Cattle Industry News

R-CALF Forced To Defend Anti-Meat Groups
R-CALF found itself in the unenviable position this week of having to defend anti-beef groups in the wake of widespread criticism of its press event last week in Washington. During that event, which R-CALF held in tandem with Ralph Nader's Public Citizen group, Carol Tucker Foreman's Consumer Federation Of America, and the Consumer Union, the four groups denounced USDA's handling of the BSE situation, questioned the safety of beef, and called for government hearings on the matter.

In a letter circulated this week and presumably alluding to the BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly piece, "R-CALF Adds to Its Pile of Blunders," in last week's issue, R-CALF patriarch Leo McDonnell struck out against industry criticism of what he charitably calls "consumer groups." To R-CALF, it's apparently only acceptable to trash your own family in public.

"Attacking our nations (sic) largest consumer groups, such as the Consumer Federation of America and the Consumer Union, with these kinds of hateful undertones undermines the hundred of millions of dollars U.S. cattle producers have invested to improve demand and improve consumer relationships," McDonnell wrote.

The logic of the charge is so blatantly perverse, it frankly leaves us speechless.

For the record, here is a bio on each of the groups whose sensibilities McDonnell is apparently so wary of offending:

• The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) opposes irradiation for food safety and has pushed for the reduction of beef in the school lunch program. CFA's leader, Carol Tucker Foreman, is well-known for her anti-beef rhetoric and efforts to stir up the hysteria about the safety of our product.
• The Consumer Union (CU), along with CFA, have been two of the leading groups pushing since Dec. 23, 2003, the message that beef is unsafe. CU and its "leader," Michael Hansen, have also led the crusade against biotechnology and GMOs.  In fact, former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop once referred to Hansen's rhetoric this way: "Unfortunately, a few fringe groups are using misleading statements and blatant falsehoods as part of a long-running campaign to scare consumers about a perfectly safe food ... it is necessary to condemn these attacks ... for what they are: baseless, manipulative and completely irresponsible."

·         Then there's Public Citizen (PC), which gains its supposed credibility through founder Ralph Nader. But PC is best known for its membership in the Global Safe Food Alliance, formed by such animal rights organizations as Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the Western Organization of Resource Councils, Farm Sanctuary, etc., to put out anti-meat messages. If you want more information on PC, just go to its Web site at www.citizen.org/ , check out the "Meatrix" at www.themeatrix.com/ or the report "Jungle 2000" at www.whistleblower.org/uploads/The%20Jungle%202000%20-.PDF.

It's unfortunate that R-CALF leadership doesn't attach a similar level of respect and sensitivity toward the beef industry and the hardworking folks who are a part of it by more carefully selecting its comrades-in-arms. Crawling into bed with those who have long campaigned for the beef industry's demise just to promote your agenda doesn't benefit anyone but the anti-meat groups, which likely gained considerable credibility as "consumer groups" as a result of the act. Only the beef industry got screwed.
                        -- Reprinted in Full with Permission from Joe Roybal, BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly

Cattle- Fax Market Update

The fed cattle market moved sharply higher last week, with cash trade $4 to $5 higher at $89 to $91 on a live basis. Dressed sales were mostly $144 to $146. Trade volumes were active in all regions. Boxed beef prices gained ground as well, as higher cattle prices resulted in higher asking prices on beef. Sellers also held leverage as production was reduced due to the holiday. Volumes on the beef side ranged from moderate to active. Feeder cattle values were $1 to $2 higher, driven by tightening supplies and the firm fed cattle market. Calf prices were a bit uneven, but generally steady to $1 higher. Slaughter cows were steady. Demand is good for all classes of cattle at the current time. Overall, corn prices were higher on the week.

University of Missouri Extension Seeking Livestock Specialists

The University of Missouri Extension is seeking candidates for regional Livestock Specialist positions in Benton County (Warsaw) and Lafayette County (Higginsville), Missouri.  Positions are described on the following website:  http://outreach.missouri.edu/careers/UOE_careers.htm.

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News

Missouri Junior Cattlemen to Gather in Sedalia This Weekend

Two great opportunities for Missouri youth are coming to Sedalia June 12-13, 2004.  The first annual meeting of the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association (MJCA) will be held Saturday evening, June 13, at 8:00 p.m., in conjunction with the 22^nd Annual Missouri Cattlemen’s Association All-Breeds Junior Cattle Show.  The weekend offers a wide range of activities, all of which will take place at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.    

“We are looking forward to weekend full of opportunities for young people in the Missouri cattle industry,” said Luke Burbank, Director of Member Services.  “One of the highlights will be the first annual meeting of the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association, which will include the election of the first Junior Board of Directors.  The show draws hundreds of young people from across the state, making it an ideal time and place to hold the first meeting of the junior association.” 

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association All-Breeds Junior Show is one of the largest of its kind in the state.  More than 300 young people are expected to present over 550 head of cattle to judges Chad Day and Andy Rash.  Thirteen breeds of cattle will be exhibited by juniors vying for the title of Grand Champion.  Showmanship champions will also be selected from each of the thirteen breeds.  Several activities and events outside of the show ring are planned, making the weekend a family-friendly event.  An exhibitor barbeque sponsored by the Pettis County Cattlemen’s Association will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday evening.  Following the barbeque, the MJCA annual meeting will kick-off at 8:00 p.m.  Youth of all ages are encouraged to participate.  For more information, please contact Luke Burbank at (888) 499-9162.

 Mark Your Calendars for June 15 and 16

Cattlemen’s Steak Fry -   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 a 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.  To make reservations, please call Luke Burbank at (888) 499-9162 ext. 231.  All cattlemen and women are invited to attend! 

National Animal Identification Briefing - The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Allied Industry Council will host a briefing on the current status of National Animal Identification on Wednesday, June 16, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Missouri Cattle Industry Headquarters in Columbia.  The meeting will feature Jay Truitt, Executive Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.  All interested persons are encouraged to attend.  For more information, please contact Brent Bryant at (888) 499-9162 or brent@mocattle.com 

Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament - The 7^th 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.  Registration is just $75 per person and includes green fees, cart and lunch. 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. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact: Darla Eggers at (573) 449-4923 or darla@mocattle.com. 

Membership & Recruiting Update

Membership continues to grow – almost 1100 new members since the beginning of the 2004 membership year (Oct. 1, 2003 through Sept. 30,2004).  This week, we would like to congratulate the Top 10 Counties with the greatest percent increase in membership (total percentage above this time last year):

Dallas County             1,375%

            Macon County             278.3%

            Lincoln County            220%

            Bates County              200%

            Maries-Osage             195.7%

            Cole County                166.7%

            Chariton County          158.3%

            Audrain County           157.3%

            Texas County              155.3%

            Clinton County            152%  

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           MCA Allied Industry Meeting with special program on Animal ID – Cattle Industry Headquarters, Columbia

Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament - Lake of the Woods Golf Course, Columbia

June 17           Missouri Cattle Women Board of Directors Meeting – Columbia

July 12-17        National Junior Angus Show, hosted by Missouri Junior Angus Association – American Royal Complex, Kansas City

County Meeting Notices

6/10/04            Polk County – Polk County Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

6/14/04            Henry County – Clinton City Park #2, Clinton, 6:30 p.m.

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