NEW BEEF QUALITY AUDIT SHOWS GAINS, SETS NEW BENCHMARK
Report shows a “snapshot” of industry’s quality status
The executive summary of the 2005 Beef Quality Audit, partially funded by the beef checkoff, establishes a new benchmark for quality goals and targets by the year 2015.
“The audit results prove producers are doing things right to improve beef quality — and the findings support the idea that improved quality has a positive impact on beef demand and our bottom line,” said Ran Smith, a Kansas veterinarian and chair of the checkoff-funded Quality Assurance Advisory Board.
The report, titled Staying on Track, follows previous beef quality audits in 1991, 1995 and 2000. Among other uses, the results will be incorporated into the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program that is now active in 47 states to certify and train producers in quality pre-harvest practices.
Based on the audit, the checkoff-funded BQA program will target five specific education efforts to improve quality: (1) the effects of animal health product use; (2) quality assurance in care, handling and transportation; (3) marketing opportunities; (4) herd management actions that affect quality and (5) record-keeping practices.
Initial results of the 2005 audit were discussed at the 2006 National Cattle Industry Conference in Reno, Nev., in July. The final report provides additional insight into beef quality successes and future challenges over which producers have some or all control.
The latest audit further identifies the top three quality gains since 2000: (1) improved microbiological safety; (2) improved cattle genetics resulting in higher quality beef; and (3) fewer injection-site lesions. The rankings are from interviews with beef end-users, including exporters, purveyors, foodservice and retail channels.
“Lack of uniformity/inconsistency in quality” was ranked by end users as the most prevalent defect in the U.S. beef industry. That shortcoming was segregated into four areas: marbling; tenderness; palatability; and inconsistency among and within quality grades.
The audit also cited 10 industry goals:
(1) Clarify beef market signals that encourage production of cattle, carcasses and cuts that conform to industry targets
(2) Foster communication and understanding between industry groups/beef supply chain
(3) Move expeditiously toward source and age verification to build supply lines of cattle to fit domestic/export markets
(4) Minimize production of excess fat
(5) Strive for uniformity/consistency in cattle production
(6) Consider how genetics and management affect tenderness
(7) Target weights that optimize profitability without creating quality problems
(8) Recognize marbling as a value-determining trait
(9) Use the results from instrument assessments of cattle, carcasses and cuts to make genetic and management decisions
(10) Select management practices that increase value
With funding through the Beef Checkoff Program, the national audit was conducted by researchers and scientists from Colorado State University (Fort Collins); Texas A&M University (College Station); Oklahoma State University (Stillwater); and West Texas A&M University (Canyon).
The study, conducted between June 2005 and June 2006, collected quality data at 16 U.S. packing plants. The audit collected data from live cattle, carcasses/offal items on the harvest floor and carcasses after chilling and after ribbing at the 12th/13th rib interface. Copies of the full audit report may be requested by calling Ryan Ruppert at 303-850-3369. – Cattlemen’s Beef Board
Mandatory Price Reporting Back on the Books
With
the U.S. Senate's final passage of H.R. 3408, legislation that passed the U.S.
House of Representatives last year will now effectively reauthorize Mandatory
Price Reporting (MPR) for four more years, through Sept. 30, 2010.
"This reporting process is important to U.S. cattle ranchers, and since the
mandatory law expired last fall, we have been working diligently to urge its
renewal," explains National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) president Mike
John.
MPR requires meat packers to report to the USDA Ag Marketing Service (AMS) daily
price and volume info on negotiated and non-negotiated purchases of cattle and
boxed-beef sales. In addition, companies are also required to report beef
exports and imports. The MPR law expired Sept. 30, 2005, after the Senate was
initially unable to agree to the bill passed by the House.
"Back in the 1990s, we worked with other industry groups and government
officials to develop a consensus and assure that producers are provided with
complete, accurate and timely market info," explains Jay Truitt, NCBA vice
president of government affairs.
"We're pleased the Senate made a move last night to pass this legislation and
make price reporting mandatory once again," says John. "We will also continue to
work with USDA to improve the MPR, so that it will better serve the needs of all
cattle producers."
Mandatory price reporting originally went into effect in April 2001. The reports
are online at the AMS Web site,
www.ams.usda.gov/LSMNpubs/index.htm.
- Clint
Peck for BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly
Checkoff-funded Summer Grilling promotion beefs up sales
The beef checkoff-funded Summer Grilling promotion, the industry campaign aimed at increasing sales of beef at retail from May through Labor Day, recently announced another season of sizzling results.
