Bryant Announces Resignation from Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association announced today the resignation of their Executive Vice President Brent Bryant, effective February 28, 2007. Brent has served as the Executive Vice President since September of 2003. During his tenure the membership of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association grew from 2300 members to nearly 5000.

 

Bryant will be assuming the duties as Managing Partner of the Hoop Beef System®, LLC. Hoop Beef is a company which provides an economically viable system of cattle feeding for the family farmer and rancher, and commercial feedlot operator. Brent and his family will continue to reside in Columbia, Missouri.

 

“Making the decision to leave the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association was extremely difficult, but I am excited to be part of my family’s business and to grow the cattle feeding business in the Midwest,” said Bryant. 

 

“While we are sad to see Brent leave our Association, we wish him well in his new endeavor.” Merrel Breyer, MCA President.  “The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is positioned to continue to grow and we have taken steps to ensure a smooth transition to our next Executive Vice President.”

 

Applications for Executive Vice President are now being accepted. Interested persons should contact David Moore at (573) 701-1023 or mail a cover letter and resume to David Moore, 4940 Hillsboro Road, Farmington, MO 63640.

 

Cattle Industry News

 

Canada Confirms New BSE Case

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) yesterday (February 7, 2007) confirmed diagnosis of the country’s ninth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). No part of the animal entered the human food or animal feed supply. Officials report Canada’s newest case was diagnosed in a mature bull from Alberta that was a similar age to the country’s other BSE cases. Canada is implementing new feed ban controls in July to further protect against the spread of this disease in cattle. According to today’s announcement, this case was discovered through the country’s ongoing surveillance program, which has tested about 150,000 cattle since 2003. The CFIA announcement is available online at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/bseesb/ab2007/9notavie.shtml.

                                                - CFIA

 

NCBA Members Approve Policies, New Officers at 2007 Annual Meeting

Ethanol, Trade, Cloning Among Top Issues Debated 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) held its regular annual board meeting and membership meeting today, concluding the 2007 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Nashville. More than 6500 cattlemen from across the nation attended.

 

Renewable energy was arguably the hottest topic of the four-day convention, due to the surging demand for ethanol and its impact on feedgrain prices. Rapidly increasing prices for corn and other feedgrains have raised operating costs for cattle feeders over the past four months, which in turn has contributed to lower calf and feeder cattle prices.

 

The policy brought forward Friday by the NCBA Agriculture Policy Committee was approved in large part by NCBA members today, with modest modifications in the policy resolution language. The resolution voiced support for the nation’s commitment to reduced dependence on foreign energy, including efforts to develop renewable energy. But cattlemen called for transition to a market-based approach to renewable energy production, which would help level the playing field for cattle producers and other feedgrain users.

 

The resolution supports the “sunsetting” of fuel-blending tax credits and tariffs on imported ethanol, as these policies were primarily designed to boost the initial development in renewable fuel production and technology. With alternative fuel production now growing at an astounding pace, cattlemen do not consider it appropriate for Congress to renew these mechanisms in their present form when they expire near the end of the decade. The 54-cent per gallon tariff on imported ethanol is set to expire in 2009, while the 51-cent per gallon fuel-blending tax credit expires in 2010. NCBA members also called for greater policy emphasis to be placed on development of cellulostic fuels. Production of these fuel types does not rely on feedgrains and could have much less impact on grain prices.

 

NCBA members also approved policy with regard to live cattle trade with Canada. Currently, cattle and beef imports from Canada are limited to cattle 30 months of age or younger. A pending USDA proposal would allow beef from Canadian cattle of any age, and live cattle up to eight years of age.

 

Cattlemen did not reject the USDA proposal, but adopted a policy voicing concerns about its possible impact. The policy resolution approved by NCBA members demands permanent identification of all live cattle imported from Canada through harvest, and calls for USDA to develop an orderly market transition plan before expanding the scope of cattle and beef imports from Canada.

 

“NCBA believes in treating our trading partners as we would like to be treated,” said incoming NCBA President John Queen. “But we want free, fair and reliable trade. USDA must look at the big picture and take steps to ensure that U.S. cattlemen are rewarded – not penalized – for opening our market to a wider range of imports.”

 

Cloning was also a topic of discussion at the convention, primarily because of the draft risk assessment announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December. FDA’s initial findings state that meat and milk from cloned animals and their offspring pose no health risk to consumers.

 

Cattlemen adopted a policy supporting the further development of cloning as one of many reproductive technologies that can be used to enhance the beef industry. But they also urged all technology companies and owners of cloned animals to voluntarily keep these animals and their offspring out of the food supply until FDA makes a final decision on its risk assessment.

