Bryant Announces Resignation from Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association last week announced the resignation of their Executive Vice President Brent Bryant, effective February 28, 2007. Brent has served as the Executive Vice President since September of 2003. Bryant will be assuming the duties as Managing Partner of the Hoop Beef System®, LLC.

Applications for Executive Vice President are now being accepted. Interested persons should contact David Moore at (573) 701-1023 or mail a cover letter and resume to David Moore, 4940 Hillsboro Road, Farmington, MO 63640.

Cattle Industry News

USDA says Canadian BSE Case won't Impact Trade
Late last week, after Canada announced its ninth case of BSE, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a statement that this latest case would not impact trade with Canada. "Regarding the proposed minimal risk rule that specifies additional movement of cattle and beef into the United States, we remain in an open-comment period until March 12, 2007," said Ag Secretary Mike Johanns. Earlier this week, four U.S. Senators issued letters opposed to allowing movement of Canadian cattle born on or after March 1, 1999, as well as meat from older animals. To read more on this, as well as the latest on the Canadian BSE case, go to www.drovers.com.                      - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

New Report Outlines Cow-Calf Management Priorities
The American Angus Association has released results of an independent study titled Priorities First: Identifying management priorities in the commercial cow-calf business. The report's author, Colorado State University animal scientist Tom Field, surveyed over 200 producers and industry specialists. The report outlines how respondents rank the importance of major management categories, with herd nutrition, pasture and range management, herd health, and financial management listed as top priorities. The report also breaks out and prioritizes sub-categories within each management group. For the complete report, go to www.angus.org.                                     - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

House Agriculture Committee Reviews USDA Farm Bill Proposals

The House Agriculture Committee Feb. 14 reviewed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Farm Bill recommendations with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) convened the Agriculture Committee’s first hearing of the 110th Congress and thanked the secretary for the time and consideration that went into the Farm Bill proposal.

“The Committee is receiving Farm Bill input from many sources, including USDA, and I was pleased to see that Secretary Johanns included some good ideas in his proposals, even though there are some areas where we disagree,” Chairman Peterson said. “I intend to make sure that we protect the safety net, while adding new initiatives that will revitalize rural America and help our country achieve energy independence. It is an ambitious agenda, but I am confident that we can do it.”

Ranking Republican member Bob Goodlatte also welcomed the Secretary’s testimony. Goodlatte said the committee engaged in good dialogue with Secretary Johanns and delved into the details of the USDA’s farm bill proposal.

“One of the ideas warranting further investigation is the proposal to convert the current price-based counter-cyclical program to a revenue-based counter-cyclical program. We need to understand exactly how that might work and the implications for farmers and ranchers,” Goodlatte said.

Prior to the hearing, the Committee had a short business meeting to approve the Oversight Plan and staff list. The members unanimously approved both items. Secretary Johanns’ testimony and the Committee Oversight plan are available on the Committee web site at http://agriculture.house.gov.

— release provided by AgPress, courtesy of Angus Publications, Inc.

Policy News from NCBA’s Washington, DC Office

NCBA Begins Prep for Spring Conference - With convention behind us, attention now turns to planning and preparation for NCBA’s Spring Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., March 26-30.  Each year, hundreds of NCBA’s most politically-active members come to Washington for a week of intensive one-on-one meetings with members of Congress and agency officials.  This conference examines in-depth the wide scope of policy issues NCBA works on every day including farm policy, trade, food safety and nutrition, federal lands issues, air and water issues, and tax reform. 

Premises Registration Takes Focus in Animal ID Talks - This week, NCBA met with Bruce Knight, USDA’s under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, Burton Eller, USDA’s deputy under secretary, and other USDA officials to discuss continuing efforts regarding premises registration as part of a National Animal Identification System. 

USDA is reaching out to livestock groups to get their help in promoting premises registration to their producer-members as a necessary next step toward implementing a National Animal Identification System.  “It’s clear that USDA is focused on premises registration and is trying sincerely to work with all the livestock sectors in a slow, deliberate process so producers can best understand how they need to participate,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt. 

