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BLOCK Talk
Good news seems to be coming from the weather man and temperatures should come back to a more normal pattern for this type of year. Hopefully, all the cold weather will mean a few less insects to deal with. More importantly it looks like we have a good start on our moisture, but some warmer weather and sunshine would be welcomed by most. March is here and the wheat runs should jump into high gear with a lot of those yearlings coming to town. In visiting with friends these cattle can come from a lot of areas to Oklahoma wheat pasture. Northern cattle with premiums attached to them based on a solid reputation seem to always find a home with stocker operators. The interesting thing though is it looks like some cattle out of other parts of the country, particularly the Southeast, are proving to be more profitable because they still don’t demand the premiums some calves will at weaning. Cattlemen are educating themselves and becoming more familiar with what buyers want. Producers may have to live with the reality that things like pre-conditioning, age and source verification and top genetics may not be what we used to call value-added components anymore, but just necessary management practices so calves will not be discounted at the marketplace. Many programs are available that will help cattlemen get the most for their calves. All come with extra paperwork and most don’t like to deal with the extra details. I do believe Calving season and bull sale season are in full swing. Even though there is a lot of hard work that goes on, this time of the year I think is one most producers look forward to. That next crop of revenue makers hits the ground with expectations and anticipation. Most find out real quick if that herd bull they bought last spring or AI sire they chose to breed to was the right decision. Seedstock suppliers will get a chance, as they record data, to see if this year’s crop of bulls is better than last years. I have taken the time to evaluate several sales on the internet and video and it seems the market for top bulls is really good, but nobody wants to pay for average. It also seems we are seeing a trend to breeds that will offer some crossbreeding alternatives. Producers are looking for alternatives that will allow them to take advantage of hybrid vigor to add pounds to that calf crop. Black baldy replacement females seem to be in demand while other breed compositions that offer varying percentages of British and Continental genetics also seem to be popular with commercial cattlemen. As producers integrate new genetics, through either herd bulls or replacements, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate the current members of the herd. One trait that has come to the forefront the last few years is disposition. Cattlemen are rapidly becoming wise to the fact that if a cow runs through a fence or tears down a corral it gets expensive. About every operation I go to anymore, places some form of emphasis on disposition in the selection process. Removing those trouble makers could be a great way to save some equipment and labor expense. Since we’re talking about disposition with your cow herd, let me remind that over one third of all accidents on the farm or ranch involve livestock. How many folks do you know that had a problem either checking calvers or trying to tag a calf? Used too, I think we’d tolerate that protective mother a little more. We all have funny stories, after the fact, about near misses or having to cleverly outsmart a protective mother, but for most with limited labor and other challenges, I don’t think any one can afford to be laid up for too long. The Olympics have handed out their medals and blown out the torch another time. I struggled to find something on the TV worth watching after they were over. More than once I broke out into the chant “USA….USA” as our athletes proudly represented their country. Exciting finishes, both triumphant and tragic, led to medals or tears. It’s four years until the next Winter Olympics; I wonder what changes in the world we’ll be talking about then.
American Gelbvieh Association Hires Frank Padilla As Director Of Breed Promotion
The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Padilla as the Director of Breed Promotion to the association’s staff. Padilla begins working for the AGA on January 20, 2010. Padilla, of Henderson, Colo., has 42 years of diversified, hands on experience in all aspects of the beef cattle industry. Most recently, Padilla was the Director of Member and Commercial Services for the North American Limousin Foundation for four years. Prior to that experience, he was the General Manager of Operations for Schroeder Cattle Company in western Nebraska for over 20 years. With his extensive knowledge of the beef industry, Padilla has spoke at numerous industry seminars, university workshops and Beef Improvement Federation meetings. In addition, he has judged many of the nation’s top livestock shows across the country including the National Western Stock Show. “We look forward to the experience and expertise in cattle marketing that Frank brings to the American Gelbvieh Association,” said Al Knapp, American Gelbvieh Association newly elected President and chair of the search committee. In his duties as AGA Director of Breed Promotion, Padilla will be responsible for the development and implementation of AGA marketing strategies, objectives and programs creating maximum value for Gelbvieh genetics for AGA members and their commercial customers. The Director of Breed Promotion is the official spokesperson for the AGA and its members. “There is great potential for the Gelbvieh breed to positively impact the beef industry. The breed offers cattle producers added growth and muscle, a powerful momma cow, and the ability to compliment economically important traits in a crossbreeding program,” said Padilla. “I look forward to serving AGA members and to working with commercial producers with their use of Gelbvieh genetics.” Padilla will work closely with the Director of Administration Dianne Coffman and the Director of Breed Improvement Susan Knights Willmon in a newly developed three-way organizational matrix to assure the smooth operation of the American Gelbvieh Association. In addition, Padilla will work with the AGA Area Coordinators, who are the field staff representatives for the association. He will also collaborate on promotion “One of Frank’s first responsibilities will be to hire a third Area Coordinator to cover the Midwestern region of the country,” commented Knapp. The AGA’s Western region Area Coordinator is Don Danell and the Eastern region Area Coordinator is Steve Peddicord. “The three AGA Area Coordinators are available to assist commercial producers identify marketing opportunities for Gelbvieh influenced cattle and to help producers add Gelbvieh genetics in a crossbreeding program,” noted Knapp. Frank Padilla will work out of the AGA headquarters in Westminster, Colo., and is available by calling 303-465-2333 or by email at frankp@gelbvieh.org. Don Danell can be reached at 406-538-5622 or by email at dond@gelbvieh.org. Steve Peddicord can be reached at 606-688-4492 or by email at stevep@gelbvieh.org.
Beef Board Hires New Director Of Evaluation
Polly Ruhland has joined the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) team as Director of Evaluation, replacing current retiring director Rich Otley. Polly’s 20-plus years in the beef industry most recently included six years with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), working in the areas of issues management, membership and communications. Prior to NCBA she served as communication director for the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), was compliance coordinator for the federally-mandated animal care and use committee at Colorado State University, and was director of communications for the American Gelbvieh Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Colorado and a master’s degree in agriculture from Colorado State. Her industry experience, relationships with state beef councils and extensive knowledge of checkoff programs and structure uniquely qualify her for this position, according to CBB Chief Executive Officer Tom Ramey. Polly and her husband, Randy, have one son, Ryan, 20, and a border collie, Jo Peep. For more information about the beef checkoff, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
Shock & Awe, Gran Torino Win Fort Worth Hereford Show
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – C -S Gran Torino 8172 ET won the champion horned bull title at the Fort Worth National Hereford Show Feb. 1. The champion polled bull honors went to STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET. Judging the 214-head show was the father-son team of Dan Hoge, Kewanee, Ill., and Mark Hoge, Macomb, Ill. “There is no breed of cattle that is enjoying popularity like the Hereford breed is right now,” said Dan prior to selection of the champion horned female. “When you talk about breed progress, you look at the average of the class. All breeds can have good cattle in the upper end but where this breed is really making such progress, in my mind, is the average of the cattle were really, really good.” The horned show was dedicated to Bill and Jo Ellard, Dallas, Texas, and Jim & Claudia Atlas, Grandview, Texas, was the polled show honoree. Gran Torino is a 2-year-old son of DM BR L1 Domino 146, owned by Williams/Ferguson Ranch L.P., Decatur, Texas; Dennis Schock, Sherman, Texas; and Colyer Herefords, Bruneau, Idaho. Rylee Barber, Channing, Texas, claimed the reserve horned bull title with BR Currency 8144 ET by DM BR Sooner. The champion polled bull, Shock & Awe, is a yearling son of STAR Bright Future 533P ET, and owned by Star Lake Cattle Ranch, Skiatook, Okla.; TCF & Co., Petoskey, Mich.; Tennessee River Music Inc., Ft. Payne, Ala.; and Buffalo Bend Farm, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Golden Oak Outcross 18U was chosen reserve champion polled bull. The son of Golden-Oak Fusion 3S is owned by Hoffman Herefords, Thedford, Neb.; Ward Ranch, McAlester, Okla.; and Churchill Cattle Co., Manhattan, Mont. In the female show, H Poetic Justice 8042 by TH JWR SOP 16G 57G Tundra 63N won the horned show and STAR KKH SSF Olivia 15U ET by Remitall Online 122L won the polled show. H Poetic Justice is owned by Karlee Osborne, Sheridan, Ill. Reserve horned female honors went to BR Zoey 8143 ET by DM BR Sooner, owned by Ra Champion polled female, Olivia, is owned by Kasey Herman, Skiatook, Okla.; Star Lake Cattle Ranch, and B J Herman & Sons, Edgerton, Ohio. Randa Owen, Ft. Payne, Ala., and Purple Reign Cattle Co., Toulon, Ill., with Purple HCC Billie Jean 32V was chosen reserve champion polled female. At the end of the show, Star Lake Cattle Ranch was awarded the banners for polled best 6 head, premier breeder and premier exhibitor. Rylee Barber was named horned premier breeder and W4 Ranch, Morgan, Texas, and horned premier exhibitor. Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas, exhibited the first-place horned get-of-sire with a group sired by DM BR Sooner.
