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I can almost hear a collective sigh of relief from the majority of
Americans as this election comes down the final stretch run. Even the
political junkies who love the intrigue, the money, the battle of ideas,
the strategy and the urgency surrounding the electoral process are
probably ready for the actual voting to take place.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Troy Marshall
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 Beef producers can’t be everywhere…
While you’re busy at home, your beef checkoff dollars are helping
build beef demand throughout the world. Chefs from Mexico to Moscow are
learning more about U.S. beef through checkoff-supported training.
It’s one reason why exports are up 39 percent. Check out your checkoff
— and learn more about seminars for Russian chefs.
www.beefboard.org/foreign/checforeignmarketing.asp
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Don't get me wrong, after the last six weeks only a foolish person
would claim to know the direction of the market, but I do believe the
nation is poised for some good news.
Of course, the financial meltdown was anything but good news, and the
latest economic indicators show that for the first quarter since 2001
the economy actually contracted (.3% reduction in GDP in the third
quarter). Still, there was a lot of effort being put into the message
that things were much more dire than they actually may be.
The incentive to exploit or create a crisis is going to be greatly
diminished after the election. More attention will also turn to building
consumer confidence rather than tearing it down as has been the case
recently. Plus, there’s always an initial euphoria that follows a
national election, especially one that ushers in such sweeping change in
the political landscape as this one promises to do.
Americans obviously want change, and they’re certainly going to get
it. We’re an optimistic people; with the election behind us, we should
get a surge of both hope and optimism in the marketplace.
For one thing, the market usually prices in either good news or bad news
before it actually happens. Thus, Wall Street may not be 100% enchanted
with the upcoming election results, but that outcome has already been
priced into the markets.
In addition, media coverage will likely turn sharply optimistic, and
it’s impossible to overstate the rule of the self-fulfilling prophecy.
Truth is, whether it’s the cattle markets or the general economy,
we’ve thrown as much bad news at them as there is out there.
I'm certainly anticipating a post-election bounce that sees the markets
return to market fundamentals. Certainly, with the economy now
officially appearing to be in recession, there will still be demand
concerns. But recent demand has been pretty vibrant with all things
considered, and the supply situation continues to be bullish overall.
-- Troy Marshall
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“Taking action is more important than thinking it through.” I'm
sure there are college professors cringing at that statement. It isn't
my intention to make a case that having a well thought out plan of
action isn't important, but rather just to point out that the key is
having a plan of action, and actually implementing that plan.
Nobody can be certain of what will happen. The key to success more times
than not is getting to the plate as much as having the perfect swing
once you get there.
In today's information-intense world, collecting and analyzing data can
almost become paralyzing. More times than not, the key is to gather the
best information, take a look at it, and then act upon it. You won't be
right 100% of the time, but in today's world the key is usually just
being right 51% of the time.
In fact, some business experts would argue that the goal may be closer
to being right just 10% of the time, because success is determined by
being in position to take advantage of market opportunities when they
arise. By demanding almost universal success, you ensure that you
achieve nothing of true significance, they argue.
The experts point out that failure is something that should actually be
rewarded, even cherished. They say it’s far more important to have a
clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve and be committed to it,
than to have a great plan of how you are going to get there. Thus, being
100% committed to building a great cowherd is more important than having
the plan of how to get there because flexibility is so important,
circumstances change, and opportunities arise, as will unexpected
obstacles and challenges.
It’s the commitment to action and to the ultimate goal that enables
you to discover the path. The reality is that in today's world there are
plenty of proven paths, but because they are safe and well-defined, they
also tend to have a lot of travelers, with well-established
destinations.
Christopher Columbus, for instance, understood that planning is
important, but eventually the journey doesn't really start until you get
in the boat.
-- Troy Marshall
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Exports of U.S. beef and variety meats in August surpassed July by
almost 15%, logging in at $416 million. That exceeds the previous value
record of $387 million set in June 2003.
Year to date, beef exports have recovered 93% of value and 75% of volume
when compared to January-August 2003. BSE was discovered in the U.S. in
December 2003, which led to the loss of virtually all U.S. beef export
markets.
