Katie Smith Confirmed as Missouri's Director of Agriculture
Gov. Matt Blunt congratulated Katie Smith who was confirmed by the State Senate yesterday morning (May 9, 2007) as the director at the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

"Katie Smith has a proven record when it comes to agricultural issues, and I am pleased she agreed to serve our state and work to further Missouri agriculture interests and values," Blunt said. "I look forward to working with her to continue the progress we have made for Missouri's farm families. Mrs. Smith will be a great leader and champion for Missouri agriculture."

Smith was raised on a family farm in Platte County where she was engaged in the production of corn, soybean, cattle and tobacco. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia were she earned a bachelor's in agriculture journalism.

Smith has worked in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Energy and served for federal elected officials in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Most recently she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of Energy's Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. At USDA, she served as Special Assistant to Agriculture Undersecretary Bill Hawks where she represented the department during the 2002 Farm Bill conference negotiations and served as the agriculture representative for the transition of Agriculture border inspectors to the Department of Homeland Security.

Cattle Industry News

USDA Reports on ID Projects
The USDA recently completed testing its pilot projects for the National Animal Identification System in real-world scenarios, integrating animal identification and movement reporting into everyday commerce. The results, according to an agency release, provide valuable information about the day-to-day use of animal identification and tracing technology. Key findings from the pilot projects listed in the report include:

·         The retention rate of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is much higher than anticipated, nearly 100 percent for button RFID tags.

·         Existing animal health and marketing programs can be an effective, producer-friendly means of collecting data for NAIS.

·         Workable options are available for producers who want to identify their animals electronically without investing in reader equipment.

·         The use of electronic identification allows for more accurate and efficient recordkeeping.
Identification used for NAIS can support other programs, including value-added opportunities.

For the full report, follow this link (PDF format).                 - Drovers Alert by Drovers Journal

Registration Open for Beef Improvement Federation Meeting in Colorado
The Rocky Mountains provide the backdrop for the annual meeting and 40th anniversary celebration of the Beef Improvement Federation.  The meeting will be held June 6-9 in Fort Collins, Colo.  It will focus on the future of genetic evaluation and improvement with a variety of presenters from around the country. 

The meeting will kick off with a Colorado Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening, June 6.  The history of Artificial Insemination will be the focus of the National Association of Animal Breeders Symposium that evening as well.

On Thursday, June 7, participants will discuss “Performance Programs at a Crossroads” as speakers talk about the current performance programs’ cost and benefits and gather the audience’s views on the direction for future genetic improvement initiatives.  Awards for the Commercial Producer of the Year will be presented, and committee meetings will be held in the afternoon.

Thursday also has a spouse/family tour slated to Estes Park and the historic Stanley Hotel, plus a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.  That evening, the group will experience “Foam on the Range” at the Colorado State University Equine Center for an evening of great conversation, a steak dinner, tasting the products of Colorado-produced ale and viewing cattle from area seedstock producers.

Friday focuses on “Challenges to Conventional Wisdom.”  Presenters will lead the discussion on uses of genetics technology and changes seen in the quality grades of cattle. The Seedstock Producer of the Year will be named, and committee meetings will be held that afternoon. Friday evening, attendees can head up to Old Town Fort Collins to enjoy the local restaurants.

Producer tours will visit many Front Range locations throughout the day on Saturday, June 9. Two tours are offered.  The first tour, “Beef Industry Players,” has stops at Kuner Feedlot, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Safeway’s Distribution Center and Aristocrat Angus Ranch, as well as lunch with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Cattle-Fax.  The “Seedstock Alliances” tour features Walter Farms, Inc., Five Star Cattle Systems, Kuner Feedlot and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding.

The BIF Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting is hosted by Colorado State University, Colorado Livestock Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Beef Improvement Federation.

The meeting will take place at the Hilton Fort Collins.  To register and for program details go to www.beefimprovement.org under the conventions tab.  Pre-registration is due May 15. For information contact Willie Altenburg, 970/568-7792 or Mark Enns at 970/491-2722 or Mark.Enns@Colostate.edu.                          - Beef Improvement Federation

Angus Enthusiasts Gear Up for the 2007 National Junior Angus Show
May 15 is Ownership and Entry Deadline
Angus youth should plan now for the 2007 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 1-7 in Tulsa, Okla. The Oklahoma and Arkansas Angus and junior Angus associations will host “The American Dream.” The weeklong event features the largest single-breed beef cattle show in the world, with more than 1,000 head of cattle exhibited by National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members ages 9-21 years old.

Youth will compete for top prizes in several divisions within the cattle show, including bred-and-owned heifers, bulls and cow-calf pairs; and owned heifers, cow-calf pairs and steers. The opportunity to enter steers in a carcass division also exists. 

