News Update
Dec. 22, 2010

Angus Bull Sale Averages on the Rise

Recent Angus bull sales continue to demonstrate tremendous demand for registered Angus genetics.

“We are hearing very positive sales reports from throughout the U.S.,” says Bryce Schumann, American Angus Association CEO. “From California to Georgia, we’re receiving reports of excellent bull sale numbers in addition to a healthy female market.”

In fact, nationwide year-to-date figures show bulls are bringing an average $3,258 per head — that’s an additional $467 per head than this time last year.

“This is in addition to our recent 2010 fiscal year-end numbers showing a 5% increase in bull sale averages over 2009,” Schumann says. “It’s another reflection of the demand for superior Angus genetics.” Read more.

NCBA Seeks Assistance for Cattle Producers Financially Harmed by Eastern Livestock Bankruptcy

As the largest and oldest national trade association representing U.S. cattle producers, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is committed to representing and protecting the interests of cattle producers across the country. That is why NCBA today, Dec. 22, sent letters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) seeking financial assistance for cattle producers affected by the bankruptcy of Eastern Livestock Co. LLC (Eastern).

On or around Nov. 3, 2010, Eastern, a company based in New Albany, Ind., that bought and sold cattle in 11 states across the Mid-South, Midwest, and West, began issuing unfunded checks to cattle producers and livestock market operators. According to USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Eastern owes more than $130 million to 743 sellers in 30 states.

Specifically, NCBA requested USDA provide emergency access to short-term, low-interest and/or government-backed loan programs. Additionally, NCBA requested a list of SBA loan programs that may help producers finance their family farms and market operations.

“Hundreds of cattle producers and marketers, through no fault of their own, have been financially harmed by Eastern’s bankruptcy,” NCBA President Steve Foglesong said. “We know Eastern may owe more than $130 million to producers, and without some short-term financial assistance, in the means of low-interest or government-backed loans, many operations may be forced to shut down or sell off assets to cover costs. NCBA simply isn’t willing to let that happen.”

NCBA’s letter states, “Eastern Livestock Company LLC is going through bankruptcy proceedings; however, we have cattle producers and livestock market operators across the country that have still not received any sort of payment for their cattle. The bond, as required by the USDA’s GIPSA, was nearly $800,000, but this was woefully inadequate to cover its obligations.

“We are hopeful USDA and SBA will seriously consider our request,” Foglesong said. “We’re not asking for a government handout, but rather for responsible financial assistance to cattle producers who are facing severe financial strains through no fault of their own. We request USDA and SBA to expedite the loan process, and we look forward to continuing to work with all involved in this issue until it is resolved.” 

— Release by NCBA.

Ohio State University Animal Welfare Symposium Now Online

The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine recently hosted an Animal Welfare Symposium in Columbus.

Temple Grandin spoke on humane animal handling, including handling of ill, injured, non-ambulatory or otherwise compromised animals. Her presentation is now posted online, with video and audio for all of it. Go directly to it by clicking on this link.

If you’re interested in reviewing the entire day’s proceedings, you will find them under this link to the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine website.

Latest Information on Sulfur in Cattle Diets to be Shared Through Web Program

As corn and other grain prices continue to rise, cattle producers seek ways to maximize economic and production efficiencies in their operations. One way to deal with increasing corn prices is to feed less corn and more distillers’ grains. However, producers and scientists alike know that the amount of distillers’ grains that can be fed safely depends on the sulfur level in feed and drinking water. Recent research by Iowa State University (ISU) and University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) faculty members has provided some welcome news in this area.

Dan Loy, interim director of the Iowa Beef Center at ISU, said scientists from the two universities have worked together to evaluate their independent study results and determine how those results can be used to the best advantage by cattle producers.

The information and recommendations will be shared through a Web-based program beginning at 7 p.m. (CST) Jan. 6, 2011. The website address for the program is http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/sulfur.

“ISU folks have worked on developing a model for sulfur toxicity in cattle so we can study the effects of elevated dietary sulfur on animals,” Loy said. “At UNL, research over the past several years has included feeding trials of varying levels of sulfur and distillers’ grains with thousands of cattle.”

Loy said UNL beef specialist Galen Erickson and others are cooperating to share findings of the independent studies they’ve done and to offer new dietary recommendations for producers. Erickson said the updated recommendations on sulfur inclusion rates might surprise some people.

“We’re prepared to recommend higher levels of dietary sulfur, and therefore higher levels of distillers’ grains, than producers are used to working with,” Erickson said. “Because of these higher levels, we also are incorporating slightly different management guidelines that include proper diet and feedbunk management.”

In addition to Erickson, ISU beef nutrition specialists Stephanie Hansen and Mary Drewnoski will present research-specific information and recommendations, and Steve Ensley of ISU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Diagnostic Lab will answer participant questions on sulfur toxicity diagnosis and treatment.

“There’s no cost to participate in the web program, but it is important to check your computer system prior to attempting to connect to this program,” Loy said. “We want everyone to be able to connect to the site without difficulty.”

To test your system, go to http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm and follow the directions on the page.

— Release by ISU Extension.

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