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A recent symposium at the National Western Stock Show looked at the
optimal beef cow. The conclusion was that the optimal cow exists, but no
one knows who she is.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Troy Marshall
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Rely on the power of Angus data, industry leading technology,
continuing research and unmatched value-added marketing opportunities.
Angus, the power of people and progress.
www.angus.org
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The headline is almost worthy of something the legendary Yogi Berra
might say, but that brilliant piece of wisdom was shared with me a
couple of days ago by a young Wyoming rancher. And, boy, was he right!
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Troy Marshall
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The industry had made so much progress on the E. coli front
over the past five years that this summer's relapse was extremely
disappointing. But recent research from Kansas State University (KSU)
may have provided some insight into the problems.
The researchers found that cattle fed ethanol by-products harbored
roughly twice as much E. coli as animals that weren't being fed
by-products. Recent studies have also indicated a reduction in shelf
life of beef products from such cattle, and there's widespread concern
in the feeding industry about the effect of such by-product feeding on
quality grade.
The one thing we do know is we have a lot to learn about feeding these
products so that we can address any shortcomings adequately.
-- Troy Marshall
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Four Reasons to Use the Micro Beef Listing Service
1. Quality Standards: Cattle are EID-tagged and age-verified
through the Micro Beef PVP.
2. Delivery Options: Cattle are available with delivery dates
through March 2008.
3. Variety: Listings include a variety of cattle types,
locations, and ranch programs.
4. Sale Types: Cattle are available from video, and livestock
market sales as well as direct-sale.
View the listings at www.microbeef.com/cattlelisting
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"I know there are many American cattlemen who view Canada as an
illegitimate half-brother who just showed up and is elbowing his way to
the family table. But we think we bring more to the table than we take."
That's what Hugh Lynch-Staunton, president of the Canadian Cattlemen's
Association, told a group of Kansas cattlemen last week. "Our vision is
of an integrated North American market and an integrated production
system. And there are so many synergies between our three nations --
Canada, U.S. and Mexico. Cattle freedom across the border can save all
of us a lot of money."
Country-of-origin labeling (COOL) is something Canadian cattlemen are
watching closely, he says. And like many U.S. cattlemen, they think it
will add cost. But it may be a benefit to other countries, he said.
"We've often talked that maybe we should brand our product. Looks like
you're going to brand it for us," he told the cattlemen.
-- Burt Rutherford
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Senate leaders agreed Thursday to allow members from both parties to
offer a maximum of 20 amendments each to the farm bill -- down from the
280 amendments that would have been offered under the Senate's open
debate rules. The agreement rekindles hope the Senate can complete work
on the farm bill before it adjourns for the year.
Senate Ag Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) heralded the bipartisan
agreement that passed the Senate Ag Committee by voice vote without a
single vote voiced against it.
"After a month of this bill languishing due to procedural maneuvering,
this bill will finally get back on track and bring critical investments
to reality," he said.
While debate on the bill was expected to begin this afternoon and
continue Monday, no votes on the bill were scheduled until Dec. 11. Farm
organizations had been calling on senators to put aside differences on
the amendment issue and put the farm bill back on track for passage in
time for the 2008 planting season.
-- Forrest Laws, Farm Press
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The U.S. Department of Justice this week filed an appeal on behalf
of the Department of Homeland Security on the injunction against the
No-Match Rule scheduled to become effective earlier this year.
Among other things, the rule put additional responsibilities on
employers who receive a no-match letter from the IRS. Under the rule,
employers and employees were required to clear up discrepancies noted in
the no-match letters within 90 days. If the discrepancies weren't
cleared up and the employer didn't terminate the employee, the employer
could face fines for knowingly employing an illegal worker.
"Far from abandoning the No-Match Rule, we're pressing ahead by
(appealing) the district court's order to the Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals," says Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. "At the
same time, we'll soon issue a supplement to the rule that specifically
addresses the three grounds on which the district court based its
injunction."
-- Burt Rutherford
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The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline fell for the
third consecutive week, losing 3.6¢ to settle at $3.061/gal., as of
December 3. That's 76.4¢ above a year ago. Meanwhile, the average
price of diesel shaved 2.8¢ to $3.416/gal., 79.8¢ more than
last year and the third-highest price ever.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story from the Energy Information Administration
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The House and Senate returned to work this week after a two-week
Thanksgiving recess. There are numerous items for Congress to consider
before it leaves again for its Christmas break in three weeks. Key
items are the Peru trade agreement, energy bill, appropriations, farm
bill, Iraq policy, etc.
