Challenges for Young Cattlemen
Young farmers remain concerned about land availability.
Securing adequate land to grow crops and raise livestock was the top challenge identified again this year in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual outlook survey of participants in the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program. That challenge was identified by 22% of respondents, followed by economic challenges, particularly profitability, which was identified by 15% of the respondents.
“For young people today, securing adequate land to begin farming or expand an established farm or ranch is a major challenge,” said Jake Carter, AFBF’s national YF&R committee chair and a farmer from Georgia. “Another major challenge is figuring out how to excel — not just survive — in today’s economy,” he said. Read more.
David Gazda
Association Perspective
The “perfect storm” for the cow-calf producer means many opportunities.
2014 has started off strong as producers are realizing record prices for feeder and fed cattle throughout the country. According to market analysts, this price trend will continue as increased heifer retention has been seen in most areas of the country that have received adequate moisture. This has allowed for the slow rebuilding process to begin for some producers, while herd expansion opportunities exist for others.
The resulting shortage of feeders coupled with cheaper corn prices has created an excellent opportunity for profitability in the cattle industry, especially the cow-calf sector. The current market situation might best be described as the “perfect storm” for the cow-calf producer. As a cow-calf or seedstock producer, have you positioned your program to capitalize on current market conditions and become (more) profitable in 2014? More specifically, are you utilizing all resources available through the American Angus Association to assist you in making those decisions where the outcome may ultimately determine the success or profitability of your program? Read more.
Angus University Set for Nov. 5
Educational program unveiled for Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show in Kansas City, Mo.
The first-ever Angus University, an all-day educational event, will take place as part of the 2014 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show. Angus University will be Nov. 5 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the Angus University is themed “The Story of a Steak” and will build on the successful television and editorial campaign developed by the High Plains Journal.
The “Story of a Steak” series, which appears on The Angus Report, a news program on RFD-TV, emphasizes the importance of all industry sectors working collaboratively to improve the quality of beef and the profitability of producers, feeders and packers. Read more.
Agribusiness-friendly States
Colorado State University study announces top agribusiness-friendly states in the nation.
South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Hampshire and North Dakota are the top five agribusiness-friendly states in America, according to a new report issued by Colorado State University (CSU) agricultural economists.
CSU professors Greg Perry and James Pritchett developed the Agribusiness Friendliness Index to describe the economic climate for agriculture, which is impacted by climate, local and state government policies, geography and other factors more than other business sectors.
The index is based on 38 variables, representing regulatory policy, tax policy, government efficiency, impact of key government services, and the overall state business climate. It follows the methodology of other key indexes like the State Business Tax Climate Index.
Perry and Pritchett believe this is the first study of its kind, focusing exclusively on the agricultural sector. Read more.
What’s Inside …
In this March edition of the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, you'll find valuable articles devoted to the management, marketing, and health and nutrition of your beef enterprise. Select from the tabs at the top of the page to access this month's entire offering by category. A few select features include:
- Don’t Let Those Heifers Slip Now!
- Restocking Options
- Who Wouldn't Want Sustainable Beef?
- Aftereffects of Wolf Attacks
- Feeding Alfalfa Hay
- Calfhood Intranasal Vaccines
- What is a Bull Worth?
- Checkoff Helps Bring Schmacon™
to Market
News Briefs …
The American Angus Association and its subsidiaries generate a wealth of information to keep members and affiliates informed of what's happening within the industry as well as with the programs and services they offer. Click here for easy access to the newsrooms of the American Angus Association and Certified Angus Beef LLC and the Angus Journal Daily archive recently made available in the API Virtual Library.
Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef invites public comment on the draft principles and criteria for global sustainable beef.
The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) has released its draft Principles and Criteria for Global Sustainable Beef document for public comment. The document identifies the key areas in the beef value chain that must be addressed to ensure beef production around the globe is environmentally sound, socially responsible and economically viable. The draft was developed by GRSB members, including producers and producer associations, the processing sector, retail companies, civil society organizations and regional roundtables.
“These principles and criteria establish a global framework for ensuring sustainable performance in beef production,” according to Ruaraidh Peter, GRSB executive director. “The definition covers all elements of the global beef value chain, including production, processing, distribution, sale and consumption. GRSB members believe sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement that requires the shared participation and responsibility among all actors — from producers to consumers. The GRSB definition provides a broad road map for this journey, allowing different regions to establish specific indicators, metrics or practices.” Read more.
Headache Pain
What to do when your head hurts.
Most of us get headaches from time to time. Some are mild. Others cause throbbing pain. They can last for minutes or days. There are many different types of headaches. How you treat yours depends on which kind you have.
Headaches might arise because of another medical condition, such as swollen sinuses or head injury. In these cases, treating the underlying problem usually relieves headache pain, as well. Most headaches — including tension headaches and migraines — aren’t caused by a separate illness. Read more.
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