Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Illinois Beef Expo provides educational experiences for college students

As one of the biggest cattle events in the state, the Illinois Beef Expo not only offers competitive youth cattle shows, but also provides educational experiences for college students.  

Sophomore students enrolled in the Applied Science Program at Illinois Central College in East Peoria participate in a hands-on exercise that supplements the classroom lecture of the Ruminant Animal Production class taught by Grant Grebner. Real-world application to the course objectives is a valuable learning tool for students in this program.

“I wanted to develop a class project that fit my lecture about animal selection and genetic improvement through selection,” Grebner said. “The performance data collected on the bulls consigned to the Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale is the perfect model for what I’m trying to teach my students.”

Grebner breaks the class into pairs of students and each group is given a scenario outlining what they are looking for in their next herd bull. They are also given a budget that represents what the cattlemen buying bulls from the sale face with regards to bull buying limitations.

“We look at the expected progeny difference (EPDs) posted on the IPT Bull Sale website for a couple of weeks prior to the sale and the students are instructed to pick out their top five bulls based off of their scenarios,” Grebner said. “I reinforce to my class that although the genotype of the animal may be an indicator of their breeding ability, the animal still must be able to function. So, in order for them to make the best selection for their project scenarios, the students attend the IPT Bull Sale during the Illinois Beef Expo in Springfield to look over the bulls and make a mock purchase based off of the needs of their ‘herd’.”

At the conclusion of the project, the students write a report of what bull they selected and why. Grebner said sometimes the students aren’t able to afford a bull of their choice and go home with an empty trailer.

This learning experience benefits students by applying the knowledge they gained on the use of EPDs and requires critical thinking and decision making skills.

ICC students study the IPT Bull Sale program as they view live lots in the sale ring.

The IPT Bull Sale also provides agriculture students from John Wood Community College (JWCC) in Quincy the chance to help with the sale’s check-in process. Students are an integral part of the processing crew and help load out the bulls at the conclusion of the sale.
Travis Meteer, IPT Bull Sale manager said, “The students from JWCC are great help and the process gives them a different perspective of the beef industry. They get to interact with the some of the top performance bull breeders in the state and gain a better understanding of what it takes to raise and market cattle.”

JWCC students assist with IPT Bull Sale check-in.

The Illinois Beef Expo is host to educational contests that are organized by college agriculture programs.

Black Hawk College – East Campus (BHE) in Galva has coordinated the Illinois Beef Expo livestock judging contest for the past 25 years.

“Organizing the contest gives our BHE agriculture students the opportunity to work an event and experience the kind of responsibility it takes and the pressure that comes with being behind the scenes. It’s great experience for them to leave campus and have to coordinate travel and contest logistics, and learn to be prepared, but also flexible for the day of the event,” said Lee Denzer, BHE agriculture professor.

Carson Goff of Hopedale has participated in the Expo judging contest for the past three years and said she enjoys the competition and meeting other people with her similar interests throughout the state, while learning more about what the college has to offer.

The BHE students also help with show cattle check-in, help line-up cattle and work in the showring. Denzer said this is a valuable experience for the students because they learn to deal with a fast-paced and sometimes stressful situation and have to learn to adapt to the hustle and bustle of the Expo.

Illinois Beef Expo livestock judging contest

The Illinois Beef Expo quiz bowl is organized by Lake Land College in Mattoon. The purpose of this event is to promote youth development and personal growth through increased knowledge of the beef industry, and to encourage more young beef producers in agriculture while improving their decision-making abilities.
Olivia Claire of Watseka has participated in the contest for the past four years and won the senior division this year. She appreciates the Expo’s offering and LLC’s coordination of the contest because it improves her knowledge of the beef industry and gives her the opportunity to learn new information that she can apply to her family’s commercial cow herd.
Jon Althaus, LLC agriculture division chair said, “It’s important to give the students at Lakeland real-world experience and organizing a cattle industry event gives them several skills that will help them in the future. The quiz bowl not only teaches our students real-world lessons, but it also gives the participants a cattle producer’s perspective on decision making in terms of breeds, feed, equipment, and basic management.”

Youth named Spirit Award winners at 2014 Illinois Beef Expo

Five junior showmen were recognized as the Spirit Award winners at the 2014 Illinois Beef Expo on Feb. 23, 2014 in Springfield. The award showcases juniors exhibiting good sportmanship, herdsmanship and a strong work ethic. A selection committee took note of juniors throughout the weekend displaying those characteristics and awarded Noah Benedict of Dewey, Chase Meisner of Jerseyville, Eric Schafer of Owaneco, Dalton Heavnor of Pearl, and Treavor Taylor of Colfax.

