News Update
May 22, 2009

NOTICE: Association Web Sites to go Down During Computer System Update

The American Angus Association will be updating its computer system during the weekend of May 29 through June 1. Beginning Friday afternoon (May 29), several Association web sites will be unavailable for use. In particular, the AAA Login web site will be down the entire weekend.

Other web sites will have intermittent access available during this time. This notice includes the web sites for American Angus Association, National Junior Angus Association, Angus Productions Inc., and Angus Foundation.

Special note: National Junior Angus Show — The entry deadline and ownership deadline for the National Junior Angus Show is June 1, 2009 (postmark date). Please plan accordingly as online show entries will not be available after 4:30 p.m. CDT on May 29 due to computer system upgrades. All transfers need to be submitted prior to May 29, 2009, to ensure the work is completed. Thank you for your patience during this time of transition, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

— Notice provided by the American Angus Association.

May Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA Mails

The May Angus Beef Bulletin Extra mailed Wednesday, May 20. If you are signed up, but did not receive the issue in your e-mail inbox, please notify us at bulletinextra@angusbeefbulletin.com.

Mexico, Canada File WTO Complaints Against U.S. COOL

In formal complaints filed last week with the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mexico and Canada claim that the U.S. country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law appears to be inconsistent with U.S. obligations under the WTO, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reported this week.

NCBA notes that beef trade with Mexico was worth nearly $1.4 billion in 2008, and trade with Canada came in at $716 million. Together, the markets account for 58% of U.S. beef export trade, according to the organization.

NCBA reports indications of drops in feeder cattle prices at the borders neighboring both countries.

COOL became mandatory on Sept. 30, 2008. The final rule went into effect on March 16, 2009.

— Adapted from “Cattlemen’s Capitol Concerns,” provided by NCBA.

Commercial Red Meat Production Down From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.08 billion pounds (lb.) in April, down 5% from the 4.30 billion lb. produced in April 2008, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Beef production, at 2.13 billion lb., was 5% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.77 million head, down 6% from April 2008. The average live weight was up 17 lb. from the previous year, at 1,276 lb.

Pork production totaled 1.92 billion lb., down 5% from the previous year, and lamb and mutton production, at 15.5 million lb., was up 1% from April 2008. Sheep slaughter totaled 229,100 head, 4% above last year.

January to April 2009 commercial red meat production was 16.2 billion lb., down 3% from 2008. Accumulated beef production was down 3% from last year, veal was up 2%, pork was down 4% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 6%.

— Information provided by NASS.

Wendy’s Announces New Policy on Cage-Free Eggs, HSUS Urges Others to Do Same

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released a statement today announcing that, “After lengthy discussions with The Humane Society of the United States, Wendy’s announced today that it is starting to use cage-free eggs.”

Previously, all eggs that Wendy’s used came from confined hens, according to the HSUS release. Now, the chain is using a minimum of 2% cage-free eggs.

HSUS now appears to have its sights set on McDonald’s. According to the organization’s news release, an HSUS representative will urge shareholders at McDonald’s annual meeting next week to approve a resolution adopting the switch to “cage-free” eggs.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.