In addition to the cattle show, numerous educational competitions take place during the week. Contests allow the juniors to showcase their skills outside of the showring and include prepared and extemporaneous public speaking, quiz bowl, team sales, team fitting, livestock judging, photography, posters, creative writing, and graphic design. Another feature of the week is the American Angus Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) Cook-Off. 

Along with the cattle shows and competitions, a fitting and clipping clinic will be conducted and six members will be elected to the NJAA Board of Directors at the NJAA annual meeting.

Exhibitors and contestants at the NJAS must be NJAA members and be 9 years old, but not yet 21, by Jan. 1, 2007, to compete in the activities. The ownership and entry deadline is May 15, which is earlier than in past years. No late entries are accepted.

For more information about the 2007 NJAS or junior Angus programs, click here to download a story from the May Angus Journal that describes the contests, log on to www.njas.info or www.njaa.info, or contact the Junior Activities Department at 816-383-5100.                              - American Angus Association

Flood Resources

Ag Department Encourages Farmers to Take Immediate Action to Prepare for Flooding 
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging farmers across the state to monitor the flooding situation occurring near and around the Missouri River and take immediate action to move any livestock or equipment. 

Recent rains across the state have filled rivers and streams and saturated the ground causing concern for severe flooding along the Missouri River and its tributaries.  Flooding forecasts show that as the river levels continue to rise different areas will be affected throughout the rest of this week and next week. 

“We are concerned with the impact that the recent and future flooding can have on Missouri’s rural communities and farmland,” said Matt Boatright, acting director of MDA.  “We are asking farmers and producers to take every precautionary measure possible for the safety of their families and their livestock and equipment.” 

Yesterday, Gov. Matt Blunt declared a state of emergency enacting the state’s Emergency Operations Center to assist with key resource needs.   

“Many are already experiencing flooding on their farmland,” said Boatright.  “It is expected that many more farmers and producers will see flooding in the upcoming days.” 

River levels are expected to continue to rise above flood stage along counties and areas bordering the Missouri River. 

Editor’s note: The following flood resources may be helpful:

·         To view more information regarding river levels in your area, visit the National Weather Services Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service at http://www.weather.gov/ahps/.  Click on a purple shaded box in the Missouri region for specific information.

·         For sheltering information, or to donate items, call the American Red Cross Hotline at 1-866-Get-Info.

·         The AmeriCorps Donations and Volunteer Hotline is 888-377-2100. AmeriCorps will be
coordinating volunteers, and donated goods. Those affected by the storm may
also contact the number to receive referrals and answers to questions. The
donation lines are staffed from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and messages will be
returned.

Flooded Wells May Pose Health Risk
During a flood, rural residents need to pay extra attention to rural well water.

“Wells that have been flooded need to be checked, cleaned and disinfected for the safety, health and life of the well and equipment before it’s returned to service,” said Morgan Powell, agricultural engineer with Kansas State University (K-State) Research and Extension.

Wells in flood pathways or near flooded areas have been affected by recent heavy rains and flooding of some creeks and rivers.

“In addition to pathogens that can make us sick, flood water carries abrasive sediment, debris, the occasional toxic chemicals, and other contaminants,” he said. “Choosing not to check and clean flooded wells may further damage equipment or lead to health consequences.”

Powell gave these recommendations to minimize damage to the pump, power unit, life of the well and consumer safety:

• Check the well and power unit for damage; the well’s construction, compared with standards; and run-in of flood water. Look for damage to the casing and components of the well. Also evaluate the well construction, as compared to state health department standards for well uses, Powell said. “If flood water was above the well casing, some contaminated water will have entered the well, so disinfection is essential.”

• Consult electrical and mechanical service providers and check any submerged electrical or mechanical components, including the motor, gear boxes, controls and internal combustion engine. Taking shortcuts on this can cause shorts in electrical equipment that could injure or kill people or shorten the life of the mechanical components because of moisture, rust or lubrication.

• If the well yields cloudy or turbid water, a run-in of flood water is likely. If it signals that sediment has entered the well, bring in a licensed well driller to remove the pump and clean out the sediment. Water pumps are not designed to handle sediment -- it will wear and may damage the pump. Well drillers have knowledge, skills and equipment to remove sediment.

• After checking the equipment and replacing the pump, the well should be pumped until all traces of turbidity have been removed and the water runs clear.

• Disinfect the well and water system after the well has been fully restored.

The amount of water and chlorine required to treat wells varies for wells used for irrigation and those for domestic household drinking water. It also varies by well size and water volume.

Powell recommends a chlorine dose of at least 500 milligrams (mg) per liter [or parts per million (ppm)] for domestic and 200 mg/L or ppm for irrigation wells.

The water will not be useable for drinking after the disinfection process until the well is flushed and a follow-up test is free of bacteria.

“After a flood, a domestic well should not be used for drinking water without emergency disinfection — a rolling boiling for at least three minutes or two drops of chlorine per quart (8 drops per gallon) of clear water — until a water test has shown the well is free of total coliform bacteria,” Powell said. “Think of it as cleaning your dishes after they were contaminated.”