Pictured l to r: Doug Turner, Illinois Beef Expo Chair, Noah Benedict of Dewey, Chase Meisner of Jerseyville, Eric Schafer of Owaneco, Dalton Heavnor of Pearl. Not pictured: Treavor Taylor of Colfax.

“Some of the greatest lessons learned by exhibiting livestock are not learned in the show ring, but in the barn the weeks and months prior to the show,” said Julie Blunier, Illinois Beef Expo junior show coordinator. “Our sponsors wanted to recognize youth who were working hard, showing respect to others and displaying a strong spirit to succeed.”

The five exhibitors won a $100 gift certificate to Pro-Fit Show Supply, 5 bags of Umbarger Show Feed and a gift bag of show supplies. Foley Farms of Pearl City, Umbarger & Sons Show Feed, Kirk Stierwalt, Stephenson County Cattlemen and Sullivan Supply sponsored the award program.

Varner exhibits Grand Champion Steer at 2014 Illinois Beef Expo

Eleven breed champions vied for the Grand Champion Steer title at the 2014 Illinois Beef Expo on Sunday, Feb. 23, in Springfield. Shae Varner of Mazon, led her Champion Chianina Steer to the banner.

Grand Champion Steer, Shae Varner of Mazon
Judge Ryan Rash of Crockett, Texas, selected the Champion Hereford Steer shown by Peyton Richie of Buckingham as Reserve Grand Champion Steer. Third Overall Steer was the Champion Maine Anjou Steer shown by Dalton Line of Seaton. Nelson England of Oneida exhibited the Fourth Overall Steer, which was first named Champion Crossbred Steer. Fifth Overall Steer was the Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer shown by Lucas Wisnefski of Wyoming.

Reserve Champion Steer, Peyton Richie of Buckingham

Top Five Steers

Also competing for the Grand Champion Steer title were the Champion Shorthorn Steer led by Jordan Breedlove of Manito, the Champion Shorthorn Plus Steer exhibited by Abby Tomhave of Jacksonville, the Champion Simmental Steer led by Abby Kuppler of Hinckley, the Champion AOB Steer shown by Brooke Jackson of Alpha, the Champion Angus Steer exhibited by Dylan Torrey of Jerseyville, the Champion Composite Charolais Steer led by Tucker Marrs of Windsor, and the Champion Market Heifer exhibited by Brayden Freeman of Winchseter.

Thanks to long-time Illinois Beef Expo sponsors M.H. Eby and Stephens Trailer Sales of Taylorville, all breed champions in the Illinois Beef Expo Junior Steer Show were awarded additional premium monies.

Scheetz exhibits Grand Champion Heifer at 2014 Illinois Beef Expo

Fourteen breed champions vied for the Grand Champion Heifer title at the 2014 Illinois Beef Expo on Sunday, Feb. 23, in Springfield. Danielle Scheetz of Dallas City, led her Champion Angus Heifer, born Feb. 13, 2013, to the banner.

Grand Champion Heifer, Danielle Scheetz of Dallas City

Judge Cody Sankey of Economy, Ind., selected the Champion Low Percent Simmental Heifer shown by Tyler Verbeck as Reserve Grand Champion Heifer. His heifer was born March 18, 2013. Third Overall Heifer was the Champion Chianina Heifer, born Feb. 14, 2013, shown by Cole Whisman of Illinois City. Caleb Seys of Coal Valley exhibited the Fourth Overall Heifer, which was first named Champion Maintainer Heifer and was born Jan. 2, 2013. Fifth Overall Heifer was the Reserve Champion Angus Heifer shown by Lizzie Schafer of Owaneco. Her heifer was born May 2, 2013.