 

NCBA members also proceeded with caution with regard to any changes in the Beef Checkoff Program. An industry-wide task force recently advanced a slate of recommendations for enhancing the checkoff, including an increase in the $1-per head checkoff rate (contingent on a producer referendum). But the policy resolution adopted by cattlemen seeks greater input and discussion on these task force recommendations, before giving them renewed consideration at next year’s convention.

 

Queen, of Waynesville, N.C., leads a full slate of new officers elected by NCBA members. He succeeds Missouri cattleman Mike John as president. Guymon, Okla., cattle feeder Paul Hitch is the new president-elect, while Andy Groseta of Cottonwood, Ariz., was chosen as vice president.

 

Illinois cattleman Steve Fogelsong will chair the NCBA Policy Division in 2007, with Montana rancher Bill Donald serving as vice chairman.

 

Gary Voogt of Michigan now chairs the Federation of State Beef Councils, with Iowa cattleman Alan Albright serving as vice chairman.

 

All policies adopted and officer elections are now subject to approval by approximately 28,000 NCBA members nationwide. Convention results become official only after the ballot process is completed.

-          NCBA

 

New Website Shares the Realities of Beef Production
A new beef checkoff-funded Web site tells the beef production story — often in the words of beef producers themselves. The site, www.BeefFromPastureToPlate.org, covers the entire production chain, from gestation to dinner presentation, and features producer profiles, a live "Ask a Producer" page, fact sheets, recipes, safety tips and even beef trivia. The Web site gives beef producers, along with other segments of the beef production chain, an opportunity to share their heart-felt passion for their livelihoods and the beef they produce for families around the world. You can read about this and other checkoff funded work at www.drovers.com.                              

                                                                            - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

 

Survey Shows Producer Approval of Beef Checkoff

Approval of the beef checkoff program remains high, at 70 percent, according to a winter (Dec.18, 2006-Jan. 11, 2007) survey of 1,225 beef and dairy producers, commissioned by the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.  

 

The Beef Board conducts surveys twice a year to gauge producers’ economic moods and their expectations of checkoff investments, as well as checkoff program familiarity, strengths or weaknesses. The survey, conducted by Aspen Media & Market Research, is funded with checkoff monies.  

 

Over the past five years, producer approval rates for the checkoff have remained steady, ranging from 70 percent to 73 percent. The proportion of producers who disapprove of the program has remained virtually the same in the past year, although disapproval ratings are trending down. Since January 2003, the producer disapproval rate has dropped 12 points—from 27 percent to the current 15 percent.

 

The top three checkoff –funded activities that producers described as “essential” to the beef industry were: continuing to foster consumer confidence in the safety of beef (62 percent); advertising beef to consumers (57 percent); and promoting U.S. beef in other countries (51 percent).

 

The survey also regularly asks producers their opinions on the short-term direction of cattle prices. In the winter survey, opinions were about 50-50 that prices would remain the same. However, the winter survey found only 21 percent of producers felt pessimistic about prices, compared to 31 percent who felt that way during the June 2006 survey. Eighteen percent expected higher prices, compared to 11 percent who felt that way in the June 2006.  

* The statistical margin of error for a sample of 1,225 respondents is + (-) 2.8 percentage points.

                                                - Cattlemen’s Beef Board

 

Missouri Cattlemen’s Update

 

Cattle Producers Encouraged to Participate in Feed and Fuel Forum

Jefferson City is the Place to be on Feb. 14

Spots are filling up for the Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Feed and Fuel Forum on Feb. 14.  The event will start and end at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, with a lobby trip in the morning to the State Capitol.  Cattle producers and corn growers will enjoy breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. and a briefing on this legislative session’s hot issues.  At 8:30 a.m., we will make our way to the Capitol to talk one-on-one with our legislators. 

 

After connecting with our representatives and senators, we will return to the Capitol Plaza Hotel by 11 a.m. for a complimentary luncheon.  Gov. Matt Blunt, Senate Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, and Speaker of the House Rod Jetton will be giving keynote speeches. 

 

Afterwards, corn growers and cattle producers will participate in a dynamic discussion focusing on the success and continued growth of animal agriculture. Starting at 1 p.m., a renowned panel of national experts will be looking ahead to the projected growth and opportunities in corn, ethanol and distillers grains.  The day’s events will conclude with a brief reception at 5 p.m.  Seating is limited.  Please contact McKenzie Disselhorst today at (888) 499-9162 to RSVP.  You can also send an e-mail to mckenzie@mocattle.com.  We look forward to seeing you on February 14!

