News Update

June 28, 2017

Economic Benefits of Synchronized AI

The disciplined application of estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) can have a lasting economic advantage. University of Tennessee Reproductive Physiologist Justin Rhinehart thinks these complementary technologies would be more widely used if commercial cow-calf producers understood how adoption could impact profitability.

“Estrus synchronization and AI can improve both short-term and long-term profitability,” Rhinehart told an audience gathered for the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention hosted May 31-June 3. Rhinehart’s presentation was part of the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) Symposium convened in conjunction with the BIF Convention in Athens, Ga.

Rhinehart lamented the fact that fewer than 10% of all beef producers utilize estrus synchronization and AI. Among the reasons many producers say they shy away from the reproductive technologies are perceptions regarding labor, time and facility requirements as well as the overall cost. There was a time that synchronized AI typically was more expensive than natural service. However, considering current bull purchase and maintenance costs, Rhinehart advises producers to re-evaluate the alternative.

Read more of this Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from a release by Troy Smith for Angus Media.

Cattle Markets Slide into Summer

With July 4 beef purchases complete, wholesale beef prices have dropped sharply the past ten days. Beef and cattle markets have defied gravity by staying stronger for longer than most expected this spring. However, with seasonal pressure prevailing, beef and cattle markets have weakened and will likely struggle seasonally for the next six plus weeks.

Beef markets often weaken during the summer doldrums, that period of summer heat between Independence Day and Labor Day. The summer slump may be mitigated somewhat if July 4 beef sales are strong prompting follow-up beef sales. Wholesale markets will likely struggle until August when Labor Day purchases will pick up to support beef features for Labor Day, the last big grilling holiday of the summer.

Cash fed cattle prices have correspondingly dropped more than $10 per hundredweight (cwt.) in the past 10 days or so. Feeder cattle prices have dropped $10-$12 per cwt. in the past week. Domestic and international beef demand will continue to be a key as beef supplies will undoubtedly continue to increase year over year in the second half of the year.

For more information, view the full news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University.

Livestock Producers Applaud Delisting
of Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Dave Eliason, president of the Public Lands Council, June 22 released the following statement in response to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s announcement that the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear is being delisted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA):

“This is good news for the Yellowstone grizzly and good news for the region’s ranchers. Secretary Zinke and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deserve credit for today’s action, and we urge them to now take similar steps to remove other grizzly populations throughout the West from federal ESA protection — including the distinct population segment in the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington State.”

— Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

BioZyme Releases Free “Make Your Own Luck” Video Series

BioZyme Inc., manufacturers of all-natural Sure Champ top-dress vitamin/mineral supplements for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, believes that success in the livestock showring comes from proper nutrition and a confident handler. Through its “Make Your Own Luck” video series, BioZyme gives beginning showmen the tools, tips and skills they need to succeed in competition.

Released last summer, the “Make Your Own Luck” cattle and pig video library is available for viewing free online at www.surechamp.com/preptowinvideos. DVDs of the videos are also available by contacting Jody Purvis, sales support coordinator, at 816-344-5755.

BioZyme has made a long-standing commitment to educating and supporting youth in the agricultural and livestock industries. The “Make Your Own Luck” videos provide livestock enthusiasts with valuable insights on nutrition, general animal care, showmanship and grooming from the leaders in the industry.

Continue reading this BioZyme news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Shelia Grobosky, BioZyme Inc.

Missouri State Fair Deadlines and Agriculture Showcase

The 2017 Missouri State Fair is quickly approaching and so are many competition deadlines for the month of July.

June 30 - Livestock Entries are due. This is different than the normal July 1 deadline due to the date falling on a Saturday this year. 4-H/FFA Livestock Entries. Open Livestock Entries.
July 15 - State Fair Queen Contest. These entries must be submitted online.
July 20 - Country Hams
July 20 - Fine Arts
July 20 - Home Economics
July 25 - Hay Contest
July 25 - Pony Pull
July 25 - Championship Pie Contest
July 25 - Opening Day Parade
July 25 - Gypsy Horses and Draft Horses
July 31 - Dairy Products

Contest entry forms are available in the online premium guide on the Fair website. Guidelines and rules are posted on the Fair’s website to make completing the entry forms easier. A complete list of entry deadlines can be found on the State Fair website.

— Adapted from a release by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Media.