Reserve Grand Champion Heifer, Tyler Verbeck of Cambridge
Top Five Heifers

Also competing for the Grand Champion Heifer title were the Champion AOB Heifer led by Sydney Wisnefski of Wyoming and born April 12, 2013, the Champion Maine Anjou Heifer exhibited by Derek Richie of Buckingham and born March 6, 2013, the Champion Red Angus Heifer was born Jan. 26, 2013 and led by Paige VanDyke of Louisville, the Champion Limousin Heifer was shown by Duncan Smith of Macomb and born Feb. 18, 2013, the Champion Commercial Heifer was led by Tyler Verbeck of Cambridge, the Champion Polled Hereford Heifer was born April 6, 2013 and shown by Rhett Lowderman of Macomb, the Champion Horned Hereford Heifer was exhibited by Korbin Collins of Flanagan and born Jan. 9, 2013, the Champion High Percent Simmental Heifer was shown by Jake Bloomberg of Berwick and born Jan. 11, 2013, the Champion Shorthorn Heifer was led by Cole Whisman of Illinois City and born Jan. 1. 2013, and the Champion ShorthornPlus Heifer was exhibited by Sara Pieper of Stewardson and born Feb. 22, 2013.

Thanks to long-time Illinois Beef Expo sponsors M.H. Eby and Stephens Trailer Sales of Taylorville, all breed champions in the Illinois Beef Expo Junior Heifer Show were awarded additional premium monies.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Youth named IBA Points Show Program winners at 2014 Illinois Beef Expo

Junior showmen were recognized as the 2013 Illinois Beef Association (IBA) Points Show Program winners at the 2014 Illinois Beef Expo on Feb. 22, 2014 in Springfield. The IBA Points Show Program awards youth for success in the show ring at sanctioned cattle shows throughout the state. Jacob Hinshaw of Secor was named the 2013 Overall IBA Points Show Program winner and won the use of a trailer for one-year which was sponsored by Jim Shiels, owner of Gateway Featherlite Trailer Sales in Pana.

Hinshaw Family

The Top Ten Heifer Points Show Program winners were Lucas Wisnefski of Wyoming, Brady Schnelten of Rockbridge, Kagney Collins of Flanagan, Tyler Drach of Pontiac, Morgan Kramer of Farina, James Johnson of Niantic, Korbin Collins of Flanagan, Tyler Adcock of Moweaqua, Kendi Sayre of Arenzville, and Nathan Clark of Kenney.


Top Ten Heifer Points Show Program Winners

The Top Ten Steer Points Show Program winners were Jacob Hinshaw of Secor, Alex Rueter of Winchester, Nelson England of Oneida, Riley Johnson of Lee, Krista Zueger of Stockton, Brian Clapp of Leroy, Levi Hinshaw of Secor, Colin Kadell of Jerseyville, Jacob Thompson of Jacksonville, and Cade Hinshaw of Hudson.

Top Ten Steer Points Show Program Winners

Youth compete for top awards in Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging contest

On Feb. 22, 4-H and FFA teams vied for champion honors in the Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging Contest in Springfield. The winning FFA team was Pearl City FFA. The winning 4-H team was Henry/Stark.
Contestants judged six classes of livestock containing four animals each. Classes included both breeding and market beef animals. In addition, contestants answered questions on three classes.
Overall FFA team placings are as follows:
5th - Pearl City FFA
4th - Newton FFA
3rd - Lewiston FFA
2nd - Cambridge FFA
1st - Illini West/Rockridge/Liberty FFA

Pictured l to r: Taylor Johnson, Rylee Derrer of Illini West/Rockridge/Liberty FFA
Overall Top 10 FFA individual placings are as follows:
10th - Paige Kannall, Highland
9th - Andrew Baer, Tremont
8th - Katie Krumholz
7th - Taylor Johnson, Illini West, Rockridge, Liberty
6th - Tyler Lentz, Illini West, Rockridge, Liberty
5th - Jacob Lidy, Newton
4th - Rylee Derrer, Illini West, Rockridge, Liberty
3rd - Megan Reed, Cambridge
2nd - Kaitlyn Hildebrand, LaMoille
1st - Jacob Postin, Lewistown

Pictured l to r front row: Hildebrand, Reed, Lidy. Back row: Johnson, Krumholz, Kannall

Overall 4-H team placings are as follows:
5th - Knox Co.
4th - Mercer Co.
3rd - Marion Co.
2nd - McLean Co.
1st - Henry/Stark
Overall Top 10 4-H individual placings are as follows:
10th - Morghan Davison, Geneseo
9th - Mason Flack, Knox Co.
8th - Carson Goff, McLean Co.
7th - Matt Marion
6th - Jacob Hinshaw, McLean Co.
5th - Cole Thomas, Mercer Co.
4th - Layna Bond, Franklin Co.
3rd - John Gellerman, Sangamon/Menard
2nd - Adrian Austin, Marion Co.
1st - Adam Gradert, Henry/Stark

Pictured l to r front row: Gradert, Austin, Gellerman, Bond, Thomas. Back row: Goff, Flack, Davison

Overall Top Ten individuals Junior 4-H Division:
10th - Anna Hannon, Jasper Co.
9th - Clayton Miller, St. Elmo
8th - Case Hennenfent, Knox Co.
7th - Ann Weber, Mercer Co.
6th - Sawyer Schlief
5th - Tori Allen
4th - Kinze Goodman, Jasper Co.
3rd - Evan Wynne, Mercer Co.
2nd - Eric Schafer
1st - Sheridan Hank, Mercer Co.