 

The Missouri Better Beef Seminar is Back for 2007

The Missouri Better Beef Seminar is back for 2007.  This Seminar will be held in Marshall at the Saline County Fairgrounds on February 13th.  The seminar is dedicated to improving the consistency and genetics of Missouri cattle that are ultimately fed in our neighboring cattle feeding states such as Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.  The seminar is showcasing some of the beef cattle industry’s top leaders.  Speakers from Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma will descend upon Marshall, speaking about topics such as the national beef quality audit, improving marketability of your cattle, replacement heifers and other topics to meet the demands of the consumers. 

 

Speakers include: Dr. Brad Morgan of Oklahoma State University, who helped with the 2005 NCBA National Beef Quality Fed Audit, Dr. Patsy Houghton, General Manager and President for Heartland Cattle Company, Mr. Dan Dorn, Customer Recruitment and Cattle Procurement at Decatur County Feedyard—which is one of two feedyards that features a very sophisticated sorting system and last but definitely not least, Mark Harmon, Manager of Joplin Regional Stockyard’s QSA and Value Added Procurement program. 

 

The cost of the seminar will be $10.00 before February 9th and $15.00 after and will include a meal catered by Smith Food Bank from Slater along with vendors and booths from several companies.   If you are a member of one of the sponsoring cattlemens association, please deduct $3.00 from your registration fee.  Registration begins at 9:00, with the program starting promptly at 9:30.  Dr. Rod Geisert, the new Division Head of Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri will welcome you to the seminar and provide an update on the MU Depart of Animal Sciences.

 

For questions about registration or the seminar please contact MU Extension Livestock Specialists; Wendy Flatt at the Howard County Extension Office (660) 248-2272 or David Hoffman at the Cass County Extension Office (816) 380-8460.  We of course want to thank our sponsors the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association; Clay, Howard, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline County Cattlemen’s; Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, Elanco, Cass County SWCD, MFA, Ralco Nutrition, Select Sires/KABA, MO Beef Industry Council, FCS Financial Services, Joplin Regional Stockyards, Heartland Cattle Company, Decatur County Feedyard, and the West Central Show-Me-Select Heifer Association.            – MU Extension

 

County Associations Encouraged to Create a Beef Promotion; Win Free Burgers

MBIC has got about 250 pre-cooked frozen hamburger patties, donated by Advance Foods, Fast Fixin's Corporation.  Normally, we're not into promoting "free meals"- but they were donated and we need the freezer space! 

 

Entries will be accepted until March 1, 2007.  The winner will be announced by Close of Business on March 2nd.  The best beef promotion using these pre-cooked, frozen patties will win the burgers.  The winner must pick them up before the end of March.

 

To enter, send the details of your beef promotion (in 500 words or less) to Dawn Thurnau at dawn@mobeef.com or fax it to: 573-817-0899.  Please be sure to include who your target audience is, what beef message you'll be sharing and how you'll give away or sell the burgers (if selling the burgers, please specify who will benefit from the proceeds)              - MBIC

 

Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen to Host Cattlemen’s Banquet

Banquet to raise money for local scholarships

Members of the Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association are raising money for local scholarships and are offering a tasty way for people to help add to the scholarship fund.  The association is hosting a Cattlemen’s Banquet on February 17, 2007 at the American Legion building in Palmyra.  The banquet will feature a complete steak dinner for only $15 per person.   

 

The evening will begin with a social hour and trade show at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. In addition to a great meal, a silent auction will be open throughout the evening and a live auction will take place after dinner.  Recipients of the 2007 Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association scholarships will also be honored during the banquet.

 

 “The Cattlemen’s Banquet is an opportunity for cattle producers and friends of the industry to enjoy an evening of great food, fun, and fellowship - all while supporting a local scholarship program,” said Steve Disselhorst, president of the Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association. “We encourage everyone in the area to attend, regardless of their involvement in the cattle industry,” Disselhorst continued. 

 

Money raised at the banquet will help fund scholarships for local students with an interest in agriculture. Students may apply for the local scholarships by completing an application for the Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation (MCF) scholarship program. The local scholarships offered by Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen are in addition to the twenty $1,000 scholarships awarded by MCF. Applications for next year’s scholarships will be available in June from county cattlemen’s associations, extension offices, and FFA advisors; applications are due September 30, 2007.

 

USDA Approves Blunt’s Request for Assistance for Farm Families Affected by Ice Storms

Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has approved his request to declare 29 Missouri counties natural disaster areas for agricultural losses due to the recent ice storms.