National Foodservice Beef Backer Award Winners Announced
Distinguished checkoff-funded award honors exemplary beef restaurants nationwide. The Beef Checkoff Program announced the 2009 National Beef Backer Award winners in foodservice today at the Annual Cattle Industry Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The Beef Backer Awards recognize independent and chain restaurants that set the highest standards in menuing and marketing beef. This year’s national winners included Uncle Ed’s Steakhouse (Grand Island, Neb.) in the “Independent Restaurant” category, Texas Roadhouse (Louisville, Ky.) in the “Chain Restaurant” category and Barclay Prime (Philadelphia, Pa.) as the “Innovator of the Year.” “According to industry reports, more than 130 million individuals patronized America’s restaurants, daily, in 2009. That’s one-third of the population. Daily. There is no way to overstate the influence of foodservice professionals. Their culinary skills ignite consumer passion for our product, and their creativity keeps beef at the forefront of eating trends,” notes California cattleman Bill Jackson, chairman of the Joint Foodservice Committee. “Today, we are pleased to honor three restaurants for their ongoing commitment to serve beef at its best -- every meal, every day.” Owners Ed and Anita Sabatka were thrilled to accept the National Beef Backer Award for the “Independent Restaurant” category on behalf of their restaurant, Uncle Ed’s Steakhouse. “Our entire menu is built on a foundation of layered flavors and balanced seasonings. Dedication to beef aging and attention to preparation make our steaks truly exceptional. Our high standards of quality ensure a mouthwatering, exciting and satisfying beef experience,” says Ed Sabatka, who is also the chef at Uncle Ed’s. Uncle Ed’s delivers on its promise to give its guests expertly-cooked, delicious steaks. “The primary objective of beef promotions in our restaurant is to allow our guests to be exposed to and experience special steak presentations normally reserved for ‘finer’ Texas Roadhouse was delighted to receive the "Chain Restaurant" National Beef Backer Award. Based in Louisville, Ky., Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993. In just 16 years, the company has grown to more than 330 locations in 46 states. G.J. Hart, President and CEO, says, "Texas Roadhouse prides itself on our high-quality beef and expert preparation. We use 100% U.S. beef, and all steaks are cut in-house daily. This commitment to quality is the backbone of our company and is what our guests have come to expect." Texas Roadhouse makes a special effort to honor and incent their beloved butchers. “We are so proud of our meat cutters and admire their dedication to our standards of excellence. In fact, we hold an annual Texas Roadhouse Meat Cutting Challenge — there are several rounds of competition, and one winner takes home a grand prize of $20,000 and the title of Meat Cutter of the Year,” Hart explains. Texas Roadhouse is on a mission to share its passion for well-prepared — and well-cut — beef. To better educate consumers and to promote beef, Texas Roadhouse has partnered with the Kentucky State Beef Council for the past two years to present the Texas Roadhouse Roadshow at the Kentucky State Fair on the Kentucky Beef Producers’ Gourmet Garden Stage. Over 600,000 fairgoers have the opportunity to learn how to cut their own steaks from several of Texas Roadhouse’s talented meat cutters — and of course, enjoy the beef! Barclay Prime took home the “Innovator of the Year” title. Executive Chef James LoCascio says, “Barclay Prime is honored to be recognized as the Beef Backer ‘Innovator of the Year,’ and I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire staff.” LoCascio attributes Barclay Prime’s success to its incredible attention to detail. “The most noteworthy thing about Barclay Prime isn’t just the food, and it isn’t just the service — it’s the quality of the ingredients.” All of Barclay Prime’s beef goes through a meticulous quality control process, sometimes lasting up to two months, before it is ever served to a guest. “We conduct regular blind taste tests, and are constantly doing cuttings and tastings. This way, we can ensure that the beef on the menu is always the best,” says LoCascio. Barclay Prime makes a special effort to market the beef they serve to their patrons on a personal level. “When a guest orders one of our steaks, we rely on our excellent wait staff to talk about the relationship they have with the purveyor, or about what farm the beef is from; they lend a personal touch to the meal by telling the whole beef story,” LoCascio explains. Restaurant operators interested in entering the 2010 Beef Backer contest should contact their state beef council. For more information, contact Jane Gibson at 303-850-3371or jgibson@beef.org. For more information about the beef checkoff, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
Producers Honored For Beef Quality Assurance Commitment
Dairy and beef producers recognize importance of BQA principles on their own farms. A desire to continually improve Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) on their operations while successfully encouraging others around them to implement BQA. A desire evident this week as two producers were honored with the annual national Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) award, created to recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers from across the country who incorporate BQA principles as part of the day-to-day activities on their operations. The winners were selected based on their commitment to beef quality assurance while operating sustainable cattle operations. Winners were Phoebe Bitler, Vista Grande Farm in Fleetwood, Pa. (dairy) and Jim Warren, 101 Livestock Inc., Aromas, Calif. (beef). Vista Grande Farm Vista Grande Farm was founded in 1937 by Phoebe’s parents. Phoebe grew up on the registered Holstein farm, and her 4-H project cows paid for her college degree and also helped to build the foundation for the dairy herd that she and her husband, Dave, began in 1977. On Jan. 1, 2010, they began a partnership with their son, Jesse, operating as Vista Grande Farms, LLC and Vista Grande Cattle Co., LLC. The dairy farm currently consists of 100 milking registered Holstein cows; 23 owned by the Bitlers, and the balance owned by two young men developing their individual herds, they have placed 30 more milking Holsteins in other young farmers herds, have a dairy replacement business with 150 females, and farm 600 acres, producing feed crops for the livestock. In addition, the family also performs a variety of custom farming operations, facilitates farm-to-farm dairy cattle sales, and Phoebe conducts educational agriculture tours that showcase what family farms have done to remain viable in the industry. Vista Grande Farm is located in a densely populated county in southeastern Pennsylvania and one of their ‘next door’ neighbors is an industry that employs 5,000 persons. The road that travels between the farm buildings is heav Phoebe and her family have hosted many “Ag in the Classroom” type events for schools, scouts, seniors and farm-city tours. They have also hosted “Breakfast on the Farm” for the Berks County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board. These types of events provide opportunities to share the truth about modern animal production, dispelling popular animal rights myths. Vista Grande Farm coexists with their community by offering a transparent view of their dairy practices. Nominator Paul Slayton, Pennsylvania Beef Council executive director, says, “Phoebe believes firmly that they and their cattle are a team; they work in partnership. They also manage their dairy for increased returns on market cows at harvest by reconditioning prior to selling as ‘white cows.’ Currently they are researching the costs and benefits of selling custom bulk freezer packs utilizing BQA labels and the farm logo to accommodate the changing consumer needs and wants. And, she provides extensive training to hired labor. She is very deserving of this award.” 101 Livestock, Inc. 101 Livestock, Inc., is a livestock marketing business that sells predominately beef cattle, from 200 pounds to slaughter cows and bulls at public auction 50 weeks per year. The market operates each Tuesday and has other special sales annually. Located about 45 minutes south of the San Francisco Bay Area, the market serves ranchers and farmers located up to 300 miles north and south of the operation. Using his own common-sense approach and asking for ideas from experts like Temple Grandin to create the design, Jim has created a sale yard which stands out among other sale barns in the country in its ease of moving cattle comfortably through the market chain. Beef quality has been the number one goal of Jim and his management team for over 30 years. They started by improving animal health, and developed a physical plant the allowed for the most comfortable and humane transportation of cattle through the facility; next came the electronic ID (EID) program in 1999, followed by their Quality Systems Assessment and Process Verification Program, which were USDA-approved. Being on the leading edge of beef quality issues has kept both buyer and seller, doing business with 101 Livestock for more than three decades. In 1990, 101 Livestock started to sell any animal with potential health issues into a class called "subject." These animals' destinations are only to federally-inspected processing plants and the sellers are not paid unless the inspector approves the animal. This takes away the temptation to push objectionable animals through the system, and puts the responsibility for these animals where it should be -- on the owner. 101 Livestock accepts no non-ambulatory (downer) cattle. And, at 101 Livestock, safety, animal health, and physical plant meetings for employees are held monthly. Nominator Matt Byrne, executive vice president of the California Cattlemen’s Association, says, “Being transparent and allowing people to see the operation has been good for business. Jim said animal rights groups have seen that 101 Livestock was as committed to the animal well-being as they were. 101 Livestock is the center for cattle activity on the Central Coast. Media, non-ag, and humane groups all look to 101 Livestock for answers to critical issues. Jim's advanced media training and positive approach to these issues help the beef industry put its best foot forward. And, Jim has reached out to other markets to help them improve their facilities and transportation, feeding and loading operations.” The National BQA award winners are selected annually by a committee of representatives from universities, state beef councils and cattle industry groups. For more information about the beef checkoff or BQA program, visit www.bqa.org, www.dbqa.org or www.MyBeefCheckoff.com. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