According to Freshlook data, beef sales were up 4.9 percent in July versus year-ago sales and saw an increase of 2.8 percent from May through July. Beef pounds were up 9.6 percent in July and saw an increase of 6.7 percent from May through July.
The Summer Grilling campaign focused on all cuts of beef, including the chuck and round, and used the well-known "Beef. It's What's For Dinner" tagline. - Ann Bagel for Meatingplace.com
Breed Associations Plan Annual Meetings
American Angus Association Makes Plans for Annual Meeting
Now is the time to make plans to attend the Association’s 123rd Annual Convention of Delegates, set for Monday, Nov. 13, in Louisville, Ky. The Annual Meeting is conducted in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), which includes a super-point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus show. The election of officers and five members to the Association Board of Directors will highlight the Annual Meeting, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center (KFEC). Elected delegates and other attendees will hear annual reports of the Association and its entities for fiscal year 2006.
The Annual Banquet will be Monday evening at the Executive West Hotel. Special honorees at the banquet will include the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) Outstanding Leadership Award winner and inductees into the Angus Heritage Foundation.
The Angus show schedule will follow the same schedule this year as it did last year. The junior show will be Sunday, Nov. 12; the Roll of Victory (ROV) bulls and cow-calf pairs will show Monday, Nov. 13; and ROV females will show Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Hotel options in Louisville — The Executive West will serve as Angus headquarters for the Annual Meeting and all related events, but rooms there are reserved for delegates, alternates, and Association officers and directors. Anyone who doesn’t fall into those categories is encouraged to make reservations at these nearby hotels, which are within walking distance of the Executive West:
Executive Inn Hotel —
1-800-626-2706
Best Western Ashton Inn Suites — (502) 375-2233
Courtyard by Marriott — (502) 368- 5678
Residence Inn by Marriott — (502) 363-8800
Howard Johnson’s Express Inn — (502) 363-9952
Hampton Inn — (502) 366-8100 - American
Angus Association
American Hereford Association - Deadline for Annual Meeting Hotel Reservations is Sept. 30
The 2006 AHA Annual Meeting will be at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., at 9 a.m. on Oct. 23. You can make reservations at:
Westin Crown Center Hotel
1 E. Pershing Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 474-4400 or (888) 627-8538
The hotel cutoff date is Sept. 30. All reservations must be made on or before this date. Ask for the “Hereford Association” room block. The purpose of this meeting is to elect new directors, hear special reports and conduct Association business.
See the “Announcements” section at Hereford.org for a detailed news release about the meeting and other related events. Additional information and the complete schedule will be included in the October issue of Hereford World. - American Hereford Association
Cattle-Fax Market Update
Last Week – Fed cattle trade had not fully developed at press time. Light volume trade in Nebraska and Texas was steady at $88-88.50 live and $1 lower in the beef at $137-138. Feeder cattle and calf prices were sharply lower this week. Calf prices had the sharpest declines of $2 to $6 with offerings seasonally increasing, while feeder cattle were $2 to $4 lower. Slaughter cow prices were steady to $2 lower again this week. Boxed beef cut-out values were lower all week as slow movement boosted offerings. The lower asking prices reached a level that attracted buyers on Wednesday, resulting in more manageable inventories by late-week. Through Thursday, the Choice cut-out dropped $5.27 to $140.71 and Select was $4.82 lower at $131.66. -To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525
Missouri Cattlemen’s Update
Agricultural Scholarships Available; Deadlines Rapidly Approaching
Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation Scholarships
The Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation is again offering $1,000 to high school seniors and current college students. Last year 20 scholarships were awarded. Applicants must be nominated by a current Missouri Cattlemen’s Association member. Previous recipients are ineligible to re-apply.
Applications are available from each Missouri Extension office and FFA chapter; most state colleges and universities; county cattlemen’s association presidents and state directors; or the MCF office. Applications must be in the MCF office or postmarked by September 30 to qualify.
The application is also available for computer completion at:
http://mocattle.com/MCF/foundationscholarship.htm.
National Cattlemen’s Foundation/Chicago Mercantile Exchange Scholarships
Applications are being accepted for the 2007 Beef Industry Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). All entries must be postmarked by October 10, 2006.
Twenty scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to young people pursuing careers in the beef industry. The program welcomes applications from talented and thoughtful students who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the beef industry, either through classes, internships or life experience. Graduating high school seniors or full-time undergraduate students enrolled at a two-year or four-year college for the 2006-2007 academic school year are encouraged to apply.
Applications must include a 750-word essay that identifies a key issue confronting the beef industry and suggests a solution. Applicants must also submit a letter expressing future career goals, and two letters of recommendation. A full description the scholarship program and submission requirements can be found at the National Cattlemen’s Foundation website: www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx, or by calling 303-850-3388.