Pictured l to r front row: Hank, Wynne, Goodman, Allen. Back row: Weber, Hennenfent, Hannon

Youth compete for top awards in Illinois Beef Expo quiz bowl contest

The Illinois Beef Expo has a long standing tradition of emphasizing youth education. On Feb. 22, youth vied for champion honors in the Illinois Beef Expo quiz bowl in Springfield. Olivia Claire of Watseka took top honors in the senior division and Wyatt Claire of Watseka won the junior division.
The purpose of this event is to promote youth development and personal growth through increased knowledge of the beef industry, and to encourage more young beef producers in agriculture while improving their decision-making abilities. The contest consisted of two phases; skillathon work stations and management tests. A cumulative total of both phases determined the winners.
Top Five placings in the Senior Division are as follows:
5th - Katie Miller, Cambridge
4th - Katie Krumholz, Eureka
3rd - Kaylie Huizenga, Morrison
2nd - Jacob Lidy, Newton
1st - Olivia Claire, Watseka

5th - Katie Miller, Cambridge; 4th - Katie Krumholz, Eureka; 3rd - Kaylie Huizenga, Morrison; 2nd - Jacob Lidy, Newton; 1st - Olivia Claire, Watseka; Alan Adams, IBA President

Top Five placings in the Junior Division are as follows:
5th - Dalton Engel, Galesburg
4th - Addison Keltner, Pearl City
3rd - Connor Travis, Olney
2nd - Brayden Freeman, Winchester
1st - Wyatt Claire, Watseka

5th - Dalton Engel, Galesburg; 4th - Addison Keltner, Pearl City; 3rd - Connor Travis, Olney
2nd - Brayden Freeman, Winchester; 1st - Wyatt Claire, Watseka; Alan Adams, IBA President

Monday, February 17, 2014

CattleFax - Weekly Recap

The fed cattle market was $1.00 higher last week as cattle in the south sold for $142 in a limited test. The north had not traded as we went to press. Trade volumes were light in the south as many sellers resisted bids.

Boxed beef prices were lower for the week. Sale volumes increased as the week progressed, which along with another light production level last week could indicate prices are near a low.

Feeder cattle and calf values were steady for the week. Demand remained good for all classes, yet offerings remained limited due to inclimate weather in much of the country. Slaughter cows were quoted steady to $2.00 higher. Limited supplies of slaughter cows has resulted in an increased demand for trimmings, lifting cow and trimmings values higher.

Corn was modestly softer for the week.

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

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Fertilizing Forages Can Add Value in 2014

Beef cattle feeding and care have always been a critical aspect of cattle production in the Midwest. Meeting the most basic needs of livestock – adequate feed for efficient production and well-being – represents the major cost to and activity of producers.

"That makes hay and forage, the basic cattle feed, more valuable today, whether it is standing in the pasture, rolled into a bale or packed into a bunker," said Doug Hanson, ProHarvest Seeds forage seed lead and Illinois Forage and Grassland Council director. "As such, it may deserve greater attention in valuing its costs, and maximizing its use and value."

It is often said that a properly fertilized pasture or hayfield is the cheapest forage you can buy. With current land values and high input costs (seed, fertilizer, diesel fuel) it is important to get the most out of land that has been dedicated to forage production.

Historically, hay and forage have been abundant and inexpensive, but finding 1,200-pound quality round bales for $25 to $30 per bale is no longer an option. With forage values ranging from $120 to over $200 per ton it is important to manage forage production with the same intensity as corn and soybeans.

Pastures
Pastures will increase production with added fertility. Hanson recommends using use 200 pounds of ammonium sulfate in either spring or fall.  

“Mid to late August is the best time to apply ammonium sulfate in Illinois. Spring fertilizing can be done in late February through mid-March, which is around the same time that wheat is being fertilized. This fertilizer will provide around 40 pounds of nitrogen along with some sulfur,” he said. “Legumes will respond to sulfur like grasses respond to nitrogen.”