A bacterial water test should be collected a week after the shock chlorination. When the test shows no bacteria, it confirms the well can again be safely used for drinking.

More information about wells and shock chlorination is available at www.kswaterwell.org.
            — Information from Angus Publications, Inc.; news release by K-State Research and Extension

Missouri Cattlemen's Update 

Welcome Summer Intern – Maureen Hamill

For most of us, the word “summer” brings thoughts of warm weather, baling hay, and grilling beef, but for college students, “summer” often means the opportunity for internships. This summer, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to have Maureen Hamill working as a summer intern.

Maureen is a native of Perry, Missouri, and is involved in her family’s cattle and row crop farm. She is wrapping up her sophomore year at the University of Missouri, where she is an Agricultural Economics major with an emphasis in Public Policy. At Mizzou, Maureen is active in Sigma Alpha and CAFNR Student Council and serves on the CAFNR Week Steering Committee. In high school, she was involved in 4-H and FFA. Maureen is the daughter of Eddie Joe and Lucia Hamill and has two older sisters, Erin and Courtney, and a younger brother, Ted.

Maureen will work on a variety of projects this summer, including junior programs, membership, and convention, and will experience the Beef House during the State Fair. Maureen can be reached at intern@mocattle.com. We are excited to have Maureen working for MCA!

Ranch Stewardship LIVE Tour coming to Missouri
Event Offers Land & Livestock Stewardship Lessons June 18-19
Ranch Stewardship LIVE, a two-day educational event for everyone connected to land and livestock, comes to the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, June 18-19.

Nationally known speakers will use horses, cattle and equipment to illustrate stewardship principles in everyday farm and ranch work. Renowned Montana horseman Curt Pate, who makes his living in the cattle business, leads the group of expert speakers for this event.

The first day’s demonstrations include life lessons from livestock, correct administration of vaccines and medications, stockmanship principles horseback, on foot and with an ATV plus practical methods to control weeds/brush.

During day two, sessions focus on live cattle evaluation, marketing, ranch family issues, economic benefits of stewardship practices, ranch horsemanship tips and cattle selection criteria.   

“Those who join us for Ranch Stewardship LIVE will learn how stewardship principles in livestock production can actually increase profits and improve quality of life,” said Todd McCartney, segment host for the new RFD-TV show “Cattlemen to Cattlemen,” who will serve as event moderator.     

Joining McCartney and Curt Pate will be other scheduled national speakers including fourth-generation Texas rancher Kyle Clement, Dr. Ron Gill, Texas A&M Extension Livestock Specialist and Tammy Pate, ranch horse clinician and engaging presenter on ranch family issues.  In addition, sessions will include University of Missouri specialists and other regional industry experts.           

Advance registration is required for the two-day event. The registration fee is $60 per person.  A reduced registration fee of $50 is offered to members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and their guests.       

Registration for Ranch Stewardship LIVE closes June 11.  Additional information and online registration is available at www.RanchStewardshipLive.com or call 817-594-9996 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.          

Ranch Stewardship LIVE is sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Farm Progress publications, BioBarrel, Crystalyx and Sweetlix brand supplements.

Missouri Cattle Industry Headquarters Experiences E-mail Outage
Attention MCA members: If you tried to e-mail the MCA staff two weeks ago (from Wednesday through Friday), or this Monday and Tuesday, we may not have received your e-mail.  Due to problems with our e-mail server, our e-mail system was not operating.  If you tried to e-mail us during that time, please re-send the e-mail or give us a call.

2007 Missouri Agribusiness Academy members announced 

Thirty high school sophomores from across Missouri have been selected to participate in the 20th class of the Missouri Agribusiness Academy. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, each year the academy acquaints students with career opportunities available in agriculture and offers them a chance to explore the agribusiness resources in the state. This year, Academy members will tour Springfield area agribusiness operations in June and will be introduced to leaders in agriculture, government and education. Members will also be guests at the 2007 Governor's Conference on Agriculture. A complete list of students and photos are available at http://www.mda.mo.gov/Market/agribusacademy.htm.

-   Missouri Agribusiness Association (MO-AG)

Quick Links
- For beef checkoff news and producer information go to www.missouribeefcouncil.com and www.mobeef.com.  

Calendar of Events
May 12             Dallas County Cattlemen – Horses of Hope Arena, Buffalo, 11:00 a.m.
May 15              Cass-Jackson Cattlemen – Elk’s Lodge, Harrisonville, 6:30 p.m.
June 20             MCA Board of Directors Meeting – Beef House, Mo. State Fairgrounds,
                          Sedalia, 10:00 a.m.
June 20             MCA Steak Fry – Beef House, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia,
                          Social begins at 4:00, dinner served at 6:30
                          Call the MCA office at (888) 499-9162 for reservations
                        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