Cattle Industry News

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Beef Case
CENTENNIAL, COLO.– The U.S. Supreme Court will review the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Beef Checkoff Program.

The high court announced in May that it has agreed to accept the U.S. Department of Justice request for certiorari, filed on behalf of USDA and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, asking the Supreme Court to review lower-court decisions in the case and make its own ruling regarding constitutionality of the checkoff program.

With acceptance of the Department of Justice request, the case is expected to be scheduled for Supreme Court review during its next full session, which begins in October 2004. That means that the court could render a decision in the case anytime between October 2004 and the close of that session in June 2005.  In the meantime, the Beef Checkoff Program will remain in place. Producers are required to continue paying the $1-per-head checkoff each time a bovine animal is sold.

“During the ongoing appeal process at the Supreme Court, the Beef Board will continue – as it has throughout the course of this litigation – to work to strengthen the position of beef in the marketplace and expand uses for beef and beef products,” said Beef Board Chairman and Kentucky cattleman Nelson Curry. “Demand for our product continues on a strong upward trend, and we continue to develop programs aimed at maintaining that growth long-term.”

The legal challenge under consideration was brought by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), the Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC), and three individuals in an earlier petition. Defendants in the case include the USDA, the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, as well as the Nebraska Cattlemen, leading a group of producers as interveners in the case.

At the same time this case is unfolding, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has been asked to consider an opposing ruling – declaring the Beef Checkoff Program constitutional. U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull of Montana issued that ruling in favor of the checkoff in November 2002 – based on the exact same trial transcript as the LMA case but reaching a different conclusion.                                                                   - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Cattle- Fax Market Update
The fed cattle market was $3 lower last week, as the bulk of the trade was recorded at $87 live and $135 to $137 dressed. Trade volumes were moderate in all regions. Boxed beef values moved sharply lower on the week, with Choice losing the most ground, led by Choice middles. Feeder cattle and calf prices were quoted steady to $1 higher, with the up-trend slowing slightly after the past several week of sharply higher quotes. Demand stays extremely good on all classes.
In Missouri, market news reported sales of 28,433 feeder cattle at steady to $2 higher prices.
                                                                                                               -To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News

Recent MCA Events Successful
MCA All-Breeds Junior Show – Almost 300 junior members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association presented their cattle to judges Andy Rash and Chad Day, hoping to claim the title of Grand Champion during the 2004 All-Breeds Junior Show, held June 12-13 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.  Over 500 head of cattle from thirteen different breeds and a crossbred division were exhibited over the weekend. 

The highlight of the show for three young people came during the championship drive on Sunday.  Paige Wallace, Stotts City, earned the honor of Grand Champion Heifer with her Angus heifer, WCC Frontier Gal 39.  Lindsay White, Cuba, claimed the title of Grand Champion Steer with her Chianina steer, TRKY Oak Chi Doke.  Cameron Ward, Plattsburg, claimed two titles – his Angus heifer, Paws UP Rita 434N, was named Reserve Champion Overall Heifer, and Max, a crossbred steer, was named Reserve Champion Overall Steer.  For complete results, visit http://mocattle.com/juniors.htm.   

MJCA Annual Meeting – The Annual Meeting of the new Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association was highlighted by outstanding participation, fun, and the election of the new board of directors.  Congratulations to the following new directors:

            Northwest:                   Rachel Bartholomew, Archie
                                                Mindy Montgomery, Marshall
            Northeast:                   Lacy Jewell, Columbia
                                                Chelsea Moffitt, Kirksville
            Southeast:                   Brooke Wilbers, Tuscumbia
                                                Gary Reichel, McGirk
            Southwest:                  Hope Herd, Fair Grove
                                                Cody Washam, Pierce City
            At-Large:                     Keaton Kendrick, Palmyra
                                                Whitney Simpson, Butler
            Beef Ambassador:      Zach Kinne, Eagleville
            Beef Queen:                Crystal Sellers, Sedalia   

Cattlemen’s Steak Fry – The First Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry, hosted by MCA Past Presidents, was a big hit with MCA members and supporters.  Over 120 cattlemen, cattlewomen, and friends of the association, including nine past presidents, enjoyed an evening of fun, fellowship, and great food.  Thanks to all who participated in the evening, especially the donors and buyers of auction items.  With your help, MCA raised over $1,700 for association programs.  

 National Animal Identification Briefing – See next week’s edition of Prime Cuts for a special feature on Animal Identification.   

June Board of Directors Meeting Highlights
Beef Board Elections - Don’t forget to register and vote in the Missouri Beef Industry Council Board of Directors election!  MCA members on the ballot include: Andrew McCrea and Stephen McBee from Region 1 (Northwest), Mark Harmon from Region 4 (Southwest), and state-wide At-Large candidates John Kleiboeker and Matt Reynolds.  Voting information follows:

Notice is hereby given that the Director of Agriculture will be conducting an election to fill three positions on the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) Board of Directors. One regional council member is to be elected in each of Regions 1 and 4, and one statewide member at-large. Terms of office are three years.

Any cattle producer engaged within the specified region of the State of Missouri who is producing cattle for market and the legal owner of one or more head of cattle becomes eligible to vote in the election by registering at his/her respective Farm Services Agency (FSA) office prior to July 16, 2004. It is not necessary to register if you have participated in previous MBIC elections.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture will mail ballots to registered producers by August 16, 2004. Ballots must be postmarked no later than August 31, 2004, to be valid.                                  – Legal Notice from MDA and MBIC

 MCA to Match County Cattlemen’s Donations to Checkoff Litigation Fund – The Board of Directors voted to establish a matching fund to provide financial support for beef checkoff litigation.  Presenting the case to the Supreme Court will cost over $200,000 – none of which may be funded through the checkoff itself.  MCA will match up to $2500 total in donations from County Cattlemen’s groups wishing to help support the checkoff.  For more information, or to make a donation, please contact Brent Bryant at (888) 499-9162 or brent@mocattle.com. 

 Membership Goal is Attainable with Continued Recruiting Efforts- The Board remains dedicated to reaching the goal of 3300 members by October 1.  If this goal is attained, membership will be $50 for all members, both new and renewal, next fiscal year.  Board members are doing a great job of helping the association reach the 3300 member goal – keep up the good work!

Membership & Recruiting Update
Seider Recruits 70 New Members – Bates County member Wayne Seider reached a recruiting milestone last week, when he turned in his 70^th new membership of the year.  Seider has worked hard at recruiting new members because he believes in the strength of the association.  “If we ever have needed the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, now is the time,” said Seider.  “There are so many challenges today and so many trying to divide us – if we don’t form a strong group and stick together, the cattle industry will be nothing.”

Seider will receive his choice of a custom MCA shotgun or rifle, presented during the 2004 Convention, held December 9-12 at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach.  For more details on the recruiter incentive program, visit http://www.mocattle.com/join.htm.

Calendar of Events
June 28           Benton County Cattlemen - Lincoln Park, 8:00 p.m.
July 12-17       National Junior Angus Show, hosted by Missouri Junior Angus Association –
                       American Royal Complex, Kansas City
August 12-20   Missouri State Fair, Sedalia 

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 Keedy at (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com. 

To unsubscribe, send a reply e-mail with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.