News Update
Aug. 14, 2009

Economist Says Producers Should Emphasize Managing Risk

Speakers at Kansas State University’s (K-State’s) beef conference suggested producers reduce expenses to achieve greater profitability in these tough economic times.

Kevin Dhuyvetter, K-State ag economics professor, says producers should emphasize managing risk and being a low-cost operation in a high-priced commodity world.

Sandy Johnson, Extension livestock specialist, suggested considering purchasing versus raising replacement heifers. Purchasing heifers could result in increased income from the sale of heifer calves raised and reduced costs associated with feed, veterinary bills and bull ownership. However, buying replacement heifers would be an additional cost to be factored in, Johnson said.

According to Johnson, studies have shown raising bred replacements can be less desirable relative to other strategies in times of decreasing cattle prices. She suggests knowing the cost of each option and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both.

— Adapted from a release provided by the Kansas Livestock Association.

California Firm Recalls Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Sterling Pacific Meat Co., of City of Commerce, Calif., is recalling approximately 3,516 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday.

For the products subject to recall, visit www.fsis.usda.gov.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a review of the establishment’s records. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Some Pastures are Drying Up Fast, Neb. expert says

The key to getting a cow-calf enterprise through dry conditions is to have a management plan, says Rick Rasby, professor of animal science at University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). “Develop strategies that deal with indirect economic and biological effects of to many animals for the available feed resources as well as direct effects of reduced water supply for plants and animals. Trying to feed the whole herd through a period of dry conditions with purchased feeds can be financial suicide, especially if the condition last for an extended period of time.” Click here to read the full article.

Open Beef Feedlot Tour Aug. 27 in Northwest Iowa

Area beef producers and agribusiness staff are invited to an open beef feedlot tour in Lyon County on Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The bus will depart from the Larchwood City Park at 1 p.m. and travel to four small feedlots that are handling manure and controlling runoff using cost-effective and site-specific methods.

“Sometimes, the open feedlot producer faces special challenges — such as limited room to construct solids settling, a steep grade to the location, or how to manage water external to his farm,” stated Beth Doran, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef field specialist. “This tour demonstrates how four Lyon County producers have solved these challenges.”

During the bus tour, participants will view four solids settling systems and filter strip designs. One of the filter strip areas is laid out in a serpentine design so that it utilizes a limited amount of land area; whereas, another is a long, narrow strip. A third feedlot has created a separate vegetative treatment system for each lot. The fourth feedlot uses a vegetative infiltration basin in conjunction with vegetative filter strips.

Specialists from ISU Extension, Lyon County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will be on hand to discuss stockpiling, new laws, funding for improved control of feedlot runoff, comprehensive nutrient management plans and how to manage solids settling systems.

The tour is sponsored by the Lyon Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa Beef Center, ISU Extension, Lyon County Cattlemen’s Association and the Lyon County Farm Bureau.  Reservations ($5 per person) should be made by 2 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the Lyon County NRCS Office, (712) 472-4021, ext. 3.  Transportation is provided, but seating is limited.

— Provided by ISU Extension.

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