Our farm "Glaubenssprung" means "Leap of Faith" and that was what we did in 1990; we took a leap of faith when we started our farm with the vision of creating a sustainable organic farming system that was good for us, the livestock and land. From the start we knew that we wanted to bring in a heritage breed because of our concern with lack of diversity of breeds seen at the county and state fairs. We choose the Polled Devons at the time the Devon Beef breed of cattle were on the critical list on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy: http://albc-usa.org/cpl/wtchlist.html#cattle and we felt that the Devons would work well with an organic farming system.

Other attributes of the Devon Breed are their calm nature and the fact that they do well in hot and cold weather. They are in excellent grazers and good mothers. The bulls are easy to work with. Our practices are to rotationally graze the cattle on prairie grasses and clovers, grasses, chicory and alfalfas mixed pastures; all steers are grass-finished. Heifers are bred when they are two years old, due to our low-stress management system cows continuing to calf until they are 15 years or more. We no-stress wean the calves at eight months and castrate the males that are not kept for breeding to be grass-finished. We grass-finish and grass-feed all our cattle since the start and would not do it any other way. For more information about our organic system or cattle call Liz Sarno 402-309-0944.

IN THE NEWS

I have been contacted by the Devon Breeders in New Zealand who are organizing a mini tour in 2014. The question at hand is what months are best for you to visit them? They are planning a small tour with an option of staying on and seeing other Devon studs. If you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask.

Remember the National Show and Sale entries are due by Sept. 1st (no exceptions) Please contact us today if you are interested.....(more below)

Lets all say a prayer for those stricken with extreme drought conditions. Those who have been ther know how devestating it can be....

Regional Meeting Updates: Last week I attended the regional field day at Roffey cattle co in Elk Garden VA, 35+ people were in attendence as we talked devon cattle and evaluated animals from the Rotokawa herd beside cattle with old american genetics. Both groups were solid sets of cattle with notable differences. It wasn for all and if heavy rains hadnt set in we might still be there.

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 25th Grass Fed Beef - Business Case Webinar

The Wallace Center has been conducting research into supply chain and policy constraints in the grass-fed beef industry, particularly related to production. It is clear that the domestic production of pastured beef is significantly lower than the domestic demand.

This webinar will make the business case for grass based beef production, including grass fed and finished beef and will focus on the techniques that have the potential for enhanced profitability, such as the importance of pasture management, animal genetics, aggregation, use of existing infrastructure and brand development in establishing a sustainable grass-fed business. A case study on the Wisconsin Grassfed Beef Cooperative, which we feel is highly replicable, will be featured and discussed.

The Wallace Center and the leaders of this webinar are working with partners in the Upper Midwest to pilot strategies that will increase production, keep vulnerable acres in pasture, inform producers and land owners about market opportunities and provide tools that will aid transition to pasture-based production. Learn how you can be part of these pilots, or start or participate in one in your own region.

Note the time is eastern, program begins at 1:30. register here

- DEVON USA Deadline Sept 1, 2012

-NADA presents "Gourmet Beef on Grass" N.Y. Sept 14-15

-Upper Midwest Regional meeting SEPT. 25TH, Spring Green, WI

-NATIONAL DEVON SHOW AND SALE, Culpeper, VA November 9th&10th

-Lakota Bull Test bulls offered for sale (November 10th) Remington, Va

-2012 Devon National Show and Sale- Entries Due by Aug.1st (send to brookviewfarm@aol.com

Show and Sale Location- Culpeper Ag Enterprise Route 29S, Culpeper, VA

Dulles Internationl Airport is 1 hour from Culpeper and Charlottesville airpot is 45minutes.

Hotel rooms have been reserved at the Culpeper Comfort inn 540-825-4900 (30 rooms) Reservation code # 949102 $80.99+tax / per night

How Good are your Devons? Prove it... Show em...

SHOW CLASSES Open Heifer Calf Class- Open to any weaned open heifer less than 24 months of age

Bred Heifer Class- Open to bred females that haven't calved previously but will by 40 months of age.

Bred Cow Class- Open to any bred cow that also calved the previous year(2011-2012)

Cow/Calf Class- Any female with calf. Please include the age of both the cow and calf on the entry. Calf must be cow's natural calf. Cows with calves over 5 months of age must be bred back.

Weaned Bull Calf Class- Open to any weaned bull calf less than 1 year of age.

Yearling Bull Class- Open to any bull between 1-2 years of age

Herd Sire Class- Open to any bull above 2 years of age.

