Smithfield, ContiGroup will Build Beef Plant
Two of the biggest players in America's meat industry say they will build a $200 million beef processing plant in Texas County, Okla. Smithfield Beef Group Inc., a unit of Smithfield Foods Inc., and ContiGroup Companies, have formed a joint venture to build the plant which will process 5,000 cattle per day. Smithfield Foods is the world's largest hog producer and pork processor. An independently operated joint venture between Smithfield Foods and ContiGroup is Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, formed in May 2005. Five Rivers has a combined feeding capacity of more than 800,000 head of cattle with locations in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Construction of the plant is expected to start in January and be completed by mid-2008.                                - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

Creekstone CEO Retires

According to Meatingplace.com, John Stewart, founder and chief executive of Arkansas City, Kan.-based Creekstone Farms Inc., is retiring from the company, although he will remain active as an investor and advisor concentrating on governmental relations. Stewart will also remain on the board of the American Meat Institute (AMI) representing Creekstone. Bill McSwain will run the company’s day-to-day operations while a search for a new chief executive is conducted, Cattlenetwork.com reported.                       

- information provided by Meatingplace.com

Limousin Plans Free Member Workshops
The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) plans a series of free regional workshops for members. Topics to be addressed include breed improvement and marketing issues. The dates and sites include:

• Oct. 21 -- Lamplighter Inn North Convention Center, Springfield, MO.
• Nov. 18 -- Cronk's Café, Denison, IA.
• Jan. 8 -- as part of the NALF annual meeting, Denver, CO.
• Jan. 27 -- Radisson Hotel North, Ft. Worth, TX.
• Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN, in conjunction with Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2007. Exact date and time to be announced.

No advance registration is required. Workshop agendas will be posted in the "Programs" section at www.nalf.org. For more info, contact Frank Padilla at frank@nalf.org or 303-220-1693.

                                                            - North American Limousin Foundation

NCBA Urges Producers to Research Candidates for Upcoming Elections

The 2006 mid-term Congressional elections are just about a month away, and if you’re undecided about candidates in your state, the time is NOW to research their background and voting record. The polls are continuing to show a possible rebalance in both houses of Congress. U.S. cattle producers should be urging friends, family and neighbors to get out and vote for the candidates that understand agriculture, support our livelihood, and will stand up for cattle producers in Washington D.C.

This year, we’ve made it especially easy for you to find out about the candidates in your state online. Just go to http://capwiz.com/beefusa and click on the “Election” section! If you have any questions about which candidates are best for the cattle industry, do not hesitate to contact our D.C. office, at 202-347-0228.             - NCBA

Cattle-Fax Market Update

October 18 - Fed cattle trade was quiet with very light packer inquiry on Wednesday.  Asking prices are mostly $90 to $91 live and $142 or better in the beef.  Bids at $85 live were noted, but limited to the South.  Live cattle futures closed higher with October up $0.65 at $88.57 and December up $0.52 at $87.85.  Feeder cattle futures followed suit with gains of up to $0.80 attributed to both oversold technical conditions and $0.04-0.05 lower corn futures.  October feeder cattle closed up $0.35 at $107.10 and November up $0.50 at $105.07.  Boxed beef values were higher with Choice and Select both up $0.44 at $146.27 and $136.36, respectively.  Movement was active with a load count of 416 boxes. 

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

Missouri Cattlemen’s Update

Blunt Requests Federal Assistance for Missouri Farm Families

Gov. Matt Blunt sent a letter to Mike Johanns, secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, requesting 9 counties be declared natural disaster areas for agricultural loss due to storm and flood damage.

“Missouri farm families are facing costly repairs and loss of income as they continue to recover from September’s severe weather,” Blunt said. “It is vital that the state and federal government do all we can to assist our farm families during this difficult time.”

Missouri farmers in Southeast Missouri counties were adversely impacted by severe weather in late September, and based upon findings by the Missouri Farm Service Agency meet the established criteria of 30 percent or greater agricultural loss in order to be eligible for federal assistance.

Blunt has requested that Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Ripley, and Stoddard Counties be declared natural disaster areas in order to ensure that Missouri farm families impacted by the severe weather are eligible for emergency low interest loans.                          - The office of Governor Matt Blunt

Department of Agriculture to Distribute Drought Assistance to Livestock Owners

Livestock Assistance Grant Program Applications Available

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that it will begin accepting applications for the Livestock Assistance Grant Program on Monday, Oct. 16. This grant program is designed to assist Missouri livestock producers partially recover forage production losses due to certain drought conditions in 2006.

