Monday, January 27, 2014

IBA offers internship and scholarship opportunities

The future of the cattle business is built on student leaders focused on keeping the industry strong. To be successful, it takes practice. To provide that needed experience, the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) is offering one paid internship and eight scholarships in 2014. 

“The IBA internship offers students experience in the industry and the chance to gain real-world 
knowledge and experience — a must-have in today’s competitive job market,” said Jill Johnson, IBA director of communications. 

The internship provides a college student an outstanding opportunity to assist with IBA’s 
communication, events and youth programs. Applicants must consider themselves a self-starter, detail-oriented and an outgoing individual who has the ability to work well with others.

To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time college student and currently an Illinois Junior Beef Association member from a family that is actively involved in beef production. The internship spans from approximately mid-May to mid-August. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2014, and can be submitted to Jill Johnson at jill@illinoisbeef.com. 

“Scholarship programs reward students who are passionate about the Illinois cattle industry,” 
Johnson said. “We want to recognize the incredible talent and potential among our young 
members and encourage them in their educational and professional endeavors.” 

The IBA offers four $1,000 general scholarships: two to high school seniors and two to current 
college students. 

A $3,000 scholarship will be awarded in memory of past IBA Executive Vice President Maralee Johnson and her commitment to the beef and agriculture industry.

IBA will also award a $500 scholarship in memory of Terry Clemons and a $500 
scholarship in memory of 1990 IBA Past President Marion Butler.

Residents of Ogle County have the opportunity to apply for a $500 scholarship through the IBA.

Download internship and scholarship applications from the IBA website.

Applications are due March 1, 2014, and can be submitted to Jill Johnson at jill@illinoisbeef.com or mailed to the IBA office:

Illinois Beef Association
2060 W. Iles Ave.
Ste. B
Springfield, IL 62704 


Innovations in Ag & Rural Development Webinar Available

“Increasing production efficiency through reproductive management”
Date: February 18, 2014
Time: 12:00 PM (CT) / 1:00 PM (ET)

Webinar Description: Dr. Funston will discuss the importance of having a high percentage of beef calves born early in “your” calving season, whenever that is. This event coupled with overall reproductive rate is a major economic driver in cow/calf operations and has a profound impact on the profitability of any beef cattle operation. Many producers do not have the capital to increase land resources. Learn how calving distribution can impact output from any ranch operation and factors that influence when cows and heifers conceive during the breeding season.

Presented by: Dr. Rick Funston (University of Nebraska)

Dr. Rick Funston is a professor and Reproductive Physiologist at the University of Nebraska. He received his BS from North Dakota State University, MS from Montana State University his PhD from the University of Wyoming, and completed a Post Doc at Colorado State University in Reproduction/Biotechnology. He divides his time between extension and research. His research on lighter heifer development is receiving national attention/adoption; research on fetal programming effects on postnatal calf performance including carcass characteristics and reproduction has received national and international recognition; and he is a team member of nationally recognized beef systems research. In the extension capacity, he provides leadership and subject matter expertise for educational programs in cow-calf production management for the West Central District and statewide expertise in beef reproductive management programs.

To register for the upcoming webinar go to: http://events.anr.msu.edu/Agruraldev/

This FREE webinar series is sponsored by:
North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture
446 W. Circle Drive, Room 66 
East Lansing, MI 48824

Attention CDL Holders - licenses could expire in late February

The Secretary of State's Office would like to inform you of the possible cancellation of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) that will take effect in late February, 2014.

Per federal regulation, beginning January 30, 2012, but no later than January 30, 2014, all existing CDL holders must visit a Secretary of State CDL facility and declare which one of four categories of driving in which they engage.  If the driver engages in interstate driving, the driver must also provide the Secretary of State with a medical certification completed by a physician.  If the CDL holder does not declare their type of driving or, if required, submit a medical card, the Secretary of State is required to cancel the CDL (the driver will retain their ability to drive a car, but not a commercial motor vehicle).

Currently, 43,000 CDL holders have not complied with this mandate (approximately 9% of Illinois CDL holders).  Any CDL holder that has not visited a Secretary of State facility by January 30, 2014, will have their CDL privileges cancelled.  Cancellations will be processed in batches in early February, with all cancellations taking effect on February 28, 2014.