In addition to a scholarship, the first-place winner will receive airfare and lodging to attend the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn., January 31 – February 3, 2007.
The Beef Industry Scholarship Program is a cooperative effort of the CME and NCF that was launched in 1989 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Live Cattle Futures Contract on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The CME has been a leader in the live cattle market since 1964, and the Beef Industry Scholarship Program exemplifies CME’s commitment to the beef industry.
Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarships
The Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarship applications are available on line at www.mostatefair.com. Applications must be postmarked by October 15. The scholarships are available to FFA and 4-H high school seniors who have exhibited at the Missouri State Fair.
Beef Field Day scheduled for October 7 at MU South Farm
A full day of beef research results and farm demonstrations will be offered Saturday, Oct. 7, at the University of Missouri South Farm.
"We will show an array of beef research and extension programs conducted at the farm," said Bob Weaber, MU Extension geneticist. "We have timely information on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, management and genetics for beef producers."
Speakers will discuss ethanol byproduct feeds, animal identification, beef sire selection, and the value of genetic, source and process verification.
Luncheon talks will include a cattle market update by Ron Plain, MU Extension economist. Mike John, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, will give an update on beef industry issues. Fred Ferrell, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has been invited to discuss the importance of beef in the Missouri economy.
"The farm has recent upgrades and renovations to support the educational programs," said Phillip Brooks, South Farm manager. "This is the first field day in many years to be held at the farm."
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., the practical demonstrations begin. Free lunch will be served at noon; advance registration for the meal is required. Register by calling Judy Burton at 573-882-7327.
Speeches in the main tent begin at 9:30 a.m. Those will be repeated in the afternoon starting at 2 p.m. The program ends at 4:30 p.m.
The talks include: "Use of Dried Distillers Grain Solubles for Cow-Calf Herds and Backgrounding," by Jim Williams, MU researcher; "Missouri Perspective on animal ID," by Taylor Woods, assistant state veterinarian; "Tools and Tips for Beef Sire Selection," by Bob Weaber; "Value of Genetic, Source and Process Verification," by Kent Haden, head of the livestock division of MFA, Inc.
Demonstrations include artificial insemination, nutrition, management and genetic technologies.
Beef exhibits and equipment displays from the ag industry will be open for viewing throughout the day. There will be a farm animal exhibit area and other activities for children.
Pasture walks will showcase renovated and newly re-fenced grazing paddocks. MU livestock specialists will be available for answering questions in addition to the Q&A sessions after each talk. The MU farm is located 2.6 miles south of the AC exit on Highway 63. It is on Old Millers Road, behind the KOMU-TV tower. - University of Missouri
Beef Producers Invited to Tailgate at Mizzou Football Games
Looking for tickets to the Zimmer Radio Group’s Tailgate for Mizzou Football? FREE pre-game food and drink is a sure hit! We have 50 tickets reserved for beef producers- and are giving away tickets for consumers on the website www.mobeef.org. If you’re interested in having some tailgate tickets (sorry, none for the actual game), please contact Dawn Thurnau at MBIC at dawn@mobeef.com or 573-817-0899 ext. 223. - MBIC
Mizzou Football and MCA Team Up for Outstanding Ticket Discounts
Tickets Available for Game Against Kansas
The Mizzou football team is set to build on its 2005 Independence Bowl Championship and Missouri Cattlemen’s Association members are invited to join in the fun!
The Tigers are teaming up with the MCA to offer significant savings off select regular ticket prices. Members can take advantage of big discounts, for the upcoming game with Big 12 rival Kansas on Saturday, November 25th.
Tickets to the annual Border Showdown with Kansas are available for just $35 (a savings of $10 per ticket for each game).
There is no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for the game (subject to availability). For more information or to order by phone call 1-800-CAT PAWS and ask for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association promotional offer.
This special discount offer is also available online! Simply visit www.mutigers.com and follow these instructions (internet fees apply);
1. click “Tickets”, located on left hand side
2. click “Buy Tickets Now”
3. click “Promotions”, located on left hand side
4. enter “MCA” as the promotion code and select “go”
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association promotional tickets MUST be purchased in advance of the game date. Tickets will be mailed until 10 days prior to the game date. All orders received inside of 10 days prior to the game will be placed at the Will Call ticket window at Faurot Field in Columbia.
Calendar of Events
Oct. 3 Southwest Cattlemen – Southwest Research Center, Mt. Vernon, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 17 Henry County Cattlemen – Windsor High School, 6:00 p.m.
*For more cattle industry events, visit www.mocattle.com/calendar.htm
The Fine Print
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