U.S. Beef Draws Strong Interest At Gulfood 2010
Gulfood 2010, the Middle East’s largest food and beverage industry tradeshow, is off and running this week in Dubai. This year’s theme of “Bigger, Better, Business” is particularly applicable to U.S. beef, as a record 18 suppliers are on hand to exhibit products. Gulfood 2010 has been billed as the largest exhibition in this event’s 23-year history, with more than 45,000 industry professionals expected to be in attendance over four days (Feb. 21-24). The Middle East has long been a mainstay for U.S. beef variety meat, but interest in U.S. muscle cuts is exploding – especially in Egypt. In 2009, beef muscle cut exports to Egypt increased by more than 600 percent in volume (to 14,277 metric tons or 31.48 million pounds) and nearly 500 percent in value (to $23.5 million) over the previous year. For the region as a whole, muscle cut exports doubled in volume and increased by nearly one-third in value over 2008. Despite a sluggish global market for variety meat, combined U.S. beef/beef variety meat exports to the Middle East achieved seven percent growth in volume in 2009 while remaining steady in value. “Beef supplies from South America are becoming more restricted and their prices – especially Brazil’s – have recently been on the rise,” says John Brook, U.S. Meat Export Federation regional director for Europe, Russia and the Middle East, contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. “So we’re seeing increasing op Brook adds that in the United Arab Emirates, the food industry does not appear to be overly shaken by recent concerns raised about the financial condition of Dubai World, the country’s enormous construction consortium. “Retailers and restaurants are very optimistic that this year will bring significant growth when compared to 2009,” he says. “Some individual suppliers are predicting that their business in the region could grow by as much as 20 percent.” For more information about the beef checkoff’s foreign marketing efforts, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
MBA Catapults Past 2,000
Since the Cattle Industry Convention the last week in January more than 300 new students have enrolled in the beef checkoff Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program, pushing current students to more than 1,300. More than 100 students graduated in the first three weeks of February (788 total since March 2009) and it is anticipated that more than 150 will complete the courses by the end of the month. With MBA commencements planned in Texas, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Kentucky in the next six weeks, the number of graduates should exceed 1,000 by the end of March, the one-year anniversary of program’s launch. The single largest commencement to date will be held at Western Kentucky University on February 26, where more than 100 MBA grads are expected to attend. “We are very encouraged by the response to the program,” says Daren Williams, MBA “Dean of Students” and executive director of communications at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. “What this tells me that more and more people are preparing themselves to be informed advocates for farmers and ranchers and many of them are already engaged in grassroots efforts to sustain the future of our industry.” The MBA program is a free, self-directed online training program designed to equip producers and industry allies with information they need to be everyday advocates for the beef industry. After completing six courses, graduates will be invited to attend a commencement advocacy training and graduation ceremony focusing on sharing the positive story of beef one-on-one with friends and neighbors and interacting with consumers across the country using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter. After completing the program, participants will be ready to become everyday beef advocates and to get out and meet consumers where they live. This may be as simple as talking to friends, family and neighbors, or going out to broader audiences, such as schools, businesses and civic groups to tell the beef story. The MBA program will ensure that producers and industry allies are delivering a consistent message and are prepared to talk For more information about the checkoff-funded MBA program, visit www.MyBeefCheckoff.com. To enroll, send an e-mail to MBA@beef.org. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
In A State Called Home, Texas Rancher Takes Cattlemen’s Beef Board Reins
It’s only fitting that after an eventful week in San Antonio, Texas, at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention, Texas rancher Dan Dierschke joins the ranks of many across the country elected by fellow cattlemen and women to serve as Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) chair. Let’s take a look back on the story of how Dan planted his feet in livestock agriculture. It was his first venture with his first 4-H calf and it didn’t bode well. He raised the calf to about 900 pounds, sold it into a huge oversupply due to one of worst droughts in the state, and it brought 17 cents … what Dan says was the most disappointing $153.60 he has ever seen (not that he remembers down to the penny how much it sold for!). So how did he overcome the disappointment to become a 5th generation Texas agriculturist? After growing up on a diversified farm in west Texas where he was primarily involved in livestock production, he eventually left the family operation to further his education by obtaining a Masters of Education with a specialty in Guidance and Psychology. While attending graduate school, Dan met his soul mate, Marilynn, a 13th generation American whose family had slowly migrated from its Jamestown, Va., origins and arrived in Texas in 1835 while it was still a part of Mexico . As they planned their future together, they recognized they shared a love for agriculture. Dan purchased his first operation in 1971 and the beautiful pecan grove on it served as the site for the exchange of wedding vows. Over the years, they both continued to work outside of agriculture in various capacities as they built equity. But as life and love dictated, they purchased their first cattle herd in 1974 but continued off-farm employment while purchasing more properties and building their operation. In 1979, Dan was managing a mental health center when he and Marilynn decided passion conquered occupation and it was time for him to move into full-time cattle production. The choice was obvious. Marilynn continued working in the public sector while assisting on the ranch whenever she wasn’t working in town. “I had a renewed passion to provide the most wholesome, best-tasting food product possible,” Dan says. “With that passion, I made the decision to leave a successful non-agriculture career to return to my roots and I continue to be fulfilled in that choice.” The cattle business has been successful for the family, and Marilynn and Dan continue to grow their operation on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. Even with 35 years in the cattle business, Dan says he’s oftentimes still in awe of the natural history of the land on which they are stewards. Their ranch headquarters are on the most scenic creek in the area, which has attracted visitors for thousands of years and is part of an 1824 Spanish land grant. Indian artifacts continue to be found: A highway preconstruction historical survey done on a leased property a few miles from the ranch headquarters found 11,000 year old human artifacts buried under 11 feet of topsoil deposited from flooding. Much of the Dierschke operation was underwater millions of years ago and they constantly find fossilized sea shells. Not only that, but part of their land is on the side of two volcanoes noted as the only underwater volcanoes in Texas. As their operation has matured, Dan found time to give back to the community and to the beef industry. His service list is long: He served as an officer for the Emergency Services District, serves as Chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Committee for the local tax appraisal district, serves as an appointee of the Governor of Texas on the Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Council, is beginning his 8th year as a director of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and his fourth year on the executive committee, serves as an appointee of the Secretary of Agriculture on the Animal and Animal Products Trade Advisory Committee, serves on the local county Farm Bureau Board where he was president