NMPF Chairman, President discuss actions taken to combat dairy crisis at annual meeting

In their joint address Nov. 11 to the membership at National Milk Producers Federation's 2009 Annual Meeting, NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney and President and CEO Jerry Kozak discussed the multitude of actions taken by the organization in the past year to counteract the economic recession facing dairy producers, and also provided updates on other industry issues. As they took turns speaking, Mooney and Kozak ... [Read More]

OPSU bull test update

Oklahoma The 85 head of beef bulls consigned to the 58th Annual OPSU Bull Test were weighed Nov. 7 after 28 days on the 112 day test. At the end of the test, measurements will be made on the frame score, scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, fat thickness, rib-eye area and marbling in the rib eye. [Read More]

Eklund recognized as Red Angus Personality of the Year

Texas John Eklund of Van Alstyne, Texas, was recognized as the Red Angus Personality of the Year at the National Red Angus Convention in Mahnomen, Minn., Sept. 16 to 19. Ken Bower of Forestburg, Texas, and Alyssa Looney of Denton, Texas, presented the award. "John is a great communicator," said Bower. [Read More]

Researchers study link between climate change, nutritional stress

Kansas State University's Joseph Craine, research assistant professor in the Division of Biology, and KC Olson, associate professor in animal sciences and industry, have teamed up with some other scientists from across the United States to look into the possible effects of climate change on cattle nutrition. Comparing grasslands and pastureland in different regions in the U.S., the study, published in Global Change Biology, ... [Read More]

Being lazier in your cow-calf operation might pay off in the long run

Weaning fall calves early the next spring might leave you doing more work and earning less money, according to a University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. Research is beginning to show that leaving calves with their mothers longer pays off, said Rob Kallenbach. "One thing we've noticed is when the calves are weaned in April, we're weaning and selling the calf right in front of the high-level forage production in ... [Read More]

Friday the 13th marks record losses for pork farmers, says MU swine economist

Missouri As of noon on Friday the 13th of November, pork producers have lost more money than they lost in the pork price disaster of 1998-99, said Ron Plain, University of Missouri Extension livestock economist. "Hog farmers are losing more money than they did in what they thought was a once-a-lifetime crunch just a decade ago," Plain said. [Read More]

Sherry Pope Smith chosen 2009 AHW Outstanding Hereford Woman

Sherry Pope Smith, Tulsa, Okla., was chosen the 2009 American Hereford Women Outstanding Woman. Each year the AHW recognizes and honors one woman for her achievements and dedication to the Hereford breed. Sherry has served the AHW and Hereford Women of Oklahoma in many ways including board member and president. [Read More]

Beeson Honored with Poll-ette of the Year Award

Bev Beeson, Wayne, Neb., was chosen the 2009 National Organization of Poll-ettes Poll-ette of the Year during the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting in Kansas City Oct. 31. Each year the NOP recognizes an outstanding member for her leadership, promotion of polled Hereford cattle and commitment to advancement of the breed. This award is symbolized by a custom-made gold medallion awarded to each recipient. [Read More]

Retailers offer views to TCFA

The 2009 annual convention of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association was held recently at Amarillo. About 500 persons in attendance heard from various speakers on several issues. Perhaps tops on the list was a discussion on the retail sector of beef sales. [Read More]

USMEF: September pork exports regain momentum, beef exports struggling

September pork plus pork variety meat exports reached nearly 154,000 metric tons valued at $347.8 million, the highest volume since April 2009, according to statistics released by U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. September beef plus beef variety meat exports were down slightly from August, with the January-September cumulative total falling further behind last year's pace, as ... [Read More]

Demand strong for Gelbvieh females

The shrinking of the national cow herd and the tough economy of the beef industry has not seemed to affect the demand for Gelbvieh influenced commercial females in the southeastern United States. After a couple seasons of drought in the region, this summer brought more rainfall and with that better pastures which could be contributing to some cow-calf producers looking to rebuild their cow herds. That seemed to be the case during a recent Gelbvieh ... [Read More]

CCA members Recruiting for the Cure

Colorado The Colorado Cattlemen's Association is giving back to the Colorado community by donating to breast cancer research for each new member recruited from November through January. Each member who recruits a new member will receive a special pink-ribbon CCA lapel pin showing that they are "Recruiting for the Cure". [Read More]

Charolais results from American Royal announced

The Royal Breeder's Ten Grand Sale was a success selling several impressive females to breeders across the country. During the sale, the Missouri Junior Charolais Association sold raffle tickets for a heifer of choice out of the sale. The consignor of the selected heifer also received $10,000. [Read More]

NCBA leaders to address key issues as NCBA's Cattlemen to Cattlemen goes live Dec. 1

Addressing issues important to all beef producers, four National Cattlemen's Beef Association leaders will take live questions from viewers Dec. 1 on NCBA's Cattlemen to Cattlemen. The program, which will begin at 8:30 p.m. EST, appears on the RFD-TV Cable Network. Joining NCBA President-Elect Steve Foglesong, an Astoria, Ill., beef producer, in answering questions will be NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts, NCBA Vice... [Read More]

Ventilate and take other safety precautions to prevent manure pit explosions

Nebraska Recent explosions and flash fires that occurred in livestock buildings with manure pits in Iowa and Minnesota have a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension engineer and others offering advice on how to avoid these potentially dangerous situations. So far, the explosions have resulted in building damage with few animal losses and no personal injuries or fatalities, said Rick Stowell, extension engineer in ... [Read More]