meeting in February.  Until then keep warm! HIGHLAND CALENDAR OF EVENTS National Western Stock Show 21st Annual National Highland Show—       January 20th thru January 25th, 2009 NCHCA Annual Meeting—February 14th & 15th Country Inn by Carlson, Woodbury, MN	CONGRATULATIONS JUNIORS 2008 JUNIOR CHALLENGE JOB WELL DONE submitted by Heather Nelson Please take the time to congratulate the Juniors for their hard work in participating in the 2008 Junior Activities.  Everyone participated at some level and I really appreciate their time and effort.  All their works will be on display at the Annual meeting for viewing.  The top 5-point earners are listed below and will be awarded at the NCHCA Annual Meeting in Hudson in February.  Congratulations!  The 2009 Challenge is printed in this Hoofbeat. 225 points—Katie Taylor 155 points—Nate Larson 125 points—Tucker Larson 105 points—Marshall Larson  90 points—Jamie Sawle NCHCA Junior Members are:  Hannah Burkhart, Alec Jensen, Elise Jensen, Lane Jensen, Elsie Jensen, Lane Jensen, Kevin Kicker, Steven Kicker, Alex Kunkel, Marshall Larson, Nate Larson, Tucker Larson, Hannah LaValle, Leah LaValle, Anastasia Martinez, Aurora Martinez, Calley Nelson, Shaine Nelson, Jamie Sawle, Josh Taylor, Katie Taylor, and Ryan Weideman.
WANTED: Your best or most favorite recipes for a fundraising cookbook for the NCHCA Juniors!  PLEASE send all recipes to Heather Nelson at tamarlinnorth@aol.com Your support with this project is our future! THANK YOU!!	2009 NCHCA ANNUAL MEETING submitted by Cindy Sassen The NCHCA annual meeting will be held Valentine’s weekend February 14th and 15th.  We will be meeting at the Country Inn by Carlson St. Paul East, 6003 Hudson Road, Woodbury, MN 55125. Rooms have been blocked for reservations.  Reservations can be made by calling Country Inn Central at 800-456-4000 or Country Inn St. Paul East (Woodbury) 651-739-7300.  The cut off date is January 14, 2009.  The room rate is $69.00.  The banquet this year per person will be $29.00.  We have set up a social hour before the banquet begins.  The hotel restaurant is the Green Mill.  They will be catering the banquet and breakfast is included with the room. The Juniors have a special day planned also.  They will be meeting for a tour of the U of M Veterinary School, a pizza party and a meeting at the poolside.  The committee people are Dave & Chris Bergin and Larry & Cindy Sassen. Please contact Larry or Cindy Sassen at 320-745-2444 for the banquet reservations.

2009 NCHCA ANNUAL MEETING “Why we love our Highlands” submitted by Dave Bergin Members, our annual NCHCA meeting is fast approaching.  Come join us for this Valentine’s special meeting in Woodbury, MN.  Woodbury is located between St. Paul, MN and Hudson, WI just off of interstate 94.  We will be meeting at the Country Inn and Suites in Woodbury February 14th and 15th.  This year’s line up of special events and speakers is quite exciting.  We have even coordinated a special event for the NCHCA youth. Our day will be beginning with registration and refreshments.  We will have an ice-breaking Valentine’s Day appropriate group activity, “Why we love our Highlands”.  We have lined up three speakers.  Our speakers will be on a variety of Valentine’s topics; “Love your Cattle”, “Love your Farm” and “Love your Computer”. Love your Cattle: Jim Kokett of Merial Inc (think ivomec):  Jim is an expert in internal and external parasite management in cattle.  Having grown up on a dairy farm in central MN Jim knows first hand the struggles that each one of us face in balancing the cost and benefits of pest management.  These days Jim is a regional representative for Merial limited, a world wide leader in animal health management.  He has spoken to a number of cattle associations across the Midwest and really knows what is going on inside and outside of our cattle. Love your Farm: Rick Kreutzfeldt of Kreutzfeldt Law:  Rick will be bringing a humorous approach on how to preserve the family farm that you love and how to pass it along to your love ones.  His disdain for probate and his knowledge of wills and trusts will give you the legal insight that you need to begin protecting your family for generations to come.  Rick has personally seen numerous families destroyed and farms lost in the legal process due to poor planning.  He will explain how in few short hours and for far less then you think you can protect the farm you love. Love your Computer: Brad Miller of BAM Sites Web Marketing: Brad and his team of Internet experts know how to get you and your web site noticed.  With nearly half of all sales transactions occurring on-line you need a web presence to compete in today’s marketplace.  It is more then simply being on the “web” you have to get noticed.  They have the know how to help you rise above the rest.  With their knowledge they will help you get your site on top of Google’s, Yahoo’s and Microsoft’s search engines.  You will love your computer when it and not you is selling your farm fresh products and breeding stock Each speaker will allow time at the end for questions.  We will have a break between each speaker.  After our last speaker we will have a short break to freshen up for the dinner.  This year’s dinner will be a buffet style affair with pork, chicken and all of the fixing.  A full bar will be available before, during and after the dinner.  For a little fun after dinner we have tentatively planned for a white elephant gift exchange.  For the white elephant gift exchange, each member and their guest is asked to bring a gift to pass in a gift bag.  Value of $10 or less, some great items to pass, vaccinations, tools, liquor, toiletries, books, gift cards, gag gifts, etc. For the youth we have scheduled a barn tour through the University of Minnesota’s bovine facilities.  This will be a 2-3 hour tour and will be chaperoned by our youth leader, Heather Nelson.  There will be a small cost for the tour of approximately $5.  We will be looking for volunteer’s to help us car pool over.  After the tour, the kids will arrive back at the hotel, relax for a while then get ready for a poolside pizza party. You will receive one more notice in Mid January of this exciting convention.  We developed our meeting based upon your input from 2008, we really appreciate the help.  To register you will need to call Cindy Sassen at Boulder Meadow Highlands at 320.745.2444 or e-mail her at Lsfjfarm@brainerd.net.	Classified/Want Ads Ads from members may be submitted for a dime a word or $5.00 for a business card per issue.  Remember it does not have to be just cattle.  It can be head gates, corral panels or any other equipment you wish to sell or purchase.