for five years until elected as a director to the Texas Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and served on the Texas Beef Council including a term as chairman. Dan says the challenges of the future will not differ significantly from the past as history tends to repeat itself. But, the keys to success in the beef industry are regaining and maintaining a fully open export market, since returns are enhanced through exports; and, maintaining profitability in the face of unpredictable input costs and variable revenues for cattle. “The challenges we are facing are somewhat daunting. Not only are we facing the traditional squeeze between high input costs and relatively low returns, we are also having to deal with well-funded organizations who believe animals should not be used for any human purpose,” says Dierschke. “I have three goals for my year as Beef Board chairman: 1) develop and implement effective responses to the increasing demands of the various anti-animal use groups, 2) continue to use checkoff investments to increase profit opportunities for all segments of the beef industry, and 3) reduce counter-productive arguments within the Retired from state government where she was an administrator, Marilynn is a volunteer with a number of state-level organizations primarily focused on farm and ranch land preservation. In her spare time, Marilynn works with Dan on their ranch and spoils their 3 sons and 11 grandchildren. Dan will tell you she is independent, hard-working and well represents her pioneer heritage. “I believe the future offers strong possibilities,” concludes Dan as he recalls a quote from one of the nation’s founders … “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” -- Thomas Jefferson The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
KLA YOUNG STOCKMEN’S ACADEMY MEETS IN TOPEKA
TOPEKA, KS--A group of 20 young producers from across the state met in Topeka last week for the first installment of the 2010 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA). Resflor Gold from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is partnering with the association to host these members for an in-depth look into KLA and the beef industry. The class will participate in four seminars throughout the year, which will be held in various locations across Kansas. During the first session, attendees were exposed to advocacy training, the legislative process and services provided by KLA. As part of an interactive training session led by KLA staff and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcasters Kelly Lenz and Greg Akagi, the group was given an overview of the various media outlets available to help tell the positive beef production story. Jody Donahue, a rancher from Fredonia, showed how she has implemented industry advocacy into her daily routine through the use of a blog, Facebook and Twitter. Attendees visited KLA headquarters and participated in a financial planning seminar, led by Kennedy and Coe, LLC, that focused on debt management and planning for the future of the family business. In addition, the class had the opportunity to visit the Capitol and attended a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting. Attendees also took part in KLA’s legislative meeting, where they and other members determined positions on individual bills under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) provided information on how checkoff dollars are used to develop and market new products that have helped increase beef demand. KBC staff also explained efforts to educate consumers about the benefits of eating beef. The 2010 class includes Alex Acheson, Alma; Jason Brown, Dwight; Trista Brown, Satanta; Glen Collinge, Hamilton; Kelly DeDonder, The second installment of the YSA class will be held in July. Members will tour operations representing various segments of the Kansas beef industry. More information about YSA can be found at www.kla.org. KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.
BROWN NAMED TO REPLACE TEAGARDEN AS LIVESTOCK COMMISSIONER
TOPEKA, KS--The Kansas Animal Health Board has named accomplished veterinarian and retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel Bill Brown as the state’s new livestock commissioner. He will replace George Teagarden, who will retire in May after 16 years in the position. Brown will assume his new role March 8. He and Teagarden will work together during the transition. Brown most recently served as health services veterinarian for Newsham Choice Genetics of West Des Moines, IA. In that capacity, he was responsible for maintaining the health and biosecurity of the company’s swine operations in the U.S. and Canada. He previously held similar positions with Monsanto and DeKalb. In addition to working for these leading companies in the swine industry, Brown owned and operated mixed practice veterinary hospitals in western Kansas from 1974 through 1992. The Ford County native graduated from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1971. After graduation, he started a long career in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving several tours of active duty. Brown has provided veterinary expertise to the Army throughout his military career. Brown is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA), American Association of Swine Practitioners, United States Animal Health Association and American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. He was named “Kansas Veterinarian of the Year&r “The Kansas livestock industry is fortunate to have an individual with Dr. Brown’s credentials as the new livestock commissioner,” said Kansas Animal Health Board Chair Heather Donley, who serves as director of quality assurance for the Beef Marketing Group, headquartered in Great Bend. As commissioner, Brown will lead the Kansas Animal Health Department (KAHD). The agency is assigned to protect the health, safety and welfare of Kansas citizens through the prevention, control and eradication of infectious and contagious diseases in livestock and domestic animals. Agency officials also regulate companion animal breeding facilities, investigate livestock thefts and maintain the livestock brand registry. KAHD has achieved numerous important milestones under Teagarden’s direction. His tenure includes attaining cattle tuberculosis-free status in 1995. USDA declared Kansas free of both cattle brucellosis and swine pseudorabies in 1999. Earning free status from USDA for these three infectious diseases was the culmination of years of work led by Teagarden, his predecessors in the position, the KAHD staff and the livestock industry. Another major accomplishment occurring under Teagarden’s leadership is planning for an emergency response to a potential foreign animal disease outbreak in Kansas. In addition to forming a statewide plan, KAHD has fostered the creation of many county-level animal disease emergency plans. According to Donley, Kansas serves as a model among states in terms of emergency animal disease response planning. “Commissioner Teagarden deserves a big thanks from livestock producers and the citizens of Kansas,” said Donley. “His efforts to eradicate major food animal diseases in the state has saved livestock producers countless millions of dollars and enhanced food and public safety.”
Limousin Breeders Gather For 1st-Ever Emerging Leaders Academy
The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) hosted its inaugural Emerging Leaders Academy Feb. 2–3 in Kansas City, Mo. With 17 participants in the first class, NALF launched the new program to provide a unique educational and networking opportunity for a limited number of Limousin breeders each year. Academy participants will explore the current issues, trends and technologies shaping the beef industry while preparing to help the Limousin breed capitalize on its opportunities and sharpen its progressive commercial focus. “Participants get to know other committed breeders, gain valuable marketing insights, generate new ideas that can be applied to their own enterprises, and increase their awareness of the tools and programs available to Limousin seedstock and commercial cow-calf producers,” said Bob Hough, Ph.D., executive vice president for NALF. The first academy class began its experience with a facilitated group discussion about NALF’s new strategic plan. “It was a great opportunity for our organization’s future leaders to contribute to the planning process so we can generate the best ideas for leading the breed forward along a proactive path toward even greater commercial acceptance,” Hough said. The class will continue to interact and exchange ideas over the next 12 to 24 months through conference calls, webcasts and special events, including an industry tour. “I am confident the Emerging Leaders Academy will be a force for positive change within the Limousin breed,” Hough stated. “The potential outcomes of this new program are exciting. It easily could become the networking and leadership opportunity that motivates some of our most enthusiastic, up-and-coming breeders to get more involved in their state Limousin associations, NALF and other industry organizations.” Members of the inaugural class follow, sorted by state then city. Brent Fillmore, Boone, Colo.; Joey Freund, Elizabeth, Colo.; Kevin Ochsner, Kersey, Colo.; Cash Schilling, Edson, Kan.; John Ethington, Lexington, Ky.; Greg Blaydes, Midway, Ky.; Kevin The North American Limousin Foundation (www.nalf.org), headquartered in Centennial, Colo., provides programs and services – including genetic evaluation of 5,000 active sires – to more than 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and its Lim-Flex® hybrid lead the beef industry in muscle-growth efficiency and ideally complement British breeds.
