Cattle Industry News
U.S. and Japan Establish Process to Reopen Borders to U.S. Beef
United States and Japanese government officials agreed Saturday, April 24, to pursue actions aimed at the resumption of beef exports to Japan. According to Tokyo’s American Embassy, the U.S. and Japan will form a working group, composed of BSE experts and government officials, to engage in trade discussion. The group will meet once per month until a conclusion is reached, which U.S. officials hope will happen this summer.
"It's encouraging that the United States and Japanese governments have established a process to identify the scientific parameters whereby the Japanese border can be reopened to U.S. beef. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has long believed that by working together, our countries could create the science-based framework by which high quality, safe, wholesome U.S. beef could be exported to that country,” said NCBA President Jan Lyons. "The breakthrough in discussions we are seeing is due to the government-to-government dialog that recognizes the importance of fair trade between the two countries. We're confident the working group that will meet over the next few months to agree on scientific issues for the resumption of trade will be able to come to consensus on the concerns that both the United States and Japan have.”
In the border reopening process, the U.S. and Japan working group will address the following:
1) Definition of BSE and the method of testing
2) Definition of Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) and the method of removal
3) Appropriate surveillance
4) Appropriate feed ban implementation
5) Risk categorization/status of countries
6) Cattle month-age identification
7) Other
“We believe this is a step in the right direction to move forward with the reopening of Japan’s border to U.S. beef,” said Brent Bryant, Executive Vice President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “We are pleased with the actions of the U.S. officials and the United States Department of Agriculture and appreciate their commitment to keep this a number one priority for the U.S.”
Cattle-Fax Market Update
The fed cattle market last week lost $1 to $2. Trade volumes were active with all packers participating. The live market settled at $85 to $86, with the $86 limited to the North. Boxed beef moved lower on the week, with end cuts leading the cut-out price seasonally lower. Middles, especially Choice, continue to hold their value. Volume on the product side was moderate for the week. Feeder cattle prices were mostly $1 to $2 lower, while calves sold steady to $1 higher. Slaughter cows were $1 to $2 higher. Going into the warmer weather, demand is good for trimmings. At the same time, supplies on the cow side remain tight. Corn prices moved lower on the week, responding to good planting conditions in the Midwest.
-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News
From the Capitol. . .
The 2004 Missouri Legislature is working toward its May 14 close with several issues of importance to the Missouri cattle industry still awaiting final passage.
Awaiting final passage is legislation to require more evidence before the Missouri Department of Natural Resources can implement new rules and regulations. Different versions of this legislation have been passed by both the House and Senate and a joint conference committee is working out a final compromise. The legislation would mandate a comprehensive economic impact statement before any new rule or regulation could be put forward by the Department of Natural Resources. No such statement is now required. It would also mandate that any new rule or regulation would have to be based on scientific evidence, and if DNR denies a permit application, it must state the reasons for denial in a timely manner. Finally, this legislation would impact permits for hazardous waste, clean water, safe drinking water and air conservation. Thanks to Sen. David Klindt and Rep. Peter Myers for their tireless work on this legislation.
Legislation to bring state law regulating confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) into conformity with federal law is currently pending high on the Senate debate calendar. The House already has passed the legislation. Presently, different state and federal CAFO regulations can make it difficult for some operators to meet complicated environmental guidelines for their animal facilities.
The legislature must draft a final state budget, including a budget for the Department of Agriculture, by May 7. Differences between the two houses over a budget blueprint are being worked out in a joint Senate-House conference committee. Serious differences remain between the legislature and Governor Holden over the makeup of a new state budget. Some observers believe these differences could end up leading to a special legislative session on the budget.
As you may know, MCA began its weekly Cattlemen at the Capitol program last month. Each week, cattlemen and women from across the state have come to Jefferson City to meet and visit with legislators. The goal is to maintain a "presence" at the Capitol and to educate both rural and urban legislators on the importance the cattle industry to the overall economy of the state.
The program has been a great success thus far. Several members have taken the time to spend a day at the Capitol, talking to over 40 legislators and answering their questions. A particular success has been the visits with urban senators. Many of these legislators are not familiar with the cattle industry and our visits have helped them understand how important the cattle industry is to the state and how it impacts their urban constituents. Thanks should go to Sen. John Cauthorn for his efforts in arranging the visits with urban senators.
