Headline News

Missouri Reception Scheduled During Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Honors NCBA President Mike John and Celebrates 20^th Anniversary of the Beef Checkoff

Headed to Nashville?  If so, join fellow Missourians at a reception hosted by the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association on Thursday, February 1, 2007.  Roast baron of beef, an assortment of snacks and a cash bar will be available for your enjoyment from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Presidential Ballroom “A” of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Resort & Convention Center.

The Missouri Reception will honor Mike John, MCA past president and outgoing NCBA president, and will also commemorate 20 successful years of the Beef Checkoff.

The reception will be hosted in conjunction with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Illinois Beef Association. This reception is possible thanks to the support of Joplin Regional Stockyards, MFA Incorporated, and the Missouri Beef Industry Council.

Editor’s Note: There will be no Prime Cuts newsletter next week due to the NCBA Convention. Look for coverage of the convention in Prime Cuts the week of February 5-9.

Coalition Lends Support to the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act

Coalition Includes Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

A coalition of 14 Missouri farm organizations joined Governor Matt Blunt today in support of state legislation to protect Missouri farmers and ranchers from nuisance suits and to preserve their opportunity to expand and modernize their farming operations. The legislation, known as the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act, is sponsored by Senator Chris Koster from Harrisonville and Representative Brian Munzlinger from Williamstown.

In 1982 the Missouri legislature approved a “right to farm” law, which provided protection to agricultural producers from nuisance suits if the farm or ranch was in existence for at least one year and was not operated negligently. Regardless of the “right to farm” protection and agriculture’s compliance with increased state and federal laws and regulations, Missouri family farmers are exposed to outside forces threatening the economic viability and existence of their operations. “If this trend continues, the future of agriculture in our state is indeed bleak,” said Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau president.

“In recent years,” Kruse said, “governmental restrictions impacting agriculture have become more stringent. Increased state requirements for animal feeding operations, revisions to the Clean Water Act and passage of the Endangered Species Act are just a few examples of the growing regulatory burden facing our farmers and ranchers. And if those concerns aren’t enough, the Environmental Protection Agency is now considering new regulations on particulate matter, which for farmers means regulating dust.”

Livestock producers in 16 Missouri counties are now further regulated by counties, a major concern of coalition members.

“Our farmers and ranchers deserve consistent and fair regulation by state and federal agencies that have the expertise to establish and enforce regulations, as opposed to a hodgepodge of discriminatory local restrictions,” said Brent Bryant, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association executive vice president. “We joined the coalition to help preserve our industry for future generations. The Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act contains hope and opportunity for young people who wish to continue Missouri’s rich tradition of cattle ranching.”

These same sentiments are echoed by pork producers. “Missouri’s pork industry is already subject to stringent science-based regulations at the state and federal level,” said Don Nikodim, executive vice president of the Missouri Pork Association. “If additional regulations are not based on sound science, producers will face burdens that may force them, and many others in the community, out of farming.”

Animal agriculture isn’t the only segment affected by these additional rules and regulations.  The state’s grain associations are also greatly concerned.

“Missouri’s growing biofuels industry depends on a strong, vibrant grain and livestock base,” says Gary Marshall, Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO. “Today these industries are being threatened by overly restrictive regulations. Unless we are successful in our efforts, we will witness the crumbling of our agricultural foundation, leaving our food supply exposed to the same vulnerabilities as our nation’s energy supply. The idea of importing our food is unacceptable.”

Coalition members also agree passage of this legislation is critical for the future growth of agribusiness and rural communities in our state.

"As a farmer-owned cooperative, MFA Incorporated stands firmly behind efforts to protect agriculture from unnecessary regulatory burdens,” said Don Copenhaver, president and CEO of MFA Incorporated. “Local restrictions undermine Missouri's No. 1 industry – agriculture – and the hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees supporting Missouri's agricultural producers."   

From cattle and pigs to corn and soybeans to combines and fertilizer, Missouri farm organizations stand shoulder-to-shoulder on this important issue. The coalition is working to make sure U.S. consumers continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world.

"I am very proud of the fact that production agriculture and the agribusiness community are united on an issue that is going to profoundly affect the lives of everyone involved in our great industry," said Jim Russell, president, Missouri Agribusiness Association.

Members of the Coalition for Missouri Farm and Food Preservation include the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Dairy Association, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Egg Council, Missouri Poultry Federation, FSC Financial, Progressive Farm Credit, Macon County Ag Alliance and Friends of Agriculture in Marion County.

