Cattle Industry News

Fellow Producers Need Our Help - Hurricanes Cripple the Florida Cattle Industry

NCBA and state affiliate associations are working in conjunction with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association to aid in relief efforts for Florida cattle producers.  As fellow cattle producers, we are asking for your help.  More than seventy percent of Florida’s ranches were devastated by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan, affecting over 1.2 million head of beef cattle in that area.  The storms destroyed fencing and caused damage to farm structures and sale barns on over nine million acres.  Twenty-five counties have been designated as disaster areas; fourteen of those twenty-five counties are home to the state’s largest cattle population.

“The most immediate needs we have are to repair perimeter fences to keep cattle off of major roadways, debris clean-up, structural repairs and gathering stray cattle. It is shipping time for the majority of the cattle in our state and it is critical that we have an infrastructure in place to facilitate the processing of these cattle. For many of the 1.2 million head of cattle living in this area, this structure no longer exists and must be replaced in order to ship cattle out of the state," stated Mike Milicevic, FCA President and producer from one of the hardest hit areas in Florida. 

You can help in many ways - through the donation of needed materials, time and labor, and financial contributions.  FCA has identified a list of materials and equipment needed (see below).  There is also a need for experienced fencing crews to help rebuild and repair exterior fencing and working pens.  Those interested in helping with time and labor must realize that conditions in Florida are still dismal and hotel space is limited.  FCA has secured housing at a nearby 4-H camp and will try to accommodate as many volunteers as possible.

Those interested in making donations may call the MCA office toll free at 1-888-499-9162 - we will coordinate with NCBA and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.  Thank you to the St. Charles County Cattlemen for their generous donation to help fellow cattlemen. 

Cattle- Fax Market Update

Market Highlights – Fed cattle prices moved higher last week, closing at $82 to $83, with a few cattle as high as $83.50. This was $2 to $3 higher than the previous week. On a dressed basis, the bulk of the trade occurred early at $127, but late sales were collected as high as $130. Trade volumes on the week were modestly moderate. Boxed beef trade was lower on the week and good movement was noted. Asking prices will be sharply higher next week as packers attempt to sell meat high enough to make up for the higher fed cattle they purchased this week. Feeder cattle were steady at $41 lower, while calves were quoted $1 to $2 lower.  Losses that are starting to be incurred at the feedlot levels are being passed back down the chain.  Slaughter cows were primarily steady on the week.
In Missouri last week, feeder cattle receipts totaled 15,824. Weighted average price for 549-lb feeder steers was $127.74. Most prices were steady to lower, with a few exceptions at $2 higher.                  -To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Dues $50 for all Members in 2005

One year ago, the MCA Board of Directors set a goal of increasing membership to 3300 paid members by the end of the 2004 fiscal year (September 30, 2004).  In addition, the board voted on a reward for reaching the goal:  $50 dues for all members, both new and renewal, in 2005. 

At the beginning of yesterday’s (September 16, 2004), Board of Directors meeting, paid memberships totaled 3,288 – just 14 shy of 3,300.  Before the end of the meeting, the mail came with nine memberships, and board members added another five, bringing the number of paid members to 3,300. 

Reaching 3,300 members triggers an important change in the dues structure of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association – beginning October 1, 2004, all dues, for both new members and renewing members, will be $50.  Prior to this change, dues were set at $65 for renewals and $50 for new members.  Look for more information on the change in dues and new programs of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association in future editions of Prime Cuts.    

Missouri Beef Industry Council Announces New Directors
The votes are in for three MBIC director terms that begin October 1. In Region One (Northwest), Andrew McCrea, Maysville, will serve a second three-year term. In Region Four (Southwest), James Rickman from Stockton is a new member of the Board of Directors. John Kleiboeker of California will fill the statewide at-large position. Also joining the Board for a one-year term by virtue of his position as past-president of Missouri Cattlemen's is Ken Disselhorst of Palmyra.      – Steve Taylor, MBIC

Calendar of Events

Sept. 17-19       MCF Cattlemen’s Charity Weekend – Huzzah Valley Resort, Steelville

Sept. 18            Southwest Missouri Tour, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 21            Cass-Jackson Cattlemen – City Park, Harrisonville, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 22            Macon Co. Cattlemen – Macon MFA, 10:00 a.m.

Sept. 23            Newton Co. Cattlemen – Crowder College Agriculture Building, 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 25            Randolph Co. Cattlemen – Circle A Angus Ranch, Huntsville, 3:00 p.m.

Sept. 27            Benton Co. Cattlemen – Community Building, Warsaw, 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 28            Barton Co. Cattlemen – Memorial Hall Basement, Lamar, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 9-12          Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show – Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO

Mail Box

Dear Missouri Cattlemen’s Association,

Thank you for sponsoring my Reserve Champion 4-H Steer trophy at the Missouri State Fair. 

Thank You,

Laine Martin and “Balue,” Curryville, Missouri

The Fine Print

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