Ammonium sulfate is often the cheapest source of nitrogen and can be used in the granular or liquid forms depending on availability from your supplier. According to Hanson, encapsulated Urea (ESN) or comparable types of time released products are another good source of nitrogen. He recommends consulting your supplier if you want sulfur mixed in with your ESN.
To maximize pasture forage performance, try a mixture of legumes and grasses.

“Legumes can make up as much as 35 percent of the pasture, but I caution beef producers if grazing at this level.  With legumes, you can increase tonnage, but also the opportunity for bloat,” he said. “I would recommend more in the 20 to 25 percent range with good management.” 

If a pasture is in need of a legume, Hanson recommends adding white clover or red clover seed at the same time as spring fertilization.

“Three to five pounds of a good white clover (not dutch white clover) is more than enough.  If using red clover I would go with eight to 12 pounds,” he said. “A mix of three pounds white and five pounds red is a good way to hedge your opportunity. I have seen years where one type of clover will do better one year and the other type will do better the next.  Therefore, this reduces risk and provides more variety in the pasture.”

It’s important to plant early, and provide good weed control and fertility to increase yield potential.

Hay Fields
Two hundred pounds of ammonium sulfate applied to a grass alfalfa mix hay field is an excellent way to increase hay tonnage and create more healthy roots. The alfalfa will respond to the sulfur and it will respond to the nitrogen early in the season before nitrogen fixation takes place. The grasses will also respond to the nitrogen.

If a hayfield is under-performing, it is best to add grasses or red clover in the fall. It will compete against the existing plants better and will have minimal weed pressure. 

“If you realize after first cutting that a field suffered a high percentage of winter kill it is going to be too late to help the hay field for the rest of the summer and it will probably be economically wise to terminate the field after the first cutting,” Hanson said. “Terminating the hay field and planting it to a high quality summer annual could yield anywhere from six to 10 tons of good quality feed. If you add your first cutting tonnage to that number you will see why summer annuals can really help meet a farms forage needs.”

He adds that a normal producing hay field will yield three to six tons of hay depending on management, soil type and Mother nature. Approximately 45 percent to 55 percent of the yield is in the first cutting. Therefore, taking one and one-half to two tons of hay and then using a summer annual and getting another six to 10 tons of feed can be a no brainier.

Hanson adds to consider planting a high yielding summer annual that can be grazed or harvested such as Brown Mid-Rib (BMR) Sorghum Sudan Grass, Sudan hybrids and Hybrid Pearl Millet.

Cover Crops
Cover Crops by nature are designed to scavenger nutrients. They can be an excellent tool for doing so, but if you are planning on harvesting a cover crop for forage you may need to add fertility.  

Hanson shares an example of a family in 2013 that planted and harvested 100 acres of winter rye. It was on their poorest ground which also has poor drainage. It was treated like most cover crops and did not receive fertilizer. They made baleage from all 100 acres and harvested 420 bales. He admits that this is a lot of feed, but the family was actually hoping for more tonnage and it could have yielded 50 percent to 75 percent more if it had been fertilized.  Another family planted 10 acres of winter rye in a field next their cattle barn and this field was popular for spreading manure. Their field yielded 80 bales, which is twice the production of the first family. They did not add fertility in 2013, but all the years of spreading manure is better than any source of synthetic fertilizer and this is where cattle producers have a real advantage. Hanson was able to view both fields the day before they were harvested and it was apparent that added fertility is important in producing quality forage and it also has a direct relationship to tonnage.


“In order to increase our chances at profitability, cattle producers must reduce feed costs and this can be done most effectively through aggressive management of our forages. The best returns from pasture fertilization will depend on effective utilization through well-managed livestock and forage programs,” he said. “Fertilization is important in any efficient, highly productive forage program.”


Monday, February 10, 2014

FREE BQA Certification for Producers

Are you doing your part for the beef industry by earning your BQA certification? Well, if you aren’t certified, have we got a deal for you!

For a second year, your checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is giving you the chance to become certified for free thanks to a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) and the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) housed at Kansas State University. The cost of BQA certification is normally $25 to $50; however, from Feb. 3, through April 15, 2014, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) will defray the cost of the certification or recertification, making it free. Visit www.bqa.org/team or www.BIVI-BQA.com to get started.