The House plans to vote on the energy bill this week. The bill would
raise the Renewable Fuels Standard to 36 billion gals. by 2022 with 21
billion gals. coming from advanced biofuels and cellulosic fuel.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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If there's one thing Stew Leonard Jr. understands, it's satisfying
consumers. It's what he and the other 2,400 people who work at Stew
Leonard's strive for every day. His message to cattlemen? Meet your
consumers where they are, and listen a lot more than you talk.
Leonard is president and CEO of Stew Leonard's, a family-owned grocery
business in Connecticut and New York. Recently, the four-store chain
began selling "naked beef," a product raised without antibiotics or
growth promotants, in an alliance with Kansas cow-calf producers and
feedyards.
"We probably do over $50 million a year just in beef in our stores," he
says.
They came up with the naked beef idea because customers were coming into
the stores and saying they were scared about their food. "They really
don't have time to know what's in it," he says. "They just want to feel
good about eating it."
Currently, naked beef accounts for about a third of all beef sales, and
growing "It's about 10-20% more expensive at retail, but customers are
willing to pay it because they feel good about it," Leonard says.
-- Burt Rutherford
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Those skeptical from the beginning that Smithfield Beef really
planned to build a beef plant near Hooker, OK in the Oklahoma Panhandle
got another reason for skepticism this week when Smithfield announced it
could be years before a decision is finally made to build the proposed
$200-million plant.
Smithfield purchased land near Hooker and announced last October that
construction would begin in January 2008 on the plant. However,
Smithfield spokesman Lyle Orwig said this week the project is on hold
while the company evaluates the market, according to the Associated
Press. "It could be three years, it could be five years. There has
been no decision made," Orwig said.
The announcement comes amid concern from some residents that Smithfield
was never serious about building the plant, instead using the
possibility of the plant as a pawn to acquire Swift & Co. Swift sold in
May to JBS, a Brazilian packing firm.
-- Burt Rutherford
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Naturally keeping it simple. Charolais' influence on the nation's cow
herd is all about keeping it simple. Progressive producers know they can
reduce implants and take advantage of heterosis by using Charolais.
Stamp your calf crop with a smokey color respected throughout the beef
industry. www.charolaisusa.com
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What is a killing freeze for alfalfa? In its simplest form, a
killing freeze occurs when temps get cold enough to kill all the top
growth on the alfalfa plant -- the plant wilts, turns tannish in color,
and leaves fall off.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Bruce Anderson, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln
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The University of Minnesota reminds cattlemen that the 2008 Beef
Home Study Course focusing on cow-calf health management is open for
enrollment.
The course is comprised of six lessons ranging from common breeding herd
diseases to preparing calves for weaning. Cost is $50, which includes a
course booklet with lessons and supporting material. Registration is
due by Dec. 15 and the first lesson will be mailed in early January,
with each new lesson delivered about every two weeks. For info, contact
Grant Crawford at 320-234-0441, e-mail craw0105@umn.edu, or log on to
www.extension.umn.edu/beef.
-- University of Minnesota release
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Keith Collins, USDA Chief Economist, announced his retirement from
USDA at the end of the year. One of the most respected officials at
USDA, he has advised a number of Secretaries of Ag of both parties. Each
of them learned early to trust Collins' advice because it was straight
forward and to the fact. Collins is a true public servant of the highest
quality.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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USDA's Ag Marketing Service has requested comments for a proposed
voluntary standard making a "naturally raised" marketing claim with
respect to livestock from which meat is derived. Animals would have to
be raised without growth promotants and antibiotics and could not be fed
mammalian or avian by-products. Comments on the proposal are requested
by Jan. 28, 2008.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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R-CALF USA is accepting student applications for three student
scholarships. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31.
The first-place winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship, with second
garnering $1,500, and third place $1,000. To qualify, applicants must
write a research paper on a current threat to the U.S. cattle industry
and include a solution. The applicant or an immediate family member must
be an R-CALF member.
Find more info at www.r-calfusa.com under the "USA
FREE" link, or call 406-252-2516.
-- R-CALF news release
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The Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver has four fact
sheets on its web site that look at the economic aspects of alternative
marketing arrangements for livestock and meat.