Congressional Members, Livestock Groups Hold Educational Briefings On Antibiotics
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Today, livestock and poultry groups hosted educational briefings on Capitol Hill to share the facts about the importance of tools like antibiotics in raising healthy food animals. The informational sessions were co-hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association through beef checkoff funding, the National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council, National Milk Producers Federation, National Turkey Federation, American Meat Institute and National Meat Association. Today’s briefings were held in cooperation with U.S. Reps. David Scott (D-GA), Randy Neugebauer (R-TX), Zack Space (D-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA). Top livestock and poultry health experts from across the country presented information to attendees. “Prompt and judicious use of efficacious antibiotics is critical for the successful treatment and, at times, control of specific bacterial diseases in cattle. Certain FDA-approved antibiotics also enable us to significantly improve the efficiency of beef production,” said Dr. Guy Loneragan, an epidemiologist and associate professor at West Texas A&M University, and presenter at today’s briefings. “Maintaining access to FDA-approved safe and effective technologies, including animal health products, helps ensure both the health and resource efficiency of U.S. herds and flocks.” In addition to stringent federal regulations, responsible-use programs have been developed specific to feed, livestock and poultry organizations to give feed companies and producers specific guidelines and assistance on the safe and proper use of antibiotics in health management systems. “We use antibiotics judiciously and responsibly to protect the health of our herds and to produce safe pork,” said Craig Rowles, DVM. “We know that a ban on antibiotics, like the one in Denmark, will have adverse affects on our pigs, will raise the cost of production and will not provide a benefit to public health.” Despite the “Taking FDA-approved animal drugs off the market would leave farmers and veterinarians with very limited options for preventing and controlling disease in livestock and poultry, which would have serious repercussions for animal health and preventing foodborne disease, with the strong likelihood that there would be no improvement in human health,” said Dr. Timothy Cummings, clinical poultry professor for the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University. “It's absolutely vital that any decisions about the care of animals and the safety of our food be based on sound science rather than unsubstantiated concerns.” According to Dr. Leon Weaver, a veterinarian and dairy farmer from Montpelier, Ohio: “The U.S. dairy industry conducts more than 3.3 million tests each year on all milk entering dairy plants to ensure that antibiotics are kept out of the milk supply. According to the most recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data, less than one tanker in 3,800 tests positive for any animal drug residues, including antibiotics. In those rare cases, any milk that tests positive is disposed of immediately and does not get into the food supply.
A Look into the Future of the Cattle Industry: Industry leaders share their thoughts on how to strategize for both the challenges and opportunities to come
SAN ANTONIO, TX--No matter what segment of the beef business you’re involved in, there was a “take-away” message from the general session held today during the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Panel members representing the seedstock, cow-calf, feedlot, processing and retail sectors spoke to thousands of convention attendees and shared their views on what it will take to survive and succeed in the coming decade. “We have many challenges facing us today,” said Dan Dierschke, vice chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board in his introductory remarks. “We know we have more regulations, changes in consumer demand and a multitude of hurdles confronting us. Today’s program was designed to give us insight as to how the leaders and innovators in every segment of the beef business are meeting those obstacles head-on.” Tom Field, Ph.D. and executive director of producer education for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) moderated a panel made up of the following speakers: • Paul Bennett, Knoll Crest Farms, Red House, Virginia • Homer Buell, Shovel Dot Ranch, Bassett, Neb. • Dave DeLaney, King Ranch, Kingsville, Texas • James Herring, Friona Industries, Amarillo, Texas • Wesley Batista, JBS, Greeley, Colo. • Molly McAdams, H-E-B, San Antonio, Texas The panel represented every segment of the business ranging from seedstock, cow-calf, and feedlot to packer and retailer. While the pressures facing each segment are different, all of the panelists were in agreement in their opening remarks that while being in the cattle and beef business has its challenges, all are thankful for the opportunity to participate. “Exciting, fun, captivating, interesting—those are the words that I th As part of the program, each speaker offered their thoughts on strategies that were critical to success in the beef industry. “Sometimes the messages we receive from activists or even from other segments of our industry can seem daunting,” said Dave Delaney, vice president and general manager of Livestock and Ranching Operations for the King Ranch. “And, while that is our circle of concern, we should be focused on our circle of influence and devote our energy to the things we can change.” Other themes that punctuated the panelists’ comments were the need for beef industry participants to be innovative and to continually find new opportunities through education and networking. “My father once said that tradition is production agriculture’s greatest handicap,” said Paul Bennett a seedstock producer who with his family operates Knoll Crest Farms in Red House, Va. “Beef demand and market access are critical factors to everyone’s success,” said Wesley Batista, president and CEO of beef processor JBS, based in Greeley, Colo. and with operations throughout the world. “We’re committed to working with all of you to improve these conditions.” Molly McAdams, vice president of Own Brands for H-E-B a retail chain headquartered in San Antonio echoed those comments. “Collaboration has been the key to our business’s success. As an industry, we have to rally around the common enemy and that enemy is declining demand,” she said. “Volatility has become the norm, and it’s important that we are predictive, rather than reactive,” said James Herring, CEO, Friona Industries. “We need to play good defense through risk management, no matter what phase of the industry you’re involved in.” After brief presentations by each of the speakers, the program was opened up for a question and answer session among the approximately 2,000 convention attendees that took part in the morning session. Steve Foglesong, a beef producer from central Illinois and president-elect of NCBA closed out this dynamic program with equally inspiring remarks that reminded everyone in attendance that while there are some potential roadblocks to the industry’s optimism, it is a battle that can be overcome if everyone remembers that they are in it together. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education, public policy and beef research and marketing. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create profit opportunities for producers and increase demand for beef.
