News Update
April 9, 2018
Angus Election Under Way
The American Angus Association is making preparations for the 2018 Annual Convention of Delegates, hosted in conjunction with the Angus Convention Nov. 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio.
In accordance with the Association bylaws, forms were mailed prior to April 9 to every eligible voting active life and regular Association member who qualified as an eligible voting member to nominate delegates to the annual meeting.
The nomination period is April 9 to June 8, and each eligible voting member is allowed to nominate one eligible voting member who resides in the same state or district, including himself or herself. More information is available here.
The candidate should be highly involved in the Angus business, willing to attend the meeting and able to represent Angus breeders.
New this year, the American Angus Association has implemented an online nomination option for the convenience of the membership. By using a unique number provided to each eligible voting member, the nomination can be made online. Nominations submitted online must be completed no later than 4:30 p.m. Central June 8.
If the traditional printed form is used to nominate, the signed nomination form must be received in the Association office no later than 4:30 p.m., Central on June 8.
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
Marfrig Purchases National Beef Ownership Interest
National Beef Packing Co. LLC April 9 announced that the owners of National Beef have entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with NBM US Holdings (“NBM”), an indirect subsidiary of Marfrig Global Foods S.A. under which NBM will acquire 51% of the outstanding ownership interests in National Beef. The operations and management of National Beef will remain unchanged with Tim Klein continuing as National Beef president and CEO upon completion of the transaction. The current owners of National Beef will continue as owners under the new structure.
The transaction is subject to certain limited conditions and will require customary regulatory approvals. It is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018.
“The acquisition of a majority interest in National Beef represents a unique opportunity for us,” said Marcos Molina, chairman of Marfrig and Martín Secco, CEO of Marfrig. “With this transaction, we will have operations in the world’s two largest beef markets, will gain access to extremely sophisticated consumer countries and will be able to grow while maintaining rigorous financial discipline. We’re enthusiastic to be part of this successful history and looking forward to join the National Beef team.”
For more information, view this National Beef news release online.
— Adapted from a release by National Beef.
Remember the Economic Basics
in the Midst of Trade Turbulence
U.S. agricultural trade is being threatened by a storm of policy challenges and political rhetoric. As the political discussions continue, it’s important to not lose sight of the basic economic principles that are the foundation for all trade.
Trade between two economic agents adds value to both and is the basis for nearly all economic growth. These gains from trade are the result of specialization where market participants capitalize on their comparative advantage in some activity. Comparative advantage allows all parties in a market to produce at their lowest opportunity cost thereby using scarce resources most efficiently. For example, it might be possible for me to build my own computer in the absence of trading with the Dell Corp. However, it is clearly more efficient for me to trade with Dell by buying my computer and using my time to do things I’m better at than building computers. Moreover, having the computer will enhance my productivity in other activities. This specialization that drives gains from trade applies to individuals, businesses, states and countries. Specialization has been a major force of economic growth since the days of hunting and gathering when hunters specialized in hunting and gatherers specialized in gathering.
Read this OSU Extension newsletter online.
Farm and Rural Groups Urge Congress
to Address Farmer Suicides in Farm Bill
Farmers and ranchers commit suicide at a rate five times that of the general population, according to the National Farmers Union (NFU). In an effort to address this crisis, NFU and a coalition of 36 prominent farm and rural advocacy groups are urging Congress to make mental health treatment more accessible to farmers through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).
The groups sent a letter to U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agriculture committees’ leadership, urging Congress to reauthorize FRSAN and to provide the program with adequate funding in the next Farm Bill.
“Farming is a high-stress occupation,” noted the groups. “Financial risk, volatile markets, unpredictable weather and heavy workloads can all place a significant strain on a farmer or rancher’s mental and emotional well-being. Due to the prolonged downturn in the farm economy, many farmers are facing even greater stress. We urge you to reauthorize FRSAN in the next farm bill and to provide funding necessary to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers as they endure increasing financial, mental and emotional stress.”
The 2008 Farm Bill established FRSAN to provide grants to extension services and nonprofit organizations that offer stress assistance programs to individuals engaged in farming, ranching and other agriculture-related occupations.
Learn more in the NFU news release online.
USDA Announces a Near-Record Year for Farm Loans
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Jan. 18 announced another year of high activity in its farm loan programs. Hard-working farm families across the country accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders in 2017. At year end, FSA was assisting more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling just over $25 billion.
“FSA loan funds have been in high demand the last few years,” said Robert Johansson, acting deputy undersecretary for farm production and conservation. “We provide opportunities to qualified small, beginning and underserved farmers who are unable to obtain commercial credit, to help them get started, gain access to land and grow their operations. Family farmers across America also come to us for credit when they face challenges to stay in business. We’re proud to support rural prosperity by providing credit to those who need it most.”
FSA provides a variety of loan assistance, including direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, operating loans and even direct Microloans up to $50,000 and EZ Guarantees up to $100,000 with streamlined application processes.
For more information, read the USDA news release online.
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