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This week, USDA suspended Westland Meat Co., of Chino, CA, as a
supplier to the National School Lunch program because of animal abuse
issues at a Hallmark Meat Packing Company, which is a supplier to
Westland.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Troy Marshall
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The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week threw out a lower
court verdict that found the nation's largest meat packers manipulated
prices as a result of a USDA computer error.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Troy Marshall
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Tyson announced that they would immediately stop running their
second shift and would in the next several weeks cease slaughter
operations at their plant in Emporia, KS. The plant currently employs
approximately 2,400 people with 1,500 employees expected to be laid-off
as the facility is transitioned to a cold storage and distribution
warehouse that also processes ground beef.
This closing is reflective of the industry's need to remove excess
capacity. The significant negative margins in the packing industry the
last several months, shifts in regional production of fed cattle, and
that the Emporia plant was one of the oldest and least efficient plants
in Tyson's beef packing business, all contributed to the decision. The
plant had the capacity to slaughter approximately 4,000 head/day, and
would represent a reduction in Tyson's slaughter capacity by about 10%,
leaving them with seven plants and 30,000 head/day capacity.
"It's a loss," said Todd Domer with the Kansas Livestock Association.
While the overall effect on Kansas cattlemen is still to be determined,
he said the announcement is not good news for eastern Kansas cattlemen.
The farmer-feeding operations typical of the eastern part of the state
will feel the impact right away, Domer said, as they deal with higher
freight costs to ship fed cattle to more distant plants. The plant's
closing will likely cause some of the cattle fed in eastern Kansas to
shift west.
-- Troy Marshall
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More than 40 ag organizations and commodity groups sent a letter to
all members of Congress urging them to consider the Colombia Trade
Promotion Agreement (TPA) as soon as possible.
The letter stated, "The TPA will correct an inequity that exists between
U.S. exporters of agricultural and industrial products and Colombian
exporters. While 90% of Colombian products currently shipped to the
United States are free from tariffs, most U.S. exports face significant
tariffs and other restrictions in Colombia."
The letter indicated that passing the Colombia TPA is the only way to
resolve this inequity and "level the playing field." Those signing the
letter included the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American Farm
Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, American Soybean
Association, Grocery Manufacturers, National Association of Wheat
Growers, National Chicken Council, National Corn Growers Association,
National Cotton Council, National Grain and Feed Association, National
Grange, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pork Producers
Council, National Turkey Federation, Pet Food Institute, U.S. Apple
Association, United Egg Producers, and USA Rice Federation.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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It's always disturbing to see animals being abused. As people whose
very livelihood depends on animal welfare and stewardship in animal
care, the mere thought generates anger and disgust. So, too, does the
thought that people would lie about something like that to advance their
extremist agenda.
-- Click on headline to
read the rest of this story by Burt Rutherford
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Monday, Feb. 4 is the deadline to return your 2007 Census of
Agriculture. The Census is conducted every five years and provides
detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture. "The
information gathered through the Census influences policy decisions that
can have a tremendous impact on farmers and their communities," says
Carol House, deputy administrator of the National Agricultural
Statistics Service (NASS).
Producers can return their forms by mail or can complete the Census
online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. If
you have questions about how to fill out the form, call 1-888-4 Ag Stat
(888-424-7828) for info.
-- NASS release
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Genetics and reproduction sets the stage for February's BEEF
content, now online. A whole section is devoted to the latest wrinkle in
genetics -- from Whole Genome Selection to multi-breed genetic
selection. You can also learn the top 10 cow-calf tips shared at the
Range Beef Cow Symposium. Market Advisor Harlan Hughes continues his
series on price forecasting and grazing guru Jim Gerrish discusses five
steps to winter savings.
If you're preparing to attend the 2008 Cattle Industry Convention &
Tradeshow (Feb. 6-8, Reno, NV), you will want to brush up on the your
cattle industry knowledge beforehand by reading about Andy Groseta,
incoming president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).
You can even catch a sneak-peak at six new products being unveiled at
the Tradeshow.
