Blunt Requests Disaster Declaration for Missouri Farm Families

Gov. Matt Blunt today (January 4, 2007) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns requesting he declare 14 Missouri counties natural disaster areas for agricultural loss due to severe winter storms.

“The winter weather that battered our state last month caused significant losses for Missouri farm families,” Blunt said. “I ask Secretary Johanns to approve this disaster declaration in order to provide assistance to Missouri farmers as they work to recover from these devastating winter storms.”

Based on damage assessment reports submitted by the Missouri Farm Service Agency the governor requested a natural disaster area be declared in Audrain, Callaway, Camden, Dade, Dallas, Laclede, Lawrence, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Polk and Pulaski Counties.

A federal disaster declaration will ensure the farm families impacted by the winter storms are eligible for federal assistance to help with income loss associated with the severe weather.

                                                                        - The office of Governor Matt Blunt

Cattle Industry News

NCBA Requests Aid for Cattlemen Hurt by Winter Storms

NCBA Asks White House to Aid Cattlemen Hurt by Winter Storms 

In a January 3rd letter to President Bush, NCBA President and Missouri cattleman Mike John requested federal assistance for ranchers suffering from impacts of recent snow and ice storms.  

“As a first step in providing assistance, we ask that all areas impacted by these storms immediately receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration, making cattle producers eligible for low-interest emergency (EM) loans via the Farm Service Agency,” the letter says.  “Furthermore, we ask that USDA allocate Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds to aid producers who have suffered significant livestock losses and damage to critical infrastructure.”

Back-to-back winter storms have blanketed snow and ice across major portions of the High Plains.  Many of the cattle, trapped by heavy snow and high drifts, have gone nearly a week without being fed. There is no estimate yet on how many cows have died, but many ranchers in the area are saying the recent storms are worse than the 1997 blizzard that killed 30,000 cattle and cost U.S. agriculture $28 million.

Cattlemen Helping Cattlemen

NCBA is activating a disaster relief effort for cattlemen hit by the recent blizzards, similar to our hurricane relief efforts a year ago.  In cooperation with the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and state and local cattlemen’s associations, NCBA is accepting monetary donations, one hundred percent of which will be distributed to cattlemen in need – there is not a percentage taken for administration costs.  Donations can be made to the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and are tax deductible.  The relief funds will be distributed as directed by state associations in the affected areas.  Cattlemen can also assist with the effort by offering to donate hay, trucking, and use of equipment.  For more information, contact NCBA’s Membership Department at 866-BEEF-USA (233-3872).                                                        - NCBA

U.S. Beef Exports Surged in 2006

Although the U.S. beef industry continues to struggle with key Asian markets, overall exports last year were buoyed by brisk business in both Mexico and Canada, according to figures by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

USMEF data for the first 10 months of 2006 show that beef exports increased 44 percent from 2005 by volume and 58 percent by value, with Canada and Mexico logging 136 and 62 percent increases in U.S. beef consumption, respectively. "Since both countries place fewer restrictions on U.S. beef, particularly bone-in product, they obviously offer greater market access," USMEF Research Manager Erin Daley told Meatingplace. Prospects for growth are particularly strong in Mexico, she said, owing to anticipated increases in meat consumption and per capita income.

By comparison, Daley characterized current import restrictions in Japanese markets as "frustrating," particularly in the foodservice sector, where demand for U.S. product is strong, but supply weak, since Japan doesn't accept U.S. beef from animals older than 20 months. "If Japan can be persuaded to relax its 20-month rule, it will prompt a very strong recovery for U.S. exporters," Daley said. "A number of Japanese foodservice providers are just waiting for us to fill orders."

Problems in South Korea and Japan put an overall damper on beef exports for the year, as compared to 2003, before both closed their markets to U.S. beef on fears of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Total U.S. beef exports were expected to reach 647,000 tons by year-end, as compared with roughly twice that amount in 2003.

- John Gregerson for Meatingplace.com

FDA Finds No Risk in Meat from Clones
After reviewing hundreds of research reports, the Food and Drug Administration has released a draft risk assessment, concluding that meat and milk products from cloned animals and their offspring are safe. "Clones can be thought of as identical twins born at a different time," says Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. A voluntary moratorium on the sale of meat and milk from cloned animals will remain in place through a 90-day comment period. Cloning technology has the potential to accelerate the distribution of desirable genetics in livestock breeding programs. Misunderstanding, however, could lead to concerns among consumers, says American Meat Institute Foundation president James H. Hodges. "We urge the government not simply to affirm its safety in the policy arena, but to assist consumers in understanding what cloning is, and what it is not, so that overall consumer confidence in the food supply is maintained." For more information on the FDA report, go to www.drovers.com.

                                                                                    - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

Researchers Develop BSE-immune Cows
Twelve cows have been genetically engineered to be free from the proteins that cause BSE, which may give them immunity to the disease. A team of researchers from the United States and Japan reported that they had eliminated the gene responsible for making the proteins, called prions, in these cows, which are now being injected directly with BSE to further verify the results. For more, follow this link.                  - Drover’s Alert by Drover’s Journal

Missouri Cattlemen’s News

Producers Invited to Direct Marketing of Meat Seminar

Beef, pork, poultry, lamb, goat and aquaculture producers have many methods that can add value to their products. Direct marketing of a quality product is one strategy that can be successful. The University of Missouri Extension is holding a seminar on direct marketing issues, beef quality assurance, and health regulations. It will be held on January 18, 2007 at the Country Kitchen in Ozora. The beginning time is 10:00 a.m. with registration starting at 9:30 a.m.