 

“The ice storms left a trail of destruction and significant losses across the state for many Missourians including our farm families,” said Blunt. “I am pleased Secretary Johanns responded quickly to my request to ensure Missouri farmers have access to all available resources to help them recover. This declaration will provide welcome support to our agricultural community.”

 

The declaration includes: Barry, Barton, Camden, Christian, Cole, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Moniteau, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Charles, Stone, Warren, Webster and Wright Counties. Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency physical loss loans will be available to farm families in affected communities.

 

In addition 20 counties were named contiguous disaster areas, and eligible family farmers may qualify for FSA emergency physical loss loan assistance:

Bates, Benton, Boone, Callaway, Cedar, Cooper, Dent, Douglas, Henry, Iron, Jefferson, Lincoln, Montgomery, Morgan, St. Charles, St. Louis, Taney, Texas, Vernon and Washington.

 

Today’s announcement affects Missouri farm families only. Joint Assessment Teams are completing reviews in the 34 counties under a presidential emergency declaration to determine which might qualify for individual assistance. Reviews are expected to be completed this week. Based on those reviews, early next week the governor will request additional assistance for those areas the teams determine might qualify.

 

Spring Forage Conference set for March 1 in Springfield

The 23rd annual Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference will be Thursday, March 1, 2007 at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield. Each year this conference attracts an increasing number of people interested in learning more about management strategies for forages and livestock.

 

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Garry Lacefield.  Garry has been a University of Kentucky Extension Forage Specialist since 1974.  He provides statewide leadership in forage management, production, and utilization.  Dr. Lacefield is well known throughout the country and the world for his extensive knowledge of managing forages, as evident in the number of awards, publications, articles, and lectures.  His topic for the noon luncheon is called “Forage Improvement: Results Require Investment”. 

 

The conference will also feature several breakout sessions both in the morning and the afternoon. Topics will include: native warm-season grass pasture, weed and brush control, forage fertility alternatives, New Zealand grazing concepts, weather outlook, herd health, alternative marketing, planning your grazing system, urban and rural interface, low stress weaning techniques, and dung beetles.  There will be a question-and-answer session with Dr Lacefield in the afternoon.  More than 30 companies and organizations will have exhibits, and will have representatives available to discuss their products and services.

 

Conference registration begins at 8 a.m., with sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The cost is $25 per person in advance or $35 at the door. A catered meal is included.  To pre-register (by February 22nd) or to get more information, contact the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District at (417) 831-5246, extension 3.  Conference information and a registration form are also available on the Internet at http://agebb.missouri.edu/sfc.

 

Missouri Corn Scholarships Available 

Do you know a hard-working ag student?  If so, applications are now available for Missouri high school and college students interested in applying for the 2007 Missouri Corn Scholarships.  Sponsored by the Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, a total of ten $750 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors and college juniors interested in pursuing a career in agronomy or ag-related field.  Applications can be downloaded from Missouri Corn Online at www.mocorn.org.  Interested students can also call the Missouri Corn office toll free at (800) 827-4181 to request an application. 

 

Students must submit an application form, official high school or college transcript and at least one letter of recommendation to the Missouri Corn office by Feb. 15, 2007.  High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area.  They must also plan to attend a two-year or four-year Missouri college or university and major in agronomy or ag-related field.  The scholarship funds will apply toward the freshman year of college expenses for high school winners.  College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area and currently a junior enrolled in a Missouri four-year college or university majoring in agronomy or ag-related field during the time of application.  The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior year of expenses for college winners.  The Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee will review the applications and recipients will be notified by mail on or before April 15, 2007.  This is the eleventh year that Missouri Corn Scholarships have been available.   

                                                            - Missouri Corn Grower’s Association

Calendar of Events

Feb. 13             Henry County Cattlemen – Clinton Country Club, 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 13             Bates County Cattlemen – MO-Kan Livestock Market, Butler, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 13             Lafayette County Cattlemen – Concordia Community Center, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 13             Missouri Better Beef Seminar – Saline Co. Fairgrounds, Marshall, 9:00 a.m.

Feb. 14             Feed and Fuel Forum – Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jeff City, 7:30 a.m.

Feb. 15             Johnson County Cattlemen – Johnson County Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 17             Lewis-Marion County Cattlemen – American Legion Bldg., Palmyra, 5:00 p.m.

Feb. 24             Macon County Cattlemen – Macon Co. Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 24             Lafayette Co. Cattlemen – American Legion Hall, Higginsville, 5:30 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.    

 

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.