News Update

News Update
October 21, 2008

Submit Performance Records by Nov. 7

The American Angus Association’s deadline for submitting performance data for inclusion in the Spring 2009 National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) is Friday, Nov. 7. It’s important to both individual herds and to the breed to collect and submit performance records promptly.

Be sure to include breeding records and temperament scores in addition to the typical growth and carcass information. If you have questions, contact the Performance Programs Department at 816-383-5100.

— Provided by the American Angus Association®

JBS to Complete Smithfield Buy, Fight for National Beef

JBS South America chimed in late Monday to state the company’s intentions to fight the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) attempt to stymie its merger with National Beef Packing Co. and “immediately” complete its acquisition of Smithfield Beef Group.

The Brazilian beef giant’s statement answers immediate questions and speculation about whether the company would go forward with Smithfield if the DOJ succeeded in nixing the National Beef deal. The department said early Monday the JBS-National Beef merger is anticompetitive.

“We disagree with the Department of Justice’s decision to try and block this transaction,” JBS USA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wesley Batista said. “This transaction is highly procompetitive and will generate significant efficiencies and synergies that will benefit our cattle suppliers and our beef customers. We believe the government’s case is misplaced, and we look forward to defending this matter in court.”

Both National Beef and Smithfield are counting on JBS’s business for some help with their debt loads. As part of the $970 million package with National Beef, JBS would assume all of National Beef’s debt. JBS would pay $565 million plus proceeds for Smithfield Beef Group and Fiver Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, which the parent company said it will use to buy down debt.

“In order to finalize the acquisitions, JBS will do a private placement of new shares for the approximate value of [US $1.55 billion] at the price per share of [US $4.20],” Batista said when first announcing the deals in March.

— Release by Meatingplace.com

USDA announces animal ID partnership with tribal organizations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week announced a partnership with four tribal organizations for National Animal Identification System (NAIS) education and outreach.

The four tribal organizations are Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA), Intertribal Council of Nevada and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation.

The IAC and the INCA serve all American Indians and Alaska Natives. INCA’s outreach has helped form 30 Tribal Conservation Districts across the United States.

The Intertribal Council of Nevada, which is an independent, federally recognized tribal organization that works with 27 tribes in the Great Basin region of Nevada, will provide training and educational events for member tribes.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation, located in Montana, will conduct reservation-wide education about NAIS and complete premises registration on tribally owned agricultural lands.

“We are proud to partner with Indian Country to provide valuable education and outreach on how to participate in the National Animal Identification System,” said Bruce Knight, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “I am excited for tribal producers and tribes to coordinate with APHIS partners, to help ensure our nation’s food safety.”

— Release by Meatingplace.com

NCBA Solicits Resumes for New CEO, Names Search Committee

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is accepting applications for its CEO position. Terry Stokes announced his resignation as NCBA’s CEO Sept. 25.

The job description is posted on www.BeefUSA.org. Qualified candidates need to submit their resume by Nov. 15 to Nancy Rudzek, NCBA executive director of Human Resources, 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, Colo., 80112, or by email at nrudzek@beef.org.

The NCBA officers have formed a CEO Search Committee. The committee includes a regionally diverse group of cattle producers and state executives from cattle association affiliates and state beef councils.

“I want to thank these industry leaders for serving in this very important role,” said Andy Groseta, cattle producer, Cottonwood, Ariz., and NCBA president. “The CEO of NCBA provides the overall vision and leadership to the industry’s one plan – one budget – one voice strategy.”

The CEO Search Committee will review resumes, screen candidates and recommend two to four candidates to NCBA’s officers for final selection. A recruiting firm is not being engaged at this time.

“It is our aim to have a candidate in place by the beginning of 2009,” Groseta said.

— Adapted from an NCBA release

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.