The fact sheets are based on the USDA-GIPSA Livestock and Meat Marketing
Study completed in early 2007. Access the fact sheets at lmic.info/memberspublic/LMMA/LMMAframe.html.
-- LMIC release
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The U.S. Senate passed the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement
(PTPA) by a vote of 77-18. PTPA will provide immediate duty-free access
to Peru's market for two-thirds of U.S. farm and food products,
including high-quality beef, wheat, soybeans, whey, cotton, corn oil,
corn gluten feed and meal, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, almonds,
frozen French fries, cookies, distilled spirits and breakfast cereals.
The agreement now goes to President Bush for his signature.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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With continuing drought in the West and Southeast, liver flukes will
have more opportunity to spread in hay and by infected cattle being sold
and relocated.
"Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee are in a severe drought,"
says Christine Navarre, Louisiana State University Extension
veterinarian. "Producers are downsizing and bringing in hay from
surrounding areas known for liver flukes."
And since the liver-fluke cysts can survive in hay for several months
under ideal conditions, the risk of introducing flukes to your herd and
pastures is very real and potentially costly.
"If cattle are nutritionally deprived and have parasites, health and
development problems can compound other health issues," Navarre said.
"The overall health of the cattle will continue to decline and they
likely won't recover as quickly when conditions return to normal. The
bottom line is producers will sacrifice profits if parasites aren't
controlled."
Treat your cattle for parasites during and after drought, advises James
Hawkins, Merial Veterinary Professional Services associate director. And
if you're purchasing hay or cattle from liver fluke-endemic areas, be
sure to include fluke control as part of a strategic parasite control
program, he adds.
-- Merial release
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Kansas State University (KSU) will host a Dec. 17-18 forum for
producers, policymakers, regulators and others interested in
climate-change policy, carbon-credit trading and biofuels. Set for KSU's
Alumni Center in Manhattan, "Ag´s Role in the New Carbon Economy"
will cover the topics of:- Is federal legislation coming?
- Resource assessment needs, sustainability issues, and life-cycle
standards associated with biofuels development.
- Modeling the impact of cellulosic ethanol production on soil carbon.
- Economics of the existing ethanol industry adopting cellulosic
technology.
- Environmental impact of climate change on Kansas.
- Chicago Climate Exchange and carbon trading programs for ag.
- How California´s Global Warming Solutions Act impacts
ag?
The forum begins at 1 p.m., Dec.17. Registration is $125 before
Dec. 10, and $175 after. Learn more at soilcarboncenter.k-state.edu.
-- KSU release
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A number of ag companies and organizations sent a letter to the
House and Senate leadership opposing an increase in the Renewable Fuels
Standard (RFS) for corn-based ethanol.
The groups stated, "Doubling the current mandate for grain-based ethanol
will result in adverse consequences, including increases in food and
energy costs for consumers, without reducing our dependence on foreign
sources of energy."
The groups advocate that any RFS must include a mechanism to reduce the
mandate in case of food price increases, adverse weather conditions, or
harm to livestock producers. They also oppose an increase in the RFS for
grain-based fuels to 15 billion gals.
Those signing the letter included the American Bankers Association,
American Meat Institute, Campbell Soup Company, Del Monte Foods, H.J.
Heinz Company, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken
Council, National Restaurant Association, National Turkey Federation,
PepsiCo, Inc., Tyson Foods, and United Egg Producers.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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A series of one-day, Kansas State University Ag Profitability
Conferences are designed to provide the most recent research-based
economic info to producers, agribusiness owners, lenders and other ag
players interested in maximizing profits.
The conference dates, locations and contact numbers are:
- Dec. 12 - Wakeeney -- Eagles Lodge, 800-460-9079.
- Jan. 15 - McPherson -- 4-H Building, 620-241-1523.
- Jan. 29 - Beloit -- Municipal Building, 785-738-3597.
- Feb. 7 - Colby -- Colby Community Building, 785-460-4582.
- Feb. 11 - Onaga -- Onaga Senior Center, 785-457-3319.
- Feb. 12 - Scott City -- 4-H Building, 620-872-2930.
- Feb. 13 - Pratt -- 4-H Center/Fairground, 620-672-6121.
Info on
speakers and registration is available at www.agmanager.info/events/ag_profitability/2008.