Destination-wise, Mexico and Canada combined to account for about 60% of
August’s beef export volume and 63% of export value. Beef exports to
Mexico, which set a record for both value and volume in July, set
another value record of $150.6 million in August. Beef exports to Mexico
have climbed 19% in volume (616.7 million lbs.) from January to August,
and 25% in value (to $975.5 million) over 2007.
Meanwhile, beef exports to Canada have increased 35% in volume and 38%
in value over last year, to 241.9 million lbs., and $513.8 million,
respectively.
-- Lean Trimmings newsletter
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College juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for one of five
scholarships sponsored by Certified Angus Beef (CAB) and the Colvin
Scholarship Fund. CAB will award $9,000 to students committed to the
beef industry and pursuing a degree in meat, food or animal science or
marketing, business, communications or other related degrees.
Application deadline is Dec. 15. For more info, go to www.certifiedangusbeef.com/corp/press/colvin
or contact June Studer at jstuder@certifiedangusbeef.com.
-- CAB release
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 Camp
Cooley Ranch provides powerful genetics to create value.
Our customer programs create opportunity to market your
cattle. We provide calving-ease sires with big growth spreads and
carcass traits to create performance. We create
consistency by selecting balanced-trait donors and sires. Let us
help you create your herd’s genetic potential.
www.campcooley.com
1-800-251-0305
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Country Natural Beef (CNB) – a rancher-owned cooperative – finds
itself in an unenviable position that serves as both a warning and
reminder to livestock producers, especially those willing to brand a
product all the way to retail: there are those in the world willing to
sacrifice you for something they want.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Wes Ishmael
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Californians will vote next week on Proposition 2, which seeks to
ban modern confinement housing for egg-laying hens, sows and veal
calves. The proposition is strongly supported by animal rights and
vegetarian groups. This week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged a no vote
on this proposal. The outcome of this proposition will influence
national efforts concerning animal welfare issues.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has granted full
licensing to an E. coli vaccine called Econiche, developed by
Bioniche Life Sciences. The vaccine can now be used by Canadian cattle
producers and veterinarians.
Bioniche says the vaccine works by preventing the E. coli O157:H7
organism from attaching to the intestines of vaccinated cattle, thereby
reducing its reproduction within the animal and the amount of bacteria
that can be shed.
Foodproductiondaily.com
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a supplemental
final rule that provides additional analysis and background on the
no-match rule. “The additional information in this supplemental rule
addresses the specific items raised by the court and we expect to be
able to quickly implement it,” says DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff.
Implementation of the no-match rule has been stayed following a
preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California last year. In the coming days, DHS will
return to the court to request the injunction be lifted so
implementation of the rule can proceed. Go to www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/
for more info.
-- DHS release
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Mexico has the potential to increase its imports of dried distillers
grains (DDGs) with solubles by four-fold, says Julio Hernandez, U.S.
Grains Council director in Mexico and Central America.
Speaking at the International Distillers Grains Conference in
Indianapolis, IN recently, Hernandez says Mexico currently is the No. 1
purchaser of U.S. DDGS, importing 708,000 metric tons in the 2007
calendar year. Canada follows with 317,580 tons last year.
In the first eight months of 2008, Mexico has already imported nearly
699,000 tons, with the potential in the foreseeable future to import as
much as 4 million tons.
Hernandez calculates Mexico’s poultry industry will eventually import
1.1 million tons of DDGs, while the beef sector has the potential to use
1 million tons; dairy 890,000 tons; and swine 788,000 tons.
-- Southeast Farm Press
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Energy continues to provide some welcome consumer news as the U.S.
average price for regular gasoline and diesel continue to fall. For the
week of Oct. 27, gasoline fell by 25.8¢ to $2.656/gal., while diesel
shaved 19.4¢ to $3.288.
Gasoline has registered a cumulative drop nationally of $1.179/gal.
since Sept. 15, which is 21.6¢ lower than a year ago. Average prices
fell 25.4¢ on the East Coast ($2.684), 27.2¢ in the Midwest to $2.497,
and 27.4¢ to $2.46 on the Gulf Coast. The Rocky Mountains dropped
27.8¢ to $2.762, and the West Coast slipped 22.5¢ to $3.05. California
was down 22.5¢ to $3.13.
