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The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) annual gathering has always
been one of the most informative cattle meetings out there. Genetic
improvement is right up there next to the cattle market, in terms of
creating interest among cattlemen.
As has been the case for several years, the genetic improvement research
is almost exclusively focused on DNA and genome selection tools. DNA
will play a big part of the future of genetic selection—it was pointed
out that within several years we will probably have tools that, when
used in combination with current genetic evaluations, will increase the
accuracy of EPDs to the point that we will be able to produce yearling
bulls with an accuracy level equivalent to a bull with up to 15 progeny
records.
However, the big goals of being able to come up with genetic values on
traits that are difficult to measure or aren't currently measured like
health, longevity and others may be a little ways off. While DNA will
play a big role in the future, it certainly is dominating the research
of the present, and as a result there isn't a whole lot of new
applicable research on the genetic front that a producer can go home and
incorporate in the immediate future.
-- Troy Marshall
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Last week, Iowa State announced significant reduction to its
Extension service. What was notable about this decision was not that a
major ag state was drastically reducing its commitment to Extension, but
that it hasn't occurred quicker. The university system that has been so
critical to creating and disseminating research information for
agriculture, is drastically reshaping itself.
The models are changing very rapidly, and the industry is struggling
with how we will fund research and create research priorities. Research
funding is coming in areas that either have potential in the human
sector, or that have profit potential if applied in a proprietary
manner. It may not rank with animal welfare, the environment, and the
populist attack on free markets and capitalism, but from a long term
perspective it ranks pretty darn close. The industry has a lot of
issues that it needs to address proactively.
-- Troy Marshall
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For those lucky folks with excess pasture growth due to substantial
spring rain, Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska Extension forage
specialist, offers this advice for using the extra grass
efficiently.
“The most obvious way to conserve extra growth is cutting hay from
parts of the pasture. Normally I try to avoid extra hay cutting but if
you have the equipment and more pasture than you can use this spring,
and some time, cutting hay for use later in summer or winter when
pasture becomes scarce is a good option,” he says.
If you choose the hay option, Anderson suggests cutting as seedheads are
about to emerge for good hay quality and plant regrowth potential. He
also advises producers to fence out the area to be cut from the rest of
the pasture. Otherwise, cattle will ignore and waste the taller,
stemmier grass as they just graze the new regrowth.
“You might even apply a little nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate growth
if soil moisture still is good,” he adds.
But don’t be surprised if certain weeds like common ragweed or
foxtails become abundant in areas cut for hay. Ragweed or other
non-palatable broadleaf weeds can be killed easily with herbicides, but
not much can be done about the foxtails or other annual grassy weeds, he
says.
“Still, cattle will graze them quite well if you allow them access
before these weeds begin to head out. The same holds true for many
broadleaf weeds,” Anderson says.
-- Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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If the nation’s current economic hiccups are affecting travel and
meeting attendance, you couldn’t tell it based on the annual Beef
Improvement Federation (BIF) meeting in Sacramento last week. A
heapin’ helpin’ of cowboy hats was on hand to learn the latest in
genomics, genetics and cattle improvement.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Burt Rutherford
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Grazing livestock on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ground
coming out of contract is an option that producers and landowners may
want to consider, says Walt Fick, Kansas State University (KSU) Research
and Extension range and pasture management specialist. This option may
require some special considerations initially, however.
“Most CRP stands coming off contract are initially not in condition
for full grazing pressure. A management strategy covering 2-4 years may
be necessary to condition the plants to use,” Fick says. “Use a
light stocking rate to allow good plant growth the first year. Adjust
stocking rates in subsequent years based on stand development.”
After years of non-use the plants are in a state of low vigor and may
have a limited root system, he explained. Loss of topsoil from previous
cropping and large spacing between grass plants is common, often
resulting in low total forage production.
Getting CRP ready to graze will probably require fencing and water
development, he adds. “Fence off CRP that is adjacent to native
rangeland. Experience has shown that animals will not utilize seeded
grass as well as native sod when given a choice. Producers can partially
overcome this problem by using grazing distribution tools such as water
development, placement of salt and mineral, and burning,” Fick says.
“Care should be taken in determining where to place water
developments. If feasible, water developments should be positioned in a
way that will encourage uniform grazing of the land.”
If the land has not been burned for a few years, it would be a good idea
to conduct a prescribed burn, he adds.
“Burning will not only get rid of old dead material, but should
increase tillering and help the grass stand continue to develop.
Frequent burning is not recommended in western Kansas, however,” Fick
says.
