MU FAPRI delivers 2011 agricultural economic baseline to U.S. Congress.
Food prices could increase by more than 4% in 2011 as the farm sector recovers from a sharp downturn in the recession, University of Missouri (MU) economists reported to Congress. The MU Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) presented its annual report to legislators, Monday, March 7. The annual MU FAPRI baseline shows net farm income may reach a record $99 billion in 2011.
"After two years of very subdued U.S. food price inflation, food prices may increase by 4.2%," said Pat Westhoff, director of MU FAPRI. "Projected food inflation drops to 2%, a level matching overall inflation, after 2012." Read more.
GHG Deadline Extended
EPA issues extension to greenhouse gas reporting deadline.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that extends the deadline for reporting 2010 data under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program to Sept. 30, 2011. The original deadline was March 31, 2011.
Under the GHG Reporting Program, entities required to submit data must register with the electronic GHG reporting tool (e-GGRT) no later than 60 days before the reporting deadline. With this reporting deadline extension, the new deadline for registering with e-GGRT is Aug. 1, 2011. Read more.
Jerry Cassady
Association Perspective
The magic number!
Years ago, when I was in grade school, we would often watch educational short cartoon clips known as Schoolhouse Rock on Saturday mornings. One particular message focused on the number three, where "Three" was a magic number. As I matured it was clear to me that there was nothing magic about the number three; it was simply a catchy song that helped young people learn mathematics.
Today it seems that in the arena of beef cattle selection we place an overabundance of emphasis on certain "magic numbers" in order to create the next generation of Angus-sired calves. Here's a good example. It has been my experience here in the Midwest that one standout "magic number" is an expected progeny difference (EPD) for birth weight of +2 pounds (lb.). This benchmark seems to be the line in the sand for many seedstock and commercial producers alike; bulls above this magic number are quickly overlooked regardless of other numerical or phenotypic strengths they may offer. Is the entire industry breeding all virgin heifers that are genetically predisposed to dystocia problems? Read more.
See reader's comments about this article.
Save the Date
National Angus Conference & Tour is set for Sept. 6-8 in Athens, Ga.
There are a host of details in the works, but the date is set for the 2011 National Angus Conference & Tour (NAC&T) in Athens, Ga. Mark your calendars for Sept. 6-8 to attend the one-day conference and two-day tour. Purina Mills LLC will sponsor the event.
The Georgia Angus Association will host the tour, which will actually kick off after the conference Sept. 6. The tour will feature Angus herds and turn a spotlight on some of Georgia's rich agricultural diversity and history.
"We are excited to showcase the Southeast and the agricultural diversity that Georgia has to offer," says Shelia Stannard, director of activities and events for the Association. "Not only is Georgia great at producing some top Angus genetics, it also grows so many other great stops with a rich heritage and diverse ag setting."
The early registration deadline is Aug. 1; final registration is Aug. 15. Watch for more information at www.angus.org in the near future or contact the Activities Department at 816-383-5100.
Editor's Note: If you've never attended the NAC&T, visit www.nationalangusconference.com to see what you've missed. Angus Productions Inc. (API) has provided online coverage of the event since 2000.
Ranch Management Training
NMSU to host youth ranch management camp at Valles Caldera National Preserve.
The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service is seeking youth ages 15 through 19 to participate in a unique summer experience June 5-10 at the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Twenty-five youth will be selected to attend the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp where they will receive training in all aspects of ranch management.
"The camp is tailored to be one of the most unique educational experiences these kids may ever see, even in their college career," said Manny Encinias, NMSU Extension beef cattle specialist. "Ranching is an aging industry. People who own and manage ranches are getting up in age. The question now is who is going to fill their boots. Hopefully, this camp will be an opportunity for young people to see that there are career opportunities in this area of agri-business." 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:
• Thinking About Summer Calving?
• There's No Quick Fix to Bull Fertility
• Marry Implants and Quality Goals
• Beef Cows Don't Need Dairy-Quality Alfalfa
• U of M Launches Animal Trauma Center
• Earthquake in Northern Japan Sends Ripples Around the World
• Adding, Capturing Calf Value
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 e-List archive.
Search Under Way for America's
Farmers Mom of the Year
Winner to receive $7,500 cash prize.
Behind every American farm family is the backbone of the operation: the farm mom. Monsanto is honoring her contributions to her family, farm, community and industry with the 2011 America's Farmers Mom of the Year program.
Applications will be accepted through Mother's Day at AmericasFarmers.com. Five regional winners will be announced May 16, when winners' profiles and nominations will be posted on the website. Each regional winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize from Monsanto, and the farm mom receiving the most online votes by May 26 will receive an additional $2,500 and the title of America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2011.
To be eligible, a mom must be at least 18 years of age and work on a working farm or livestock operation. Anyone can submit a nomination by visiting the America's Farmers website and explaining in 300 words or fewer how their favorite farm mom embodies the farm family way of life. Nominations will be judged by Monsanto and American Agri-Women (AAW), a national coalition of women's farmer, ranch and agribusiness organizations.
Complete eligibility requirements and official rules for America's Farmers Mom of the Year can be obtained online at www.AmericasFarmers.com or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year Program, 914 Spruce Street, Saint Louis, MO 63102.
Truth and Consequences
Extension event targets youth prescription drug abuse.
Five years ago, young adults in Clinton County, Ky., were dying at an alarming rate due to prescription drug abuse. Community leaders decided something had to be done to curb substance abuse among local youth. Subsequently, they developed Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours.
The event is based on the concept of the 4-H reality store. Students are given a scenario, then visit with different community leaders to find out how that scenario would play out in real life. However, in this case, the scenario is related to prescription drug abuse, and the community leaders involved include school officials, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and health care officials. All frequently deal with the effects of prescription drug abuse in their jobs. Read more.
[Click here to go to the top of the page.]