“BQA provides cattlemen with practical management tools they need to produce safe, high-quality beef for our consumers, says Ryan Ruppert, senior director of Beef Quality Assurance. “BQA also helps discover practices which can improve efficiency and ultimately, profitability.”

The BQA online programs are customized for cow/calf, stocker, feedlot and dairy operations. Developed and managed by the independent Beef Cattle Institute, these easy-to-use modules teach sound management techniques that can be applied to their operations. They also help cattle operations tell their story to consumers who might not understand all of the safety measures cattlemen take in producing the food on the table.


CattleFax - Weekly Recap

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

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Steering Your Ship Through Rough Waters - Lessons on Leadership

Keynoting the opening general session of the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show was Captain Richard Phillips, the inspiration for the movie Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks. The movie is based on Phillip's book A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy Seals and Dangerous Days at Sea, a fascinating and suspenseful recounting of the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years.

It's the incredible story of a regular man who found the courage to lead his ship and save his crew while besieged by Somali pirates for five days. Phillips not only shared his compelling story as a "floating CEO" in charge of the day-to-day operations of a multi-million dollar ship and its crew, he also drew lessons from the dramatic events that can help you survive and thrive. He discussed the vital importance of leadership and teamwork, combined with a belief that power and potential of yourself and your team, as seen through the eyes of an unassuming hero who conquered one of the world's most extraordinary challenges.

Captain Phillips' Key Takeaways:

1. A successful leader must always hope for the best, but also plan for the worst.

2. As a manager, take care of the little things/details. The small things that go ignored can often become the crisis.

3. A dedicated and focused team can solve any problem.

4. Commit yourself to see a situation through - don't quit or give up.

5. You are much stronger and can do more than you think you can.

6. When you are in a tough situation, it's best to pray for stength and patience rather than rescue.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Manners Matter - The Do's and Do Not's of Processing Cattle Through a Chute

Any time you have people, animals, and machinery all in close proximity, the opportunity for an accident is present. It takes constant effort, a culture of safety and consistent training to ensure that accidents don't happen. Arn Anderson, veterinarian with Cross Timbers veterinary hospital of Bowie, Texas, shares the do's and do not's for processing cattle through a chute.

So how does safety become a part of your operation's culture? According to Anderson, it starts with an emphasis by management backed up by the "five P's".

Purpose 
Ask yourself why you are working cattle. Are you there to palpate cows, test bulls, or administer a vaccine? You will likely get bad manners from your crew and see bad attitudes in your cattle if you process through the chute with more than one purpose. It's important to identify that purpose and make it known to everyone involved - communicate and start your day with everyone on the same page.

Planning
Anderson joked that if your goal is to work 1,500-pound bulls through a chute with a head gate attached by duct tape and zip ties you might be in for a rude awakening when the head gate won't hold to the chute. Planning and preparation are key to prevent the scenario above.

"Make sure your chute is functioning properly, you have the vaccinations needed, and etc.," Anderson said. "And in my neck of the woods we walk handling facility alleyways to check for rattlesnakes." 

Part of planning is also training people that help with processing so they understand what is expected. Your purpose and your plan shouldn't be a secret.

People 
Anderson said you are who you run with and working with inexperienced people certainly won't lead to an efficient process. Two issues Anderson often experiences is there are too many people or not enough people to do the job and that no one knows who's the boss. It's important to figure out who is leading the process to avoid confusion.

Paying attention
"For me, it involved my mom's hand and the back of my head. In church, I often saw the light when the back of her hand came across that pew," Anderson said. "Distractions and not paying attention often lead to simple mistakes becoming dangerous situations."

He stressed the importance of eliminating things from the job scene that can distract you and your crew's ability to pay attention - cell phone, cow dog, children, and tennage boys with tennage girls. 

Politeness
There is no excuse for rudeness. The person in charge is the one that sets the standards for the crew and operation. 

"Standards for purpose, planning, and paying attention will draw the line for what is considered polite. Politeness at the chute is what's going to make your whole operation work smoothly," Anderson said.

He recommends establishing a rhythm and not switching jobs until the person in charge requests it.

Putting safety into practice allows workers to learn to be proactive in times of risk or danger rather than reactive.

Demonstrate perseverance and a positive attitude toward implementing the "five P's" the next time you're processing cattle through a chute. Today's circumstances require us to train consistently and effectively to preserve a way of like that is under increased scrutiny.