NCBA Members Elect Officers and Approve New Organizational Structure Concept, Policies for 2010
SAN ANTONIO, TX--The annual Cattle Industry Convention concluded recdently with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) board of directors meeting and annual membership meeting. During the meetings, members voted on leadership and policies to ensure the organization’s success in 2010. More than 6,000 people attended this year’s convention in San Antonio, Texas. Steve Foglesong, owner of Black Gold Ranch in Illinois, was officially elected to succeed Gary Voogt as NCBA’s new president. Foglesong encouraged NCBA members to join him in leading this great industry—and the association—to an even stronger future, by getting engaged in the issues and telling their story to the public, as well as lawmakers in Washington, DC. “Our industry has a great story to tell,” said Foglesong. “Our numbers may be small, but when each of us engages and makes our voice heard, we are a force to be reckoned with.” In a landmark vote, the board approved a new organization structure, as presented today by the Governance Task Force. The board also demonstrated confidence in NCBA by voting unanimously to approve a dues increase to help ensure the organization is on sound financial footing. Dues now start at $100 for cow-calf members. Feeder assessments increased from 10 cents to 12.5 cents per head. Earlier in the week, the Allied Industry Council also expressed its support of NCBA by voting to increase its member dues from $17,500 to $25,000. In addition to structural changes, members approved a number of policy recommendations to guide NCBA efforts in Washington, DC in 2010. In the area of federal lands, property rights and land management, members approved policy calling for reform of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). While EAJA was established by Congress to ensure that individuals, small businesses or public-interest groups with limited financial resources could seek judicial recourse from u Also with regards to federal lands, members approved policy to address the growing problem of wild horse and burro over-population, which has contributed to range degradation and reductions in biodiversity and livestock productivity. The policy calls for a comprehensive program—including fertility control, sex ratios, and other humane means of herd reduction—in accordance with the management options authorized to be used by the Bureau of Land Management. With regard to international markets, members passed policy calling on NCBA to urge Congress to immediately ratify the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA)—one of the most important bilateral trade agreements in the history of the U.S. beef industry. According to South Korean Economic Minister Choi, who addressed attendees at this week’s economic markets committee meeting, U.S. competitors such as Australia are well on their way to finalizing free-trade agreements with Korea, putting U.S. competitiveness at risk for years to come. In the area of cattle health, NCBA will pursue priorities and strategies regarding both the modification of the National Brucellosis Eradication Program and the eradication of brucellosis from the Greater Yellowstone Area. New policy also directs NCBA to work to maintain producers’ ability to keep their cattle healthy through the use of approved antibiotics. All policies adopted are now subject to approval by more than 30,000 NCBA members nationwide. Convention results will become official after a mail-in ballot process concludes in March. In other news, former Vice President Bill Donald of Mont. was confirmed as the new president-elect, and former Federation Division Chairman J.D. Alexander of Neb. was elected to succeed Donald as vice president. Other newly-elected officers include: Scott George, Wyoming, federation division chairman; David Dick, Missouri, federation division vice chairman; Bruce Hafenfeld, California, policy division chairman; and Bob McCan, Texas, policy division vice chairman. Foglesong ended the convention with his outlook for 2010. Despite the very-real challenges facing the industry—including an over-reaching federal government and increasing attacks by activist groups—he said he’s optimistic about the year ahead “We have a nation of bright and professional agriculturalists who are ready to meet demand when it rebounds. And we have a noble profession: feeding people here at home, and around the world. This is a job and a lifestyle to be proud of and fight for so we can turn a strong industry and industry association over to our next generation.” For more convention news, visit: www.beefusa.org. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Names Top Hand Club Champion and Reserve Champion
Between them, winning cattlemen recruit 138 new NCBA members SAN ANTONIO, TX--A Tennessee veterinarian and a Missouri cow-calf producer were today named the top 2009 membership recruiters for NCBA’s Top Hand Club, one of the association’s oldest programs, during an awards event at the cattle industry’s annual winter convention being held here Jan. 27-30. Hugh McCampbell, a veterinarian from Sweetwater, Tenn., was named Top Hand champion for recruiting 82 members in his “rookie” year as a Top Hand member. Charles “Blue” Geier, California, Mo., was named reserve champion for bringing 56 new NCBA recruits on board. In 2009 overall, 187 Top Hand Club members from 32 states recruited 1,438 new members. The 2010 program, now underway, welcomes a new sponsor, Boehringer Ingelheim, which recently acquired a significant portion of Fort Dodge’s animal health business. McCampbell is a long-time NCBA member and charter member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association. He earned a DVM degree in 1972 from Auburn University. Geier has been a prominent Top Hand member for years; he also received reserve champion honors in 2008. He is a former president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. The Top Hand Club, which was initiated in 1982, requires individuals to recruit three new NCBA members in one year and at least two in each subsequent year to remain in the club. For more information, call 1-866-233-3872/866-BEEF-USA or visit membership@beef.org The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.
Young Producers’ Council Elects New Officers and Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The next generation of cattle industry stakeholders from across the nation gathered last week to take part in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Producers’ Council (YPC) business meeting. In addition to adopting new operating procedures to govern future executive committee and board member appointments, the group also selected its 2010 executive committee and a board of directors. The board members will also represent the council on various NCBA policy committees. Ben Spitzer of Fairmount, Ga. was appointed chair, and Ben Neal of Nashville, Tenn. was appointed vice chair. Sharon Breiner of Manhattan, Kan. was appointed to a new executive-committee position of secretary/treasurer. Individuals appointed to the YPC board and their respective NCBA policy committees were: • Evan Tate, Kentucky – Ag Policy • Brandon Carlson, California – Cattle Health and Well Being • Sarah Baker, Idaho – Federal Lands • Travis Hoffman, Colorado – Live Cattle Marketing • RaeMarie Gordon, Colorado – Membership • Holly Foster, California – Property Rights and Environmental Management • Wyatt Prescott, Arizona – Tax and Credit • Tonya Amen, Wisconsin – Resolutions Outgoing chair, Dustin Dean of Texas, will serve on the board in an advisory capacity Three task force appointments were also made during the business meeting. • Cari Rincker, New York – YPC Public Relations Task Force • Anna Aja, Arizona – YPC Membership Task Force • Katy Groseta, Arizona – YPC Cattle Call Blog Task Force The Young Producers’ Council was established during the 2008 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver and was initiated to help NCBA members ages 18 to 35 develop their leadership skills and become more involved in NCBA policy development. The group also helps provide networking opportunities, continuing education and professional development activities to its members. YPC members elected their first slate of officers at the 2009 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Phoenix, Ariz. Membership in the council is free to current NCBA members. For more information, become a fan of the Young Producers’ Council on Facebook or visit www.BeefUSA.org/ypc The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education, public policy and beef research and marketing. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create profit opportunities for producers and increase demand for beef. Delivery date set for 2010 Junior Beef Excellence Program
ARDMORE, OK--The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's Agricultural Division will hold its annual spring delivery this month for participants of the 2010 Junior Beef Excellence Program. Spring delivery is set for 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 13, at the Noble Foundation's Pasture Demonstration Farm, located 5 miles northwest of Ardmore (call 580.224.6411 for complete directions). “Junior Beef participants spend significant time, effort and money on their project steers,” said Shan Ingram, education and outreach manager at the Noble Foundation. “On March 13, all that dedication and hard work culminates with spring delivery. It's an exciting time for all of us involved in the Junior Beef Excellence Program.” During the delivery, exhibitors will be photographed with their steer, which must be halter-broken, gentle and able to be set up for multiple photographs. Unruly steers not capable of set-up for photography will be disqualified. Official placing of each participant’s animal will be determined by a university meats specialist. Steers must weigh at least 1,000 pounds at spring delivery. While there is no maximum spring weight, Ingram suggested steers weigh less than 1,375 pounds to avoid a potential heavy weight discount from the packer. In addition to the main contest, there will be a Live Steer Evaluation Contest held in conjunction with the March 13 spring delivery. The contest is open to the The Noble Foundation will announce the winners of the 2010 Junior Beef Excellence Program and Live Steer Evaluation Contest during a special awards program at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center (2610 Sam Noble Parkway) in Ardmore. Cash awards are given to the exhibitors of the top 10 steers. The champion steer owner receives $2,500, and payments are graduated down from there. The 10th place steer owner receives $750. Total prize monies amount to $12,500. The Junior Beef Excellence Program recognizes the carcass merit of steers. The program is open to 4-H and FFA steer exhibitors who show their steers and abide by the rules and regulations of their county shows. Participants must be from one of the following eight southern Oklahoma counties: Carter, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray or Stephens County. Steers must be shown at the spring livestock show in their respective county to be eligible for the contest. For additional information about program rules or next year's contest, call Shan Ingram at 580.223.5810 or visit Junior Beef Excellence Program information on the Noble Foundation's Web site at www.noble.org/Ag/JrBeef.