-- KSU release
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Recommendations for key estate-planning documents are in a new
bulletin from the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service
(UW CES). Written by Cole Ehmke, UW CES personal finance management
specialist, “Seven Key Estate Planning Documents to Consider”
(B-1193) examines wills, personal property distribution, trusts, life
insurance, powers of attorney for finances, advance healthcare
directives and funeral and burial arrangements.
The bulletin also includes a checklist that shows items completed and
location of documents.
Download it at ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B1193.pdf;
or go to www.uwyo.edu/cessupport/agpubs/Pubs_Request.asp?pubid=981
to order hard copies ($2 each).
-- University of Wyoming Extension
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Canadian Trade Minister Stockwell Day announced on April 27 that
Canada has revived a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
about country of origin labeling (COOL) on meat. COOL has Canadian
producers complaining that the new U.S. labeling law has hurt their hog
and cattle sales in Canada.
Before the law went into effect March 16, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack
warned meat packers he would rewrite it unless they voluntarily made
labels more explicit. Canada has asked for more details about
Vilsack’s request, but failed to receive clarification.
Canada has also raised concerns about U.S. state and municipal
government implementation of "Buy American" provisions in the recently
passed U.S. stimulus bill.
The provision generally requires public works projects funded by the
economic stimulus bill to use only U.S.-made steel, iron and other
manufactured goods.
According to Day, some local governments appear to be implementing the
provisions in a way that disadvantages and discriminates against
Canadian companies, prompting at least one Canadian city government to
press for a ban on U.S. companies and goods doing business in Canada’s
public works sector.
However, at President Barack Obama’s insistence, lawmakers did add
language so countries which have a free trade pact with the U.S. or have
signed onto the WTO's government procurement pact would still be able
take part in projects funded by the bill.
-- National Meat Association Lean Trimmings
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed
rule that would make regulatory changes to the current Renewable Fuel
Standard (RFS). The proposal specifically looks to set a standard for
greenhouse-gas reductions of renewable fuels compared to conventional
gasoline.
The proposed rule was required under the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007. The proposal calls for renewable fuels to be
defined into four new categories. The thresholds for the new categories
would be 20% less greenhouse gas emissions for renewable fuels produced
from new facilities, 50% less for biomass-based diesel and advanced
biofuels, and 60% less for cellulosic biofuels.
EPA intends to hold public hearings and conduct peer-reviews on the
lifecycle analysis of the four renewable fuel categories. A 60-day
comment period on the proposal will begin upon publication in the
Federal Register.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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The European Union (EU) and the U.S. have reached a provisional
agreement in their 25-year-old dispute over hormone-treated beef. This
week, EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and U.S. Trade
Representative Ron Kirk issued a statement saying they had “reached an
understanding that provides a pragmatic way forward in the long-running
beef dispute.”
A European Commission release says that, under the agreement, the U.S.
would not impose the “carousel” sanctions that were to become
effective this week, maintaining instead the currently reduced level of
existing sanctions against EU products and eliminating all sanctions
beginning in the fourth year of the agreement.
In return, the EU would provide the U.S. with additional duty-free
access to the EU market for U.S. beef produced without the use of
growth-promoting hormones. Those duty-free import levels would be for
20,000 metric tons (mt)of beef in the first three years, increasing to
45,000 mt beginning in the fourth year. Before the end of the four-year
period, the two sides will seek to agree on the conditions for the
settlement applicable beyond that period.
-- Joe Roybal
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Mike Milicevic of Okeechobee, FL was BEEF magazine’s Trailblazer
2008, lauded for his work in leading the drafting of “Water Quality
Best Management Practices for Florida Cow/Calf Operations.”
Spearheaded by the Florida Cattlemen's Association (FCA) and drawn up in
a unique partnership between producers and regulators, the manual is
both a roadmap and vehicle to enhance and protect water quality in
Florida.
The manual is heralded as a unique consensus document that outlines
commonsense, economically and technically feasible production and
management practices that enhance and protect Florida's water resources.
It is now posted on the website of the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Water Policy.
The manual is designed specifically for Florida's cow-calf operations;
it doesn't apply to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs),
which generally require a permit. To take a look at the manual, go to
gp-print.com/CowBMP.pdf.
Milicevic says he hopes other states will be proactive and use the
Florida manual as a template to design programs that fits their own
needs.
“Everyone in the country is going to have to follow a similar manual
eventually, because we're all going to be under the TMDL (total maximum
daily loading) for water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency is
working on that, so it's just a matter of time.
“So you might as well write it now and have it sitting on the shelf so
that when someone comes knocking, you can hand it to them and say,
‘we're already working on it.’
If you want to learn more about the FCA project, read “Proactive
Passion” at beefmagazine.com/people/award-winners;
or watch the seven-minute video on Milicevic at beefmagazine.com/beeftv.
