Hurricanes Prompt NCBA to Establish Permanent Disaster Relief Fund
DENVER (Sept. 28, 2004) - Four hurricanes in six weeks greatly have increased the need for assistance to farmers and cattlemen in the Southeast, so the National Cattlemen's Beef Association has established a permanent Disaster Relief Fund. Money and products collected through this effort will be sent to the local state cattlemen's associations to ensure the most efficient distribution. The fund will be earmarked for cattlemen in areas that qualify for disaster assistance under federal guidelines.
"Today, the urgent need is in Florida and Alabama, but next year there could be forest fires in Montana or drought in the Midwest. By establishing this fund, we'll have resources and the means in place to help producers when they need it," says Jim McAdams, NCBA president-elect.
NCBA organized a relief effort for Florida following Hurricane Charley, the first hurricane to hit this season. To date, about $50,000 in donated materials, services and money have been received and forwarded to Florida for distribution.
"When you get blown away, the need for help is pretty immediate," says Dr. Billy Powell, executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. "Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, moved inland and dropped lots of rain, went back through Florida and then over to Texas.”
Powell says that in 12 counties declared 100 percent disaster areas, about 4,200 Alabama cattlemen were hit by Hurricane Ivan, and the damage extends well beyond that area. As in Florida, fences are down everywhere, buildings are destroyed and material costs to replace them have skyrocketed.
Jim Handley, executive vice president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association, calls the situation there "Tough. There's a world of water. In places, you can't even get a truck in to load calves." He says that some of the auction barns hit in the first storms are reopening, but the most pressing need is for the federal government to expedite disaster relief.
Individuals who wish to contribute to the NCBA Disaster Relief Fund can call 1-866-BEEF-USA for information. Donations can be sent to NCBA Disaster Relief Fund, c/o NCBA, P.O. Box 3469, Englewood, CO 80155. Donations can also be sent to the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO 65201. For more information, call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162. All donations received for the Disaster Relief Fund will be forwarded to NCBA for distribution. Thank you to the St. Charles County Cattlemen’s Association for their generous donation to Florida cattlemen in need.
'No Beef, No
Hunting' Campaign Spreads in Canada
According to
Canadian news reports, the Alberta Fish and Game Association has thrown its
support behind a campaign that targets American hunters who take Canadian
wildlife while live-cattle trade from Canada remains in limbo. Association
president Ray Makowecki believes American hunters could help push the U.S.
government to reopen the border. Canadian feedlot owner Rick Pascal says he has
ordered 200 signs for his feedlot and fellow producers that say, "No American
Hunters allowed due to BSE" and "No Beef – No
Hunting." - Drovers Alert 10/7/04
Cattle- Fax Market Update
Market Highlights – The fed cattle market developed late and at steady to $1 lower prices last week. The bulk of the fed cattle trade was at $83 to $84.50 live and $130 to $131 dressed. Trade volumes were moderate at best as packers continue to run in the red and have kept kills scaled back as a result. Boxed beef lost ground with movement no better than moderate. Some buyers are beginning to book product for future delivery. Feeder cattle prices were steady to $1 lower, while calves were mostly $1 lower. -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.
Calendar of Events
Oct. 11 Macon County Cattlemen – Lolli Livestock Market, Macon, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 12 St. Clair County Cattlemen – The Blue Inn, Appleton City, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 Bates County Cattlemen – MOKAN Livestock Market, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 25 Benton County Cattlemen – Classic’s, east of Cole Camp, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 2 Please take time to exercise your right to vote!
Nov. 8-9 Missouri Forage & Grassland Council Annual Meeting, Holiday Inn, Lake Ozark
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.