MARKETING...
Feeding Cull Cows Prior to Sale
May Add Value
K-State specialist gives tips aimed at boosting ranch revenues.
Every year beef cattle producers have to make decisions about how to handle cows that didn’t become pregnant. Most producers simply sell the animals after pregnancy check. However, it’s possible that with a little more investment, they can provide more revenue to their operation, according to Kansas State University (K-State) professor Chris Reinhardt.
Cull females make up around 20% of ranch revenues, he said. Through proper marketing, it is possible to add value before selling the animals. Read more.
In the Cattle Markets
Election 2016 – What does it mean for the cattle markets?
Last Tuesday, Donald Trump became the President-elect. Although the U.S. stock market initially declined, the losses were made up later that day and the market has continued to react positively. What will happen long-term is up for debate. The question for this report, however, is what immediate decisions President-elect Trump will make that will have long-term impacts on the cattle markets.
President-elect Trump will be making many policy decisions in the next four years; however, in my opinion, the two that will have the largest direct impact on cattle markets will be (1) the decision to not partake in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and (2) the proposed moratorium on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Read more.
Yield Grade Opportunities Detailed
System accounts for no more than 40% of red meat yield variation.
When anyone thinks about beef grading, USDA quality grades such as Prime, Choice and Select likely come to mind. Quality grades have been in effect for nearly a century, but yield grades have been required in the United States for more than 50 years.
While research continues to prove how well quality grades work, the same can’t be said for yield grades. To be fair, quality grading has been updated regularly, while today’s yield grade (YG) system is exactly the same as what went into effect in 1965.
West Texas A&M University animal scientist Ty Lawrence explained the issues at this summer’s Feeding Quality Forums (FQF) in Grand Island, Neb., and Amarillo, Texas. Read more.
Evaluating Potential for Angus in Foreign Markets
International livestock marketing specialist shares insights for selling Angus genetics abroad.
President of Clayton Agri-Marketing Tony Clayton spoke to a group of Angus producers and American Angus Association members at the 2016 Angus Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 6. Clayton’s presentation was part of Angus University, a set of workshops designed to provide education and a more in-depth look at various facets of the Angus industry.
Clayton, whose business has experience exporting species including beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, hogs and sheep to 52 different countries, placed emphasis on the standard the United States has set for quality around the world.
“It is a market that the rest of the world looks on as having the very best in cattle genetics,” he said. “They want to access those genetics.” Read more.
Ginette Gottswiller
The Source
Providing opportunities for the next generation.
The opportunity to network and learn from producers and industry people is never-ending. The American Angus Association encourages youth who are involved in commercial operations to learn more about how the Angus breed can be beneficial to their operations.
Future Angus Stockmen is the program born out of that desire, and it has been a great year for two young men who plan to raise Angus cattle on their operations. Read more.
September Results Show Strong Third Quarter for Red Meat Exports
Year-to-date U.S. beef exports are well above last year.
September was another solid month for U.S. red meat exports, with pork, beef and lamb totals well above year-ago levels, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
September beef export volume was 101,224 metric tons (mt) — down slightly from August, but 27% above last September. Third-quarter volume was 307,383 mt, the largest since the fourth quarter of 2014. For January through September, export volume was 8% above last year’s pace at 848,930 mt. September export value was up 17% from a year ago to $533.3 million. For the first three quarters of 2016, export value was $4.54 billion, down 5% from a year ago. Read more.
Building a Brand
Collaboration and adjusting to change drives Oregon rancher.
“What we sell at Thomas Angus Ranch is probably pretty similar to what Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) sells, and that is primarily a brand,” said Rob Thomas of Thomas Angus Ranch in Baker City, Ore. Thomas spoke to an audience at the 2016 Angus Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., during a breakout session for the convention’s Angus University.
“We have certain expectations that we expect our cattle to meet,” he continued. “When we build a brand, we try to raise the level so high that it’s tough to get through so when we put something out there, those cattle will do the job, they’ll exceed expectations and keep that brand level where it’s at.” Read more.
Angus Calendar
To view the Angus Calendar, a complete list of Angus sales, click here.