August 3, 2020 | Vol. 13 : No. 7
As part of its commitment to ensuring fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat and poultry industries, the USDA released a report July 22 on its ongoing boxed-beef and fed-cattle price spread investigation. Industry reactions were mixed.
At the start of 2020, sentiment among American farmers was generally optimistic. The first phase of the U.S.-China trade agreement was underway with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement right behind it. Farmer sentiment reached a record high in February, and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue stated that Market Facilitation Program payments would likely not be needed this year.
With temperatures hitting triple digits and more children anxious to be outside, swimming pools, lakes, beaches and water parks will be seeing more activity as water-related recreational opportunities again become more available. But along with social distancing and taking other safety precautions related to COVID-19, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts say people need to remember the importance of water safety, especially for younger children.
Cattle producers typically do a good job of caring for their cattle, but they usually have room to improve in their marketing. The cattle industry has many uncertainties. Given the risks, thin or negative margins, and need for efficiency, it can be difficult to develop a good marketing plan, or to know when to tweak it.
The year 2020 has already taught us a lot, though granted, the classroom has not been very pleasant so far.
Like most, I started into this calendar year making resolutions, setting goals and making commitments to be better than I was the year before. I am a planner by nature, so this all comes pretty easy for me. In fact, I actually like the process. I find it rewarding to map out my goals and work backward to put things in place that will hopefully lead me to that successful end. If done correctly, I review that plan on a regular basis, evaluate my progress and adjust as needed.
The American Angus Association recently named Troy Marshall director of commercial industry relations. Marshall’s rich experience in the beef industry combined with his industry knowledge make him a natural fit to connect with commercial producers who use Angus genetics targeting the cow-calf, stocker and feeder segments.
Rural industries are grappling with how to adjust their businesses to remain relevant and sustainable in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Agricultural supply chains have been massively disrupted and have lost revenue. Water and power suppliers have adapted as commercial customers went dark and demand shifted to residential customers.