In October 2011, the Secretary of State sent a letter to every Illinois CDL holder informing the drivers of their obligation to appear at a Secretary of State facility to declare and submit a medical certificate, if engaged in interstate driving.  Follow-up letters to those drivers who had not yet appeared were sent in September and December 2013. 

In addition, the Secretary of State has engaged in substantial outreach to ensure that all CDL holders are aware of their obligations and possible cancellation of their CDL privileges, including over 20 separate emails to  approximately two dozen professional organizations whose members include CDL holders (i.e. Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Trucking Association, Midwest Truckers etc), presentations at truck and trade shows, communication with the regional superintendents of education (since most school bus drivers hold CDLs) and communication with the 25 largest CDL trucking companies in Illinois. 

Commercial Driver's License holders may find their nearest CDL facility by visiting the Secretary of State's website at: http://www.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility.

Further information can be found on our website at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/cdl.html#medical or by calling 217-785-3002.

Please do not hesitate to contact Rep. Kay Hatcher's staff if you have questions.



Kay Hatcher
State Representative - 50th District 
District Office
State Representative Kay Hatcher
PO Box 1150
Yorkville, IL 60560
phone: 630-553-3223
fax: 630-553-9050
email:info@kayhatcher.us 



CattleFax - Weekly Recap

The fed cattle market was $5 to $6.00 higher last week. In the south, cattle sold for $147 to $149 with the bulk at the $147. Trade in the north was primarily $148 to $150 live and $240 to $242 on a dressed basis. Boxed beef had another steep advance as asking prices were higher with sellers attempting to offset the higher fed cattle prices.

Demand slowed at weeks end as buyers began resisting the higher asking prices that were posted. Feeder cattle values were steady to $3.00 softer for the week while calves were steady to as much as $5.00 lower. Slaughter cows were steady to weak.

Corn prices closed the week lower with little news available to push the market very far one way or the other. An On feed report was issued by the USDA on Friday. On Feed came in at 95% of a year ago, the trade had estimated it would at 94%. Placed into feedyards was 101% of a year ago, the trade estimate was 98.1%. Marketing's came in at 99%, the trade was expecting 102.2%.

Check out today's Chart of the Day. For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com.

Monday, January 20, 2014

NCBA Accepting Applications for Public Policy Internship

WASHINGTON (Jan. 20, 2014) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s and the Public Lands Council government affairs office in Washington, D.C., are accepting applications for the fall 2014 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 17, 2014.

“NCBA and PLC’s internship is a great opportunity to see firsthand a grassroots effort at work in the nation’s most powerful city,” said Rachel Abeh, a Montana State University senior and fall 2013 intern. “I have a better understanding of the complexity and implications of the political issues facing our ranchers back here in the West, along with a greater appreciation for the lobbyists who work on behalf of our producers day in and day out.”

NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts said this is a great opportunity for students with an interest in the beef industry and public policy.

“From food safety and trade to environmental issues and taxes, this internship will give college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on many critical issues affecting U.S. cattlemen and women,” Butts said. “The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill; to assist with NCBA and PLC’s regulatory efforts; and to work closely with the communications team.”

The full-time internship will begin Sept. 8, 2014 and end Dec. 13, 2014. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume to internships@beef.org. More information about the NCBA public policy internship is available on www.BeefUSA.org.





CattleFax - Weekly Recap




The fed cattle market was mostly $2.00 higher last week. In the north cattle sold primarily at $143 to $144 live and $227 to $229 dressed. For the south, the bulk of the trade was collected at $142 to some $142.50 late. Boxed beef moved sharply higher again last week as short bought buyers were faced with high asking values and had little choice but to pay up to secure the limited offerings. Both the cash and beef prices once again recorded new all-time highs during the week.

Feeder cattle values were steady to $2.00 higher last week while calves were $2 to as much as $10.00 higher. Demand was stout for all classes of replacement cattle due to the higher fed cattle prices and profitability in the feedlot sector. Slaughter cows were $1 to $3.00 higher amid tight supplies and higher trimming prices.

Corn ended the week lower after an early week rally following last week's USDA crop report that was considered bullish.

Check out today's Chart of the Day. For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com
.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Beef Producers Stay Educated to Stay Profitable


Beef & Beyond workshop offers an educational opportunity for beef producers to learn tips for staying profitable in an ever-changing cattle industry and to gain a better understanding of the link between the pasture, feedlot and the consumer's plate.