	For Sale: 2008 heifers and steers for sale.  Good selection of quality stock. Halter broke, and ready to go.  262-594-2542
	For Sale:  Almosta Farm is offering: Almosta Farm’s Logan  DOB:  6-13-08  Reg. No. 46,861 Sire:  Sunset Limited Edition (AI) Dam:  Black Watch Leah Logan is very growthy, long and thick, with a kind disposition.  He leads very well and is current with his shots.  With his genetics; he will be a great addition. Call Sue 402-586-2631 or almostafarm@gpcom.net
	For Sale:  HERD DISPERSION SALE Due to age and health we are dispersing our herd of Highland Cattle with unique bloodlines. Especially good prices to Minnesota buyers. Animals available are: Eight registered yearling heifers.  Red, Dun, Black. Ready to be bred next summer. Four yearling bulls. Brindle, Red, Black. Not registered yet but can be. Five 08 Heifers.  4 Red, 1 Black.  Will be registered. Four 08 Bulls.  2 Red, 2 Black. All Above animals sired by Dunvegan’s Black Mac with direct Scottish Bloodlines. Bred Cows. 14 year old Denise of Kiyiwana              Red 12 year old Heavenly Acres Becky         Black  9 year old Owl Rock Wintergreen         Brindle  9 year old ND Spice                              Red  8 year old Pimushe Chica                        Red  6 year old Pimushe Carambana Roja        Red  6 year old Loch Struan Morangie Dubh   Black       Imported  from Canada All bred to Dunvegan’s Black Mac. Zealand Farms Larry & Pat Zea 218-835-6426 zealand@blackduck.net
	For Sale:  Two 2007 Yearling Heifers (Red) halter broke. Two 2008 White Heifers.  One 2006 Bred White Heifer halter broke.  Check Northern Divides classified section on NCHCA website for pictures of 2007 yearlings. Call Vicki  218-835-4376 or vickib@blackduck.net
	REMINDER THE NEXT HOOFBEAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED BY March 20th 2009
Junior News submitted by Heather Nelson The NCHCA were represented well at the NCHCA Regional Show.  We had a total of 16 Juniors who showed and did an excellent job at that.  The following were participants: Garett Attelyn, Hannah Burkhart, Tucker Larson, Nathan Larson, Marshall Larson, Leah LaValle, Hanna LaValle, Gabe Nemec, Nave Nemec, Anastasia Martinez, Aurora Martinez, Calley Nelson, Jaime Sawle, Josh Taylor, Katie Taylor, and Ryan Weideman.  These kids not only showed, but also helped other exhibitors in fitting their cattle for the show.  We watched the kids who had show experience take the kids who had limited or no showing experience and teach them the night before about what to expect and how to show.  It really gave me a sense of satisfaction to see that type of demonstration in what showmanship is all about.  I give all of you who participated a pat on the back as well as all your parents who provided the guidance in good sportsmanship.  Your true colors shined through and I was not only proud of you in the ring, but outside the ring also.  You are the perfect example of what our future should be about! We had a blast doing the Junior Olympics after the show.  We did events like the 3-legged race, wheelbarrow race, cow-chip throwing contest and the feed sack race.  It was great fun and I was really sore the next day!!  Thank you for all who participated and for all the spectators who watched.  The junior auction was a great success.  A chainsaw carving was donated and sold to Frank Montefort who in return donated it back to be sold again and Gary Walker was the high bidder the second time.  There were several other donations for the Jr. auction, one of which was a $150 dollar from the Taylors.  Everyone was very generous and it was greatly appreciated by all the Juniors! As we are closing in on the end of 2008 we are also getting closer to the end of the 2008 Jr. Activity Challenge.  Everyone should have a copy of the point system.  If you do not, it was in the Spring Hoofbeat or email me and I will send you one.  All activities are due by December 31st.  I can’t accept anything after that date.  There are quite a few of you participating in the challenge so keep at it! I have been looking into the Heifers International programs a prospective volunteer activity and learning tool for the Junior Association.  Please go to the website and check it out and e-mail me with your thoughts.  Website is www.heifer.org The NCHCA Annual meeting will be February 14th and 15th.  I need to know if there are any Juniors who would be interested in attending.  I would like to plan something for those who would like to come.  Again please email me and let me know if you can make it.  