MCA Prime Cuts

President Bush Highlights Importance of Beef Trade
Cattlemen Get Rare Meeting with the President at NCBA Spring Conference

President Bush told cattle producers yesterday, March 28, 2007, that Congress needs to pass a number of pending trade deals and reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), so America’s food producers and agriculture sector can better compete in a growing global marketplace.

“Every time we break down a barrier to trade, someone who’s raising a cow will have an opportunity to sell that cow into a better market,” said President Bush. “My attitude on trade is ‘you treat us the way we treat you – and then let’s compete.’”

Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) were treated to a visit by the President as part of NCBA’s Annual Spring Legislative Conference, going on this week in Washington, D.C.

“President Bush understands the importance of rural America – especially the cattle and beef industries – to our nation’s economy and to our country’s way of life,” said NCBA President and North Carolina cattleman John Queen. “He has long supported policies that help rural communities and small businesses to prosper, such as tax relief and personal property rights. And he has fostered an aggressive trade agenda aimed at opening markets worldwide for our products.”

The President’s trade agenda was top of mind in his remarks today. The Peru, Panama, and Colombia Free Trade Agreements, widely viewed as the best ever negotiated on behalf of U.S. agriculture, still need to be approved by Congress. And the fate of the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, the biggest bilateral trade agreement since NAFTA, hangs in the balance as negotiators conclude discussions this week in Seoul. The Korean deal must be completed by March 31^st to give Congress a mandatory 90-day time period for review before TPA expires on June 30, 2007, unless renewed by Congress.

“I want to thank the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for joining with the Administration and other organizations in urging the Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority,” said Bush. “You can’t negotiate a deal in fairness to the United States if you think it’s going to be changed on the floor of Congress.”

The importance of trade is one of a handful of priority issues the cattleman are discussing this week. Each year, hundreds of NCBA’s most politically active members come to Washington for a week of intensive one-on-one meetings with members of Congress and agency officials.

In addition to President Bush, NCBA conference speakers include U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, U.S. Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Administrator James Link, House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and National Security Council Director Allan Hubbard. - NCBA

Editor’s note: Four MCA members - Merrel Breyer, Paul Gibbs, David Dick, and Ken Disselhorst - had the opportunity to hear directly from President Bush; one even appears in a photo with President Bush on the White House’s website. To read the White House’s release and view the photo, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/03/20070328-2.html.

Cattle Industry News

U.S. Cattle on Feed Down Four Percent

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports cattle and calves on feed for harvest in the U.S. — for feedlots with capacities of 1,000 head or more — totaled 11.6 million head March 1. The inventory was 4% below March 1, 2006, but 4% above March 1, 2005.

Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.66 million, 4% above 2006 and 9% above 2005. Net placements were 1.58 million. Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.71 million, 7% above 2006 and 5% above 2005. Other disappearance totaled 75,000 during February, 3% above 2006 but 3% below 2005. - NASS

American Hereford Association Announces 2006 Dams of Distinction

MCA Members among Top 20 Ranches in Nation for Dams of Distinction

Each year the American Hereford Association (AHA) recognizes cows that meet the highest standards of cattle production with the Dam of Distinction honor. Females attaining Dam of Distinction status are recognized with “DOD” after their names in EPD Inquiry results at Hereford.org.

MCA members Leo & Jean Journagan, Springfield, Mo., rank among the top 20 ranches in the nation for the number of Dams of Distinction on their ranch, with a total of 22 Dams of Distinction. In addition, Missouri as a state ranks 6^th in the nation, with 82 Dams of Distinction.

For a complete list of all breeders with Dams of Distinction and information about program criteria, look to the April issue of Hereford World or visit Hereford.org. - Information provided by the American Hereford Association

NCBA names Dr. Ashby Green VP Producer Education

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) proudly announces that Dr. Ashby Green has joined the organization as vice president, producer education.

Green’s experience includes more than 30 years in the veterinary medical industry in Mississippi, Missouri and Florida. Most recently, he has been involved in veterinary consulting and working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, where he had oversight for animal health programs throughout Florida.

Green also spent 12 years in the animal sciences division at Monsanto Agricultural Company, where his responsibilities included directing cattle selection and marketing programs for the Monsanto Ranch in Oklahoma. Early in his career, Green spent four years with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service as leader of extension veterinary medicine.

According to NCBA Chief Executive Officer Terry Stokes, Green’s arrival adds strength to one of the organization’s most important missions.

“In survey after survey, NCBA members tell us producer education is one of the most valuable benefits we offer, and one of the best reasons to join NCBA,” Stokes said. “The addition of Ashby Green makes NCBA’s producer education programs even stronger.”

“I’m just thrilled for the opportunity to continue to serve the cattle industry, which has been such a great part of my life,” said Green. “And I’m happy to be joining such a first-class team at NCBA.”

Green holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from Mississippi State University.

- NCBA

Angus Foundation Scholarships Available

More than $100,000 in educational scholarships will be available this year to Angus youth through the Angus Foundation scholarship program. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 1 to be considered eligible.

Applications and instructions are available at www.angusfoundation.org. Please closely follow the instructions, as incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Note that there is a separate application for the NJAA/CAB scholarship that is offered through the Angus Foundation.

- American Angus Association

Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act Update

Make Plans to Participate in Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act Rally Day

Coalition Reaches Compromise with Missouri Association of Counties

Farmers and Ranchers from across the state will come together in support of the Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act next Tuesday, April 3. The bus trip and rally day is coordinated by the Coalition for Missouri Farm & Food Preservation, which includes the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and 18 other Missouri agricultural organizations.

Our coalition recently reached a major agreement in principle with the Missouri Association of Counties (MAC) to collaborate on a substitute bill that both parties can support. The compromise incorporates the following provisions:

1) No new Class 1A (the state’s largest) concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in any county unless approved by the county commission.

2) Increased setbacks for new CAFOs not designated as a Managed Environmental Livestock Operation (MELO).

3) New MELO best management standards to aid in the neighbor and community acceptance of CAFOs.

4) County health ordinances regulating CAFOs remain in effect until MELO standards are developed and then the county ordinances would expire.

5) Creation of a CAFO Review Board with authority to review and have input on the Department of Natural Resources’ livestock facility permits and develop the MELO standards.

6) Increased state regulations for new livestock facilities greater than 650 animal units.

7) Increased setbacks from specified lakes for new CAFOs of any size greater than 650 animal units.

8) Increased size and expanded use of the livestock lagoon indemnity fund.

9) Authorization of state tax credits to address issues such as odor control abatement and infrastructure improvements.

10) Grandfather in existing CAFOs which would still be required to comply with state and federal regulations protecting public health and the environment.

Despite the positive momentum created by the agreement, there is still much work to be done to ensure the passage of the Missouri Farm & Food Preservation Act. You can help by participating in the:

Missouri Farm & Food Preservation

Bus Trip & Rally/Legislative Visits

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

*All buses will plan to arrive in Jefferson City by 11:45 a.m. and will

depart for the return trip at 3:00 p.m.

NOTE: Buses will leave promptly at the scheduled departure times listed (posted at http://www.mocattle.org/farm_and_food_preservation_act.htm), so please plan to be ready to board bus before the scheduled departure times.

Scheduled Bus Routes:

NORTHEAST REGION – Leaving Kirksville – Macon – Moberly