News Update
July 9, 2010

Angus Producers Win Awards at BIF

Several Angus producers were nominated and named award winners at the 2010 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) meetings in Columbia, Mo. For a full list of the nominees and winners, click here .

USDA Announces Projects to Improve Natural Resources on Private Agricultural and Forest Lands

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced 26 projects in 15 states that will help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI). CCPI helps agricultural producers achieve natural resource benefits such as clean air, clean water, productive soils, and abundant wildlife.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide nearly $7 million in financial assistance in fiscal year 2010 through CCPI, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). CCPI works through three existing programs — the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) — to leverage additional services and resources from non-federal partners.

With the announcement of the partnership agreements today, individual farmers and ranchers located in approved project areas may now apply through their local NRCS office for financial and technical assistance. These farmers and ranchers can use this assistance to address conservation priorities; meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to production; cooperate to install and maintain conservation practices; and develop and demonstrate innovative conservation practices and delivery methods.

To become conservation partners, applicants submitted proposals to help enhance conservation on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. Eligible entities included federally recognized Indian tribes, state and local units of government, producer associations, farmer cooperatives, higher education institutions, and nongovernmental organizations with a history of working cooperatively with producers. Partner proposals were selected competitively based on previously identified criteria. Potential partners were not required to provide matching funding but increased their chance of selection by providing financial, technical or other resources.

To view list of states getting projects, click here.

— Release by USDA.

Meat Prices Reflect Supply and Demand

Consumers may be in the driver’s seat when it comes to higher meat prices. Indications are that retail meat prices may rise to record highs later this year, according to a University of Kentucky (UK) agricultural economist, and it all rests on that bedrock of free market economics — supply and demand.

Between 2000 and 2008, the beef, pork and poultry industries were producing record high quantities. Normally, with supply high, prices would tend to be lower, but demand was also high — driven by a strong economy and positive attitudes toward meat, some of which grew from dietary trends like the Atkins diet. In that time period, per person consumption of meat was more than 220 pounds (lb.) annually, said Lee Meyer, Extension professor in the UK Department of Agricultural Economics. So strong demand from consumers forced prices up to record levels.

Fresh beef prices hit $4.11 per lb. and pork prices rose to $3.03 per lb. in September 2008, and two months later, chicken prices climbed to $1.79 per lb.

“Then two things happened,” Meyer said. “First, as corn was moved into the ethanol fuel channel, prices escalated and livestock producers began losing money because their feed costs were so high. Initially, more livestock went to market, increasing the supply. Second, the recession hit and meat demand declined because of the weak economy.”

The combination of the two resulted in a price drop last year; beef and pork dropped 8%, and chicken prices were down 6%.

“But as producers lost money, they reduced production, and so less meat is now on the market,” he said. “In addition, the economy is recovering, and consumers have a much more positive attitude. Tight supplies and stronger demand suggest higher prices.”

Meyer foresees slaughter cattle and hog prices being near record levels this year, but ultimately, consumers hold the key to consumer prices. If the economy recovers and consumers spend more on meats — especially in restaurants — he sees prices possibly moving to record levels later this year.

“Chicken prices might be an exception. Weaker exports could leave more chicken on the domestic market, and that higher supply could give consumers some relief,” he said.

— Release by UK College of Agriculture.

Ranch Management University Program Offered by AgriLife Extension

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will host a new landowner workshop Oct. 12-15 in College Station designed to help promote a better understanding of resource management.

“A number of topics will be covered both in the classroom and in the field with demonstrations as part of our (Ranch Management University) program,” said Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist in College Station.

Topics will include soils and soil fertility, forage species selection, hay production, weed and brush management, beef cattle breed selection, nutrient requirements and feeding strategies for livestock, and grazing management strategies.

“We’ll also cover chute-side techniques, including animal-handling demonstrations of vaccinations, dehorning, and castration,” he said.

Other topics covered include how to keep good ranch records, how to develop a marketing plan and a look at alternative enterprises.

“We’ll also discuss wildlife management,” Redmon said. “Several important areas will be covered including white-tailed deer management, dove, turkey, quail hunting and management, ranch pond management and what to do with feral hogs.”

Field demonstrations will include learning how to assess body condition scores for cattle, how to obtain proper soil and hay samples, and hog trap construction.

“Approximately one-half of the program time is spent in a classroom setting, while the remainder of the time is spent in the field,” Redmon said. “Lunch and supper will be provided and a resource CD containing dozens of publications covering ranch management will be provided.”

Attendance is limited to 75 people. For additional information, contact Redmon at 979-845-4826. For registration information, visit http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu and type in “ranch management” as key words. Registration may be completed online at the site.

— Release by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Monthly Cattle Raisers Luncheon to be Held in Dilley

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) will hold its monthly luncheon Thursday, July 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Pacho Garcia Café in Dilley.

Ben Vaughan, attorney with Graves, Dougherty, Hearon and Moody, will be the guest speaker. The presentation will include a discussion on negotiating oil and gas leases in South Texas.

The luncheon is open to the public. Anyone who would like to discuss and listen to what is happening in the cattle industry is welcome to attend. Lunch is “Dutch Treat.”

Pacho Garcia Café is located at the corner of Interstate Highway 35 and Highway 117.

— Release by TSCRA.

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