Senator Talent Announces $4 Million in Drought Assistance for Missouri Farmers

U.S. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be sending $4,000,000 in drought disaster assistance to Missouri to help farmers and ranchers cope with this year’s drought. 

 

 “For many years, producers in Missouri have suffered from consecutive droughts.  While this is difficult for all sectors of the agriculture industry, our livestock producers have been hit the hardest.  I am pleased that Missouri will be receiving this assistance and I thank Secretary Johanns for releasing this much needed funding,” said Sen. Talent.  “Additionally, I support a $4 billion agriculture disaster assistance package included in the Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill and I’m hopeful we will be able to maintain the funds in the final package.”

 

 Missouri counties receiving $430,000 in Emergency Conservation Program assistance funding include: Cedar, Cole, Miller, Morgan, St. Clair, Henry and Johnson.  Christian County will receive $70,000 for tornado related damage.  The funds will be used for existing requests and producers with unfunded contracts should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.  

 

 Missouri will also receive $2.5 million for the Livestock Assistance Grant Program.  The state will distribute the funds to livestock producers in counties that were designated as D3 or D4 on the Drought Monitor anytime between March 7 and August 31, 2006.  The grants will help livestock producers restore their purchasing power as the price of hay has increased significantly.  A list of eligibility criteria and eligible counties can be found at www.usda.gov by clicking on the drought spotlight.

 

 Additionally, Missouri will get $1 million for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) to be directed at pending applications in drought areas.  The GRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property.  The program creates valuable grasslands and helps maintain viable ranching operations.

 

 The drought threatens to do considerable damage to Missouri’s economy.  Livestock producers have been devastated, and some are being forced to sell their animals.  Nearly 75 percent of the pastures in the state are in poor or very poor condition.  Missouri has nearly 68,000 farms with beef or dairy cattle and is the second leading state in the nation in the number of beef cows with over 2 million.

 

Cattle Industry News

 

Cattlemen:  USDA Drought Program A Positive Step Forward
  Livestock Assistance Grant Program Will Provide $50 Million for Drought Relief

Rancher-members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) say funding announced this week by USDA to aid farmers and ranchers is a good start toward providing much-needed disaster and drought relief. 

 

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said USDA will make available $780 million in assistance to help farmers and ranchers manage drought and other weather-related production challenges.  Johanns announced a new $50 million program for livestock producers – the Livestock Assistance Grant Program – which will provide funds to states in block grant form.

 

"For those struggling to cope with drought conditions, today’s announcement is a good sign that our nation’s policymakers are sensitive to the challenges being faced by our ag producers,” says NCBA’s Manager of Legislative Affairs Jason Jordan.  “NCBA has been communicating for some time the importance of these issues to our leaders in Washington, and more and more we are seeing them working to help cattle producers cope with the difficulties cattlemen are facing out on the land every day.”

 

States will distribute grants to livestock producers in counties that were designated as D3 or D4 on the Drought Monitor anytime between March 7 and August 31, 2006. A list of eligibility criteria and eligible counties can be found at http://www.usda.gov by clicking on the Drought Spotlight.    - NCBA

 

Tyson to Close Beef Plant

Tyson Foods, Inc has announced that it will combine two of its beef plants in the pacific Northwest as part of its plan to "operate its fresh meats business more efficiently." Tyson Fresh meats’ Boise, ID plant will permanently close its doors, and the subsidiary of Tyson Foods will also cut back processing operations to one slaughter shift in its Pasco, WA plant beginning October 16 due to it no longer receiving carcasses from the Boise plant.                             - MBIC Weekly Update

 

American Hereford Association Annual Meeting Scheduled for Oct. 23

The 2006 American Hereford Association Annual Meeting will be at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., at 9 a.m. on Oct. 23. You can make reservations at the Westin Crown Center Hotel by calling (816) 474-4400 or (888) 627-8538. The rate is $113/night.

 

Cutoff date is Sept. 30. All reservations must be made on or before this date. Ask for the “Hereford Association” room block when making reservations. The purpose of this meeting is to elect new directors, hear special reports and conduct Association business. Look for the complete schedule and meeting information in the October issue of Hereford World.

 

Cattle-Fax Market Update

Yesterday (August 30) - Live cattle futures ended the day higher across the board with August up $0.47 at $89.87 and October up $0.40 at $92.92 with some contracts setting new contract highs.  Feeder cattle futures were mixed at the close with the front months lower and the back months in positive territory. August feeder cattle lost $0.07 to close at $117.10 and September was $0.02 lower at $116.85.  Grain prices added to negative price pressure for feeder cattle with corn futures up $0.05-0.06 for the day.  Fed cattle trade failed to develop, but packer inquiry did improve with bids noted in the South up to $86 live.  Asking prices remain at $90 to $91 live and $144 in the beef.  Trade could possibly develop on Thursday.  Boxed beef values were lower with Choice down $0.46 at $145.47 and select down $0.71 at $135.76 on active movement of 478 loads.

