Cattlemen Outline Priorities for 2007 Farm Bill
NCBA President Mike John Testifies at House Ag Committee Hearing
The 2007 Farm Bill must include policies that promote a competitive and free market system, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Mike John, Missouri cattle producer and NCBA president, testified yesterday, September 20, before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee at a hearing on future agriculture policy and the 2007 Farm Bill.
“It is not in the nation’s farmers’ or ranchers’ best interest for the government to implement policy that sets prices, underwrites inefficient production, or manipulates domestic supply, demand, cost, or price,” said John.
A producer-driven organization, NCBA relies on the directives of its membership of over 25,000 cattle producers and 64 affiliate organizations to establish how to proceed in setting Farm Bill policy. NCBA members have identified “guiding principles” for the 2007 Farm Bill. Under these principles, NCBA’s priorities are to:
Areas where government and industry can work together to achieve mutual goals include conservation and environmental stewardship. “Programs such as EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) are extremely popular with cattlemen, and we hope to see this type of cost share program expand to include more producers,” said John. “Cost share and working land programs serve to protect both the environment and the taxpayers’ money.”
John also thanked the committee for its support on many recent and current trade issues. “To grow our business, we have to look outside of the U.S. borders to find 96 percent of the world’s consumers. We encourage the Committee’s continued strong and vigilant oversight of the enforcement of any trade pact to which American agriculture is a party.” Furthermore, John said, cattlemen strongly support the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program, which help expand opportunities for U.S. beef.
As Congress looks at reauthorizing the Farm Bill, many programs important to cattlemen – such as those in the areas of conservation, trade, marketing, research, energy production, property rights, tax policy and animal identification - are all being evaluated.
“America’s cattlemen are proud and independent, and we just want the opportunity to run our ranches the best we can to provide a high quality product to the American consumer,” said John. “Even more importantly, we want to provide for our families and preserve our way of life.” - NCBA
USDA Extends Emergency Grazing Provisions in 30 States
Missouri CRP Grazing Extended to November 10
The
Agriculture Department has extended the window for emergency livestock grazing
on Conservation Reserve Program acres for farmers and ranchers impacted by
drought in 30 states.
The 30 eligible states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida,
Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North
Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee,
Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The traditional deadline for emergency grazing on CRP acres is Sept. 30. State
FSA committees and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service state technical
committees must agree on the need for the emergency grazing extensions before
they are finalized. Once approved, producers in the 30 states may graze on CRP
land until the following dates:
Oct. 20: Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota
and Wisconsin
Nov. 10: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Missouri, Nevada, Utah
and Wyoming
Nov. 30: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi,
New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
- Ann Bagel for
Meatingplace.com
Pork Giants
Announce Merger
Smithfield Foods
Inc. and Premium Standard Farms Inc. announced this week that their boards of
directors have unanimously approved an agreement under which Smithfield will
acquire all of the outstanding shares of PSF through a merger. With sales of $11
billion, Smithfield is the leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and
processed meats in the United States, as well as the largest producer of hogs.
PSF is the nation's second-largest pork producer and sixth-largest pork
processor, with approximately 4,300 employees working at farms and processing
facilities in Missouri, North Carolina and Texas.
- Drover’s Alert by Drover’s
Journal
Cattle-Fax Market Update
Yesterday (September 20) – Fed cattle trade was quiet with continued light packer inquiry. Asking prices remain at $91 to $92 live and $143 to $144 dressed, while bids were noted up to $86 live and $136 in the beef. Cattle futures prices were lower across the board with October live cattle down $1.07 at $89.05 and December down $1.42 at $88.85. The combination of lower live cattle futures and feeder cattle auction prices early this week as well as higher corn prices have pressured feeder futures lower. September feeder cattle futures declined $1.17 at $116.02 and October fell $1.47 at $113.87. The CME Feeder Cattle Index on September 19th was $0.31 lower at $118.19 and remains premium to the spot feeder cattle futures contract. Boxed beef cut-out values were sharply lower, but may have reached a clearing price with active movement of over 600 loads on the day. Choice was $2.17 lower at $141.94 and Select was $1.62 lower at $132.41. Corn futures ended mixed with the largest gains of the day in the December contract, up 2 1/2 cents to close at $2.49.
