Cattle Industry News
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.
Individuals who wish to contribute to the NCBA Disaster Relief Fund can call 1-866-BEEF-USA for information. Donations also can be sent to NCBA Disaster Relief Fund, c/o NCBA, P.O. Box 3469, Englewood, CO 80155.
"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. It was kind of like a Stephen King novel."
Powell says that in 12 counties already 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.
NCBA staff in Washington, D.C., have been working with the congressional delegations from the affected states on the issue. In addition to finding funds, it is important to identify the programs through which they will be distributed. NCBA will establish a hotline for producers seeking information about relief efforts once those programs are identified.
Sept. 27 President Bush offered a supplemental funding bill that included $400 million specifically for disaster relief for agriculture in Florida and Alabama. Florida Sens. Bob Graham and Bill Nelson are seeking $700 million in another bill.
"The impact from these storms will be felt for months," says McAdams. "Besides replacing the immediate losses of buildings, crops and livestock, producers will have to contend with pasture loss from 30 or more days of rain. That's going to lower shipping weights, body condition scores and that's going to raise feed costs. While we work with the federal government to see what kind of disaster relief is available, this fund will help supply some relief immediately at the time of need." - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Cattle- Fax Market Update
Market Highlights – The fed cattle market was steady to 50 cents lower last week with the bulk of the live trade collected at $84 to $84.50. On a dressed basis, sales occurred mainly at $132 to $133. Trade volumes were moderate. Boxed beef values gained ground last week, aided by a cutback in production levels. Movement on boxes was moderate as well. Middle meats, more specifically ribs, continue to struggle and are a drag on the cut-out. Feeder cattle were primarily steady, while calves were quoted steady to $1 lower. Slaughter cows sold mostly $1 lower.
-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Membership Exceeds 2004 Goal
2005 Dues Lowered to $50 for All Members
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association ended the 2004 membership year with over fifty percent more members than one year ago, making them the fastest growing state cattlemen’s association in the nation. During the 2004 membership year, which ran from October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2004, membership rose to 3,328 members, which includes 1,262 new members. In addition to regular membership, MCA also has 375 junior members.
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 lowered to $50. Prior to this change, yearly dues were $65 for renewing members and $50 for new members.
“Our county cattlemen’s associations did an incredible job of recruiting cattlemen and women to our association, which helped us end the year on a strong note,” said David Moore, MCA Second Vice President. “We are excited about the upcoming year and expect to continue the increase in membership across the state.”
“We have a new dues structure, a new attitude and great faith in the positive future of Missouri’s cattle industry,” said Pettis County cattle producer and MCA President, Rusty Kahrs. “Missouri’s cattle farmers and ranchers are excited about the future of our association and our industry. Our members know how important it is to get involved in the Missouri Cattlemen's Association to protect our industry. They realize the value of the work done by county associations, MCA, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on issues critical to the cattle industry.”
MCA Seeking Nominations for Cattleman of Year, Pioneer Award, and Industry Award
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. For more information 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. 5 Boone County Cattlemen – Cattle Industry Headquarters, Columbia, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 Southwest Cattlemen – Southwest Center, Mt. Vernon, 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 6 Crawford County Cattlemen – Interstate Regional Stockyards, Cuba, 6:00 p.m.
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.
Dec. 9-12 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show – Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO
Mail Box
September 23, 2004
Dear Missouri Cattlemen’s Association:
The 2004 Missouri Beef Tour was one of the best, if not the best, tour we’ve had since Commercial Agriculture was given the responsibility of conducting the annual event some 10 years ago.
Thanks for being an important part of the tour. We appreciate the timely and appropriate contribution of the ribeye steaks. Buster Geisendorfer and the members of the Lewis/Marion Cattlemen’s Association did a great job of preparing and serving the steaks. They served over 220 people.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Rex Ricketts, Coordinator
Commercial Agriculture Program
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.