 

Last Week - $87 to $88.50 live. Values in the South were $2 to $2.50 higher and trade in the North was $1.50 to $2 higher. The bulk of the dressed trade occurred at $136 to $138.50. Although incomplete at press time, trade volume is expected to active. Feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 higher while calf prices were steady to $2 higher. Market cow prices were mostly steady, but as much as $2 lower in the Southeast region. Cutout values were lower with Choice down $4.68 at $146.40 and Select down $3.94 at $136.11 on light to moderate volume through Thursday.

-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525

 

Missouri Cattlemen’s Update

 

Beef Industry Scholarships Available; Deadlines this Month

Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation Scholarships   

The Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation is again offering $1,000 to high school seniors and current college students.   Last year 20 scholarships were awarded.  Applicants must be nominated by a current Missouri Cattlemen’s Association member.  Previous recipients are ineligible to re-apply.

 

Applications are available from each Missouri Extension office and FFA chapter; most state colleges and universities; county cattlemen’s association presidents and state directors; or the MCF office. Applications must be in the MCF office or postmarked by September 30 to qualify.

 The application is also available for computer completion at:

http://mocattle.com/MCF/foundationscholarship.htm. 

 

Hereford Youth Foundation of America Memorial Scholarships

Applications for the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) Memorial scholarships are due Sept. 15. Four $1,250 scholarships and two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to members of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) to assist in financing their college education. These scholarships are made possible to NJHA members by Bill and Jo Ellard, EE Ranches Inc.; Bob and Dolores Call, CBY Polled Herefords; Foundation Female Donors; and through contributions to the HYFA.

The Gary Bishop Memorial Scholarship applications are also due Sept. 15. Two $1,000 scholarships are available to NJHA members. For more information, contact Chris Stephens at (816) 842-3757.

Download HYFA scholarship application (Word)

Download Gary Bishop Memorial Scholarship application (Word)

-          American Hereford Association 

Beef Producers Invited to Tailgate at Mizzou Football Games

As part of the Missouri Beef Industry Council’s sponsorship for the Zimmer Radio Group tailgate tent, tailgate passes are available for each MU home game.  The tailgate pass will get you into the Zimmer Tent between Hearnes Center and Faurot Field, which has FREE pre-game food and drink.

 

We have reserved 50 tailgate tickets (sorry, no game tickets) for use by beef producers.  Simply contact Dawn Thurnau at the Beef Council (573-817-0899 ext. 223 or dawn@mobeef.com) with the game day(s) and number of tickets you need and she'll get them to you.  There are still tailgate tickets for this Saturday's game against Murray State! Please, limit your selections to no more than 6 tailgate tickets per game.                                                     - Missouri Beef Industry Council

 

Mizzou Football and MCA Team Up for Outstanding Ticket Discounts

Tickets Available for Games against Ole Miss, Ohio, and Kansas

The Mizzou football team is set to build on its 2005 Independence Bowl Championship and Missouri Cattlemen’s Association members are invited to join in the fun!

 

The Tigers are teaming up with the MCA to offer significant savings off select regular ticket prices. Members can take advantage of big discounts, for three upcoming games at Faurot Field on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.

 

The games will feature the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, September 9th, the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday, September 23rd and Big 12 rival Kansas on Saturday, November 25th.

 

MCA members can purchase tickets to the Mississippi game for just $30 each. Tickets to the Ohio game are only $20. And you can witness the annual Border Showdown with Kansas for just $35 (a savings of $10 per ticket for each game).

 

There is no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for each game (subject to availability). For more information or to order by phone call 1-800-CAT PAWS and ask for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association promotional offer.

 

This special discount offer is also available online! Simply visit www.mutigers.com and follow these instructions (internet fees apply);

1.                   click “Tickets”, located on left hand side

2.                   click “Buy Tickets Now”

3.                   click “Promotions”, located on left hand side

4.                   enter “MCA” as the promotion code and select “go”

5.                    

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association promotional tickets MUST be purchased in advance of the game date. Tickets will be mailed until 10 days prior to the game date. All orders received inside of 10 days prior to the game will be placed at the Will Call ticket window at Faurot Field in Columbia.  

 

Beef Field Day scheduled for October 7 at MU South Farm

A full day of beef research results and farm demonstrations will be offered Saturday, Oct. 7, at the University of Missouri South Farm.

 

"We will show an array of beef research and extension programs conducted at the farm," said Bob Weaber, MU Extension geneticist. "We have timely information on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, management and genetics for beef producers."

 

Speakers will discuss ethanol byproduct feeds, animal identification, beef sire selection, and the value of genetic, source and process verification.