Storm Relief News

MCA Works to Assess Problems, Help Producers in Southwest Missouri

Producers not affected by ice storm urged to donate or sell surplus hay

The staff and leadership of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association have been working this week to assess the damage to beef operations in Southwest Missouri caused by the recent ice storm and to put together a disaster relief strategy for affected producers. In addition to requesting state and federal disaster relief funding, MCA has been working to get essential supplies, including hay, to producers in need.

Cattlemen and women in need of hay can utilize the following resources:

1. The Commercial Ag Hay List, which lists hay for sale in Missouri and surrounding states. The list is available at http://agebb.missouri.edu/haylst/ and is the most up-to-date list available.

2. The Missouri Department of Agriculture Hay Directory, which also lists hay for sale in Missouri and surrounding states. The MDA Hay Directory is available online at http://www.mda.mo.gov/Market/haydirectory.htm. A hard copy is also available by calling the Hay Hotline at (800) 877-4429. 

Producers wishing to sell or donate extra hay to help fellow cattle producers may do the following:

1. Call the Hay Hotline at (800) 877-4429 to add your hay to the sale list.

2. Logon to the Commercial Ag Hay List at http://agebb.missouri.edu/haylst/ and submit a listing of your hay for sale.

3. Call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162 and ask for Brent Bryant (ext. 230), McKenzie Disselhorst (ext. 233) or Ken Disselhorst (ext. 243). The MCA staff will work with you to help sell or donate extra hay to producers in need.

Producers who have been affected by the storm are urged to call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162 or e-mail cattleinfo@mocattle.com to report damages and needs. Pictures of storm damage are also needed and should be e-mailed to cattleinfo@mocattle.com. Your pictures and reports will help us to better assess and respond to the needs of cattle producers affected by the storms.

Cattlemen Continue to Assess Winter Storm Damage

It is estimated that as many as 20,000 cattle have been lost due to winter ice and snow storms in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri according to estimates by cattle organizations in those states.  “But that estimate doesn’t include the additional hardships our fellow cattlemen and women are facing with feed, fencing, sickness, lost production and the costs of rebuilding their livelihoods,” says Roxanne Johnson, Executive Director for the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF).  Since January 4, the NCF has been coordinating a disaster relief fund to provide aid for cattlemen hit by the recent winter storms.  Johnson says contributions to the disaster relief fund are coming in daily with nearly $30,000 raised to-date along with additional in-kind donations of hay and equipment.

To assist with this effort, contribute or get more information, contact NCBA’s Membership Department at 866-BEEF-USA (233-3872) or visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

-            NCBA

Skelton Asks USDA to Expedite the Approval of Emergency Disaster Loans for Farmers

In a letter to the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) urged FSA Administrator Teresa Lasseter to quickly authorize emergency low-interest loans for Missouri producers who have suffered physical losses associated with last weekend's ice storm: 

"Last weekend, areas of Missouri were devastated by severe winter weather, with significant ice accumulation wreaking havoc on many Show-Me State residents.  The southern portion of the Fourth Congressional District, which I am privileged to represent, was especially hard hit.  Downed trees and power lines have left thousands of citizens without power, have crippled farm fences, and have damaged personal and public property. 

"On January 15, 2007, the President declared a major disaster for several Missouri counties, including 11 in the Fourth District.  I applaud the Administration's quick action regarding this winter weather disaster and remain hopeful that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials will work swiftly with state and local leaders to ensure resources are made available to qualifying public entities.  The people of Missouri are counting upon the government for quick and effective action.

"The distribution of FEMA's public assistance grants is an important step for the people of Missouri, but the government must also look to other means to help individuals in need.  While everyone is enduring hardship as a result of this storm, farmers are especially worried that the Administration's disaster declaration will not adequately address their pressing agricultural interests.  After visiting with local leaders, farmers, and law enforcement officials, it is clear that dairy operations have halted due to a lack of power, that fences have been demolished, that debris has blocked access to farming operations or destroyed property, and that livestock have suffered from a lack of available hay and feed. 

"As damage assessments are reported to the Farm Service Agency State Executive Director, I expect requests will be made of you to authorize emergency low-interest loans for farmers who have experienced physical losses.  When physical loss notifications are submitted to USDA, I urge you to immediately authorize these loans for qualifying Show-Me State farmers who have suffered physical losses.