USDA’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS) User Guide and updated premises registration materials are available online at: http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais. There is also current premises registration information such as the number of premises registered to date by state.  As of February 12, USDA has registered 359,854 premises.

FYO7 Appropriations Bill Moves to President’s Desk -  The Senate approved February 14 a $463.5 billion appropriations bill to fund all government programs for this fiscal year which ends September 30.  The vote was 81-15.  The bill now goes to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign the measure before the current continuing resolution expires at midnight.

NCBA’s Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Colin Woodall says this continuing resolution is not the most desirable way to handle the appropriations impasse.  “A continuing resolution does not provide for new projects or increased funding of many important research and extension activities that are important to the cattle business,” said Woodall.  “But it was well thought out and will allow us to work even harder to secure funding for fiscal year 2008 that will help the cattle industry.” 

TPA Must Be Reauthorized - Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is set to expire June 30, 2007, unless reauthorized by Congress. NCBA members were leaders in the fight for Congressional passage of TPA in 2001-2002.  With TPA, the President has the authority to efficiently negotiate trade issues while continuing to consult with Congress. Congress then votes on the final agreement as negotiated with no opportunity to amend. Other nations view TPA as necessary before they will seriously deal with U.S. negotiators. 

Before its final passage in 2002, the Executive Branch had not had TPA since 1994, and America’s foreign competitors took advantage in the interim. The rest of the world was moving forward, signing trade deals that excluded the United States. In 2002, there were over 150 preferential trade agreements in the world, and the United States was a party to only three (the European Union was a party to 31 and Mexico was a party to 10). U.S. cattlemen are urging that this not happen again. Increased trade is vital to our ability to grow our businesses and U.S. economic security. The way to break down barriers to U.S. beef is for U.S. negotiators to come to the table fully empowered with TPA.

South Korea Trade Talks at a Standstill for U.S. Beef - The seventh round of talks on the U.S. South Korea free trade agreement (FTA) concluded this week, with no new progress for U.S. beef exports. Negotiators are expected to meet again for the eighth round of talks March 8-12 in Seoul. U.S. cattlemen will NOT support a free trade agreement until the current protectionist ban on U.S. beef is resolved. The South Korean market must be reopened. Korea’s continued refusal to accept shipments of U.S. beef – despite an agreement announced in January 2006 and implemented in September 2006 – has put this FTA in jeopardy. To take advantage of Trade Promotion Authority, which is set to expire June 30, FTA talks must be concluded before the end of March, so negotiators are running out of time to resolve the beef trade dispute.

U.S. Senators Take Stand for U.S. Beef in Senate Dining Room - According to media reports, Montana Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester are protesting an entree of Japanese Kobe beef they recently noticed on the menu in the Senate Dining Room. "We were puzzled that the United States Senate Dining Room featured Japanese beef instead of homegrown Montana beef," said the senators in a letter to the restaurant's general manager.

NCBA and U.S. government officials continue to urge Japan to open its border to U.S. beef from cattle up to 30 months of age.  Currently, Japan currently only accepts shipments of U.S. beef from cattle 20 months of age or younger.  Japanese restaurant groups have urged for more U.S. beef, saying restrictions on U.S. beef exports to Japan have left supplies low and prices high.  Prior to December 2003, Japan was one of the United States’ largest beef export markets valued at over $1.4 billion.

                                                                                    -NCBA

Missouri Cattlemen’s Update

The Missouri Better Beef Seminar Has Been Rescheduled

Marshall— The Missouri Better Beef Seminar has been rescheduled for Friday, March 9th.  Due to inclement weather this past week, the 2nd Annual Missouri Better Beef Seminar had to be postponed.  This Seminar will be held in Marshall at the Saline County Fairgrounds on March 9th.  The seminar is dedicated to improving the consistency and genetics of Missouri cattle that are ultimately fed in our neighboring cattle feeding states such as Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.  The seminar is showcasing some of the beef cattle industry’s top leaders.  Speakers from Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma will descend upon Marshall, speaking about topics such as the national beef quality audit, improving marketability of your cattle, replacement heifers and other topics to meet the demands of the consumers. 

