Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from Missouri Cattlemen's Association staff! The MCA office will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 in observance of the holiday.
Cooking a Turkey too much Trouble? Serve Beef for Thanksgiving!
'Tis the Season for celebration, and there's no better way to enjoy the holidays than with BEEF and these festive recipes! As an alternative to turkey, consider serving a Standing Rib Roast. The Missouri Beef Industry Council’s Holiday Menu features the mouth-watering roasts as well as top recipes for side dishes and holiday treats. The BEEF Holiday Menu is available on the Missouri Beef Industry Council’s website, www.mobeef.com. For a direct link, visit: http://mobeef.com/consumers/2006_recipesholiday.html or http://mobeef.com/consumers/2006_holiday_appetizers.html
-Information provided by Missouri Beef Industry Council
Cattle Industry News
U.S. Cattle Producers Finally See Action in Re-opening of Russian Export Market
The official signing of a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Russia means U.S. beef has regained access to the Russian market, effective immediately pending a plant audit tour by Russian inspectors.
“Before December 2003, Russia was a huge export market for U.S. cattle producers,” says South Dakota cattleman Ed Blair, chair of the beef industry’s Joint International Markets Committee. “It’s hard to believe this irrational trade barrier has been unremitting for almost three years now. Cattle producers are relieved Russia has finally acknowledged established international trade standards regarding BSE.”
After site visits from a Russian audit team, the market will immediately open to U.S. boneless beef, bone-in beef and beef variety meats from cattle under 30 months of age with an approved export certificate. The second step in this re-opening process should come in May 2007, when the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) General Assembly is expected to make its final decision on the United States’ risk-status for BSE.
Pending the determination of the United States as an OIE-designated controlled-risk or negligible-risk country, Russia will reopen to all U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages with the removal of OIE designated specified risk materials.
“Russian consumers devoured our beef products in the past, and it’s about time they got to enjoy our superior exports once again,” says Missouri cattlemen and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Mike John. “Cattle producers urge all nations to emulate Russia’s promise to fully re-open to all U.S. beef and beef products pending the OIE’s BSE risk designation.”
“Previously, Russia was the largest export market for U.S. beef livers, and we look forward to rebuilding this market once again,” says Blair. “In 2003, Russia was the fifth largest export market for U.S. beef in terms of quantity, importing over 140 million pounds of U.S. beef and beef variety meats valued at over $53 million.”
“We urge the Russian and U.S. veterinarians to jointly inspect all slaughter facilities applying to export beef to Russia as quickly as possible, so that trade may resume promptly,” says John. “We want Russian consumers to be enjoying our beef for the winter holidays, and going into the New Year.”
President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the bilateral trade agreement yesterday as part of Russia's bid for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). U.S. cattle producers are in strong support of the full bilateral agreement, which will effectively break down market access barriers to beef by lowering tariffs and raising quota levels for U.S. beef exports. For more details on this agreement, go to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative online at: www.ustr.gov. - NCBA
NCBA Achieves Strong Membership Growth in 2006
Membership in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has grown by more than 8 percent in 2006, while dues revenue increased by more than 12 percent. While NCBA’s membership surge is strongest in the Southeast region, recruitment efforts nationwide have resulted in positive membership growth in 35 states.
The eight states comprising NCBA Region II (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee) achieved the strongest regional membership growth, as NCBA’s Region II members increased by 75 percent. The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association showed the largest increase in NCBA members of any single state, growing its membership by almost 125 percent. The Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association took top honors in dues growth, increasing dues revenue by over 230 percent.
For their recruitment efforts, both the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association will receive a one-year lease on a round baler, courtesy of New Holland.
NCBA’s Top Hand Club was a key factor in this year’s membership results. Top Hand Club members must recruit three new NCBA members during a single calendar year, then two new members in each subsequent year to remain a Top Hand. This year, 213 NCBA members achieved Top Hand status, an increase of 37 percent. These cattlemen recruited a total of 2257 new members to NCBA, an increase of 25 percent over 2005.
“It is gratifying to see this strong membership growth, because it tells me that cattlemen across the nation are responding to a positive message,” said Mike John, NCBA president from Huntsville, Mo., and former NCBA membership chairman. “NCBA is about growing this industry and increasing opportunities - not only for this generation of cattlemen, but for our children and grandchildren as well. A strong association will help us realize that dream.”
NCBA membership chairman R.J. Jolly of Kit Carson, Colo., said face-to-face communication remains the most critical element to achieving membership growth.
“There’s just no substitute for personal contact – one-on-one, cattleman-to-cattleman,” Jolly said. “Our Top Hand Club members really deserve a tip of the hat, because they’ve done a great job of spreading NCBA’s message and philosophy.”
New NCBA members are encouraged to attend local and state cattlemen’s association meetings, many of which are being held in November and December, as well as the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show, which is set for Jan. 31 – Feb. 3 in Nashville. - NCBA
Landmark
Bill Passes Targeting Animal Rights Terrorism
Bill Closes
Loopholes, Provides Tougher Penalties
On November 13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Animal Enterprise
Terrorism Act, which strengthens laws dealing with criminal acts against animal
enterprises, including farms, meat processors and animal research facilities.