Last Week – Fed cattle traded lower this week with live prices mostly $88 to $89, down $2 to $3 from last week on moderate volume. Trade on a dressed basis was $3 to $4 lower at $137 to $140. The feeder cattle market was higher to start the week, but faltered towards the end of the week with prices ending mixed from $2 higher to $2 lower. Calf prices were mostly steady to $2 higher with instances of $2 lower. Slaughter cow prices were steady to $2 lower. Despite last week’s reduced production, boxed beef values were lower on light to moderate movement and heavy offerings. The Choice cut-out fell $2.39 at $145.98 and Select was down $1.64 at $136.48 through Thursday.
-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Update
Stolen Cattle Recovered
Captain
Luke Vislay, Director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces as a
result of the ongoing cattle theft investigation nearly 100 head of stolen
cattle have been recovered during the past week. The Governor's Cattle Theft
Task Force, which includes investigators from the Missouri Water Patrol and the
Missouri State Highway Patrol, along with the Cooper, Miller and Pulaski County
Sheriff's Departments have worked continuously on this investigation since it
began in early May of 2006.
Anthony A. Smith was arrested on Sept. 11, in connection with this investigation
and has now been implicated in thefts occurring in Miller and Cooper Counties.
Additional charges will be filed in Phelps County as well for other stealing
related crimes. Smith a 34-year-old white male resides in Phelps County where
the cattle have been recovered. The estimated value of these animals is
approximately $100,000. Steps to identify additional victims are being conducted
as the investigation continues.
“We
must ensure the integrity of Missouri's agriculture community is kept intact,”
stated Captain Vislay. Protecting our farmers from needless acts of thefts is
essential for the state of Missouri and its
law enforcement community. I ask anyone with information or knowledge relating
to thefts of livestock to contact their local police department, sheriff's
office or call the toll free Cattle Theft Hotline Number at
1-866-362-6422.”
- Boonville Daily News
Blunt Requests Disaster Declaration for Counties Battling Drought
Gov. Matt Blunt last week sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns requesting 96 Missouri counties be declared natural disaster areas for agricultural loss due to drought.
“The effects of this drought are taking a serious toll on Missouri farm families and communities,” Blunt said. “Though we cannot eliminate the drought’s effects, a disaster declaration will give Missourians access to all available resources as they work to recover from yet another season of reduced crop yields, scorched pastures, and dry ponds.”
Based on crop damage assessment reports finalized by the USDA Farm Service Agency, Blunt requested a natural disaster area be declared in Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Carter, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, DeKalb, Dent, Douglas, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Iron, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, McDonald, Madison, Maries, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Nodaway, Osage, Ozark, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Reynolds, St. Charles, St. Clair, St.
Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Webster, Worth, and Wright Counties.
Blunt requested the disaster declaration to ensure Missouri’s drought stricken counties have access to federal assistance to help with income loss associated with drought conditions.
- The office of Governor Matt Blunt
Agricultural Scholarships Available; Deadlines Rapidly Approaching
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.
National Cattlemen’s Foundation/Chicago Mercantile Exchange Scholarships
Applications are being accepted for the 2007 Beef Industry Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). All entries must be postmarked by October 10, 2006.
Twenty scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to young people pursuing careers in the beef industry. The program welcomes applications from talented and thoughtful students who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the beef industry, either through classes, internships or life experience. Graduating high school seniors or full-time undergraduate students enrolled at a two-year or four-year college for the 2006-2007 academic school year are encouraged to apply.
Applications must include a 750-word essay that identifies a key issue confronting the beef industry and suggests a solution. Applicants must also submit a letter expressing future career goals, and two letters of recommendation. A full description the scholarship program and submission requirements can be found at the National Cattlemen’s Foundation website: www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx , or by calling 303-850-3388.
In addition to a scholarship, the first-place winner will receive airfare and lodging to attend the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn., January 31 – February 3, 2007.
The Beef Industry Scholarship Program is a cooperative effort of the CME and NCF that was launched in 1989 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Live Cattle Futures Contract on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The CME has been a leader in the live cattle market since 1964, and the Beef Industry Scholarship Program exemplifies CME’s commitment to the beef industry.
Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarships
The Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarship applications are available on line at www.mostatefair.com. Applications must be postmarked by October 15. The scholarships are available to FFA and 4-H high school seniors who have exhibited at the Missouri State Fair.