Speakers include: Dr. Brad Morgan of Oklahoma State University, who helped with the 2005 NCBA National Beef Quality Fed Audit, Dr. Patsy Houghton, General Manager and President for Heartland Cattle Company, Mr. Dan Dorn, Customer Recruitment and Cattle Procurement at Decatur County Feedyard—which is one of two feedyards that features a very sophisticated sorting system and last but definitely not least, Mark Harmon, Manager of Joplin Regional Stockyard’s QSA and Value Added Procurement program. 

The cost of the seminar will be $10.00 and will include a meal catered by Smith Food Bank from Slater along with vendors and booths from several companies.   Please register by March 7th to ensure an adequate headcount, however late registration will be accepted at $15.00.  If you are a member of one of the sponsoring cattlemen’s association, please deduct $3.00 from your registration fee.  Registration begins at 9:00, with the program starting promptly at 9:30.  Dr. Rod Geisert, the new Division Head of Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri will welcome you to the seminar and provide an update on the MU Depart of Animal Sciences.

To register for the seminar or questions please contact MU Extension Livestock Specialists; Wendy Flatt at the Howard County Extension Office (660) 248-2272 or David Hoffman at the Cass County Extension Office (816) 380-8460.  We of course want to thank our sponsors the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association; Clay, Howard, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline County Cattlemen’s; Deem’s Farm Equipment, Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, Elanco, Cass County SWCD, Saline Co. SWCD, MFA, Ralco Nutrition, Select Sires/KABA, MO Beef Industry Council, FCS Financial Services, Joplin Regional Stockyards, Heartland Cattle Company, Decatur County Feedyard, and the West Central Show-Me-Select Heifer Association.

                                                                        - University of Missouri Extension

Topics Announced For Monett Beef Conference

The 38^th Annual Monett Beef Cattlemen’s Conference will be held March 6 at the Monett National Guard Armory according to Eldon Cole, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist.  The event open with registration and trade show exhibits at 3:30 p.m.

Topics on this year’s program deal with policy issues facing the beef industry more than on production practices.  Leading off at 4 p.m., Dr. Ron Plain, University of Missouri state extension livestock marketing specialist looks at the feeder cattle outlook with $4 a bushel corn prices.

Following that Joe Horner, an economist with University of Missouri Extension digs into the economics of ethanol production and ramifications of this growing industry.

Merrel Breyer, president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association from Richland will discuss political issues of the state and national association’s.  Following his comments attendees will feast on the famous Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s blended chili.  Members contribute around 25 gallons of chili that was made by that many cooks.  Once at the armory the chili is blended together with some added spices to form an excellent meal.

After supper the program begins at 7 p.m. with Dr. Rod Geisert, director of the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri looking into the future with technology ideas that competitive cattlemen will want to try.

Concluding the program will be Bob Broz, state water quality specialist for University of Missouri Extension.  Bob’s topic title is Paying the Price of Growth - Water Quantity and Quality.

Cole says the program is a cooperative effort of the Monett Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, trade show exhibitors and University of Missouri Extension.  The goal is to keep area cattle producers abreast of issues and new ideas that will help in their attempts to produce a high quality beef product that is profitable for them.  There is no charge and advance registration isn’t required.  More details may be available at 417-466-3102.

                                                            - University of Missouri Extension

County Associations Encouraged to Create a Beef Promotion; Win Free Burgers

MBIC has got about 250 pre-cooked frozen hamburger patties, donated by Advance Foods, Fast Fixin's Corporation.  Normally, we're not into promoting "free meals"- but they were donated and we need the freezer space! 

