Here’s the beef

Ash Grove School District, FFA chapter host annual beef seminar for community
Around 100 people attended last week’s Ash Grove School District’s 2024 Beef Seminar held in the high school cafeteria. Draws were many for attendees, including a trade show, a steak dinner, a weather outlook from National Weather Service meteorologist Gene Hatch and a presentation on black vulture control and management from USDA technician Chez Kleeman.
There were also presentations from Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Sydney Thummel, Missouri Cattlemen’s President Chuck Miller and recognition of locals Richard Dean and Rita White for their part in the district’s successful Mo Beef for Mo Kids program where local cattlemen donate beef for student consumption.
Black vultures on the rise in area
USDA black vulture specialist Chez Kleeman presented a stuffed black vulture, a fearless scourge of farmers in the area as of late. Black vultures, unlike their welcome turkey vulture brethren, will attack a living animal and in concert with other black vultures.
Kleeman said black vultures are often mistaken for juvenile turkey vultures which also have a dark head, however, a black vulture doesn’t have near as much white in their underwing.
Kleeman said there are different methods to remove the deadly bird, including harassment with cap guns and lasers. As they are hard to kill, landowners won’t likely be able to shoot them with a shotgun but can with a rifle, if they have a permit. Permits can be gotten at your local Farm Bureau office.
As this is Kleeman’s specialty, he urges people to call him to help eradicate their farms of these birds. For help from Kleeman, call 870-841-1503 or email cesare.kleeman@usda.gov.