The hectic pace of summer is well underway - and while there is much
to do on the farm or ranch, this is also a time to be planning ahead for
fall marketing and management. In this issue, our Beef & Business column
by University of Idaho beef extension specialist Jason Ahola prompts
some thinking about timing your sale of cull cows and bulls with the
peak in the market.
Last week, the Beef Improvement Federation held their 40th anniversary
meeting in Fort Collins, CO. This annual event is considered one of the
most important meetings in setting priorities and direction for the
industry's aim toward beef genetic improvement. See highlights from the
meeting at www.bifconference.com.
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A special tax break is being considered in Missouri to help spur the
state's cattle industry, reports the Associated Press. The tax break
would encourage Missouri farmers and ranchers to hang on to their
livestock longer, bringing higher profits when they are sold, supporters
of the measure say. It would give a tax break to farmers who sell their
cattle after they reach 450 pounds -- when cattle are generally
weaned.
The beef tax credit is part of a larger tax break bill lawmakers passed
a few weeks ago that is under review by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt.
Mark Akin, general manager of Circle A Ranch near Iberia, says the tax
break would encourage the state's cattlemen to keep cattle in Missouri
rather than ship them west to be fattened and processed, like he has for
the past 14 years.
Although Missouri is among the nation's leaders in calf production, the
majority of those animals are shipped to feedlots in neighboring states
where corn feed has typically been cheaper.
But the growing demand for corn spurred by the ethanol industry has put
prices in Missouri on par with those elsewhere, making this the right
time for the state to develop its cattle industry, says Merrel Breyer,
president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association.
Average corn prices have risen nationally from roughly $2 per bushel to
almost $4. Plus, ethanol production creates waste, called distillers
grain, that can be used to feed cattle.
Rep. Charlie Schlottach, who owns a cattle operation and conceived the
tax credit, estimates that of the state's 2 million cattle, about 1.2
million are shipped out before they weigh 450 pounds.
Keeping some of those animals and helping start feeding operations,
cattle producers say, could expand the billion-dollar-per-year cattle
industry. At least one economic impact study found the bill would return
$13.50 for every dollar spent on tax incentives.
Akin said the availability of distillers grain prompted the Circle A
Ranch to begin developing a feeding system. He said the tax incentive
makes that even easier. "We were doing that anyhow, so it just helps out
with defraying some of the cost in operating the way that we need to,"
Akin said.
Schlottach said much of that tax credit would go toward developing the
infrastructure for feedlots, such as equipment, lots, feeders and
watering equipment. The beef tax credit would allow up to $30 million in
tax breaks but no more than $10 million per year.
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A common problem across small communities is that small businesses
are disappearing or failing to thrive. What do successful small
businesses do that is different?
The answer may be as simple as joining the chamber of commerce or being
a member of an industry organization, according to Diane Vigna, an
associate professor and Extension specialist with the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln.
Vigna uses the quote: "The biggest problem facing small businesses is
not being small, it is being lonely." Thus, she says business networks
can create rural economic vitality. To read the complete article,
click on the headline above.
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Since the invention of the threshing machine grain has grown in
importance for the final stages of beef feeding -- often called the
finishing program. If ever there was a time for abandoning this
tradition, we might well be there. Eating healthy, eating local, knowing
about the farm, high fuel costs, high labor costs, environmental
concerns, and disenchantment with industrial agriculture have all
contributed to the increased interest in grass finished beef.
But even with all these factors contributing to its popularity, if the
consumer doesn't have a consistently enjoyable eating experience grass
fed beef will go the way of the threshing machine.
With that eating experience in mind Jim Gerrish of American Grazing
Lands Services, LLC presented his suggestions for finishing beef on
grass at the 2007 National Grass Fed Beef Conference. What follows is a
summation of his presentation. To read the complete article, click on
the headline above.
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Your grass is green, your calves are growing, and there are a lot of
grazing days to look forward to this summer. Weaning time, pregnancy
checking, and marketing of calves and cull cows are a long way off in
your mind. Why would you even consider making plans to send a cull cow
or bull to market this time of year?
Well, if you've been watching cull cow and bull prices over the past few
weeks and months, you might have an answer for this question. Since
utility cow price hit its seasonal low last November (around
$44-45/cwt), cow prices have steadily increased at a rate of about
$2/cwt per month. As of late-May, cows were selling for over $55/cwt in
many parts of the country, which is approximately 15-20% higher than the
average year-round utility cow price over the past 5 years. To read
the complete article, click on the headline above.
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Hay and forage producers now have access to several new resources
for learning more about forage plants. Two new 24 x 30" posters, "Forage
Legumes" and "Forage Grasses," are available from the International
Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI). To read the complete article, click
on the headline above.
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A series of conferences for landowners wishing information on bird
hunting as a profit center are slated for June in Texas. Aimed at those
looking to improve bird hunting, breed birds for release and protect
their birds against disease, the free 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. meetings are set
for June 15 in El Paso, June 21 in Temple, and June 27 in Corpus
Christi. Pre-registrants will receive a free lunch.
For more info, visit gallus.tamu.edu/ and click on the
"Workshops and symposia" link, e-mail a-cartwright@tamu.edu, or call
979-845-4319.
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 Gallagher has a field staff of 26 fencing professionals
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