-- Joe Roybal
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The national average price for regular gasoline at retail was up
almost 3¢ to $2.08/gal. for the week ending May 4 ($1.54 less than last
year). Meanwhile, diesel dropped for the third week in a row, drifting
down 1½¢ to $2.19, or $1.96 below last year.
Gasoline was up across the U.S. with the East Coast adding 1½¢ to
$2.05/gal., the Midwest 6¢ to $2.05, the Gulf Coast 1¢ to $1.96, the
Rocky Mountains 2¢ to $2.09, and the West Coast 1½¢ to $2.29.
California was at $2.36.
Diesel was down in all regions, shedding 1½¢ on the East Coast
($2.23), 2¢ in the Midwest ($2.12), 2¢ on the Gulf Coast ($2.15), and
1¢ in the Rocky Mountains ($2.26). The West Coast was down 1¢ to
$2.31, and California ½¢ to $2.32/gal.
-- U.S. Energy Information Administration
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The potential impacts of a recent Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) finding that proposes that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an
endangerment to public health and welfare, could have a devastating
effect on livestock operations, says the National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association (NCBA).
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
release by NCBA
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Udder and teat quality are two functional characteristics of the cow
that often go unnoticed until problems arise. Just as seedstock
producers put selection pressure on birth, weaning and yearling weights,
the same concern and effort should be placed on udder quality.
-- To read this article by Dan Kniffen, go to:
beefmagazine.com/genetics
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One of the major issues in the proposed rule is that both direct
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biofuels use and the indirect impact
of countries using land to grow the crops for the fuels must be taken
into account when assessing GHG emissions. In this process, biofuels
are charged with emissions from indirect land use, while gasoline is
not.
During a hearing, members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research let EPA and the
Administration know their strong displeasure with this new approach of
having to consider indirect land use. Congressman Tim Holden (D-PA),
chairman of the subcommittee, said, “We are very upset with the path
EPA has taken us down and sent that message back loud and clear in
today’s hearing. If we continue with these provisions in EISA, we
will not only harm the biofuels industry but also shortchange a large
part of the country before we even get started. We need to expand the
reach of biofuels, not hamper the farmer and forest owner.”
Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), ranking Republican of the subcommittee
said, “The arbitrary restrictions in the renewable fuel standard will
limit the potential biomass to meet the renewable fuels mandate. I am in
favor of the development of advanced renewable fuels, but more
importantly I am in favor of developing a policy that allows the market
to develop next generation renewable energy.”
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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Three decades of carcass-grading research and data collection will
soon begin to pay dividends for the beef industry: instrument grading
has finally arrived.
-- To read this article by Walt Barnhart, go to:
beefmagazine.com/beef-quality/0501-beef-carcasses/
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Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that J. Dudley Butler
will serve as USDA’s administrator of the Grain Inspection, Packers
and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). Butler is from Mississippi and
has been an attorney in private practice. He is a member of the
Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association and founding member of the
Organization for Competitive Markets.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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Applications for the second annual National Beef Quality Assurance
(BQA) Award are now being accepted. The National BQA Award will
recognize one outstanding beef and dairy producer who best demonstrates
animal care and handling principles as part of the day-to-day activities
on their respective operations. A common trait among all contest
entrants must be a strong desire to continually improve BQA on their
operations while encouraging others to implement the producer education
program.
“We’re in the business of caring for animals, and beef producers
understand that animal care and raising cattle go hand-in-hand,” notes
John Maas, DVM, MS, University of California-Davis Extension
veterinarian, seedstock producer from Northern California and vice chair
of the Producer Education Committee. “The BQA program is just one
example of the many ways that we, as an industry, stand behind this
principle.”
The National BQA Award is funded by Safeway’s Rancher’s Reserve®
beef brand and Cargill, and supported by the Beef Checkoff Program. Two
National BQA award winners will be selected by a committee of
representatives from universities, state beef councils and affiliated
groups. Nominations can be submitted by any organization, group or
individual on behalf of a U.S. beef producer. Individuals and families
may not nominate themselves but the nominees are expected to be involved
in the preparation of the application. For further info on the award or
to download the application, please visit www.bqa.org.
-- Beef Checkoff release
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The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is asking USDA to help
the U.S. pork industry deal with the negative effects of the H1N1 flu
outbreak. NPPC indicates the flu outbreak has accelerated losses of
$17.69 per hog marketed as of May 1. NPPC is asking USDA to:
- Implement a USDA purchase program for $50 million of pork
products to help boost cash hog prices. Products can be put into federal
emergency food programs, food pantries, senior/elderly feeding programs,
hunger programs and other non-commercial food channels.
