News Update

News Update
Feb. 28, 2007

NASS Releases Agriclutural Prices Report

The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in February, at 127%, increased 3 points (2.4%) from January, according to a report released today by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The index uses the three-year average 1990-92 as its base. The Crop Index is up 6 points (4.6%), while the Livestock Index increased 3 points (2.6%),

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is up 14 points (12%) from February 2006.

The February Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 153% of the 1990-92 average. The index is up 1 point (0.7%) from January and 6 points (4.1%) from February 2006, NASS reports. Higher prices in February for complete feeds, feedgrains, mixed fertilizers and LP gas more than offset lower prices for feed concentrates, diesel fuel, herbicides and tractors.

The report also notes prices for cattle and calves are down from last year. The February beef-cattle price of $85.80 per hundredweight (cwt.) is up $1.50 from last month but $6.60 lower than February 2006.

— adapted from NASS report

R-CALF Leaders Field Questions, Address Concerns

More than 300 cattle producers from South Dakota and surrounding states gathered in Rapid City Friday to ask representatives of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) questions about the recent change in leadership and to seek clarification about the organization’s goals and future direction.

On Feb. 8, by a majority vote, the R-CALF USA board of directors asked Missouri veterinarian Max Thornsberry, R-CALF USA’s vice president at the time, to succeed Region V Director Chuck Kiker as president of the organization. Thornsberry will continue to serve in his capacity as R-CALF USA Region VI Director and will continue to chair the R-CALF USA Animal Health Committee.

Leo McDonnell, R-CALF USA co-founder and past president, said he resigned his directorship for personal reasons. “I did not resign my R-CALF membership,” he added. “I continue to believe in this organization to accomplish R-CALF’s policy and goals.”

“There is unity in the Board now, so we need to let the Board go forward and lead R-CALF to the next level,” McDonnell said. “We all want the same thing, we just go about it differently. It is one thing to have passion … but it is entirely inappropriate to level personal attacks against each other. Just because you think you’re right, doesn’t mean you’re doing the right thing. Every decision made should be based on what is good for the U.S. rancher.”

Thornsberry said the meeting, which lasted more than five hours, was not without controversy, but said he felt the air was cleared.

A second regional meeting is slated for March 9 in Reno, Nev.; a third event is scheduled March 24 in Kansas City, Mo.; and a possible fourth meeting will be in Nashville, Tenn., April 7.

— adapted from R-CALF USA news release