CattleFax Projections Include Improved Weather Conditions and Record Prices

Cattlemen and women gathered today at the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show to hear CattleFax market analysts’ projections for the year ahead. Creighton University Professor Emeritus Art Douglas told the audience he expects improved moisture conditions in the majority of the United States, including improvements of the drought-affected areas of the west coast.

As precipitation returns back to more normal levels for the 2014 growing season, CattleFax predicts farmers in the U.S. should grow an adequate corn crop to build the carry over supply. The improved corn supplies should assure lower corn/input costs over the next 12-24 months, according to CattleFax Grain Market Analyst Mike Murphy.

“The lower input cost will have a direct correlation to improved feeder cattle and calf values in 2014 and with continued  help from Mother Nature, we will be in better shape with regard to hay supply and prices moving forward,” Murphy said.

Global Market Specialist Brett Stuart indicated that beef exports are expected to be near even in 2014 with record high prices being the limiting factor. At the same time, expectations are for beef imports to be near even, despite the need for 90 percent trim due to the expected lower non-fed slaughter rates in the U.S. The driving factor for stagnant imports is the growth of China demand for global beef which will continue to divert beef from Australia into the China market and away from the U.S. market.

CattleFax Senior Analyst Kevin Good indicated the combination of improved moisture conditions resulting in lower input costs and record high calf values should lead to beef cow herd expansion beginning in 2014.

Beef production in the U.S. will fall, with per-capita supply declining 4.5 percent. However, he said the pork and poultry supplies are expected to increase, leaving total meat supplies near even. CattleFax projects the Retail Beef Demand Index will improve by one percent due to continued modest economic growth.

“As we think about our consumers today, not only domestically but globally, they’re a lot more diverse than they have been in past,” Good said. “We’ve got different customers with different preferences and different pockets books.”

Good said because of the continued tighter feeder cattle supply, the margin segments of the beef production system, both feed yards and packers, will struggle with excess capacity. Look for continued closure of both packing and feeding entities over the next 12-24 months.

Prices are expected to average $135 compared to $126 during 2013, an increase of seven percent. Yearling prices are expected to average $168, an increase of 13 percent from the 2013 average of $146. According to Good, calf prices will average $193, up 13 percent from last year’s average of $168.

“After years of tightening supplies, the cow-calf sector will again remain in the driver’s seat during 2014,” Good said.

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach summarized the year ahead by saying almost all segments of the production chain will be profitable, although margin operators will continue to face challenges over the next few years.

Blach remains optimistic for the long-term cattle industry as the profit incentives will result in a larger U.S. cattle herd over the next five years, creating business opportunities for those willing to adapt to a dynamic and changing business environment.

“You can start to see the globalization of the protein markets from the 1990’s on,” Blach said. “We have the most efficient production system in the world and we are the largest exporter of protein onto the global market.”

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

2014 Cattle Industry Convention Kicks Off in Nashville

More than 6,200 cattlemen and women from across the country are registered to attend the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef AssociationTrade Show, which kicked off today at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The convention, which will run through Feb. 7, is the largest annual gathering of the beef industry.

NCBA President Scott George said Nashville is always one of the best-attended locations and this convention will be no exception.

“Nashville is a legendary city known for its rural roots and country music scene and this week America’s cattlemen and women are taking the city by storm. We’re here to highlight some of the successes of the past year while also setting goals and priorities for what lies ahead,” George said. “From today’s Cattlemen’s College sessions to the many other educational events that will take place over the next three days, cattlemen and women will have the opportunity to hear directly from the experts about how to sustain and improve their operations.”

This year the Trade Show will not only be larger, but will feature more educational and entertainment opportunities for attendees. On the Trade Show floor will be two education areas, including a demonstration area with live animals to provide hands-on instruction. New this year is the NCBA Learning Lounge, which will feature 30-minute educational sessions to provide attendees valuable educational tips from industry experts in informal, face-to-face, technology-friendly classroom settings.

Following Cattlemen’s College, exciting keynote speeches at the general sessions, and a record-breaking Trade Show, convention goers will have the opportunity to attend committee meetings and take part in the grassroots policy development.

“The grassroots policy process is the backbone and the strength of NCBA. It’s important our producers voice is heard and this week cattlemen will come together to discuss policy priorities that will lay the groundwork for the next year,” said George. “From cattle health and the environment, to marketing and tax policy issues, there will be many critical issues addressed this week.”

Stay tuned to the IBA blog for updates throughout the convention.