 

Luncheon talks will include a cattle market update by Ron Plain, MU Extension economist. Mike John, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, will give an update on beef industry issues. Fred Ferrell, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has been invited to discuss the importance of beef in the Missouri economy.

 

"The farm has recent upgrades and renovations to support the educational programs," said Phillip Brooks, South Farm manager. "This is the first field day in many years to be held at the farm."

 

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., the practical demonstrations begin. Free lunch will be served at noon; advance registration for the meal is required. Register by calling Judy Burton at 573-882-7327.

Speeches in the main tent begin at 9:30 a.m. Those will be repeated in the afternoon starting at 2 p.m. The program ends at 4:30 p.m.

 

The talks include: "Use of Dried Distillers Grain Solubles for Cow-Calf Herds and Backgrounding," by Jim Williams, MU researcher; "Missouri Perspective on animal ID," by Taylor Woods, assistant state veterinarian; "Tools and Tips for Beef Sire Selection," by Bob Weaber; "Value of Genetic, Source and Process Verification," by Kent Haden, head of the livestock division of MFA, Inc.

 

Demonstrations include artificial insemination, nutrition, management and genetic technologies.

Beef exhibits and equipment displays from the ag industry will be open for viewing throughout the day. There will be a farm animal exhibit area and other activities for children.

 

Pasture walks will showcase renovated and newly re-fenced grazing paddocks. MU livestock specialists will be available for answering questions in addition to the Q&A sessions after each talk. The MU farm is located 2.6 miles south of the AC exit on Highway 63. It is on Old Millers Road, behind the KOMU-TV tower.                                                                                                            - University of Missouri

 

Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association plans Feedlot Tour, Chili Cook-off

Feedlot tour - In view of the successful feedlot and packing plant tour the Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association enjoyed in March, and by popular request, we have scheduled a 3-day, 2-night trip to Iowa on September 21-23. September 21 we will tour a feedlot located in Macona, Iowa and a Packing House on the 22nd with a cattleman’s dinner that evening.  We plan on leaving the Miller County Regional Stockyards at 6:00 a.m. September 21 and will return on the 23rd.  We would be happy to have any fellow Cattlemen join us.  For reservations or questions, please phone (573) 392-5572 or (573) 636-6700.

 

Chili Cook-off - On October 21, the Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association will host a Men’s Chili Cook-Off.  The event will be held at the Miller County Regional Stockyards, with serving from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teams or individuals are welcome. Registration must be made by calling the Stockyards at (573) 392-5572. Entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded. A meal and meeting will follow.

 

Girls, dust off those cook books - you are invited to bring any baked goods to sell during the cook-off.  The winner of the Browning Shotgun raffle will be drawn after the meal; tickets will be available up to the time of drawing from any board member or at the Stockyards.

- Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

 

More Flexible Fuel Vehicles Available in 2007

Ethanol is on the move and consumers will have an even greater opportunity to purchase a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) with 12 new models on the market soon. DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes Benz and Nissan are the five automakers selling new E85 compatible FFVs. DaimlerChrysler’s 2007 list includes the Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Dakota. General Motors will offer the Chevy Express, GMC Savana, Chevy Uplander, Pontiac Montana, Saturn Relay and Buick Terraza as FFVs. Ford’s list includes the Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-150 and Lincoln Town Car. The Mercedes Benz C230 Sedan and Nissan Armada will also be E85 compatible in 2007. With these new additions, the total number of flex-fuel vehicles (which can utilize 85% ethanol or regular unleaded gasoline) climbs to 31. Be sure to stay tuned for any additional FFV model announcements. 

 -  Missouri Corn Growers

 

Calendar of Events

Aug. 31             Texas County Cattlemen – Mt. Grove YMCA, 6:00 p.m.

Aug. 31             Boone County Cattlemen – MU Beef Farm, south of Columbia, 6:00 p.m.

Sept. 5              Southwest Cattlemen – Southwest Research Center, Mt. Vernon, 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 5              Texas County Cattlemen – Houston Fairgrounds, 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 6              Beef House Clean-Up Day – MCA Beef House, Sedalia, 10:00 a.m.

Sept. 11            Sullivan County Cattlemen – Harris Fire Station, Harris, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11            Macon County Cattlemen – Lolli Livestock Market, Macon, 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 21            Henry County Cattlemen – Artesian Park Shelter #2, Clinton, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 21-23       Mid-Missouri Cattlemen’s Feedlot Tour to Iowa

For more cattle industry events, visit www.mocattle.com/calendar.htm

 

The Fine Print

This newsletter is a publication of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. All rights reserved – this newsletter may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without permission of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Did someone forward this message to you? To subscribe yourself, send an email to cattleinfo@mocattle.com. 

 

Do you have questions, comments or suggestions?

Would you like to advertise in our newsletter? 

If so, please contact McKenzie Disselhorst at (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com.