"Further, I encourage the Administration to re-examine its opposition to an emergency disaster appropriations bill on which Members of the House and Senate have been working over the past year.  In light of recent winter storms and the ongoing problems associated with years of drought, I fully expect the 110^th Congress to debate emergency disaster legislation in the days ahead."

The Administrator of the Farm Service Agency has the authority to approve physical loss notifications for property damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.  Producers who have suffered damage on their farm should report it to their local Farm Service Agency office.  In addition to potential low-interest loans, farmers may be eligible for Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds.  The ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters.                               - The office of Congressman Ike Skelton

Cattle Industry News

Organizations Request Biofuels Working Group

The American Meat Institute (AMI) and several national producer organizations called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assemble a panel within the Office of the Chief Economist to study the emerging biofuels economy and its implications for livestock producers and animal agriculture. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, the groups called attention to the effects of biofuel development on the U.S. livestock industry and its competitiveness.

According to AMI, the letter stated that “public focus on agricultural issues continues to expand as new and exciting technologies place the agricultural sector in the driver’s seat of America’s energy future. However, with these changes and developments have come significant concerns for the tens of thousands of farmers, farm families and all those involved in the $128 billion livestock, meat, dairy and poultry sectors.”

Growth in biofuels production and low corn and feed inventories have contributed to concerns as to the availability of feed inputs for animal agriculture. The letter can be viewed at www.meatami.com/storylinks/2007/biofuelsletter011807.pdf.

                                                                                    - Angus Productions, Inc.

Apply Now for Hereford Internships

The AHA youth activities department, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI) and CHB LLC are again offering summer internships.

The youth activities internship is for a college student interested in assisting with planning and execution of junior shows and leadership events. For more information, contact Chris Stephens at (816) 842-3757 or cstephens@hereford.org, or see the “Announcements” section at Hereford.org. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.

HPI and AHA offer a communications internship for a college junior or senior who is pursuing a degree in agricultural journalism or agricultural communications. The intern works with the Hereford World editorial staff and the AHA communication team. For more information, contact Angie Stump Denton, Hereford World editor, at (785) 363-7263 or adenton@hereford.org, or see the “Announcements” section at Hereford.org. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.

The CHB LLC internship application deadline is March 1. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and enrolled in a two-year or four-year college. The intern’s primary responsibility is to help account managers with the sales and marketing of CHB. For more information, contact Connie Couch at (816) 842-3758 or ccouch@herefordbeef.org, or visit Herefordbeef.org.   – American Hereford Association

Missouri Cattle Industry News

Missouri Cattleman Elected to Serve as Simmental Board Treasurer
Gregg Bailey, Mt. Vernon, MO, has been elected to serve as Treasurer for the 16-member Board of Trustees of the American Simmental Association (ASA).
  

Bailey is the owner and operator of Breezin’ B Simmentals.  Bulls are marketed by private treaty while females are sold through the Simmental Association of the Ozarks and Missouri Simmental Association sales.  
    

A graduate of Southwest Missouri State University with a degree in Agricultural Education, Bailey taught high school agriculture for four years before moving into agricultural finance with Farm Credit Services.  He presently serves as President of Community National Bank, Aurora, MO.  He is actively involved in community, church, and agricultural organizations.  Bailey and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of two daughters, Whitley and Ashley.
    

Bailey was formally seated during ASA’s 39th Annual Meeting held January 13, in Denver, Colorado. Also seated were Chairman Harry Moser, Wheaton, KS; and Vice Chairman and Chairman-Elect Michael Stoltey, Plummer, ID.  Rounding out ASA’s five-member Executive Committee is Curtis Russell, Sugar City, CO, and Jim Skillestad, Glendive, MT.              - American Simmental Association

 

NRCS Announces EQIP Sign Up for Windbreaks

Missouri landowners have until February 28 to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to assist them in installing windbreaks around animal feeding operations, headquarters and farmsteads, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced.

EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality where farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install structural conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.

Three conservation practices will be eligible for financial assistance during this sign up: tree/shrub establishment; tree/shrub site preparation; and windbreak/shelterbelt establishment. Available financial assistance includes about 50 percent of the cost of tree establishment plus an additional incentive of up to $2,000 for windbreaks with temporary drip irrigation.

“We hope that these incentives will eliminate the financial barriers that keep some producers from adding windbreaks around their feeding operations and farmsteads,” says Roger Hansen, NRCS state conservationist.

Representatives of Missouri agricultural agencies and commodity groups say they are excited about the federal EQIP program’s potential to increase the number of windbreaks in Missouri.