It's all there, and more, just a click away at: www.beefmagazine.com.
-- Alaina Burt
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All eyes will be on the administration's proposed fiscal year 2009
budget next Monday to determine the future of ethanol tariffs. Secretary
of Energy, Samuel Bodman, said this week that the Bush administration
"will start to deal with that question" of whether the 54¢/gallon
import tariff on ethanol should be allowed to expire or renewed this
year.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has several
health-related resources for veterinarians and horse owners. The first
are newly-released guidelines for administering vaccinations to horses.
The new guidelines are updated from initial suggestions established by
AAEP in 2001. The guidelines, along with reference charts, are available
at www.aaep.org/vaccination_guidelines.htm.
What's more, AAEP and Fort Dodge Animal Health have launched a joint
educational website to raise awareness of horse health. The site focuses
on the cornerstones of horse wellness: disease prevention, parasite
control, nutrition and dentistry. For info, go to www.americashealthyhorse.com.
-- American Association of Equine
Practitioners
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The Idaho Department of Agriculture (IDA) has kicked off a "Locate
in 48" effort to encourage cattlemen to register their premises. "We are
very excited to introduce Idaho's Locate in 48 campaign to the state,"
said Celia Gould, IDA director. "We believe this information will help
educate and encourage Idahoans to register their livestock premises and
preserve the future of farming and ranching for generations to come."
Idaho producers can go to idaho.locatein48.com for more
info.
Nationwide, nearly 31% of livestock premises have voluntarily registered
with their state departments of agriculture. As of Jan. 22, there were
443,607 premises registered across the country, out of a possible
1,438,280, according to the Kansas Livestock Association.
-- Burt Rutherford
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One insightful and one spiteful news items have been the talk of
BEEF's staff these last two weeks. The first is a video series
depicting Temple Grandin, the latter a New York Times article
bashing meat production. Here's why:
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Alaina Burt
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Department of
Natural Resources announced that two tuberculosis (TB)-positive deer,
harvested during the 2007 hunting season, were found in Losco County. As
a result, the MDA designated two "Potential High-Risk Areas" near the
southern boundary of the state's bovine TB zone where the deer were
harvested.
In addition, another deer harvested in Shiawassee County, 100 miles
south of the TB zone, may be TB positive. Final test results are
pending.
MDA and USDA will contact cattle producers within the two 10-mile areas
around the location of the two deer in Losco County to begin whole-herd
cattle testing, which will affect 90 producers. If the Shiawassee County
deer proves to be positive, around 100 cattle producers within a 10-mile
radius will also undergo whole-herd testing, according to MDA.
Meanwhile, the New Mexico Livestock Board will start receiving part of
$2 million in federal funding designated for that state's TB eradication
and prevention program. The money will assist New Mexico animal health
officials and producers eradicate the disease.
-- Burt Rutherford
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The U.S. Senate confirmed former North Dakota Governor Ed Schaefer
as the 29th Secretary of Agriculture. President George W. Bush said, "He
will be an advocate for farmers, ranchers, and consumers as he works to
open new markets for their products. And he will work with the Congress
to pass a responsible farm bill that will provide a safety net for
farmers and protect our lands and the environment, while at the same
time ensuring federal tax dollars are spent wisely." Schaefer served two
terms as Governor of North Dakota.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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President Bush delivered his final State of the Union address on
Monday. There were a number of items he mentioned in his address that
will impact agriculture. - Veto Tax Increases: The President was
very clear on his pledge to veto any bill that increases taxes. Bush
said, "If any bill raising taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it." This
will have a direct impact on how Congress and the administration reach
an agreement on funding of the farm bill.
- Trade Agreements: He called on Congress to pass the trade agreements
for Colombia, Panama and South Korea. He cited the importance of opening
these markets for U.S. products. President Bush said, "Today, our
economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American
goods and crops and services all over the world. So we're working to
break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We're
working for a successful Doha Round of trade talks, and we must complete
a good agreement this year. At the same time, we're pursuing
opportunities to open new markets by passing free trade agreements."
