Headline News
Mexico Opens Border to U.S.
Boneless Beef
The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement for a phased resumption
of U.S. beef exports. The first stage of this agreement will be a mirror image
of the beef trade agreement between Canada and Mexico and will allow exports to
Mexico of boneless beef products from animals of less than 30 months of age.
While this measure only allows the U.S. to export boneless beef and veal from
animals which are less than 30 months of age, USDA has provided assurances that
this is only "Phase I" of the program, and that measures for other items such as
trimmings and variety meat items for export to Mexico are currently being
negotiated.
"The opening of the No. 2 market for U.S. beef is due to hard work by the USDA
and our industry partners and a resolve by the Mexican government to rely on
science," commented USMEF President &CEO Philip Seng. "The initial agreement
allowing boneless beef covers an estimated 75-80 percent of what the U.S.
exports to Mexico, and we look forward to future phases of the agreement
reopening this important market to U.S. beef variety meat. USMEF and USDA both
recognize how important offals and trimming exports to Mexico are to the
industry.
In 2003, the U.S. exported 335,847 metric tons of beef and beef variety meat
products to Mexico, valued at $877,039.
Cattle Industry News
Senator Talent to Host Agriculture Roundtable to Discuss National Animal ID Plan
U.S. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.) will travel to Mt. Vernon on Friday to meet with agriculture leaders and local residents to discuss the development of a national animal identification program to trace livestock through the production chain. Sen. Talent will hold the roundtable meeting on Friday, March 5, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. at the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center.
At the meeting, Sen. Talent will be joined by representatives from the local livestock and cattle industry. He is also encouraging local residents who have an interest in the issue to join him for the discussion.
Sen. Talent is Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Marketing, Inspection and Product Promotion which has jurisdiction over food safety and animal health. His visit to Mt. Vernon will come on the heels of a Subcommittee hearing he is holding in Washington on Wednesday to examine the issue.
American
Angus Association Board Bans Aerosol Cans from Shows
At the regularly
scheduled meeting of the American Angus Association Board of Directors, February
24-27, after thorough discussion by both the activities committee and the full
board, a rule that prohibits the use of aerosol cans and the products in aerosol
cans was adopted. The rule states:
"Effective July 1,
2004, at any show for which the American Angus Association appropriates funds
toward the payment of premiums, no exhibitors, individuals assisting exhibitors
or member owners shall be allowed to use products contained in or dispensed from
aerosol cans on any animals exhibited at such shows."
"This new rule is not
a ‘no-fit’ rule. It simply eliminates aerosols. People can still wash, clip, and
fit," says James Fisher, director of activities and junior activities for the
American Angus Association. "It will be effective July 1 at any and all shows
that the Association participates in with premium payment, both open and
junior."
Another rule, which
was put in place by the Board of Director in September 2003, eliminates the use
of products in aerosol cans in the make-up area at Association-sponsored junior
shows until July 1. For more information about the rules of the Association, go
to
www.angus.org/newmem.html.
- American Angus Association
Cattle-Fax Market Update
The fed
cattle market moved higher last week. The bulk of the live trade was collected
at $82, with some $83. This is $3 higher than the previous week. On a dressed
basis, sales were made at $132 to $133. Trade volumes were very active, with all
packers participating. Boxed beef prices also moved higher -- movement was
active into midweek, then slowed. Middle meats in particular sold higher. Feeder
cattle were $1 to $2 higher, as were calves. With the higher fed cattle market
and placements month-to-date light, better interest from both grass and feedlot
buyers were noted. Slaughter cows were quoted $1-$2 lower. Trade volumes
increased slightly, and buyers continue to seek leaner cows in order to mix with
ample fed trimmings.
In Missouri, feeder cattle receipts last week totaled 45,966 compared to 34,026
a year ago. In Southern Missouri sales, steers and heifers were steady to $2
higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were $2 to $4 lower.
-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News
Membership & Recruiting Update
MCA Membership Continues to Grow – over 650 new members! Thanks to all of our hard-working counties and individuals – keep up the good work! Top recruiters (as of 3/4/04) are:
Top 5 Counties (New members since 10/1/03):
Bates (51), Macon (36), Dallas (28), Audrain (24), and Crawford (24)
Top 5 Recruiters (New members recruited since 10/1/03):
Macon Co. Junior Cattlemen’s Association, Wayne Seider, Sam Hostetler, Vernon Co. Cattlemen’s Assn., and David “Blue” Geier
Congratulations!
Calendar of Events
March 10 MCA Board of Directors Meeting – Columbia, 10:00 a.m.
Missouri CattleWomen Board of Directors Meeting – Columbia
March 13 Missouri Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest & Workshop -
University of Missouri – Columbia, Trowbridge Livestock Center
March 16-18 MCA County Leadership Conference – Columbia
March 20 Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation Cattlemen’s Roundup – St. Joseph
County Meeting Notices
3/6/04 St. Charles County – Lions Club Hall, Wright City, 6:00 p.m.
3/9/04 Bates County – MO-Kan Livestock Market, 7:00 p.m.
St. Clair County – Landmark Restaurant, Lowry City, 6:30 p.m.
3/11/04 Boone County – Cattle Industry Headquarters, Columbia, 7:00 p.m.
The Fine Print
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