“The Missouri Department of Agriculture commends NRCS for adding this sign-up period for EQIP and for supporting a key conservation practice by promoting the use of tree screens as shelterbreaks or windbreaks around livestock operations,” said Fred Ferrell, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “This voluntary program is encouraged to not only enhance farm aesthetics but to also act as a biofilter to reduce odor, benefiting livestock producers and their neighbors.”

To sign up for EQIP to install windbreaks, or to get more information about EQIP and other NRCS programs, contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under “U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture,” or click here. You can also get information about NRCS programs online by clicking here. For more information regarding the Missouri Department of Agriculture, contact Misti Preston at (573) 751-8596 or click here.                          - NRCS

Grazing Conference planned by Mark Twain Grazing Council

Interested in learning more about grazing close to home?  The Mark Twain Grazing Council is sponsoring a one-day Grazing Conference Saturday, February 3, 2007, at the Quality Inn & Suites, Hannibal, Missouri. Conference participants will choose from a variety of sessions conducted by people with first-hand experience.  Topics include:  Greg Judy's "No Risk Ranching", innovative fencing and watering, dollars and cents of grass, by-product alternatives as a feed source, alternative forages, year-round fescue management, and co mingle grazing of ruminant animals.  Keith Johnson of Purdue University, the lunch-time keynote speaker, will talk about improving the grazing operation.  One of the conference highlights will be a farmers' panel of progressive area producers talking about their own operations.  There will also be vendors on hand displaying new and innovative products.

The Mark Twain Grazing Council was formed by a group of livestock producers from Audrain, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, and Shelby counties interested in gaining knowledge about grazing operations and improving profitability of those operations.  The Council first sponsored a grazing tour called "Graze Daze" at Birchwood Farms in Perry, Missouri.  The "Graze Daze" was well attended and very informative.

Registration, which includes admittance to the trade show, continental breakfast, and luncheon, costs $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Registration and program information is available at area agribusinesses and SWCD/NRCS offices in the five county area, or you may contact the Ralls County SWCD/NRCS office in New London, Missouri, at 573-985-8611 or "rallsconrcsswcd.blogspot.com".                          - Ralls Co. NRCS

2007 Ag Expo to Feature Youth Speaking Contest

Contest to be held February 10 in Sedalia

In conjunction with Ag Appreciation Week, the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee and Farm Credit Services of Sedalia are sponsoring a youth speaking contest open to all area youth ages 8-16. The theme of this year’s contest is “Voices of American Woman, Family, Friends, and Neighbors.”

The first place winner in two age categories will receive $75, second place will receive $50, and third place winner will receive $25. Contestants must submit an official entry form, available at the Chamber of Commerce office at 600 East Third Street, along with a copy of the speech by Monday, February 5 to the Chamber of Commerce. Contestants must present their speech to a judging panel on Saturday, February 10th, 2007 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the 2007 Mid-Missouri Ag Expo.  Speakers are to present a 3-4 minute speech, composed entirely by the contestant.  Speeches not within the time limit will be deducted 10% of their final score. For more information about the contest and presentation tips please contact Terri Ballard at 660-826-2932 ext. 10.

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

Missouri Agribusiness Academy Applications Now Available

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2007 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA), a youth leadership program designed for high school sophomores to explore career opportunities in agribusiness, government and production agriculture.  MAbA helps to provide youth with a foundation in agricultural leadership and prepares them to meet the challenges and reap the rewards of Missouri's largest industry, agriculture.

Applications are available at www.mda.mo.gov and are due no later than Friday, Feb. 2, 2007.  To be eligible for MAbA, academy members must be a high school sophomore and come from a farm family or be active in 4-H or FFA.                        - Missouri Department of Agriculture

Calendar of Events

Jan. 25              Randolph County Cattlemen - Sheltered Industries Building, Moberly, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 27              Howard County Cattlemen – Fayette High School Commons, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 27              Bates County Cattlemen – Bates Co. Fairgrounds Youth Building, 6:00 p.m.

Jan. 27              Gasconade/Montgomery Cattlemen – Hermann Middle School, 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 1               Andrew County Cattlemen – Clasbey Center, Savannah, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3               Crawford County Cattlemen – Golden Echoes, Steelville, 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 3               Gentry County Cattlemen – Hundley Whaley Building, Albany, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5               Saline County Cattlemen - Bloomfield's Restaurant, Marshall, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6               Southwest Cattlemen – Freistatt Lions Building, 7:00 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.