Tricia Freund-Wagner, University of Missouri Community Development/Local Food Systems, works with local producers who market to the St. Louis region. She will be discussing:

• How to market to farmers markets, meat shops, restaurants, and internet
• Pricing your product
• Labeling and exhibiting your product
• Getting the repeat customer
• Beef, pork, poultry, lamb, goat, and aquaculture
• Natural, organic, pasture-raised, and other niche markets

The beef quality assurance program will feature the Missouri Beef Industry Council displays.

• Proper management enhances beef quality and product value

Matt Rold, Missouri Department of Agriculture

• Targeted breeding equals customer satisfaction

Roger Eakins, University of Missouri Animal Science Extension

• Responsible culling improves herd productivity and efficiency

Bob Miller

Dr. Harold Treese, Missouri Department of Agriculture, will discuss health regulations in meat processing and marketing. Lunch will be served at the Country Kitchen. Contact the Perry County Extension Office to pre-register at 573-547-4504 by January 16, 2007. A $5.00 registration fee is payable at the door.                       - Missouri Beef Industry Council

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.

Producers Invited to Attend 2007 East Central Grazing Conference

Jim Gerrish to speak on Grazing Strategies

The Montgomery and Warren County SWCD’s, Bear Brush, Charrette Creek and Elkhorn Creek AgNPS SALT Projects in cooperation with USDA-NRCS are sponsoring Jim Gerrish, American GrazingLands Services LLC, at the 2007 East Central Grazing Conference.

Gerrish will speak on Grazing Strategies for Dry Times and Getting the Most Out of Your Winter Pasture on January 23, 2007 at the Merchants Building in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Montgomery City, MO. Doors will open at 3:00 PM and the program will begin at 4:30 PM. RSVP’s to the Warren County SWCD office in Warrenton Missouri should be submitted by January 12th, 2007. Registration is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door per person and includes a steak dinner.

For more information or if you are interested in being a vendor at the conference please contact the Warren County SWCD at 636.456.3434 ext 3.                                        - Sarah Szachnieski, Warren County NRCS

Mid-Missouri Grazing Council offers Outstanding Program on January 23

The Mid-Missouri Grazing Council will offer another outstanding program on January 23, 2007 at the Boone County Fairgrounds.  Registration and the trade show begin at 8:30 am with several vendors from Missouri showcasing their products available to livestock producers attending the conference. 

Concurrent sessions will start promptly at 9:30 am, covering such topics as: Managing summer annual forages, de-worming small ruminants, a demonstration using breeding barns for artificially inseminating cattle with a question/answer session following the demonstration, the second session includes: managing summer annual forages, understanding and utilizing hay tests (which is ever more important with high feed costs) and determining parasite loads in small ruminants.  The third set of concurrent sessions, starting at 11:30 am, include topics in the areas of: pasture weed control, protecting yourself from livestock theft, and a demonstration on weed control with a spray table. The lunch and keynote speaker will begin around 1:00 pm with Richard McConnell from Springfield, Mo. speaking about "Low-Stress Handling Methods for Livestock".  Mr. McConnell was a student of the famous Bud Williams Livestock Handling School in Texas and will talk to the audience on why and how producers can use low-stress handling methods in their livestock operations to not only help their animals, but their own well being.  Mr. McConnell will also give a live demonstration during the afternoon session, showing how his methods can work with livestock.  During this time, there will also be two concurrent sessions going on as well, which include; de-worming small ruminants and pasture-weed control. 

Registration is $30.00 BEFORE January 12, 2007, and should be sent to the Cole County SWCD c/o Ed Gillmore, 1901 Boggs Creek Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101. A $10.00 discount will be given to those sending an updated forage analysis (taken since August 1, 2006) with their registration form.  Other information can be found on MMGC's official website:    http://extension.missouri.edu/cmregion/ag/mmgc/grazingconf.shtml. Hope to see you there!  

                                                - University of Missouri Extension

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

New Reserved Camping at the 2007 Missouri State Fair

Beginning in 2007, the Missouri State Fair will offer reserved camping for fair patrons.  Reservation costs are $275 and reserves a location in the reserved area in the southern section of the campground.  Reservations can be made now through May 1, 2007 by visiting http://www.mostatefair.com/camp07.html. and reservations must be made for the duration of the State Fair.                  -              Missouri Department of Agriculture

Missouri State Fair Director Retires; Riley named Interim Director

 Effective Jan. 1, 2007, Mel Willard, director of the Missouri State Fair, will retire after a long history with the organization that began in 1984.  Mel began with the State Fair as an electrician and advanced by serving as the operations manager and the assistant director before being named the director in 2001. 

The Missouri State Fair Commission announced on Dec. 18 that Michael Riley, current events and concession manager, has been named the interim director for the Missouri State Fair.  He is a native of Pettis County and had been with the State Fair since 1998.

Applications for the full-time director's position can be found by visiting www.mostatefair.com and must be postmarked no later than Jan. 22, 2007.  Cover letters and resumes should be mailed to:  Attn: MSF Director Position, P.O. Box 317, Troy, Mo. 63379.                                  - Missouri State Fair

Calendar of Events

Jan. 8               Macon County Cattlemen – Lolli Bros. Livestock Market Café, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 9               St. Clair County Cattlemen – Lowry City Boy Scout Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 11              Polk County Cattlemen – Youth Fairgrounds, 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 13              Audrain County Cattlemen – Knights of Columbus Hall, Martinsburg, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14              Warren County Cattlemen – Wright City Lion’s Club, 5:00 p.m.

Jan. 18              Henry County Cattlemen – Urich Lion’s Club, 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 18              Mid-Missouri Cattlemen – Miller County Regional Stockyards, 6:00 p.m.

Jan. 23              Sullivan County Cattlemen – Milan Livestock Auction, 12:00 noon

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

For more cattle industry events, visit www.mocattle.com/calendar.htm

The Fine Print

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