Cattle Industry News
Industry Groups Unite Behind Voluntary COOL Proposal
America's cattle ranchers, pork producers, seafood producers and produce grower-shippers, as well as U.S. food processors, wholesalers and retailers, are united behind a proposed approach to implement voluntary country-of-origin labeling. The effort will create a program to identify domestic and imported fruits, vegetables, beef, pork and seafood with labels showing where they originated.
”We believe that this approach allows the food chain to realistically address the problems associated with the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program by replacing it with a workable voluntary program.”
This cooperative effort is built upon the commitment of all segments of the food production chain to work together to benefit both producers and consumers by providing product origin information without burdening anyone with added costs. Under this voluntary program, the labeling responsibility is placed in the hands of producers, processors, and retailers who choose to participate.
America's producers of cattle, pork, seafood, fruits and vegetables, packers, shippers, processors, wholesalers and retailers are united behind a voluntary program that:
Is market-driven - Consumer demand and industry promotional needs should shape the program.
Recognizes existing labeling programs - Products that identify the farm, state or region of origin or certified U.S. brands should not require additional country labels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture already recognizes hundreds of voluntary programs for beef, pork, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
Minimizes record-keeping - To the extent possible, country records made for other laws should suffice to verify where products originate. Only those companies that produce or directly import products should have to keep those records.
Allows flexibility - More than 75 percent of produce items already have some medium for providing country information, such as packaging, stickers and twist-ties. Allow the industry to use these mediums.
Is cost-effective - Labeling must be performed at the point in the supply chain where it is most efficient to do so. This may vary by product depending on the company that produces or imports the food and has firsthand knowledge of its origin.
"Why will voluntary country-of-origin labeling work now when recent programs have not? The entire industry is committed to making it work. We support the voluntary labeling approach because it informs consumers about agriculture products' country-of-origin and benefits U.S. producers by promoting American-grown foods. We are enthusiastic about this effort and hope others in the agriculture, processing, retail, and food service communities will give this effort full consideration."
Participating organizations include: the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, National Fisheries Institute,
Produce Marketing Association, American Meat Institute, National Meat Association, Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association, and the National Food Processors Association. - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Cattle- Fax Market Update
The fed
cattle market lost limited ground last week, closing $1 to $2 lower. The bulk of
the trade was collected at $86 to $86.50. Trade volumes were moderate, and the
industry is staying very current. Boxed beef prices worked lower, with Choice
losing more ground than Selects. Movement was moderate to active. Feeder cattle
prices were mostly $1 higher, while calves were fully steady. Demand for all
classes remains extremely active. Slaughter cows were $1 higher as demand for
lean trimmings stays good going into the heart of grilling season. Corn prices
were slightly higher on a cash basis, while the board traded steady to soft. An
On Feed Report was issued Friday. On-Feed came in at 98 percent of a year ago;
the trade estimate was at 99 percent. Placements were 86 percent; the pre-report
guesses were at 87.9 percent. Marketings came in at 95 percent; the analysts'
pre-report estimate was 94.5 percent.
In Missouri, more than 25,000 feeder cattle were marketed last week. 550 pound
feeder steers sold for an average price of $119.85/cwt.
-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News
Make Reservations Now for First Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry
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 at the Cattle Industry Headquarters in Columbia. 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 (573) 499-9162 ext. 231. All cattlemen and women are invited to attend!
Nominate Your Favorite Restaurant for a Beef Backer Award
The Missouri Beef Industry Council is now accepting nominations for the 2004 Beef Backer Award. If you have a restaurant you think does an exceptional job of menuing and merchandising beef, nominate them for a Beef Backer Award.
The Beef Backer program works to promote beef in several different ways. The first is to thank the restaurants that are doing an exceptional job with our product. That recognition not only encourages them to continue doing so, it also motivates other restaurants to excel with their beef promotion efforts for a chance to be named a “Beef Backer”. The prize package includes a media reception for local promotion entities and up to $1,000 in advertising to promote their beef entrees. Beef Backer Awards also let consumers know where to find restaurants that do an outstanding job serving beef. Finally, if a restaurant you nominate is awarded with Beef Backer status, you will receive an invitation to the reception and a gift certificate for dinner for two at that establishment.
For more information, or to nominate your favorite restaurant, contact Dawn Thurnau at the Missouri Beef Council at 800-441-6242 by June 7, 2004.
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 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. Entry deadline in May 26. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact: Darla Eggers at (573) 449-4923 or darla@mocattle.com.
Membership & Recruiting Update
One thousand and counting! As of May 27, you have recruited over 1060 new members, and we have 2804 memberships paid since October 1, 2003. We are on track to meet the goal of 3300 members paid by September 31, 2004. Thank you to all MCA members who have recruited new members, including these top counties and individuals:
Top 5 Recruiters (New members recruited since 10/1/03)
Wayne Seider, Sam Hostetler, Macon County Junior Cattlemen’s Association, David “Blue” Geier, and Tim Love
Top 5 Counties (New members since 10/1/03)
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
May 27 Randolph County – Randolph County Sheltered Workshop, 6:30 p.m.
MCA Points
Sanctioned Shows
May 30 Higginsville FFA Alumni Show, Lafayette County Fairgrounds
June 5 Moberly FFA Jackpot Show, Boone County Fairgrounds
June 6 Macon County Cattlemen's Show, Macon Fairgrounds
For more information,
please visit:
http://mocattle.org/Word%20Documents/2004/2004%20Point%20Sanctioned%20Shows.pdf
The Fine Print
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