Diesel fell sharply nationwide for the lowest U.S. price since Feb. 11,
but remained above last year in all regions but the West Coast. The East
Coast slumped 15.6¢ to $3.397, the Midwest 20.3¢ to $3.244, the Gulf
Coast 23.4¢ to $3.219, and the Rocky Mountains 18¢ to $3.375. The West
Coast was down 20¢ to $3.233, and California cut 17.4¢ to
$3.286/gal.
-- Energy Information
Administration
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Food safety legislation is coming and the ag industry must get
involved in shaping it, or risk over-regulation with little improvement
for consumers, says Cathleen Enright, Western Growers Association, a
fresh produce trade organization.
Enright says more than 30 bills are making their way through the U.S.
Congress, some of which will serve consumers and ag better than others.
She says consumer groups are demanding action from Washington in the
wake of recent food scares, highlighted by sensational incidents such as
salmonella in peppers and melamine in products from China.
The 30 or more bills in various stages of development in Congress that
propose changes to food safety programs include: - Recognition of
food safety responsibilities.
- Improved oversight and certification with recall authority.
- Standards and practices for producers, processors and retailers.
- Traceability systems (electronic).
- Improved ability to sample and detect.
In addition, Enright says
mandatory recall authority “is coming. That’s not as scary as it
sounds and will be used only if voluntary recall doesn’t work.
Traceability is coming, too.”
Ron Smith, Farm Press
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Grazing corn stalks during winter has many benefits, most important
of which is the savings in feed costs vs. feeding expensive hay. But the
way you manage grazing of stalks can have a big effect on its success,
says Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska Extension forage specialist.
For instance, if your goal is to minimize feeding of protein supplement
while winter grazing, you must ensure the stocking rate is light enough
to allow cattle to select just the higher quality plant parts to eat.
Then, when the grain and husks are gone, move to a fresh field, Anderson
says.
Another strategy might be to stretch winter stalks as far as possible.
In that case, restricting animal access to small areas at a time by
strip grazing until nearly all the grazable stalks are gone might be
best. Or perhaps you use stalks just as a filler to keep cows from
bellowing while you limit-feed corn, distillers grains, or other
nutrient-dense feeds. Then high stocking levels and unrestricted access
might be best, he says.
“Whatever your strategy, consider carefully what kind of nutrition
animals are getting from the stalk pasture so you neither underfeed nor
overfeed expensive supplements. Be sure to provide salt, calcium,
phosphorus and vitamin A free-choice at all times. And once all the
grain is gone, cows need about 0.5 lb./day of an all-natural protein to
meet nutrient needs,” Anderson points out.
-- Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska
Extension forage specialist
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No doubt about it, times are tough economically and the forces are
rolling downward. This is the time to analyze the situation and put
yourself in position to survive and prosper.
A good place to start is to attend next week’s third annual
BEEF Quality Summit – Nov. 6-7 in Colorado Springs, CO. With
the theme of “Quality – A Solution To Rising Costs,” the program
features some of the nation's top experts providing participants with
background and insight into the considerations, tools and practices that
can help producers optimize beef quality as a competitive tactic in
these challenging times.
Surveys of attendees of our previous two summits indicate that more than
95% found the programs of high value and would attend another one. This
year's program is similarly deep and worthwhile but also extremely
timely. Consider these session topics:- The long-term effects of
rising costs on beef quality, demand and profit.
- Making country-of-origin labeling work for you.
- Producer perspectives on managing costs and product quality for
profit.
- A retail panel discussion on balancing beef quality and price in the
retail meat case, and what consumers want.
- A look at the benefits and acceptance of pharmaceutical technologies
in beef production.
- An industry and Washington Beltway look at what the results of the
Nov. 4 national elections mean.
On top of that, a special evening
program will introduce attendees to the producer winners of BEEF
magazine's 2008 Trailblazer and National Stocker Award winners.