Thank you to those members who have journeyed to Jefferson City to help with this program. It will pay huge dividends down the road for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.
- Dale Amick, Association Lobbyist
First Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry Planned for June 15
Join fellow cattlemen and women for a great evening of steak, camaraderie, and fun. The first annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry, hosted by Past Presidents of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, will be held June 15, 2004. Events start with a social at 4:00 p.m. and the ribeye steak dinner with all the fixings will be served at 6:30 p.m. Following dinner, two very special items will be offered at auction. Advance reservations are only $25 per person or $40 per couple, which includes dinner and all beverages. Tickets may be purchased at the door for only $30 per person or $50 per couple. More information on the event, plus advance ticket purchasing, will be available in next week’s edition of Prime Cuts.
Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament – Hit the Greens for a Great Cause
The days are longer and warmer; the grass is getting green – it’s time to dust off the golf clubs and head to the course. Here is a great excuse to break out the clubs and help a worthwhile cause: The 7th annual Missouri Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament will be held June 16 at Lake of the Woods Golf Course in Columbia. All the proceeds benefit the Missouri's Cattlemen Foundation programs – scholarships, farm safety and disabled children.
The registration fee is just $75 per person and includes green fees, cart and a delicious lunch grilled to perfection by the Cooper County Cattlemen’s Association. The tournament will be a 4 person scramble; 18-hole shotgun start. There will be two divisions – Cattlemen’s Class (3 of 4 must be cattlemen) and Open Class. Prizes will be awarded to two flights in each division. Entry deadline in May 26. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact: Darla Eggers at (573) 449-4923 or darla@mocattle.com.
Help Beef Up Missouri Troops in Iraq – Cull Cows Needed
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, and the Missouri Farm Bureau are teaming up to send beef to Missouri troops in Iraq. The plan, set forth by the Missouri Association of Meat Processors (MAMP), calls for one pound of Missouri Beef Jerky to be sent to every Missouri National Guardsman in Iraq. Missouri’s troops include 1175 soldiers in 9 units. Donations of both cattle for processing and money for postage are needed to make this program a success.
MCA members, county associations, and businesses are encouraged to donate cattle, preferably lean cows, which may be delivered to any participating USDA plant that belongs to MAMP. Cash donations are also needed to help cover the cost of postage. Find out how you can help our Missouri troops eat beef by contacting Brent Bryant at (573) 499-9162 or Ronnie and Roger Alewel at (660) 827-0005.
May is Beef Month
May is Beef Month in Missouri! This year, the Missouri Beef Industry Council will be using checkoff generated funds to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the hamburger during Beef Month, and all Summer Long. Activities include a competition for Missouri’s Best Burger Joint, a promotion covering all of Southern Missouri at select grocery chains, a burger recipe contest, and, of course, coordinated promotions with county groups across the entire state. MBIC is offering up to $500 to County Cattlemen’s and Farm Bureau groups wishing to extend Beef Month Promotions. The allotment may be used for newspaper or radio ads, grocery store promotions, health awareness functions or any promotional materials to extend the efforts of the Missouri Beef Industry Council. Approval forms may be obtained by contacting Dawn Thurnau at the Missouri Beef Industry Council at 800-4416242 ext. 223 or dawn@mobeef.com.
Membership & Recruiting Update
MCA Membership Continues to Grow – over 980 new members since October! The countdown to the 1000th new member is on! For those of you keeping track, here are the top five counties and recruiters as of 4/28/04:
Top 5 Counties (New members since 10/1/03):
Top 5 Recruiters (New members recruited since 10/1/03): Wayne Seider, Macon County Junior Cattlemen’s Association, Sam Hostetler, Tim Love, and David “Blue” Geier.
Congratulations!
Calendar of Events
June 12-13 MCA All-Breeds Junior Cattle Show – State Fairgrounds, Sedalia
June 15 MCA Board of Directors meeting – Cattle Industry Headquarters, Columbia
Cattlemen’s Steak Fry, hosted by MCA Past Presidents – Cattle Industry Headquarters, Columbia
June 16 Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament - Lake of the Woods Golf Course, Columbia
June 17 Missouri Cattle Women Board of Directors meeting - Columbia
County Meeting Notices
5/3/04 Macon County – Lolli Livestock Market, Macon, 7:00 p.m.
The Fine Print
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