Entries will be accepted until March 1, 2007.  The winner will be announced by Close of Business on March 2nd.  The best beef promotion using these pre-cooked, frozen patties will win the burgers.  The winner must pick them up before the end of March.

To enter, send the details of your beef promotion (in 500 words or less) to Dawn Thurnau at dawn@mobeef.com or fax it to: 573-817-0899.  Please be sure to include who your target audience is, what beef message you'll be sharing and how you'll give away or sell the burgers (if selling the burgers, please specify who will benefit from the proceeds)              - MBIC

Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen to Host Cattlemen’s Banquet

Banquet to raise money for local scholarships

Members of the Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association are raising money for local scholarships and are offering a tasty way for people to help add to the scholarship fund.  The association is hosting a Cattlemen’s Banquet on February 17, 2007 at the American Legion building in Palmyra.  The banquet will feature a complete steak dinner for only $15 per person.   

The evening will begin with a social hour and trade show at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. In addition to a great meal, a silent auction will be open throughout the evening and a live auction will take place after dinner.  Recipients of the 2007 Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association scholarships will also be honored during the banquet.

 “The Cattlemen’s Banquet is an opportunity for cattle producers and friends of the industry to enjoy an evening of great food, fun, and fellowship - all while supporting a local scholarship program,” said Steve Disselhorst, president of the Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association. “We encourage everyone in the area to attend, regardless of their involvement in the cattle industry,” Disselhorst continued. 

Money raised at the banquet will help fund scholarships for local students with an interest in agriculture. Students may apply for the local scholarships by completing an application for the Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation (MCF) scholarship program. The local scholarships offered by Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen are in addition to the twenty $1,000 scholarships awarded by MCF. Applications for next year’s scholarships will be available in June from county cattlemen’s associations, extension offices, and FFA advisors; applications are due September 30, 2007.

Spring Forage Conference set for March 1 in Springfield

The 23rd annual Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference will be Thursday, March 1, 2007 at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield. Each year this conference attracts an increasing number of people interested in learning more about management strategies for forages and livestock.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Garry Lacefield.  Garry has been a University of Kentucky Extension Forage Specialist since 1974.  He provides statewide leadership in forage management, production, and utilization.  Dr. Lacefield is well known throughout the country and the world for his extensive knowledge of managing forages, as evident in the number of awards, publications, articles, and lectures.  His topic for the noon luncheon is called “Forage Improvement: Results Require Investment”. 

The conference will also feature several breakout sessions both in the morning and the afternoon. Topics will include: native warm-season grass pasture, weed and brush control, forage fertility alternatives, New Zealand grazing concepts, weather outlook, herd health, alternative marketing, planning your grazing system, urban and rural interface, low stress weaning techniques, and dung beetles.  There will be a question-and-answer session with Dr Lacefield in the afternoon.  More than 30 companies and organizations will have exhibits, and will have representatives available to discuss their products and services.

Conference registration begins at 8 a.m., with sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The cost is $25 per person in advance or $35 at the door. A catered meal is included.  To pre-register (by February 22nd) or to get more information, contact the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District at (417) 831-5246, extension 3.  Conference information and a registration form are also available on the Internet at http://agebb.missouri.edu/sfc.

Calendar of Events

Feb. 17             Lewis-Marion County Cattlemen – American Legion Bldg., Palmyra, 5:00 p.m.

Feb. 20             Cass-Jackson Cattlemen – Elks Lodge, Harrisonville, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 24             Macon County Cattlemen – Macon Co. Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 24             Lafayette County Cattlemen – American Legion Hall, Higginsville, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 26             Clark County Cattlemen – Holtkamp Restaurant, Kahoka, 6:30 p.m.

March 3            St. Charles County Cattlemen – Wright City Lion’s Club, 6:30 p.m.

March 15           Mid Missouri Cattlemen – Miller County Regional Stockyards, 6:30 p.m.

March 17           Warren County Cattlemen – Holy Rosary Activity Center, Warrenton, 7:00 p.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.    

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