It adds up to 1½ days of thought-provoking discussion, plus a trade
show, a breakfast, two lunches and a dinner, and it's all available for
just a $150 registration fee. I hope you'll join us in Colorado Springs.
To learn more and register, visit beefconference.com/ or call
1-800-722-5334, Ext. 14695.
-- Joe Roybal
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Kansas State University will host a Livestock Manure Management
Conference Nov. 18 in Garden City. The event starts with registration at
10 a.m. in the K-State Research and Extension Southwest Area Office in
Garden City and the program begins at 10:30.
A live webcast will also be available. The advance registration fee of
$15 includes lunch and is due by Nov. 11. The webcast fee is $20, $25 at
the door. For registration info, go to www.asi.ksu.edu/manure. For
info on the webcast, contact Chris Reinhardt at cdr3@ksu.edu or 785-532-1672.
-- Kansas State University release
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Meat industry injury and illness incidence rates now stand at the
lowest level ever recorded, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
2007 annual safety results. The animal slaughter and processing
sector’s total industry recordable rate – cases per 100 full-time
employees – dropped 7.7% in 2007. The injury and illness rates
declined 3.2% in 2007. Meanwhile, the meat industry’s OSHA recordable
rates have improved by 72 % since the industry adopted ergonomic
guidelines in 1990.
According to the American Meat Institute, “These encouraging trends
confirm that the meat industry’s decision to make worker safety a
non-competitive issue and work cooperatively to enhance workplace safety
has created measurable and meaningful workplace safety improvements.”
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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From the nightly television news to video streams via the Internet,
one needn’t look far to find agriculture in the headlines.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Kindra Gordon
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Temple Grandin seems a bit embarrassed, but simultaneously
flattered, by all the hullabaloo about her life and accomplishments. A
world-renowned designer of livestock handling facilities, a professor of
animal science at Colorado State University, and one of the world’s
highest functioning autistics, the most recent chapter of her life is
being written right now, or filmed to be more specific, in Austin, TX.
The completed work – a biopic on her life and experiences over the
decades of the 1960s and 1970s – is set to air next spring in a
two-hour production on HBO.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Joe Roybal
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USDA clarified earlier comments by USDA Secretary Ed Schafer
regarding the possibility of USDA loans to ethanol plants that have been
hurt by high commodity prices. According to USDA, this isn’t a new
program, nor was it created to help plants that made “bad
investments” or a “bail out” for ethanol plants.
USDA could provide up to $25 million/company to refinance through a
“guaranteed loan-type” program for operating capital. Loans of this
type are available through USDA’s Business and Industry Loan Guarantee
Program. Schafer says ethanol plants will be treated like than other ag
company eligible to use the existing loan guarantee programs.
Representatives of the meat and livestock industries met with Schafer
this week on his earlier announcement regarding ethanol plants.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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USDA revised its October acreage and production forecasts due to a
discrepancy in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) database of crop
acreage. The forecast for corn production is now projected to be 12.033
billion bu., down 1.4%, or 167 million bu. off the Oct. 10 forecast.
Meanwhile, the forecast for soybeans is down 45 million bu. to 2.94
billion bu.
With these revised forecasts, the 2008 corn crop will be the second
largest in history and the soybean crop will be the fourth largest.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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I got a call the other day from a university researcher looking for
information about the beef-packing industry. She said she was helping to
put together a feasibility study for a producer group that wanted to
build a packing plant that would process about 100 cattle/day. I
provided some information about the size of the industry and number of
plants. I also felt it might be of value to mention the difficulties of
entering the business.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Troy Steve Kay
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A Washington State rancher and cattle feeder is suing USDA over
mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL). Cody Easterday, president
of Easterday Ranches of Pasco, WA, has filed suit in U.S. District Court
in Spokane, claiming mandatory COOL adds to the cost for the U.S. beef
industry and consumers and contradicts the North American Free Trade
Agreement.
Labeling is a good idea, Easterday said, but it’s implemented wrongly,
particularly as it relates to the beef industry. USDA declined to
discuss the claims, citing the pending lawsuit.
-- Yakima Herald Republic
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