NCBA on Animal ID – Voluntary, Private and Market-Driven

By Mike John, NCBA President and Missouri cattleman, November 2006

I am often asked where NCBA stands on animal identification, and sometimes by people who have heard our position badly misrepresented. I appreciate the opportunity to come directly to you with the straight-forward facts about our cattle-producer members’ position, and the actions we have taken to fulfill their expectations. 

It all begins with a core philosophy.  No matter the issue, NCBA members believe we need to limit government interference and control in the cattle business. We have seen the failures of government involvement in agriculture, and cattlemen have chosen a different course. We believe in the entrepreneurial tradition of the ranchers and farmers that came before us, and we believe success comes from our ability to make our own decisions about how we market our cattle and manage our resources.  So it makes sense that NCBA would favor a market-driven animal identification program, rather than government control.

It also stands to reason that NCBA would favor a privately-held, producer-driven animal movement database rather than a government-run database.  NCBA members want a system that operates at minimal cost and protects producer confidentiality. We feel that a government database cannot sufficiently protect producer data, and it is likely to grow into a large bureaucracy complete with red tape and unnecessary expense to our operations. So a private solution is better for cattlemen, while still providing the government with the information it requires in the event of an animal health emergency.

NCBA members sent a clear directive that an industry-led, animal movement database should be managed by an independent, non-profit entity. So the United States Animal Identification Organization (USAIO) was created.  USAIO is a non-profit entity made up of livestock producers.  NCBA holds only one of five current seats on the USAIO board of directors, and this board is expected to grow as other agricultural organizations decide to join.

USAIO’s mission is to securely protect the integrity and continuity of the U.S. livestock industry by managing a national animal movement database.  This database will record an animal’s ID number, premise and movement data, to be used only for the purposes of animal disease tracking when necessary. Producers will always own the data, and will never lose control over its use.

No organization can profit from this animal movement database. There is simply no financial gain whatsoever for NCBA in this endeavor. NCBA is strongest when cattlemen are profitable and have full access to commerce and trade. Our motive is profit for our members, not for the association.

The USAIO database costs are estimated at about 30 cents per head for the life of the animal, regardless of the number of transactions, not including the cost of the tag. There’s also plenty of room for competition in the animal identification arena, as many data service providers, tag companies, and other innovators are working every day to build more efficient solutions that will hold these costs down and increase the value of livestock in the marketplace.  These providers give small producers competitive footing with large operations, because most of these programs require no technology investment beyond ear tags.  This is America, and if we let American enterprise work, we will have several folks who will be providing cost-effective ID solutions to cattlemen. 

I hear often from skeptics who don’t really believe that an ID system can add value to livestock. But they are simply ignoring the facts. Large purchasers of beef are already offering premiums for source-verified cattle. Those who market U.S. beef overseas are constantly confronting the argument that Canada, Australia and other beef-exporting countries have a national ID system, but the United States does not. I personally don’t think these other countries’ systems are all they are cracked up to be, and we are pushing for traceability standards that will allow for these systems to be evaluated and verified. But the perception that these countries have moved past us is hard to overcome, and it is hurting our efforts to rebuild international market share, which adds to the value of our livestock.

I don’t think anyone would argue that ID is simply a fact of life to which we must adapt.  The question is, will it happen on producers’ terms or the government’s?  NCBA strongly believes this can be accomplished on a voluntary basis if we can get an industry-led system up and running, so producers can see for themselves the value this process can deliver. After all, I’m from the Show Me State. I believe concrete results will drive producer participation better than any government program.         - NCBA

USDA says Less Corn Available for Feed
The Department of Agriculture estimates the 2006 corn crop will be 3 percent lower than 2005’s crop. Across much of the western and central Corn Belt and Atlantic Coast states, producers reported actual harvest yields were not as good as expected because of low grain weight per ear. The soybean harvest for 2006, however, is estimated to be 5 percent higher than in 2005. USDA forecast a 10.7 billion bushel corn crop and 3.2 billion bushels of soybeans for the 2006 crop year. If projections are realized, 2006 would produce the largest soybean crop on record and second-largest corn crop. For more, follow this link.                                                                           – Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

Source and Age Verified Cattle Draw a Premium

Iowa State University says Verification Pays
Researchers at Iowa State University, working with USDA market reporters, collected data from 105 Iowa sales between October 2005 and February 2006. They evaluated sale prices on over 20,000 lots of cattle, with an average lot size of five head. Among other factors, they looked at the value differences between five levels of preconditioning ranging from no weaning or vaccination claims to certification of vaccination and at least 30-days weaning. Based on estimated costs for weaning and vaccinations, the researchers estimate the additional pay weight and premium for third-party verification result in a $35 per head profit advantage. Follow this link to view the complete report (PDF file). - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

Editor’s Note: It was recently brought to my attention that Cap Proffitt, longtime friend of MCA and manager of Barton County Feeders, has posted a note to cow-calf producers on the Barton County Feeders website regarding the value of QSA (Source and Age Verified) cattle. To read Cap’s note, go to: http://www.bartoncountyfeeders.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page3.html.

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association was the first state cattlemen’s association in the country to offer an USDA-Approved QSA Source and Age Verification program to its members. For more information on the MCA QSA-SAV program, please call (888) 499-9162 or visit http://mocattle.com/MCA-SAV.htm. MCA recently added four new QSA-SAV tag dealers - watch for an announcement in an upcoming edition of Prime Cuts.

Cattle-Fax Market Update

November 16, 2006 - A moderate to active fed cattle trade developed in the South today at $86-87.50 live, mostly $1 higher than last week.  Trade in the North was more limited on Thursday with the bulk of the volume trading in Colorado while volume in Nebraska was light.  In the North, weekly volume has been moderate to active with live prices steady early in the week and up to $1 higher by late week.  Live values have been mostly $85-86 with some trade at $87 in Colorado today.  Dressed trade in the North has been mostly steady at $133-135.  The stronger tone in the cash fed market supported higher live cattle prices.  December gained $1.40 at $88.12 and February gained $1.55 at $90.75.  Feeder cattle futures mostly closed up limit-higher (up $3.00) with January becoming the spot contract with November expiring. January and March feeders closed up $3.00 at $98.20 and $97.12, respectively. Feeders gained on technical strength and closing weakness in the corn pit. Nearby corn futures were up 6-7 cents early, but closed more than 6 cents lower. Boxed beef values moved lower, Choice lost $1.13 at $142.70 and Select gave up $0.80 at $129.74 on moderate movement of 362 loads. 

                            -To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525

Missouri Cattlemen’s Update

Keep Brent & Valerie Bryant Family in Thoughts and Prayers

Marcia Harris, mother-in-law of Brent Bryant, MCA Executive Vice President, passed away Thursday, Nov. 16 at home in Belmond, Iowa, after a long battle with cancer. Funeral arrangements are pending at Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond. Tentative arrangements include a visitation Monday evening and services Tuesday morning. For more information, the Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home can be reached at (641) 444-3248. An online guest book is also available at: http://www.legacy.com/GlobeGazette/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=19940060.

Brent and Valerie would like to thank all the MCA members and friends who have expressed their concern and condolences throughout this difficult time. Correspondence can be sent to Brent and Valerie Bryant at 4400 Crystal Rock Ct., Columbia, MO 65203.

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 your Hotel Reservation 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. 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. 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. 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.    

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If so, please contact McKenzie Disselhorst at (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com.