A Grand and Reserve Grand Champion from the Bull and Female Classes will be named at the end. Grand Champions will be given the sculpture created by Cae Braga of Brazil. I recently contracted with Cae to replicate the Brazilian Expointer award. Check out the next Devon USA for more on Cae and the award......... Show Conditions

q A Class must have a minimum of 3 entries to be shown. Show consignors will be notified by Sept 1st whether the minimum entry requirements have been made for a class to exist

q The ADCA requires show consignors to exhibit grass fed animals. An affidavit is required by all consignors to the age and diet of their animals.

q Show animals DO NOT have to be halter broke

q Tattoos must be legible and correspond to registration papers. You must have a copy of the registration paper for each animal shown. Registrations must be submitted to the Show Committee by August 10, 2012 for entry.

Thank for your continued support of the ADCA and the Devon breed.................................

JEREMY ENGH LAKOTA RANCH REMINGTON, VA

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Our analysis has found that Monsanto's pesticide-promoting, genetically engineered approach has led to new agricultural problems while doing little to feed hungry people and help farmers cope with drought. We've also shown that modern, science-based plant breeding and farming practices can achieve such goals more cost effectively than genetically engineered seeds.

While we don't have the same advertising budget as Monsanto, we do have dedicated supporters like you who value agricultural policies based on objective, science-based analysis over profit-driven attempts to maintain the status quo.

Will you join us in fighting back against Monsanto's ad campaign by sharing our ads on Twitter and Facebook? Or click here to help spread the word

From The Desk Of Jeremy Engh

I hope all had a good fathers day.

I write to you today to update you on upcoming events, happenings in the Devon world, and to solicit your advise and participation. The regional meetings have been going great. I encourage all breeders to get off the farm and get to a meeting, go to one or both sales this fall, call your directors and share your desires for the future, etc... etc...

The success of our breed is partially dependent on the ability of its breeders to cooperate. We know we have the best breed in the world but in order to compete with other breeds we must organize,communicate, and cooperate........... ( I hope to see you this fall)..

Regional Meeting Updates:

-Two weeks ago, Steve Rockcastle hosted a pasture walk and field day featuring keynote speaker Jerry Brunetti. Congratulations to Steve for a great event....

- Last week I attended the regional field day at Kowbunga Farm in Rock Hill, S.C. We were treated to a tour of the Devon herd, presentations on Devon and embryo transfer, a visit to the Milking Devon herd and grounds of Brattonsville(site of the film ,"The Patriot"), and a great grass-finished Devon burger. Thank you to Otis and Darcy Wagner for hosting the event, to Bill and Nancy Walker for their help organizing the event, and to Dr. Randall Hinshaw for his enlightening presentation.

Upcoming Events

-VA Regional meeting JULY 14th Roffey cattle co., Elk Garden VA -NADA presents "Gourmet Beef on Grass" N.Y. -Upper Midwest Regional meeting SEPT. 25TH Daniel and Linda Marquardt, Spring Green, WI -NATIONAL DEVON SHOW AND SALE, Culpeper, VA November 9th&10th -Lakota Bull Test bulls offered for sale (November 10th) Remington, Va -2012 Devon National Show and Sale- Entries Due by Aug.1st (send to brookviewfarm@aol.com) -Show and Sale Location- Culpeper Ag Enterprise Route 29S, Culpeper, VA Dulles Internationl Airport is 1 hour from Culpeper and Charlottesville airpot is 45minutes. Hotel rooms have been reserved at the Culpeper Comfort inn 540-825-4900 (30 rooms) Reservation code # 949102 $80.99+tax / per night

How Good are your Devons? Prove it... Show em...

SHOW CLASSES

Open Heifer Calf Class- Open to any weaned open heifer less than 24 months of age Bred Heifer Class- Open to bred females that haven't calved previously less than 40 months of age. Bred Cow Class- Open to any bred cow that also calved the previous year(2011-2012) Cow/Calf Class- Any female with calf. Please include the age of both the cow and calf on the entry. Calf must be cow's natural calf. Cows with calves over 5 months of age must be bred back.

Weaned Bull Calf Class- Open to any weaned bull calf less than 1 year of age. Yearling Bull Class- Open to any bull between 1-2 years of age. Herd Sire Class- Open to any bull above 2 years of age.

A Grand and Reserve Grand Champion from the Bull and Female Classes will be named at the end. Grand Champions will be given the sculpture created by Cae Braga of Brazil. I recently contracted with Cae to replicate the Brazilian Expointer award. Check out the next Devon USA for more on Cae and the award.........

Show Conditions

 A Class must have a minimum of 3 entries to be shown. Show consignors will be notified by Sept 1st whether the minimum entry requirements have been made for a class to exist  The ADCA requires show consignors to exhibit grass fed animals. An affidavit is required by all consignors to the age and diet of their animals.  Show animals DO NOT have to be halter broke  Tattoos must be legible and correspond to registration papers. You must have a copy of the registration paper for each animal shown. Registrations must be submitted to the Show Committee by August 10, 2012 for entry.  Show animals must be ADCA registered purebred Devons  Animals will undergo a physical inspection upon arrival. Animals not meeting the physical criteria determined to be the breed standard will be disqualified from the Show  The 2012 National Devon show is open to all Devon cattle and breeders.  The judge will determine the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Bull however he/she sees fit to accomplish the task.