“The drought adversely effected most of the counties in Missouri this year and we are happy that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing funding to 30 of our counties that suffered the most forage loss,” said Fred Ferrell, director of MDA. “We are doing everything we can to try to help our producers during this time of need.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in late August funding to help agricultural producers deal with the drought. The package included a $50 million state block grant program to aid livestock producers suffering from the effects of the 2006 drought. As part of this program, Missouri was allocated $2.7 million to distribute to producers.

MDA will have a month-long application period from Oct. 16-Nov. 17, 2006. Producers will not receive any direct notification of this program from MDA; however, applications will be available from the following sources:

• Online at www.mda.mo.gov, under “Drought Information”
• Missouri Farm Service Agency offices located in the qualified counties
• University of Missouri Extension offices located in the qualified counties

Eligible livestock owners must have had their livestock located within the 30 counties identified for the program. The counties are: Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Camden, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Cooper, Dade, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Newton, Pettis, Polk, Ray, St. Clair, Saline, Stone and Vernon. Eligible livestock include: adult beef cows, adult dairy cows, adult sheep ewes, adult goat does, adult equine mares, adult elk cows and adult bison cows.

Producers with questions regarding the application or the program are encouraged to contact MDA at (573) 526-4727 or via email at lagp@mda.mo.gov. More information is also available on MDA’s drought website at http://www.mda.mo.gov/drought/index.html.                         - MDA

Department of Ag Reminds Producers to Apply for Environmental Quality Funding

Application Deadline Nov. 17

As part of the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) efforts to promote animal agriculture, the Department is recommending that livestock producers enroll in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program promoting agricultural production and environmental quality.  Through EQIP, eligible producers may receive financial and technical assistance for agricultural land to implement structural and management conservation practices.  Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, Nov. 17, 2006.

“The Department of Agriculture supports a key conservation practice – promoting the use of tree screens as shelterbelts or windbreaks around livestock operations to not only enhance farm aesthetics but to also act as a biofilter to reduce odor,” said Fred Ferrell, director of MDA.  “By the use of tree plantings, livestock producers can achieve environmental benefit for themselves as well as their neighbors.  MDA is partnering with the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry and the University of Missouri Commercial Agriculture for project design.”

Recently, MDA met with Natural Resources Conservation Service’s State Conservationist, Roger Hansen, and requested that EQIP applications involving shelterbelts receive priority in the selection process.  MDA also requested that additional incentives be given for irrigation to assist in the establishment of newly planted trees.

“I am pleased to announce that in fiscal year 2007, the Missouri EQIP program will provide 50 percent cost share for trees and $1 per feet of windbreak,” said Roger Hansen.  “Hopefully, these incentives will eliminate the financial barriers that keep some producers from adding windbreaks around feeding operations.” 

Interested producers must meet the Nov. 17 deadline to be considered for program funding.  For more information regarding this EQIP conservation practice, contact your local NRCS office or the State NRCS office at (573) 876-0900 or visit www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/.                         - MDA

Make plans to attend the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show

Plans are shaping up for the 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.

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.

For more information on the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, keep reading Iowa Farmer Today – Missouri Edition, call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162, or visit www.mocattle.com.

Attention Cattle Producers - Save your 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!

Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association plans Chili Cook-off

Chili Cook-off - On October 21, the Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association will host a Men’s Chili Cook-Off.  The event will be held at the Miller County Regional Stockyards, with serving from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teams or individuals are welcome. Registration must be made by calling the Stockyards at (573) 392-5572. Entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded. A meal and meeting will follow.

Girls, dust off those cook books - you are invited to bring any baked goods to sell during the cook-off.  The winner of the Browning Shotgun raffle will be drawn after the meal; tickets will be available up to the time of drawing from any board member or at the Stockyards.                                             - Mid Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

Calendar of Events

Oct. 19             Greene County Cattlemen – Golden Corral (N. Kansas), Springfield, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 21             Mid-Missouri Cattlemen – Chili Cook-off (see details above)

Oct. 22             Vernon County Cattlemen – Focal Dairy, 1:00 p.m.

Nov. 4               Tri-County Cattlemen – Shady Dell Community Center, Richland, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 6               Macon County Cattlemen – Lolli Livestock Market, Macon, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 8               Ralls County Cattlemen – Mark Twain High School Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

Nov. 9               Warren County Cattlemen – Warrenton Fire House (near fairgrounds), 6:00 p.m.

Nov. 16             Henry County Cattlemen – Golden Corral, Clinton, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19             Johnson County Cattlemen – Johnson Co. Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

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.