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
Congressman Blunt Introduces Bill to Open Interstate Markets to State Inspected Meats
Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt with 13 original cosponsors today introduced the “New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2006” (H.R. 6130), which would give local meat processors that pass state inspections equal footing with interstate and international meat suppliers. Under H.R. 6130, meats that include beef, pork, poultry and lamb approved by state inspection agencies in 28 states could be sold in every state.
“The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has agreed that state inspection programs are ‘at least equal to’ federal inspections, but a 40 year-old law is keeping state-inspected meat from being marketed across state lines,” Congressman Blunt said. “I can’t find a good reason—scientific or political--for this law. That is why I want to change it. If we want to open markets for agriculture products, we ought to start at home.”
Blunt added “There are 2,000 state-inspected meat processors—31 of them in Missouri--that are prevented from competing in the national marketplace. Yet, 30 foreign meat producing countries can sell their meats freely across the nation. Our locally produced, state-inspected meats are just as safe. In fairness, this measure will promote the local livestock sector of agriculture without compromising food safety that consumers demand.”
The same federal law that restricts interstate shipment of state-inspected beef, lamb, pork, goat and poultry now allows interstate shipments of state-inspected bison, venison, pheasant, rabbit and quail to every state.
The 28 state-run inspection programs receive half of their funding from the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) and must demonstrate that its system is equivalent to federal inspection. Even so, state inspected establishments do not receive the USDA stamp that allows them to market their beef, poultry, pork, goat and lamb products outside their home state.
- The office of Congressman Roy Blunt
Beef Producers Invited to Tailgate at Mizzou Football Games
Looking for tickets to the Zimmer Radio Group’s Tailgate for Mizzou Football? FREE pre-game food and drink is a sure hit! We have 50 tickets reserved for beef producers- and are giving away tickets for consumers on the website www.mobeef.org. If you’re interested in having some tailgate tickets (sorry, none for the actual game), please contact Dawn Thurnau at MBIC at dawn@mobeef.com or 573-817-0899 ext. 223. - MBIC
Mizzou Football and MCA Team Up for Outstanding Ticket Discounts
Tickets Available for Games against 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 upcoming games at Faurot Field on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.
The games will feature the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday, September 23rd and Big 12 rival Kansas on Saturday, November 25th.
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 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”
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.
Missouri Ethanol to Celebrate Grand Opening Monday
Public Invited to Tour New Facility near Laddonia
Exactly 365 days from when the dirt started moving, Missouri Ethanol, LLC is ready to celebrate its grand opening! Missouri farmers and area residents are invited to celebrate when Missouri’s fourth ethanol plant begins production on Monday, September 25 at the plant site near Laddonia.
The event will begin with public tours of the facility at 9:30 a.m. followed by a fly-over from the Vanguard Squadron (the world’s only 100 percent ethanol-powered aerobatic fleet), at 10:45 a.m. The speaking program will begin at 11 a.m. with lunch being served at noon. The 60-minute program will feature several speakers, including U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent, U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof, Missouri State Senator John Cauthorn, Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton, Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO Gary Marshall and Broin Companies CEO and President Jeff Broin. Public tours will resume from 1-3:30 p.m. Tour participants will not be allowed to use cameras, cell phones or video equipment while inside the plant.
Various public parking locations around Laddonia have been established: Odd Fellows Lodge; Laddonia Ballpark; Laddonia City Park; near Casey’s Convenience Store along highway 54/19 and on the corner of 1st Street and East Pine. Buses will run continuously to and from each location throughout the day. Public parking will not be allowed at the plant site. - Missouri Corn Grower’s Association
Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association plans Chili Cook-off
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
Calendar of Events
Sept. 21 Henry County Cattlemen – Artesian Park Shelter #2, Clinton, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 Johnson County Cattlemen – Johnson County Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 Morgan County Cattlemen – Mead Angus Farm, Versailles, 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 21 Greene County Cattlemen – Golden Corral North, Springfield, 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 23 MJCA Board of Directors Meeting – MCA Office, 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 25 Benton County Cattlemen – Lincoln High School, 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 27 MCA Board of Directors Meeting – MCA Office, Columbia, 10:00 a.m.
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.