Sale Conditions

The ADCA's National sale will include pedigreed Devon cattle that are guaranteed by affidavit to be prepared on grass only, and consistent breeders. Devon females will be evaluated to ensure they meet the breed standards and preg checked to verify pregnancy where applicable. Heifers, cows, cow/calf pairs, semen, and embryo's will be accepted and offered. New to this years sale will be commercial female consignments. These consignments must also be prepared exclusively on grass, undergo veterinary inspection, and approved by the show and sale committee. Please call or email me with any questions.

WWW.AMERICANDEVON.COM

If you haven't visited www.americandevon.com recently then you are missing out on webmaster Keith Kopley's current headlines. Keith has some great ideas and has already begun work to enhance the ADCA's website. Check it out and feel free to contact Keith at Kalonfarm@live.com with feedback, compliments, stories, pictures,or to offer your assistance to Keith in gathering such info......(STORIES ARE HARD TO FIND< PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY>

Keith is currently working on a calendar of Devon events worldwide so please share. Keith is posting current and past editions of DEVON USA Keith is also working on an interactive page displaying breeders and locations across the country. Keith is building a page to detail the minutes of meetings making the actions of the BOD transparent and the actions of its members clear. Lastly Keith will be creating a link to see all the animals consigned to this years NATIONAL SALE. Check in regularly for updates....

Devon USA

If you haven't received the latest edition of Devon USA, You are missing out on editor Guille Yearwoods latest masterpiece. Not to worry, It can be found at www.americandevon.com If you aren't receiving it, send your email to administrative secretary Nancy Walker at wwalker207@bellsouth.net.

DID YOU KNOW???? If your picture is chosen for the cover of Devon USA you receive a free 1/2 page add in the next issue? DID YOU KNOW???? If your beautiful Devon is chosen National Grand Champion you not only receive a one of a kind custom made Devon sculpture, but also get a free 1/2 page add in Devon USA ? DID TOU KNOW???? You can order more copies of Devon USA to hand out as promotional material to your customers. Contact Guille Yearwood with questions. guilley@ol.com (<10 copies $5 each >10 copies $4 each)

Deadline for the next Devon USA is September 15th Check your mailbox October 1st...... Send adds to Roydoan@hotmail.com

The Stewart Fowler Award

In the Devon USA attached to this email you will find an article from the late great Dr. Stewart Fowler, a mentor of mine and a friend to the Devon breed. In Dr. Fowlers honor an award is given annually to a producer who has exhibited dedication to the breed and a commitment to working for the promotion and advancement of the breed. Please send your nominations to Nancy Walker at wwalker207@bellsouth.net . -Thanks Doc

Board of Director Nominations

The ADCA Board of Directors will need nominations to fill three spots on its board. We have three directors whose terms are up. Dave Sherman(Doublebrook Farm, PA) Dr. David Roffey(Roffey Cattle CO., VA) and Jacob Owens(Brookview Farm, KY). All of these directors may be elected back on to the board if nominated or replaced by any member so nominated and elected. Please email nominations to wwalker207@bellsouth.net

International Devon News

I recently attended the 9th World Devon Congress. I return from the congress with several points of interest. I will update you on these at the annual meetings of both organizations(ADCA & NADA). Please feel free to call me if you wish to discuss any of these topics prior to those events.

-The next mini tour is scheduled for New Zealand in 2014 -The formation of an international website is underway, it will contain blogs, news, and work on international projects. -The Brazilian govt. has approved funds for programs involving genetic research on the Devon Genome. -The formation of an international Devon breeders partnership is underway. Details to follow.......

I will present a 90 minute slide show featuring the cattle on display at the BANQUET which follows the National Show and Sale in November. I was impressed beyond words at the quality and type of cattle on display in Brazil. All the guests were treated like royalty at every stop. My gratitude goes out to my international comrades who hosted us and those who accompanied me on the adventure of a life time. I hope to get back to Brazil before 2022.... -Thank You Brazilian Devon Breeders

Lastly I leave you with a personal note. Please include in your prayers all those suffering from drought in the South-East and Mid-West. Also pray for fellow Devon families the Stevens, and Fry's who continue to fight health issues. There are so many wonderful people involved with this breed of cattle and Devon breeders worldwide have always shared prayers and support for their fellow breeders during times of trouble. I know how I felt when your prayers were sent my way during my time of need and ask that you step up yet again...... Thank you friends. God Bless

Jeremy Engh

Grassfed Flavor -- What Makes the Difference?

by Marilyn Noble, AGA Communications Director

Every once in a while, I hear a comment about the flavor of grassfed meat being off-putting or gamey. That's usually followed by an "ick" and "I won't be eating THAT again." I always feel sad when I hear that, because there's a person who's going to miss the enjoyment and health benefits that come from eating grassfed meat. I've tasted lots of grassfed, and with the exception of one bison burger about 15 years ago, I've never encountered an off or gamey flavor. Minerally? Sometimes. Grassy? Occasionally. Meaty? Always.

