Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Illinois Cattlemen Tell USDA: Don't Hijack the Checkoff

The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, urging him to cease any efforts to establish an additional beef checkoff under the 1996 General Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act. IBA President Alan Adams of Sandwich said beef producers in Illinois are highly concerned that this effort by the Secretary will harm the success of the current checkoff and erode producer support.

"Illinois cattlemen will not support any attempt to supplement or replace the Beef Checkoff with the 1996 Act. The 1996 Act is simply not a proper fit for the beef industry," Adams said. "The industry's Beef Checkoff program enjoys the support of a vast majority of beef producers, as it should. Recent research shows that it returns $11.20 for every dollar invested. To impose a new checkoff without a referendum and to lay the control of that program in the hands of the federal government will jeopardize our industry's research and promotion efforts for political gain."

Secretary Vilsack announced to representatives of various stakeholder groups on Sept. 30 that he intended the USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service to begin drafting a proposed rule to implement a supplemental checkoff under the 1996 Act.

"The foundation of the 1985 Beef Checkoff is the participation of state beef councils," Adams said. "Through the state beef councils, grassroots producers invest and direct programs that build demand for their product and help direct research and promotion dollars on the state and national level. By comparison, the 1996 Act is a top down, federally controlled program that not only fails to recognize the role of the states, but places the control and administration of promotion dollars in the hands of bureaucrats in Washington D.C. We oppose greater government control of our industry and heavy-handed, federally-mandated action by giving more power to the federal government."

More information can be found at www.beefUSA.org and producers can sign a petition directing the administration to abandon their efforts to take over the Checkoff here


Monday, October 6, 2014

2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Registration Opens Today


Registration for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show is underway. The 117th Annual Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-7, 2015. Advanced registration is open until Jan. 10, 2015.
Convention participants will hear from industry leaders, gather insight on industry trends, and enjoy an evening at the Cowboy Comedy Club & Mustache Bash After-Party. NCBA President Bob McCan said this convention is a must for everyone involved in the cattle industry.
“The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest, national convention in the cattle business,” McCan said. “It is a unique opportunity to join other leaders in the industry to network, discuss policy, and visit with the many trade show participants. Plus, San Antonio is a hard location to beat!”

In addition to access to all of the 2015 convention events, registrants for the full convention will receive a 50 percent off coupon for Roper and Stetson apparel and footwear at the NCBA Trade Show.
To register for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit www.beefusa.org or e-mail meetings@beef.org.
Follow us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter at #beefmeet

Thursday, October 2, 2014

CattleFax - Weekly Recap

The fed cattle market was not established in the North or South as of press time, but the market tone was steady to weak compared to the previous week. Boxed beef prices were softer last week but strengthened towards the end of the week as lower prices attracted buyers.

Feeder cattle were steady to $4 higher amidst increased cash receipts. Calves were mostly steady to narrowly mixed. Slaughter cows were steady to $2 lower for the week as the 90's lean trim showed some weakness midweek.

Corn traded several cents lower again last week as warm fall weather across most of the country aided crop maturity.

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

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Illinois NRCS Announces EQIP Application Deadlines


Illinois State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Ivan Dozier announced that November 21, 2014 and January 16, 2015 will be the two Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application deadlines. “Producers can sign-up for EQIP at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding periods, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by one of the application deadlines.” Dozier explains.

Many applicants have shown interest in the funding pool to address soil erosion and water quality issues on cropland. “There are also funding pools for grazing land operations, confined livestock operations, organic producers, and wildlife habitat improvement, just to name a few,” Dozier said.

In addition to conservation practices, EQIP provides funding for the development of plans, such as Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP), Grazing Plans, Drainage Water Management Plans, and others.

Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office. Applications that are submitted by November 21, 2014 and January 16, 2015 will be evaluated by NRCS staff. The staff will work with producers to complete worksheets and rankings in order to compete for funding.

For more information on EQIP, contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.