Voting – the Privilege and Responsibility of Every Cattleman and Woman
Every day you make several important decisions that affect your cattle operation, your business, your lifestyle. Perhaps the most important decision you will make this fall, however, is the decision to vote. With several important races – from local offices to the presidential race – there has never been a more important time to vote than 2004.
Make the most out of your privilege to vote – research the candidates. Research their policy on the issues that affect you most – agricultural, environmental, taxes, etc. Every vote counts!
Japan, Taiwan Agree in Principle to Resume Beef Trade
October 28, 2004 – Both Japan and Taiwan have agreed to framework leading to the resumption of beef trade, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. U.S. and Japanese officials reached an agreement October 23, following three days of prolonged negotiations to determine the conditions under which the trade will be resumed.
Trade between the United States and Japan will resume following completion of regulatory processes in both countries. Japan now is revising domestic regulations to alter its BSE cattle testing requirements and other procedures. The United States will initiate rulemaking procedures relating to importation of Japanese specialty beef.
Taiwan, following Japan’s lead, has also agreed in principle to resume imports of U.S. beef and beef products, U.S. officials announced Tuesday. Taiwan officials indicated that the required assessments and evaluations for trade to resume were nearing completion. The final step is on-site inspection of the major features and implementation of the U.S. BSE measures. A delegation of Taiwan experts will travel to the United States for these site visits beginning Nov. 10.
"We are very pleased with this progress in yet another important beef market," Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said. "We are continuing our market opening efforts in the remaining key countries. Our goal is a return to normal beef trade as quickly as possible.”
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association applauds the development of framework leading to the resumption of beef trade between the United States and both Taiwan and Japan. These agreements serve as a gateway to re-establishing U.S. beef exports, based on science, with countries that were closed to U.S. beef.
“We look forward to rapidly resuming trade and we appreciate the efforts of USDA and the Bush administration in reaching this agreement with their counterparts in Japan and Taiwan,” said Brent Bryant, Executive Vice President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “Japan and Taiwan are two of the largest export markets for the beef produced in the United States. In 2003, exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Japan alone were worth about $1.4 billion to America's beef industry. To Missouri producers, the Japanese export market represented $60 per head on fed cattle and $12 per hundred-weight for cow/calf producers. Reaching an agreement to resume trade with Japan and Taiwan is a victory for cattle producers not only in Missouri, but across the United States.”
Cattle- Fax Market Update
Market Highlights – Fed cattle prices continued to advance last week, with trade called steady to mostly $1 higher. This left live prices at $86 to $87. On a dressed basis, most of the trade was at $135 to $136. Trade volumes were active, especially in the South. Boxed beef was also higher on the week, as asking prices from packers stayed firm. Feeder cattle values were mostly $1 lower, while calves ranged from $1 to $5 higher. Winter grazing interests as well as smaller feeder interest from the North continue to drive calf prices. Slaughter cow prices were mostly steady. Corn prices trade lower in a fairly quiet trade. -To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News
MCA Seeking Award Nominations and Officer Applications
Award Nominations - Do you know someone who deserves recognition for the hard work they do for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association? Someone who works tirelessly to improve the Missouri cattle industry? Do you know someone who has paved the way for those of us in the business? If so, nominate that person for one of the following awards: Cattleman of the Year, Pioneer, or Industry. The awards will be presented at the 2004 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, which will be held December 9-12, 2004 at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach.
Officer Applications – The nominating committee is currently taking applications for the 2005 MCA officer team. This is an excellent leadership opportunity for members with the desire to become more involved. Interviews and the announcement of the new officer team will also take place at the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, December 9-12, 2004 at Tan-Tar-A.
For more information, to apply for an office, or to make a nomination, please contact McKenzie Keedy or Brent Bryant at (888) 499-9162 or e-mail mckenzie@mocattle.com or brent@mocattle.com.
Beef: It’s What’s for Halloween
With all the scary talk about childhood obesity these days, many parents may be concerned about the treats their children will be bringing home this Halloween. Nutrition experts are offering lots of non-food and non-sweets alternatives for the holiday, and one of those options is individual beef sticks.
According to Missouri Beef Industry Council Nutrition Education Director Teri Jo Oetting, “Kids do need good nutrition and a great way to provide that is to give out beef jerky instead of high fat candy and sugar.”
Oetting added that beef jerky really is a treat. “Kids and adults both love beef jerky. It’s quick and easy and you don’t have to worry about storage.”
Beef is also a great ingredient for Halloween get-togethers and several entertaining beef recipes can be found on the Internet. “Halloween Burgers” is a simple and fun way to dress up regular hamburgers as ghosts and goblins using cheese slices, bell peppers and olives.
Another tasty Halloween treat is “Ghostly Delights,” a ground beef and corn mixture cooked inside mini pumpkins for individual servings. That recipe can be found on the Texas Beef Council website, www.txbeef.org.
“Beef is just a perfect fit for Halloween,” said Oetting.
- Missouri Beef Industry Council
Calendar of Events
Nov. 2 Please take time to exercise your right to vote!
Nov. 3 Warren County Cattlemen – Loretta’s Place, Marthasville, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 6 Tri-County Cattlemen – Shady Dell Community Center, Richland, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 8-9 Missouri Forage & Grassland Council Annual Meeting, Holiday Inn, Lake Ozark
Nov. 9 Moniteau County Cattlemen – Centennial Hall, Moniteau Co. Fairgrounds, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 9-12 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show – Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO
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.
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If so, please contact McKenzie Keedy at (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com.