- Urge President Obama to work with U.S. trading partners to remove
all restrictions on exports of U.S. pork and pork products and to
maintain U.S. pork export markets around the world.
- Develop a comprehensive surveillance program for swine diseases,
which will provide an early warning for emerging diseases that affect
human and animal health.
- Mandatory premises and animal identification would be necessary for
an effective surveillance program.
- Work to keep open the border between the United States and Canada
– in the wake of a report that pigs on a Canadian pork operation
contracted from a worker the H1N1 flu – to allow hog movements.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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President Barack Obama issued a presidential directive to USDA to
aggressively accelerate the investment in and production of biofuels.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “Expanding our biofuels
infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to spur rural economic
development while reducing our dependence on foreign oil – one of the
great challenges of the 21st century.”
Items for USDA include (1) refinancing existing investments in renewable
fuels to preserve jobs in ethanol and biodiesel plants, renewable
electricity generation plants, and other supporting industries, and (2)
making renewable energy financing opportunities from the Food,
Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 available within 30 days. These
opportunities include:
- Loan guarantees for the development, construction, and
retrofitting of commercial scale biorefineries and grants to help pay
for the development and construction costs of demonstration-scale
biorefineries;
- Expedited funding to encourage biorefineries to replace the use of
fossil fuels in plant operations by installing new biomass energy
systems or producing new energy from renewable biomass;
- Expedited funding to biofuels producers to encourage production of
next-generation biofuels from biomass and other non-corn feedstocks;
- Expansion of Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency
Improvements Program, which has been renamed the Rural Energy for
America Program, to include hydroelectric source technologies, energy
audits, and higher loan guarantee limits; and
- Guidance and support for collection, harvest, storage, and
transportation assistance for eligible materials for use in biomass
conversion facilities.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) announced the formation of
the Republican’s “Rural America Solutions Group.” The purpose of
the group is to focus on solutions that create jobs and economic
opportunities as well as address the unique challenges rural communities
face.
Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK), ranking member of the House Agriculture
Committee said, “Those who live and work in rural America are
struggling to make a living in a difficult economy. It’s important
that rural communities have a strong voice in Washington who know their
struggles and are able to provide viable solutions.”
Members of the GOP Rural Solutions Group include: Congressmen Lucas, Doc
Hastings (R-WA), Sam Graves (R-MO), Rob Bishop (R-UT), Henry Brown
(R-SC), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Mike Conway (R-TX), Steve King (R-IA),
Tom Latham (R-IA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tom
McClintock (R-CA), Adam Putnam (R-FL), George Radonovich (R-CA), Phil
Roe (R-TN), and Adrian Smith (R-NE).
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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The bill to provide a more property owner-friendly eminent domain
process was unanimously approved by the Texas State Senate this week.
Senate Bill 18, introduced by Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls),
reforms the process of eminent domain and condemnation for property
owners in the state of Texas. SB 18 now moves to the House for
consideration.
"Property owners know that Texas is growing and that our land and water
will be needed to accommodate future growth, but that accommodation
shouldn't be at the expense of property owners," Texas and Southwestern
Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) President Dave Scott said.
"Members of the TSCRA strongly believe Texas property owners do not have
enough protections under the current eminent domain law. Senate Bill 18
levels the playing field for property owners," he continued.
SB 18 prohibits condemnation of land for private use. It improves
procedures to initiate eminent domain proceedings by requiring any
actions by governmental entities to be done in public and by a record
vote.
Additionally, the bill requires a bona fide offer by the condemning
entity. If no bona fide offer is made, SB 18 requires the condemnor to
pay all fees incurred by the property owner.
The bill also allows for a property owner to be compensated for a
material impairment of direct access on or off the remaining property if
it affects the market value of the remaining property. It goes further
to define "direct access" as ingress or egress on or off a public road,
street or highway at a location or locations where the remaining
property adjoins that road, street or highway.
The bill allows for a property owner or their heirs to repurchase the
property at the price paid to the owner when the property was acquired
if the land is not used for public use in a timely manner.
Southwest Farm Press
-- Joe Roybal
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USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will
hold a series of listening sessions across the U.S. to hear comments on
the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).
In addition to providing info on NAIS, APHIS is seeking producer
comments and concerns, as well as ideas for crafting a program producers
will support. Learn more at www.usda.gov/nais/feedback.
The public meetings are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. local time, with registration one
hour prior to each meeting. Meetings are set for:
- May 14: Harrisburg, PA.
- May 18: Pasco, WA.
- May 20: Austin, TX.
- May 21: Birmingham, AL.
- May 22: Louisville, KY.
- May 27: Storrs, CT.
- June 1: Greeley, CO.
-- USDA release
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