Support the Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act February 28

Cattle Producers Should Meet in 3^rd Floor Rotunda of Capitol at 3:00 p.m.

The most important piece of legislation for Missouri agriculture in 2007 - The Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act – will be heard by the senate next Wednesday, February 28, 2007. Cattle producers are encouraged to meet at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday in the third floor rotunda of the State Capitol. Legislative visits will begin at 3:00 p.m., with the hearing of Senate Bill 364 - The Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act – to follow at approximately 6:00 p.m.

The Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act is MCA’s primary legislative priority for 2007. Participation by cattle producers will be vital in passing this legislation. MCA is a member of the Coalition for Missouri Farm & Food Preservation. For more information on the coalition and the legislation, visit http://www.farmandfoodpreservation.org/. For more information on Wednesday’s legislative visits and hearing, call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162.

Cattle Industry News

USDA Outlook Mixed for Beef Producers
USDA released its 10-year agricultural outlook last week, projecting increased demand for biofuels and expanding corn production through 2016. The report predicts corn prices will average $3.50 per bushel in 2007-08, but decline to $3.30 by 2016 as production increases. In the livestock sector, USDA expects meat and poultry production to decline over the next few years in response to higher input costs. But as the industry adjusts, domestic demand and growth in exports will drive meat prices higher and encourage expanded production in the longer term. The report notes that domestic and export demand for consistent, high-quality beef continues to grow, and raises a question of how increased use of distillers' grains in rations will affect beef quality. For the full report, follow this link.

                                                                        - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

USDA Works With Cattlemen on NAIS

NCBA officials met with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss continuing efforts regarding premises registration as part of a National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

According to NCBA, 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 the NAIS. “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. 

The NAIS User Guide and updated premises registration materials are available online at http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais.                                     - Angus e-Alert/API

American Cowman Launches Community Blog

BEEF magazine's www.americancowman.com has launched a community blog. Visit the site to exchange ideas with other family farm-based beef producers about current industry topics. We want to hear what issues you view as the biggest challenge facing cattlemen with herds up to 100 head -- and how you're addressing them. You can also share your success stories on how you market your cattle, what you've done to make your operation more efficient and profitable, or simply what you enjoy most about rural life.

In addition, the latest edition of American Cowman Update is now available. This free, twice-monthly electronic newsletter offers timely news, and production and management strategies. The latest issue includes articles on the use of dried distiller's grains, the surge in farmers markets, bovine viral diarrhea, and some country humor. Read it at www.americancowman.com or sign up for regular home delivery.

                                                            - Beef Cow-Calf Weekly

Missouri Cattlemen’s Update

Summer Internship Opportunity

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is seeking an intern for a full-time, 12-week summer position, starting mid-May 2007.

The internship will provide the opportunity to gain experience within the following areas: junior programs, membership, county affiliate programs, producer communications, the Missouri Beef House, and event planning.

Intern candidates should have a strong interest in the Missouri Cattle Industry.  Majors which would best fit the internship include Animal Science, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Business or Economics, and Agricultural Journalism or Communications, but consideration will be given to students with other majors who are interested in the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.  The intern must be available to work full-time during the Missouri State Fair, August 9-19, 2007.   

If you are interested in an internship with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, please contact McKenzie Disselhorst by phone at (573) 499-9162 or by e-mail at mckenzie@mocattle.com.  To apply, please send a resume to:

                        Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

                        Attn: McKenzie Disselhorst

                        2306 Bluff Creek Drive

                        Columbia, MO 65201

The deadline for applications is March 16, 2007. 

Blunt Announces Director of Missouri State Fair

Gov. Matt Blunt announced today that a new director has been named for the Missouri State Fair. Marion Lucas has been named to the director’s position. Mr. Lucas previously served as director of Missouri’s State Fair from 1981 to 1986.

“We are honored to have Marion return to the position as director of the Missouri State Fair,” Blunt said. “His commitment to the state of Missouri and carrying on the traditions of the State Fair are apparent with his return.”

After leaving the Missouri State Fair in 1986, Mr. Lucas began serving as the Iowa State Fair manager and CEO from 1986 until his retirement in 2002.

Lucas’ first day at the Missouri State Fair will be April 1, 2007. Michael Riley currently remains in the interim director’s position until that time.

The director of the Missouri State Fair is appointed by the Missouri State Fair Commission. The Commission is appointed by Blunt. For more information regarding the Missouri State Fair, visit www.mostatefair.com.                            - The office of Governor Matt Blunt

Missourian Serves on Beef Promotion Operating Committee

The Beef Promotion Operating Committee was created by the Beef Promotion Research Act to help coordinate state and national Beef Checkoff Programs. The 20-person committee includes 10 members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, among them the Board’s three officers and seven others elected directly by Beef Board members.

CBB members elected to the 2007 Beef Promotion Operating Committee during the annual meeting in Denver include: Chairman Ken Stielow of Kansas; vice Chairman Dave Bateman of Illinois; Secretary/Treasurer Neil Kayser of Washington; Jack Cowley of California; Carl Crabtree of Idaho; Dan Dierschke of Texas; Glenn Eberly of Pennsylvania; Merrill Karlen of South Dakota; Don Steward, importer; and Lucinda Williams, Northeast Region.

The other 10 members of the committee are representatives of state beef councils, including the chair and vice chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils and eight other members elected by state beef councils. Those representatives include Federation Chairman Gary Voogt of Michigan; Vice Chairman Alan Albright of Iowa; David Dick of Missouri; Brian Healey of Oklahoma; Bill Jackson of California; Laura Lickley of Idaho; Sid Sumner of Florida; Craig Uden of Nebraska; Helen Wiese of Iowa; and Jim Wilson of Oregon.                                     - Cattlemen’s Beef Board

Regional Grazing School to be held in Warrenton

Have you thought in the past, “I sure would like to know more about that rotational grazing thing that everybody keeps talking about”?  Now is your chance to learn!  Montgomery and Warren County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Charrette Creek AgNPS and Elkhorn Creek AgNPS in cooperation with University Outreach and Extension (UOE) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are putting on a grazing school April 4th and 5th at the Warren County Extension Building in Warrenton MO.  The two-day school will consist of classroom and field exercises. We have an excellent line-up of quality speakers.

Our guest speakers this year will be John Turner, NRCS Grassland Conservationist; Rich Hoormann, UOE; Wayne Shannon, UOE; Ken Bolte, UOE; and Tim Clapp, NRCS Grassland Conservationist. Morning refreshments and speakers meals for each day are sponsored by the Montgomery City MFA, Rhineland MFA, and the Warrenton MFA.  The two-day grazing school is one of the eligibility components for the DSP-3 Planned Grazing System for state cost share.  Cost of the two-day regional grazing school is $40 for one person or $50 per couple. Registration is limited to the first 25 registered participants. This cost includes one set of course materials. If you are interested in attending or would like more information please contact the Montgomery County SWCD office at (573) 564-3715, ext. 3.

                                                - Warren Co. NRCS

The Missouri Better Beef Seminar Has Been Rescheduled

The Missouri Better Beef Seminar has been rescheduled for Friday, March 9.  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

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. 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.

Feb. 26             Benton County Cattlemen – Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 28             Missouri Farm and Food Protection Legislative Visits and Hearing, Third Floor Rotunda of State Capitol, 3:00 p.m.

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

March 9            Ray County Cattlemen - Eagleton Center, near the Ray County Fairgrounds in Richmond, 6:30 p.m.

March 15           Henry County Cattlemen – Clinton Country Club, 6:00 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.