- Earmarks: Bush threatened to veto appropriation bills if Congress
does not cut in half the number and dollar amount for earmarks.
Next Monday, the administration will present its proposed budget
for fiscal year 2009.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) offers tips for cattle producers
purchasing feed during expensive times.
- Take an inventory of feed needs. Darryl Strohbehn, Iowa
state University beef specialist tells beef producers, "No. 1, when
looking at purchasing feed, they must determine what nutrient they need
the most." For Iowa producers, feed is typically short on energy, as
opposed to protein or other nutrients. IBC recommends looking at the
cost per pound of total digestible nutrients (TDN).
Producers can do this by selecting a feed resource, determining the TDN
level and calculating the cost per pound of TDN. For example, the TDN
level for corn (dry-matter basis) is about 90%, while the TDN level for
hay is about 55%. Factoring in corn costs $4.50/bu., the cost per pound
of TDN is about 10¢. Hay (dry-matter basis) costs $120/ton; the
cost per pound of TDN is about 13¢. Therefore, from a feed energy
perspective, corn would be the more economical feed purchase.
Average TDN levels (100% dry-matter basis) for other common types of
feed are: corn silage, 68%; distillers grains, 100%; corn gluten feed,
83%; soyhulls, 80%.
- Consider transportation costs. Strohbehn said corn (nearing
$5/bu.) would be a better buy than hay because transportation costs are
lower per unit of energy to transport it from the point of purchase to
the farm.
- Feeding to minimize feed waste. Grains and corn co-products
can complement low-quality forage rations very well, Strohbehn said, but
must be fed in an appropriate manner to minimize waste. "While feeding
on the ground can work during times when soil conditions are frozen,
doing it during late-winter and spring thaws will cause considerable
waste," Strohbehn said. "The use of bunks, tires or troughs will quickly
pay for themselves during muddy conditions."
-- Iowa Beef Center news release
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It was gorgeous and sunny Monday morning in Buenos Aires when the
2008 Beef Study Tour of South America pulled into the circular driveway
of Liniers Market, the major livestock trade center of Argentina.
Founded in 1901, about 20% of all cattle marketed in Argentina pass
through this sprawling facility, which claims to be the largest in the
world and is located just 45 minutes from the heart of downtown Buenos
Aires.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Joe Roybal and Clint Peck
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The number of veterinarians available to serve in key public health
positions does not meet demand.
That was the assessment that Ron DeHaven, executive vice president of
the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the former top
vet within USDA, delivered during testimony before the House Energy and
Commerce Committee last week.
DeHaven was stumping for passage of legislation that would create
competitive grants designed to encourage more students to enroll in
veterinary schools and enhance the nation's capacity for research on
diseases that threaten public health and food safety. If passed, the
program would provide federal funding to build more classrooms and
laboratory space at the nation's 28 veterinary colleges.
-- AVMA news release
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The 2008 Mid-South Stocker Conference will be Feb. 12-13 in Lebanon,
TN. The event gets underway with an afternoon tour of area stocker
operations and a presentation by Certified Angus Beef®.
The following day's program includes topics related to successful
stocker operations, including health, risk management and use of
byproducts from ethanol production in stocker operations.
Pre-registration is $95 by Feb. 5; $145 at the door. Registration forms,
hotel info and other material are available at www.midsouthstocker.org.
--Glasgow Daily Times
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Producers looking to brush up on their grazing knowledge are invited
to attend "Politically Incorrect Production-To-Profit Livestock
Seminar," March 29, on the campus of Dordt College, Sioux Center, IA.
The one-day seminar addresses the opportunity that rising grain and
energy prices provides. Speakers include: Kit Pharo, Gary Zimmer, Terry
Gompert and Tom Gould. Pre-registration is $30, due by March 22;
admission at the door is $40. For more info, contact Darrell Geib,
USDA-NRCS coordinator at 712-943-7882 or www.siouxriversrcd.org.
-- Alaina Burt
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