The bill, which provides much needed enhancements to the Animal Enterprise
Protection Act of 1992, is expected to be signed by the President.
The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act closes loopholes in the previous act by penalizing attacks against tertiary targets. It also addresses key concerns of law enforcement who have waged an uphill battle to prevent, investigate and prosecute acts of animal rights terrorism. The Act was passed by unanimous consent by the U.S. Senate on September 30. The Animal Agriculture Alliance (Alliance) is thrilled at the legislature's recognition that the dedicated people who devote their lives to providing food for the nation deserve the protection that this law provides.
''In the past year death threats have been used in animal rights campaigns in
both Arizona and South Dakota,'' say Alliance Executive Vice President, Kay
Johnson. ''We are aware of one made in Minneapolis just recently. Worse yet,
here in the USA and in the United Kingdom the use of firebombs has also become
far too common. In one instance, the bomb was left at the wrong house. Members
of law enforcement and animal rights groups have both acknowledged that it is
just a matter of time before people are killed. Our belief is that this much
needed-law will save more than one life by making some animal rights and
environmental zealots think twice before engaging in such illegal and unethical
activities.'' - Animal Agriculture Alliance
TSCRA
Provides Cattle Rustling Prevention Tips
The Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), which is well known for its cattle theft prevention expertise and Special Rangers unit, has tips for producers to help prevent cattle theft:
At
least one confessed cattle thief says things like brands, ear tags, and feeding
away from the road make cattle less desirable targets. Interestingly he also
said the presence of a sign stating the producer's affiliation with an
organization that prosecutes crime is also a deterrent. Look for more info, and
listen to the comments of a cattle thief, at:
www.texascattleraisers.org/theftProtectionTips.asp.
- Information provided by Wes
Ishmael/BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly
Editor’s note: The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association has reward signs available to members – be sure to pick one up at the membership booth at convention, or call MCA at (888) 499-9162 for more information.
Cattle-Fax Market Update
November 20, 2006 - Fed cattle trade was quiet with light packer inquiry to start the week. Asking prices are mostly $89-90 live and $140 or better dressed. Live cattle futures closed higher with the only exception being the December contract which dropped $0.15 to close at $87.42. February gained $0.40 to close at $90.62. Feeder cattle prices closed lower across the board, but well above the day's lows.
January feeders closed $0.70 lower at $97.67 and March dropped $0.65 to close at $96.75. Nearby contracts were more than $2.75 lower at the session lows, but firmed as corn fell off from double-digit gains. Boxed beef prices were mixed with Choice up $0.12 at $140.65 and Select down $0.20 at $127.81. Good movement was noted for a Monday at 290 loads.
-To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Update
MO-AG becomes Missouri Agribusiness Association
Effective October 20, 2006, MO-AG Industries Council became Missouri Agribusiness Association. President Jim Russell believed the change was needed to more accurately and more clearly show MO-AG’s purpose. “Becoming Missouri Agribusiness Association just makes it more obvious what we do,” he said. “Before, our name often puzzled people, and we hope this will alleviate that confusion.” We will still keep the MO-AG short name and look forward to continuing our dedication to the agribusiness community. - MO-AG Weekly Wrap-Up
Attention Juniors: 2006 Points Results are now Posted
Attention Junior Members - the 2006 MCA Points Sanctioning System Results are now posted online at http://mocattle.com/juniors.htm. Letters to notify winners have gone out in the mail and should be received next week. Winners will be honored on Saturday, Dec. 9 in Springfield, Mo., during the 2006 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show. Congratulations to all the participants in the 2006 Points Sanctioning System for a successful show season!
Make plans to attend the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show
Plans are shaping up for an outstanding 2006 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, December 7-9, 2006 at the University Plaza Hotel and Springfield Expo Center in Springfield, Missouri.
For cattle producers, regardless of the size or scope of their farm or ranch, this is an excellent opportunity to help shape the policy of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association for the upcoming year, to take part in a wide range of educational programs, to visit hundreds of trade show exhibits, and to enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship of the Convention.
2006 Cattlemen’s College - a “Don’t Miss” Program
With the most outstanding line-up of speakers ever featured, one of the highlights of the 2006 Convention is sure to be the Cattlemen’s College program. Cattlemen’s College will take cattle producers from “Gate to Plate,” highlighting the latest innovations and changes in the industry, while focusing on how the changes affect your operation and your bottom line. Speakers include: Troy Marshall, BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly and Seedstock Digest; Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef; Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University; and more.
Cattlemen’s College registration is only $75 for the first person and $50 for each additional person from the same household or business. Registration includes a bottle of Dectomax, lunch, and all materials. Student registration is only $20 and is available to current high school and college students. Be sure to register early - after the Nov. 27 early deadline, Cattlemen’s College registration increases to $100 (first person) and $75 (each additional person), and $25 for students. Registration information is available by calling (888) 499-9162, visiting www.mocattle.com, and will also be in the October and November issues of Missouri Beef Cattleman magazine. If you have not participated in Cattlemen’s College in the past, this is a great year to attend! The Cattlemen’s College is sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health and lunch is sponsored by U.S. Premium Beef.
