News Update
January 13, 2014
Expected Improvements
for Livestock Markets in 2014
Improved weather conditions and moderation in feed prices could show continued improvement for livestock markets in 2014, according to Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist and professor of agribusiness at Oklahoma State University. Peel addressed farmers and ranchers from across the country during an issues conference at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th Annual Convention.
“The latter part of 2013 turned things around for most of the country, with drought conditions receding and increased market prices for beef,” Peel said. “Livestock markets are looking strong for 2014.”
Peel expressed extreme optimism for the cattle sector, predicting herd expansion for the next several years.
“Depending on the market and weather conditions, we have the potential to be in expansion mode for the rest of this decade. We haven’t seen this scenario since the ’90s,” Peel said.
With cattle numbers at record lows since the 1950s, Peel said farmers and ranchers need to focus on expanding herds and responding to current markets.
“The incentives are there. We are at record prices and will move higher still,” he said. “But how profitable producers will be is a function of managing costs and production.”
Export markets will continue to be a strong outlet for farmers and ranchers in 2014, although Peel estimated a slight decrease in beef exports due to higher prices and lower production. American farmers are adapting to current conditions and are competitive in foreign markets, Peel said.
NMSU Ranch Management Series
to Discuss Herd Genetic Selection
Drought conditions and a lack of forage in New Mexico have prompted the state’s cattle producers to greatly reduce their herds in recent years. That has created a drop in the state herd of more than 65% since 2010 — and ranchers are now looking for strategies to restock their herds with cattle that are well suited to the region’s climate and terrain. To help meet that need, the New Mexico Ranch Management series, provided by New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service, will address “Genetic Selection: Strategies to Restock the Ranch” at its three January sessions.
“The mass liquidation of genetically adapted cattle from New Mexico ranches has left a major void,” said Manny Encinias, NMSU Extension beef cattle specialist. “The single largest challenge ranchers will face in restocking their herds will be identifying cattle that will adapt to the various, and sometimes extreme, production environments found in New Mexico. The January series will give them insight and strategies to rebuild their herds.”
Sessions are designed to be driven by questions from program attendees, leading to discussion with experts and fellow ranch managers on timely management topics. Joining Encinias on the panel of cattle industry professionals will be Bill Williams, AC Nutrition cattle nutritionist; Marcy Ward, NMSU Extension livestock specialist; and Eric Bailey, West Texas A&M University cow-calf management assistant professor.
The program will be Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Raton at K-Bob’s Restaurant, 1228 S. Second St.; Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Las Vegas at K-Bob’s Restaurant, 1803 Seventh St.; and Thursday, Jan. 30, in Clovis at the Curry County Event Center Indoor Pavilion, 1900 E. Brady Ave.
Registration is not required, but is appreciated to assist with meal planning. To RSVP for the Raton session, call 575-445-8071; for the session in Las Vegas, call 505-454-1497; and for the Clovis session call 575-763-6505. Sponsors of the January series are First National Bank of New Mexico and AC Nutrition.
Red River Crops Conference Jan. 28-29 in Altus, Okla.
Texas and Oklahoma producers who raise crops along the Red River border can pick up important tips to promote profitability in their agricultural enterprises by attending the Jan. 28-29 Red River Crops Conference in Altus, Okla.
Gary Stickland, Jackson County Extension director, said the conference will focus on agricultural production circumstances and concerns specific to southwestern Oklahoma and the Texas Rolling Plains.
“Think of it as one-stop shopping where producers of all experience levels can get the latest science-based information and ask questions of leading experts in applicable agricultural disciplines, as well as interact with area producers who may be in situations similar to their own,” he said.
Sponsored by Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the two-day conference will take place at the Southwest Technology Center, located at 711 W. Tamarack Rd. in Altus, Okla. Registration is $25 per participant and covers the cost of both days. Registration forms are available through Cooperative Extension county offices in both Oklahoma and Texas.
“Doors will open each day at 8 a.m., with sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. and finishing at approximately 4:15 p.m.,” Strickland said. “Anyone needing additional information about the conference can contact us here at the Jackson County Extension Office in Altus by phoning 580-482-0823.”
For more information, please view the full release here.
Business Education for Farm Women Offered by ISU Extension and Outreach
Farm women with a passion for being involved in the business and wanting to learn how to manage farm operation risk have several educational opportunities available to them. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers classes designed to empower women to be better business partners and owners. Farm women will learn how to build networks, and manage and organize critical information. Several different types of classes are being offered across the state during the coming year.
The traditional Annie’s Project course consists of six, three-hour class sessions that include presentations and hands-on activities with women agriculture professionals. Discussions on topics of importance to farm families, plus available resources to help achieve success are also part of each class.
“The Annie’s Project experience is one that empowers and improves the lives of farm women,” said Marsha Laux, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach value added agriculture program and statewide Annie’s Project coordinator. “The experiences, resources and support network translate into increased confidence and informed decision-making.”
Annie’s Project helps farm women learn about farm management skills in a comfortable setting.
2014 Annie’s Project course locations and start dates include: Feb. 3 at Gilbert Gilbert High School, light meal at 5:45 p.m. and class from 6 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 4 at Rockwell City Calhoun County Extension Office, light meal at 5:45 p.m. and class from 6 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 6 at Greenfield Greenfield City Hall Meeting Room, light meal at 5:45 p.m. and class from 6 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 13 at Dyersville James Kennedy Public Library, light meal at 5:45 p.m. and class from 6 to 9 p.m.; March 6 at Denison Crawford County Extension Office, light meal at 5:45 p.m. and class from 6 to 9 p.m.; and March 18, Cherokee Cherokee County Extension Office, light meal at 5:30 p.m. and class from 6 to 9 p.m.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Editor’s Note: The articles used within this site represent a mixture of copyrights. If you would like to reprint or repost an article, you must first request permission of Angus Productions Inc. (API) by contacting the editor at 816-383-5200; 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. API claims copyright to this web site as presented. We welcome educational venues and cattlemen to link to this site as a service to their audience.