FAPC highlights food and agricultural research during symposium
STILLWATER, OK--Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center, together with the Institute of Food Technology-Oklahoma section, held the 10th annual FAPC/IFT-OK Research Symposium on Feb. 16 to highlight food and agricultural products research conducted by FAPC and other OSU researchers. “The event provided an opportunity for graduate students to make oral and poster presentations of their work and for researchers to network with others in the food and agricultural field and possibly foster future collaborations among colleagues,” said Dr. Peter Muriana, FAPC food microbiologist and chair of the symposium. The event began with keynote speaker Dr. Tony Mata of Mata & Associations, who gave a presentation on “Research Meats Reality: Challenges of New Product Development.” “I am a ‘meat geek,’” Mata said. “I’m here to talk about the challenges of collecting research and taking it to the plant and sharing my experiences of this crazy new product development. Mata defined “meat geek” as “a person who is narrow-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits and has a ridiculous obsession for all things meat.” Mata explained that new products have a high failure rate, no more than 5 percent make it from the bench to the market and no more than 10 percent succeed in the market place. However, he gave examples of successful new products, such as Lunchables®, Häagen-Dazs® ice cream, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, rotisserie chicken, Hot Pockets®, fajitas and flat iron steak. Mata pointed out that all of these products possess at least one of the attributes or characteristics of new products, which include a true new offering, convenience breakthrough and quality breakthrough. Although developing new products is a challenging endeavor, Mata suggested some practices to help avoid disaster: a skeptic champion is essential, address the toughest make-or-break questions first, celebrate killing projects because it’s a numbers game, always push for single endless raw material, always conduct an autopsy of products that fail and don’t be too proud to be “second best.” “We were fortunate to have Dr. Mata be our keynote speaker,” Muriana said. “He was an exciting speaker and very knowledgeable in product development.” Participants also had the opportunity to see a demonstration of the Cozzini SuspenTec® system, led by Joe Prego of the Cozzini Group. The equipment is on loan at the FAPC for one year of research to examine various applications. The SuspenTec® process involves mixing a brine solution with lower-cost materials, such as meat trimmings, and injecting the mix into more costly whole muscle products to add value to the products, while lowering the cost of the finished goods. Mata was one of the key individuals to get the Cozzini SuspenTec® housed at the FAPC. “We are very excited that we could put Dr. Mata and the Cozzini SuspenTec® demonstration together in a very important industry related topic,” said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC manager of client relations. “Food scientists play an important role in developing products, and that is something we do very well at the FAPC.” The symposium also included an industry luncheon with the keynote speaker and a career luncheon for students. Russell Nabors of Lopez Foods in Oklahoma City, Teresa Ponce of Sigma Alimentos in Seminole, Okla., and Gary Whetstone of Chef’s Requested Foods in Oklahoma City talked to the students about their experiences of attending Oklahoma State University and what helped them most in their current positions in the food industry. Immediately following the symposium, graduate student awards were presented in both the oral and poster presentation categories. Lakmini Wasala from OSU’s department of entomology and plant pathology won first place in the oral competition with her presentation, “Dissemination of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 to the spinach phylloplane via regurgitation of house flies (Muska domestica). And, in the poster presentation category, Youri Joh from the FAPC and OSU’s department of horticulture and landscape architecture won first place with her poster titled, “Quantification of antioxidant capacity and content of two blackberry cultivars grown in Oklahoma.” Both Wasala and Joh were awarded $250 from the IFT-Oklahoma section. This year’s research symposium was held in conjunction with OSU Research Week, which ran Feb. 15-19. Sponsors of the FAPC/IFT-OK Research Symposium were the Cozzini Group and The Beef Checkoff.
First hollow stem decisions looming for Oklahoma wheat producers
STILLWATER, OK--Oklahoma’s cold winter weather has had wheat plants growing in slow motion, resulting in many being behind “normal” for this time of year in terms of reaching first hollow stem stage. “The earliest varieties, such as TAM 401 and Fannin, have already reached first hollow stem in September-sown plots in Stillwater,” said Jeff Edwards, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension small grains specialist. First hollow stem is a critical stage for dual-purpose agricultural producers. Oklahoma farmers planted an estimated 5 million acres of wheat in fall 2009 as part of the state’s $1 billion-a-year wheat industry. Anywhere from 40 percent to 60 percent of these acres are annually grazed by cattle during the winter. “Producers wishing to graze wheat and subsequently harvest grain must decide when to remove cattle from wheat pasture,” Edwards said. “Grazing too long will reduce wheat yields, but removing cattle too early will reduce profit potential of the stocker cattle enterprise.” Wheat development is governed not only by temperature but also by day length. “The lengthening days we are now experiencing are telling wheat plants to get it in gear,” Edwards said. “Essentially, Mother Nature has dropped the green flag; once temperatures warm up a little, the race to first hollow stem stage will be underway.” Edwards expects that most varieties in Oklahoma will reach first hollow stem stage in a three-day to seven-day window once daytime temperatures exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit for a few consecutive days. As always, some dual-purpose wheat producers will be weighing the pros and cons of grazing past first hollow stem stage, knowing that a mistimed decision potentially could cause a significant hit to their wallets. Eric DeVuyst, OSU associate professor of farm and production management in the department of agricultural economics, offers the following table to calculate the potential value: daily gain at first hollow stem stage (pound per head of cattle “Let’s assume that we have 700-pound steers gaining three pounds per day while grazing wheat,” he said. “To compute the benefits of an additional day of grazing, we first need to compute effective market price.” At 700 pounds, a steer’s market price is $100 per hundredweight, as an example. After grazing for an additional day, a $6 price slide would give the producer a price of $99.82 for a 703-pound steer. The steer’s value increased $1.73 per head, making the effective price for the additional pounds $58 per hundredweight. “With a stocking rate of two acres per head and a market price net of price slide effects of $58 per hundredweight, we get benefits from a day of grazing equal to $0.87 per acre,” DeVuyst said. How many bushels of wheat can a producer lose from extended grazing and just breakeven? To determine this, use the following formula: dollars in gain from a day of grazing (dollars per acre) divided by the price of wheat (dollars per bushel) to determine the breakeven yield loss. “Since the gain from a day of grazing in the example provided is $0.87 per acre, if we divide $0.87 per acre by $4.40 per bushel of wheat, we get 0.2 bushel per day,” DeVuyst said. “In other words, we are losing profits if wheat grain losses are more than a fifth of a bushel per day due to grazing after first hollow stem.” Additional information is available by consulting OSU Extension Fact Sheet PSS-2147, “First Hollow Stem: A Critical Wheat Growth Stage for Dual-Purpose Producers,” at http://osufacts.okstate.edu on the Internet.