Increased Exhibit Space Creates More Opportunities for Vendors and Attendees
Whether you’re in the market for a product or service, or trying to market your products or service, the Trade Show at the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade show is the perfect place for you. Businesses – the 2006 convention will be a great place for you to showcase your products and services to cattle producers from Missouri and surrounding states. The Springfield Expo Center is a top-of-the-line facility, with plenty of space for all kinds of exhibits – from large equipment and machinery to live cattle.
Cattle producers – from trailers and chutes to animal health products and feed, our trade show has it all! Live cattle will be on display, and the entire family will enjoy our wide variety of exhibits, from jewelry and accessories to BBQ sauce and coffee. Educational seminars and demonstrations will run throughout the trade show, with topics ranging from basic cattle production to cooking. Activities for youth will also take place in the trade show.
Educational Programs and Demonstrations
Programs featured in the trade show include: Cooking demonstrations from local colleges and favorite chefs; Cattle Production 101 – Answers to cattle producers’ top 10 questions; 1031 Exchanges; Landscape Design Made Simple; "Women on the Farm - How we do it" Producer Panel; and more! Programs and demonstrations run from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
Youth Activities
Friday is FFA Day in the Trade Show, featuring a special program, luncheon, and exclusive trade show access for FFA students. Call MCA at (888) 499-9162 for more information on FFA Day. On Saturday, young people can participate in a leadership workshop, quiz bowl competition, and a special activity night! In addition, many young cattle exhibitors will be recognized during the 2006 Points Sanctioning Awards Ceremony. The Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show offers something for youth of all ages!
Help Develop MCA Policy for 2007
The Annual Meeting of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, held at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, is your opportunity to help shape association policy for 2007. Every member gets one equal vote during the annual meeting, so be sure your voice is heard! Council meetings – Seedstock, Cow-Calf, and Stocker-Feeder, will take place at 7:00 a.m. Friday, December 8 (immediately before Cattlemen’s College) and now include breakfast, so make reservations for the council meeting of your choice and enjoy lively discussion about your sector of the industry over a great meal!
Make Hotel Reservations Now!
To take advantage of the University Plaza Hotel’s special discounted rate for the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, call (417) 864-7333. Rates are $79/night plus tax.
The meetings held during the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show all take place in the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center and the trade show is located right across the street in the Springfield Expo Center. The University Plaza, which is one of Springfield’s premiere hotels, is offering a substantial discount on room rates for convention attendees. The special rate is guaranteed until November 20.
For more information on the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162, or visit http://mocattle.com/convention.htm. The website includes links to the University Plaza Hotel, the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, and a link to an interactive map, among other things.
Wanted: Ralgro Wheels for “Wheels for Bucks” Program
Program Benefits both MCF and MCA Educational and Junior Programs
From now until December, please make an effort to collect empty Ralgro wheels and Magnum strips from your friends, neighbors, and business associates. For every 10 empty Ralgro wheels and for every 5 empty magnum strips, we will receive one wheel of Ralgro to be auctioned Friday, Dec. 8 during the Foundation Auction at convention. This is a wonderful fundraising opportunity and it goes to a great cause – half the proceeds benefit Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation and the other half benefit MCA’s educational and youth/junior programs. Last year, the Wheels for Bucks program raised more than $16,000 for MCF and MCA.
Wheels and strips can be brought to the MCA office prior to convention or directly to the convention. Both county associations and individual producers are encouraged to participate and help Missouri’s youth! The Wheels for Bucks program is sponsored by Schering-Plough. Please take time to thank your local Schering-Plough representative for bringing back a great program!
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 Allied Industry Award. The awards will be presented at the 2006 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, which will be held December 7-9, 2006 at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Mo.
Officer Applications – The nominating committee is currently taking applications for the 2007 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 7-9, 2006 in Springfield.
For more information, to apply for an office, or to make a nomination, please contact McKenzie Disselhorst or Brent Bryant at (888) 499-9162 or e-mail mckenzie@mocattle.com or brent@mocattle.com.
Calendar of Events
Nov. 28 Mid-Misouri Cattlemen – Donita’s Restaurant, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 30 St. Clair County Cattlemen – Assembly of God Church, Osceola, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 30 Monroe County Cattlemen – Kendrick Insurance Bldg., Paris, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 1 Franklin County Cattlemen – Knights of Columbus Hall, Gerald, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 4 Macon County Cattlemen – Thorn Tree Restaurant, Bevier, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 Andrew County Cattlemen – Claseby Center, Savannah, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 5 Southwest Cattlemen – Southwest Research Center, Mt. Vernon, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 7 St. Charles County Cattlemen – VFW Hall, New Melle, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 7-9 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show – University Plaza Hotel
& Springfield Expo Center
For more cattle industry events, visit www.mocattle.com/calendar.htm
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.
Do you have questions, comments or suggestions?
Would you like to advertise in our newsletter?
If so, please contact McKenzie Disselhorst at (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com.