Bob Perry of the University of Kentucky's Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Working Group compares the variations in the flavor of grassfed meats to those found in wine, and he's absolutely right. In the wine world, terroir is the influence of place on the characteristics of the wine -- the geography, soil, and climate where the grapes are grown all impart a complexity to the flavor and body of the wine. The same is true for meat. While grainfed, feedlot beef is uniformly bland because it's all raised on pretty much the same feed, grassfed flavor varies from region to region and even from farm to farm. Tasting products from different producers can be an eye-opening, palate-changing experience.

Just as the variety of grape plays a major role in the eventual characteristics of the wine, so does the breed of animal influence the flavor and texture of the meat. In addition, the rancher must be able to recognize when the animals are at their peak for harvest -- too young and small and the business loses money, too long past their prime and the meat isn't as tender and delicious. Other factors -- animal stress, time of year, processing methods, dry or wet aging -- can also have an impact on the flavor.

Most legitimate grassfed producers care about the quality of their products and are constantly looking for ways to improve the eating experience for their customers. If you're a consumer, shop around until you find the meat that most appeals to your taste buds. Ask questions of the producer and, if something doesn't taste right to you, let the farmer know. Keep the lines of communication open. No one wants an unhappy customer spreading the word about a bad experience.

If you're a producer, figure out a way for potential customers to sample your products -- set up a grill at the market and offer bites of burgers or steaks. If it's feasible, instead of selling only halves or quarters, add a smaller sampler pack to your product line so customers can try your products without laying out a substantial amount of money.

The other day I made a meatloaf for one of my private cooking clients, a woman in her 80s who likes her food a bit on the traditional side. She called me the next day and wanted to know what I had done to make the meatloaf so good. She said it reminded her of one her own mother used to make. I told her it was no secret -- it was the grassfed beef. She said she had forgotten how meat was supposed to taste. We can all talk about the health benefits and the animal welfare aspects of grassfed production, but when it comes right down to it, the flavor is what will win people over.

So get out there and taste, educate your palate, and support your local farmers by buying their grassfed products. Most of all, enjoy!

Help on the Way for Small Rural Food Businesses

(from Sustainable Food News)

The Obama administration on Tuesday announced nearly $2 billion in investments by 2016 to help small, rural food businesses expand, modernize, and hire.

Last August, at the White House Rural Economic Forum, Obama announced his commitment to invest in rural businesses through the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, at no cost to tax payers.

"As we continue to fight our way back from the deepest economic crisis in generations and build an economy that lasts, rural America is helping to lead the charge," said Obama. "On farms and ranches, in towns and communities across this country, rural Americans know that we are stronger as a people when everybody gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules. Those are the values we need to return to, and as long as I'm President, my administration will continue to give our rural communities the support and investment they need to show us the way."

Find more information on the SBIC here.

Representatives Introduce Legislation to Preserve Native Grasslands (From National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition)

On Thursday, May 31, Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Tim Walz (D-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation that would protect our nation's remaining native prairies and prime grasslands.

The Protect Our Prairies Act aims to enact a nationwide "Sodsaver" provision that will tighten farm subsidy program rules to diminish the taxpayer-funded incentive to destroy critical grassland resources.

The bill will help ensure that taxpayer dollars do not subsidize the destruction of native grass and prairie lands. These lands are disappearing at a rapid rate, and protecting them provides ranching opportunities and economic, environmental, and recreational benefits to rural communities.

The Protect Our Prairies Act will preserve grasslands by prohibiting commodity payments on newly broken native sod, and by reducing federal subsidies for crop and revenue insurance by 50 percentage points on those acres. Read More.

Coyote Losses threaten Massachusetts Farm

Hardwick Ma , One of our members recently lost 2 heifer calf's to coyote attacks. The coyotes have been around for years in this location but had never made advances on the cattle. The 2 calf's were taken from different locations on the property and near the main parts of the farm where the farmhouse and outbuildings are. Both calf's were not dragged away but severely dismantled. One local expert was called in to give an opinion on the situation , He noted that the coyotes are larger in size than what was around years ago. This may have been a result of comingling with wolves many years ago. Many of the coyotes that are presently here have all the tools to take larger animals down. They also have been observed hunting in larger packs of 5-10 animals. The unusually mild winter was pretty favorable to small prey animals and the early bloom of many plant species should have aided those populations. With plenty of food for the coyotes an attack on livestock is still rare in these parts but now they have the taste for it....