MARKETING...
In the Cattle Markets
Take stock of decision aids associated with 'booming' calf market.
As stories about seemingly limitless demand for calves in several markets circulate and anticipation of the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Cattle Inventory Report (scheduled to be released Jan. 27) grows, it is useful to step back and take stock of available decision aids designed to practically address cattle producer decisions. For instance, many cattlemen find themselves (or their lenders) asking, "What can I afford to pay for a steer calf?" and, "What should I pay for replacement cows and heifers?"This past fall, Kevin Dhuyvetter and I released a couple of directly related resources we hope are of use and value to the industry. Read more.
Study looks at the competitive implications internationally for the U.S. beef industry based on its cattle ID and traceability status.
A recently released study led by Kansas State University economists examined the status of cattle identification (ID) and traceability systems globally. The authors found that the United States lags behind both major export and import countries in the development, implementation and adoption of cattle ID and tracing systems.
The observation of domestic cattle ID and tracing systems lagging behind a developing global standard is particularly troubling. While U.S. cattle markets in 2011 were notably boosted by growing beef exports, the comparative disadvantage regarding current ID and tracing systems puts these (and future) beef export gains at risk. Read more.
CAB Mythbusters
What they thought they knew that just ain't true.
You've heard this before: If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't so. Like in the case of low-fat ice cream that claims the same taste as the original. Don't buy it, folks. Get the real deal — trust me! But sometimes the stars line up and you get a too-good-to-be-true moment that is actually genuine. Like the rise in Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) acceptance rates. Read more.
Maximizing Profits
Thirty years of data indicate cattlemen could make more money with heavyweight calves or stockers, says a Texas AgriLife researcher.
"Rain or shine, wet or dry, do you want to make more money from your cows next year?" asks a Texas AgriLife Research forage scientist.
"It's possible, primarily as today's high-priced corn has changed the way feedlots are doing business," said Monte Rouquette, AgriLife Research forage scientist.
Traditionally, most livestock producers in East Texas and the southeastern United States have stuck to cow-calf operations, Rouquette said. In the past, calves were weaned at 350-450 pounds (lb.) and then moved directly to feedlots for finishing.
Part of this traditional calf-management strategy has to do with the price of corn used in feedlot rations. Read more.
The Source
The unofficial verification certificate: Your 'Black Friday' ad
At 5:15 a.m. on Black Friday, I was racing down the blacktop, heading out to get the deal of the day. I had called the store the night before to find out just how much they had in stock.
"No limit, and we have 20 rolls," the clerk told me. Saving $14 on 20 rolls equals $280! Whew, that was going to be the buy of the day. I wanted to be the first one to the farm store to get those 20 rolls of barbed wire.
The marketing concept of Black Friday began in the 1970s, and has since created incredible results for retail stores. Utilizing AngusSource® in your herd could be a great marketing idea, too, and it's never too soon to start thinking about marketing your calves. Read more.
November Exports Report
USMEF reports strong beef exports and record-large pork exports in November.
U.S. pork exports set another monthly volume record in November, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The export volume helped offset record-high production and provided a significant boost to pork cutout values.
November beef exports reached 105,268 metric tons valued at $456.25 million. This was steady with the October 2011 volume and up slightly in value. On a year-over-year basis, November exports were up 4% in volume and 17% in value from the very strong totals recorded in November 2010. This boosted the January-November export total 22% higher in volume than a year ago to 1.179 million metric tons, and up 35% in value to $4.944 billion. When December results become available, beef export value will eclipse the $5 billion mark for the first time ever. Read more.
New nutrient data sets for retail cuts of beef and pork recently released by ARS will make it easier for producers to provide mandated on-pack and butcher-counter-posted nutrition labeling.
New Nutrition Facts
Beef nutrient data gets update in time for implementation of new labeling requirements.
Two timely nutrient data sets provided by USDA scientists are being used by the beef and pork industries to provide new Nutrition Facts labels for their products. Federal rules require specific meat and poultry products to carry new nutrition information.
Although some retailers have already begun implementing the new rules, the original starting date of Jan. 1 has been extended to March 1, giving retailers more time for implementation. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that the new rules will make important nutrition information readily available to consumers for 40 of the most popular cuts of meat and poultry. Read more.
Angus Calendar
To view the Angus Calendar, a complete list of
Angus sales, click here.