This could be another convenient time to get together and plan more for our Junior Association. Keep up all the hard work and you will here from me soon! ***Remember if you are under 21 years old and have not filled out a Junior membership form please contact me and I will get you one so you will be kept up to date on all the Juniors are doing. Application for North Central Highland Junior Association                      Membership Name:  ______________________________________________________                    Address:   _______________________________________________________________                    Date of Birth:  ____________________________________________________________                    Home Number:   __________________________________________________________                    E-mail Address:  __________________________________________________________                    Parent’s Name:  ___________________________________________________________                    Junior memberships are for persons under 21 years of age.  Membership expires when you                    turn 21 years old.  Please take the time to list all the cattle that you own personally along                    with the registration numbers below or on a separate piece of paper.  It is perfectly fine if                    you do not have cattle in your name, you are still 100% eligible to be a NCHCA Junior                    Member.                                 Mail application to:  Heather Nelson, N9281 Nature Road, East Troy, WI  53120
2009 Junior Challenge Here is the list of 2009 activities and the point value for each activity.  All projects will be due by December 30, 2009.  The winners will be awarded at the 2010 NCHCA Annual Meeting.  Any age Junior can participate to the best of their ability.  Have fun!  Send works to Heather Nelson. 1)  Attend the 2009 NCHCA Annual Meeting February 14 & 15.     25 points 2)  Agricultural/Livestock participation events.  (Doesn’t need be cattle- examples:  FFA, 4-H events, shows, fairs, farm tech days, dairy breakfasts, seminars etc.)  Proof of attendance.  5 points each 3)  Volunteer/community support.  (Ex:  Park cleanup, bingo at nursing home, food pantry help, road cleanup, Salvation Army Red Kettle etc.)  Proof of attendance. 5 points each 4)  Design an ad for the promotion of highland cattle.  Can be on the computer or hand drawn.  15 points 5)  Essay paper on your thoughts of farming when you are an adult and why or why not you will continue to do so.  1500 word minimum.  20 points 6)  Scrapbook of your summer activities with explanations.  40 points. 7)  10 and under juniors.  Draw a highland cow and calf in pasture.  10 points 8)  Make and auction item for the NCHCA show.  Can make up to 3 items.  30 points each. 9)  Interview a highland breeder (not family) over the internet, phone or in person. Be sure to write down questions and answers.   Must ask at least 12 questions.  20 points 10)  Write a story about your favorite animal.  1 page long.  10 points 11)  Organize a food drive for the food pantry, animal shelter, etc.  100 points 12)  Keep a year long diary of your activities, daily life, friends, etc.  Can be done as weekly and not daily.  50 points 13)  Write an article for the Hoofbeat.  E-mail to Heather.  Be sure they are turned in on time- see your Hoofbeat for the dates.  Can be on anything highland/cattle related.  Should be about 2-3 paragraphs long.  Young kids can tell about something they have done and have their parents write it for them.  30 points
NCHCA OFFICERS Roger Weideman—President (715) 294-2249 Dave Bergin—Vice-President (218) 330-1531 Pat Zea—Secretary (218) 835-6426 Cindy Weideman—Treasurer (715) 294-2249 Vicki Brittain—Hoofbeat Editor (218) 835-4376 Board of Directors Don Nelson—(608) 493-2656 Sue Dyke—(402) 586-2631 Mark Schulz—(507) 582-1073 NCHCA AHCA Board Member Billy Johnston—(651) 457-4449	NCHCA WEBSITE Check out NCHCA website at www.NCHCA.org.  Put this website on your favorites list and check it out frequently.  Frequent hits on the website moves NCHCA up on the search engines list so check it out often.  The NCHCA website is a great place to advertise your cattle for sale, in the classified section, or to describe your farm and operation in the Breeders page section or even to get your farm listed on the breeders map.  We have a new website host!! His name is Nate Fry and he is looking for new and updated information for the NCHCA website.  He can be contacted at Nate.fry@gmail.com or 715.338.4241