Year-end Export Totals Show Positive Trends for U.S. Pork, Beef
U.S. red meat exports finished 2009 on a positive note with healthy gains in volume over December of a year ago, positioning both beef and pork exports to start 2010 on an upward trend, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Although 2009 year-end exports of both U.S. pork and beef were down compared to the prior year, U.S. exports equaled or bettered their main international competitors. U.S. pork exports closed the year with an eight percent jump in volume and six percent in value for the month of December compared to year-ago totals. For the calendar year, pork exports registered the second-highest total in history, but fell nine percent in volume and 11 percent in value behind the record-setting totals of 2008. However, U.S. pork exports still outpaced the performance of global competitors, which (based on available data) slumped 15 percent in value for the year, led by a 22 percent drop for European Union pork producers. The story was similar for U.S. beef exports, which rose nine percent in volume and four percent in value for the month of December compared to 2008. For all of 2009, global beef export value (estimated from available trade data) fell 16 percent, with Brazil’s export value tumbling 23 percent and Australia’s falling 18.5 percent. U.S. beef exports for all of 2009 slipped nine percent in volume and 15 percent in value compared to 2008. “It’s been a challenging year for beef and pork producers around the globe, not just in the United States,” said Seng also noted that USMEF is committing significant resources to key export markets to continue the momentum. On the beef side, the USMEF “Trust” imaging campaign in South Korea has generated very positive results in what was the No. 3 U.S. beef export market prior to the discovery of BSE in 2003. The U.S. soybean industry has also provided a $1.35 million cash infusion to promote U.S. pork exports. USMEF is combining those funds with existing USDA Market Access Program (MAP) funds and new matching contributions from retailers to create more than $4 million in promotional impact for pork marketing programs in Japan, Mexico and South Korea. Pork exports trail 2008, but still far surpass any previous year For the entire year, U.S. export volume of 1.87 million metric tons (4.11 billion pounds) trailed the record pace of 2008 by 9 percent, while value ($4.33 billion) was down by 11 percent. A comparison to 2007, however, illustrates the degree to which U.S. exports have expanded in a two-year period: 2009 pork/pork variety meat exports exceeded 2007 levels by 43 percent in volume and 37 percent in value. Mexico was the volume leader with 503,503 metric tons (1.11 billion pounds) valued at $762.35 million – an increase of 27 percent and 10 percent, respectively, over 2008. This record-breaking performance was particularly impressive considering the country’s sluggish economy and a temporary midyear disruption in pork demand due to H1N1 influenza. U.S. pork recorded another spectacular year in Japan, falling just short ($1.54 billion versus $1.545 billion) of the value record set in 2008. This was achieved despite an increase of about five percent in Japan’s domestic pork production. The U.S. share of Japan’s imported pork market also reached an all-time high of 46 percent. In addition to Mexico, single-year pork/pork variety meat export records were established in the following markets: Taiwan (up 35 percent in volume and 26 percent in value over 2008), the Philippines (up 44 percent in volume and 41 percent in value), Australia (up 10 percent in volume and 3 percent in value), New Zealand (up 11 percent in volume and 1 percent in value) and Central and South America (up 12 percent in volume and 14 percent in value). Exports to the Caribbean also set a record, increasing 18 percent in volume and 10 percent in value over 2008. This performance was led by a surge in pork shipments to the Dominican Republic (up 41 percent in volume and 32 percent in value), with the United States even surpassing the tariff rate quota and safeguards established in the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement. The biggest declines in U.S. pork exports in 2009 came in two areas where market access and increases in domestic pork production were factors: China/Hong Kong and Russia. Exports to China/Hong Kong declined 35 percent in volume and 38 percent in value. Mainland China has been closed to U.S. pork since June 2009 due to H1N1 influenza. Exports to Russia fell 36 percent in volume and 39 percent in value. Other markets that showed a significant decline in 2009 included Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and the European Union. The U.S. did fill its pork tariff rate quota (TRQ) with Russia of 100,000 metric tons (220.5 million pounds), exporting 102,805 metric tons (226.6 million pounds) of muscle cuts. Exports within the TRQ face a 15 percent duty while over-quota exports face a 75 percent duty. For 2010, Russia has reduced the U.S. TRQ to 57,500 metric tons (126.8 million pounds), and the high over-quota duty is expected to limit U.S. pork exports. Overall, pork and pork variety meat exports equated to 22.5 percent of U.S. production compared to 24.4 percent in 2008. The value of exports per head slaughtered was $38.44 compared to $42.31 in 2008. Global pork export value for all major exporters was down in 2009 by about 15 percent (to $12.75 billion). This decline included Mexico (-29 percent), the European Union (-22 percent) Brazil (-17 percent), Canada (-11 percent), with China and Chile each down about 1 percent. The United States maintained a steady market share, accounting for about one-third of all global pork exports in 2009. Beef exports gain momentum as global economy shows signs of improvement For calendar year 2009, beef exports finished about 9 percent below 2008 in volume (897,376 metric tons or 1.98 billion pounds) and about 15 percent lower in value ($3.08 billion). When examined more closely, however, U.S. beef exports held up relatively well considering that the bleak global economy that prevailed throughout much of the year had a particularly strong impact on beef demand and may have benefited pork. Much of the decline in beef exports is attributable to lower demand in Mexico, due to that country’s deep recession and devaluation of the peso. Total beef/beef variety meat exports to Mexico declined 27 percent in volume (to 291,700 metric tons or 643.1 million pounds) and 35 percent in value (to $909 million). In fact, exports of HS chapter 0504 products (primarily tripe) to Mexico plunged 52 percent in volume and 64 percent in value. If these products are excluded from global totals, U.S. beef/beef variety meat exports declined by just 1.5 percent in volume and 8 percent in value compared to 2008. U.S. beef also fared better than many of its global competitors in 2009. Brazilian beef exports declined 23 percent to $3.89 billion; Australia’s export value dropped 18.5 percent to $3.76 billion and New Zealand fell 19 percent to $1.233 billion. Canada’s exports declined at a slightly lower rate, but still fell 13 percent to $1.116 billion. Argentina was the only major exporter to record an increase in 2009 (to $1.8 billion). But while Argentina’s export volume increased 56 percent, it achieved only a 6 percent increase in value. This is a strong indication that the increase in exports was largely driven by herd liquidation. The most positive trend for U.S. beef exports in 2009 was the explosive growth achieved in Asian markets: December exports to Japan were well above the previous year’s level, capping off a year in which exports surged by 23 percent in both volume and value (to 91,467 metric tons or 201.6 million pounds valued at $470 million). December exports to Taiwan increased 29 percent from 2008 and jumped 53 percent from November 2009 – suggesting a quick recovery from the widely publicized controversy over the new trade protocol adopted in October. For the year, export volume was steady at 27,256 metric tons (60.1 million pounds) but export value increased 11 percent to an all-time record of $141.2 million. December exports to Vietnam were up 59 percent in volume and 47 percent in value over 2008. For the year, record-large exports to Vietnam increased by 31 percent in volume (to 53,675 metric tons or 118.33 million pounds) and 29 percent in value (to $168 million). December exports to Hong Kong were up 124 percent in volume and 159 percent in value over year-ago levels. For the year, exports to Hong Kong increased by 145 percent in volume (to 24,060 metric tons or 53 million pounds) and by 104 percent in value (to $84.56 million). Year-end exports to South Korea were down compared to 2008, but gained considerable strength as the year came to a close. December exports to Korea were $29.48 million – nearly double the value from December 2008. According to weekly export data, export volume to Korea exceeded 1,000 metric tons per week since late September and averaged about 1,240 metric tons per week since the beginning of 2010. For the year, 10 percent of U.S. beef and beef variety meat production was exported compared to 11.6 percent in 2008. The value of exports per head of steer and heifer slaughter was $118.27 compared to $133.84 in 2008. Strong year for lamb exports as muscle cuts set new value record U.S. lamb muscle cut exports set a new value record of $21.9 million in 2009, breaking the previous year’s mark by 2 percent. Muscle cut volume was 6,974 metric tons (15.38 million pounds), trailing only the 2006 record volume of 7,941 metric tons (17.51 million pounds). Combined lamb plus lamb variety meat exports fell just short of the 2006 value record of $27.75 million, but the year-end total ($27.38 million) increased 8 percent over 2008. The year-end volume of 11,427 metric tons (25.19 million pounds) was 45 percent higher than 2008 and was also the second-highest total (to 2006) on record. The Caribbean remained the leading value market for U.S. lamb, with a combined lamb/lamb variety meat total of $11.82 million. But exports to Mexico tripled in value over 2008, rising to $8.13 million.
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March 5th, 2010
March 5th, 2010
March 5th, 2010
March 5th, 2010
March 5th, 2010
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