-- KSU news release
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The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) Feeder Council will
present "Beyond the Bunk III," a free educational program for cattle
feeders, cow-calf producers and others interested in feeding cattle. Set
for Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. in Bismarck's Doublewood Inn, call 701-223-2522
for more info. Among the speakers are:- Vern Anderson, North
Dakota State University (NDSU), will discuss results of recent feedlot
studies conducted at the Carrington Research Extension Center.
- Brent Bryant, Hoop Beef Systems, LLC., will discuss the benefits of
hoop barns in feedlots.
- Mark Huseth, NDSA president and rancher, will provide an industry
and organizational report.
- Rob Maddock, NDSU professor of meat science, will discuss
pre-harvest, best-management practices to enhance beef quality.
- Gerald Stokka, Pfizer senior DVM, will discuss herd-health
challenges.
-- NDSA news release
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King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M
University-Kingsville is seeking applicants for its 2008-2009 master's
degree program in ranch management. Applications will be accepted from
Jan. 1 to March 31, 2008.
Those accepted into the program are fully funded with a combined
two-year scholarship and assistantship that includes a salary, full
benefits and out-of-state tuition waivers. Students are responsible for
in-state tuition, books, fees and other school-related expenses.
Applicants must be mature and have at least two years of work experience
in the ranching business. Candidates also should have a bachelor's
degree with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better and a
score of at least 800 on the Graduate Requirement Exam.
Additional details and registration info are available at: krirm.tamuk.edu or by calling
361-593-5401.
- KRIRM news release
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The 2008 National Alfalfa Symposium, set for Feb. 4-5 in Kearney,
NE, offers attendees access to the nation's premier hay-production and
marketing experts. Sponsored by Hay & Forage Grower magazine and
the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association, it takes place just prior to
the annual Mid-America Alfalfa Expo.
The symposium begins at 12:30 p.m., Feb. 4, with a presentation by Dan
Undersander, University of Wisconsin Extension forage agronomist, on
manipulating hay swaths to speed drying. USDA researcher Michael
Russelle follows with a talk on alfalfa's potential as a green biomass
crop, along with the Noble Foundation's Joe Bouton on breeding
tomorrow's alfalfa.
Concurrent alfalfa-management sessions will address irrigation
management and alfalfa as a grazing crop. The day concludes with a
Roundup Ready alfalfa debate, followed by a reception and banquet.
Results of a study on the accuracy of forage-test results leads off the
second day's program. Concurrent sessions will explore fertility and
pest control, and a grower panel closes the meeting by sharing their
hay-marketing tips.
For more info, or to register at the early bird fee of $100/person,
visit alfalfasymposium.com.
-- Joe Roybal
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Members of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) last week approved
policy positions.
Producers amended a resolution to support an immediate increase in the
beef checkoff assessment rate. The resolution also supports amendments
to the Beef Promotion and Research Act that would enable the industry to
pursue future changes in the assessment rate.
In addition, Kansas cattlemen retained policy directing KLA to protect
producers' freedom of choice in how they choose to market livestock and
oppose government interference that would narrow the business options of
producers or limit their ability to innovate in management and
marketing.
Kansas producers also support immigration policy that allows for an
efficient and adequate guest-worker program and opposes penalties for
businesses unknowingly hiring illegal workers.
-- KLA release
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Animal ID is the theme for the December issue of BEEF and
that content is now available at www.beefmagazine.com.
The centerpiece of the issue is an industry directory of suppliers of
radio-frequency ID (RFID) equipment and service. The survey is a
compilation of information provided by 34 firms involved in various
aspects of RFID technology -- hardware, software and service.
You can find even more RFID info at www.beefstockerusa.org, a
cooperative Web site between BEEF and Kansas State University
(KSU) -- just click on "RFID Survey" at the top of the opening page.
This interactive version of the BEEF magazine chart was developed
by KSU colleagues Dale Blasi and Kevin Dhuyvetter. There's even an Excel
spreadsheet calculator for estimating the costs of an RFID system for
your operation.
Back to the December issue of BEEF, you'll also find the last
installment in a three-part series on financial record keeping by
BEEF Managing Editor Alaina Burt. In addition, read grazing guru
Jim Gerrish's article on utilizing water resources to make year-round
grazing feasible. It's all at www.beefmagazine.com.
-- Joe Roybal
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