Academic and industry professionals will put cattle producers through their paces at the Beef & Beyond workshop March 21-22. Sponsored by the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) and the University of Illinois (U of I), this interactive educational program offers insight into all aspects of the cattle industry and management tips that can help producers stay profitable. The program will take place at the U of I in Urbana-Champaign.

Hands-on activities will offer participants a chance to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones related to genetic selection, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and general cattle management. Speakers will focus on creating value through improved management techniques.

“We are excited to bring this educational opportunity to Illinois cattlemen,” said Shelia Stannard, IBA director of industry programs. “Beef & Beyond is designed for all producers, and the subjects covered are vital for success in today’s industry. The workshop will also give producers the opportunity to share ideas with one another.”

Skill-building at the Beef Research Unit
A carcass grading selection skills lab will be held Friday morning to allow producers to roll up their sleeves and evaluate live cattle to determine quality and yield grades. Participants will also view various units used to conduct beef research at U of I including the ultrasound station, GrowSafe system, and metabolism lab.

Friday afternoon breakout sessions will allow producers to learn more about genetic selection for carcass improvement, beef’s impact in a global economy, and feed efficiency and research findings at the U of I.

Saturday morning brings exciting hands-on demonstrations related to meat safety, carcass fabrication and new beef cuts, and determining quality and yield grades on the rail.

A cattle handling demonstration will be held Saturday afternoon.

Reinvest in the industry
It’s no secret that the nation’s cattle inventory and consumers are feeling pinched. And as consumers’ purse strings continue to tighten it could affect what they are willing to pay for beef.
As the industry is chasing “Choice” and looking for more meat yield there are premiums to be earned on how cattle grade on the rail. It’s important for producers gain an understanding of how herd and feedlot management impacts their bottom line and the meat case.

“Rare is the opportunity for cattlemen to see beyond the farm gate and experience how handled and evaluated at each step in the beef production chain. Beef & Beyond will afford producers that opportunity to witness our industry from multiple perspectives,” said Reid Blossom, IBA executive vice president. “Right now, the beef industry is seeing record bids for feeder calves and fat cattle. Knowledge is the best tool you can have to put your operation in a position to capitalize on those high prices.”

Beef producers interested in expanding their knowledge of the total beef industry should register by March 7. A $75 registration fee covers the cost of meals and educational materials. Download the registration form at www.illinoisbeef.com and contact Shelia Stannard at 217-787-4280 with questions.

Hotel rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Urbana. To reserve a room, call 217-328-7900 and ask for the IBA Beef & Beyond special rate.

A schedule follows:

Friday, March 21 
8 – 8:30 a.m.                       Registration
8:30 a.m.                              Bus to U of I Beef Research Unit
9 a.m.                                    Welcome – Dr. Doug Parrett
9:15 a.m.                              Determining Quality & Yield Grades on live cattle
9:45 a.m.                              You be the grader – live animal evaluation                                           10:45 a.m.                            Tour farm research units:  ultrasound station, GrowSafe system,
                                               metabolism lab
12:30 p.m.                            Lunch
1:30 p.m.                              Genetics for carcass improvement – Dr. Jon Beever
2:30 p.m.                              Beef in a global economy – John Hinners, USMEF
3:30 p.m.                              Break
3:45 p.m.                              Feed efficiency and research findings at U of I – Dr. Dan Shike
5 p.m.                                   Social
6 p.m.                                   Beef production panel – Doug Parrett, Jon Beever, Dan Shike, 
                                              Tara Felix, Travis Meteer, Dustin Boler, Anna Dilger       
 7 p.m.                                   Dinner

Saturday, March 22 – U of I Meats Lab
8 a.m.                                    Arrive on campus
8:15 a.m.                              Breakout sessions
  • ·         Meat Safety – what are the real concerns & how to prevent them
  • ·         Cutting demo with focus on new beef cuts – Bridget Wasser, NCBA
  • ·         Determining Quality & Yield Grades on the Rail

10:15 a.m.                           Break
10:30 a.m.                           Final rotation
11:30                                    Wrap up and Q & A
Noon                                     Lunch
1:15 p.m.                              Cattle handling demonstration at U of I Beef Research Unit

3:30 p.m.                              Return to hotel & dismiss