Beef


> USDA Opening Of CRP Creates Winners And Losers
> What To Expect From Mandatory COOL
> All Is Right In The World. It’s Turn-Out Time!
> agrihayexchange.com Links Hay Buyers & Sellers
> Almost 40% Support Ban On Horse Racing
> Congress Halts Deposits In Strategic Petroleum Reserve
> Congress In Recess This Week
> Forum To Debate Food/Feed Vs. Fuel
> Fuel Prices Forcing Big Retirement Of Trucks
> Have Horse First-Aid Kit On Hand
> Implanting Growing Calves
> J.R. Simplot Passes Away
> June 3 Reopening Of South Korea Market Expected
> Legislation Aimed At Freezing RFS Introduced
> Manure Study Is Part Of Proposed Farm Bill
> OIE Frees 10 Brazilian States For Exports Of Beef
> Report Addresses Climate Change Effects On Livestock
> Senate To Consider Farm Bill Again
> Tennessee Beef & Forage Field Day Is June 12
> Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Is Aug. 4-6
> USDA Permits CRP Use For Livestock Needs
> West Coast Hits $4 Gas; Diesel Hits $5 In California






ADVERTISEMENT
Uncomplicated pre-breeding vaccinations

Vira Shield 6+VL5 HB
Use right before breeding to protect against key reproductive diseases including Vibrio and Lepto hardjo-bovis
Contains the same viral components as in Vira Shield 6





© 2008 Novartis Animal Health US, Inc.
www.livestock.novartis.com
(800)-843-3386

Vira Shield is a registered trademark of Novartis AG. Vira Shield logo and wordmark are trademarks of Novartis AG.
Our Perspective
USDA Opening Of CRP Creates Winners And Losers


For drought-stricken producers in the Southeast and other areas, the announcement by USDA Secretary Ed Schafer that USDA had authorized the opening up of 24 million Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres – once the nesting season for grass-nesting birds is completed – was a welcome reprieve.

Of course, this announcement – seemingly like all other government announcements of late – was in direct opposition to stated National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and industry policy, thus making the decision quite controversial. For whatever reason, USDA made no corresponding reduction in CRP payments for allowing the haying or grazing, which creates an uneven playing field for those without CRP ground to graze, or those who are selling hay, etc.

NCBA had been working hard for the opening up of CRP, but under conditions equitable for all producers. While it’s not a revolutionary concept outside of the Beltway, it still seems to be beyond Washington’s grasp that someone has to pay when you give something away.

Once again, the government fails to understand that policy aims aren't achievable in the absence of well-thought policy that understands real-world applications.
– Troy Marshall


What To Expect From Mandatory COOL


With a new farm bill now on the books, USDA soon should be rolling out all of the important info on mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) so that producers can begin preparing for the implementation data. While important, deadlines and details probably aren't what most producers are really curious to know, however.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this story by Troy Marshall


All Is Right In The World. It’s Turn-Out Time!


Have you ever thought about those times when everything is right in the world? I'm not talking about those glorious moments when you get baptized, your child is born or gets married, or even those times when you achieved something you thought you couldn’t. I'm talking about those day-to-day moments when you somehow realize you are on the right chosen path.

I get that feeling every year about this time. Sure, we could use a good rain and a few other things, but young calves, green grass, kids on horseback, and turning out of the bulls is one of those times for me.

We’re just finishing up AI season, and as I was pulling out what amounted to about 1/3 of a roll of paper towels that had ended up in my shirt on the last day, I just looked down at them, and realized why this is such a special time of year. It’s a season of new hope and beginnings.

I hope you have a wonderful summer with family, friends and your cows, and that you will have no need for fencing pliers all summer long.
– Troy Marshall



agrihayexchange.com Links Hay Buyers & Sellers


If you’re short on hay, or have a surplus, visit AgriHayExchange.com, a website dedicated to providing hay for sale and hay-wanted listings for the U.S. and Canada. Browsing the site is free, or register online and receive a free, 30-day trial of the listing features of the site. Registration also provides contact info for the potential buyers and sellers and additional details on their products.
-- Hay & Forage Grower magazine




ADVERTISEMENT
A solid business relationship powered by Angus. Rely on the power of Angus data, industry leading technology, continuing research and unmatched value-added marketing opportunities. Angus, the power of people and progress. www.angus.org




Almost 40% Support Ban On Horse Racing


In the wake of Eight Belles' euthanasia following injuries in the recent Kentucky Derby, a Gallup poll (www.gallup.com/poll/107293/PostDerby-Tragedy-38-Support-Banning-Animal-Racing.aspx) reveals that almost four in 10 Americans (38%) say they would favor banning sports that involve competition between animals.

Women were slightly more in favor of banning racing than men, and those 18 to 29 favored a ban slightly more than older age groups. There was little difference in these attitudes by church attendance or by political party. Results were based on telephone interviews, with 1,017 national adults 18 and up, conducted May 8-11.

In addition to the question about banning horse and dog racing, Gallup's annual Values and Beliefs survey updated a broader question about the treatment of animals, last asked in 2003. A quarter of Americans said animals deserve the same rights as humans, while almost all of the rest agreed animals should be given some protection from harm and exploitation.

Gallup reported that the aforementioned attitude toward the treatment of animals is virtually the same as it was five years ago.
-- Bloodhorse.com


Congress Halts Deposits In Strategic Petroleum Reserve


Congress has temporarily halted oil deposits in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The legislation temporarily suspends the filling of the SPR through the end of this year as long as crude oil remains above $75/barrel.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), sponsor of the legislation, said, “This is a step in the right direction to put downward pressure on gas prices. With gas prices around $4/gal. and oil over $120/barrel, it makes no sense to be putting 70,000 barrels of oil underground every day, especially when the SPR is 97% full. When the American consumer is being burned at the stake of higher gas prices, the government should not be carrying the wood.\"
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C. correspondent


Congress In Recess This Week


Congress is taking this week off for the Memorial Day recess. When Congress returns, the first issue will be to complete the 2008 farm bill including the trade title. There are a number of other issues to be considered for June and July. These include: Amtrak, fiscal year 2009 appropriations, overhauling the Consumer Product Safety Commission, housing, higher education, mental health parity, Iraq war spending, etc.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C. correspondent




ADVERTISEMENT
FREE RED BRAND METAL SIGN

Let the neighbors know you trust the best. Now you can proudly display your commitment to quality. This metal sign easily attaches to your fence with the provided metal snap rings or you can secure it to a wood post. To receive your free sign go to www.redbrand.com/sign - complete the form and we will mail you up to 4 signs. To learn more about how Red Brand can work for you, visit www.redbrand.com or call 800-447-6444 today.

Forum To Debate Food/Feed Vs. Fuel


Bringing balance to the discussion and providing an objective analysis of the food and feed versus fuel debate is the goal of the Texas Ag Forum, June 9 in Austin. The Forum will feature the results of recent analysis conducted at major research universities and presentations from university experts, livestock and farm groups, and biofuels representatives. For info, go to agforum.tamu.edu.
-- Texas A&M University release


Fuel Prices Forcing Big Retirement Of Trucks


An article in the New York Times this week cited a report by America’s Commercial Transportation Research group that says 45,000 tractors, or more than 3% of the nation’s tractor fleet, have departed from U.S. highways since early last year, reports landlinemag.com. That surpasses the early ’80s shakeout when deregulation, a recession, high interest rates and the second Arab oil embargo resulted in the loss of 33,000 tractors.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this story by Joe Roybal


Have Horse First-Aid Kit On Hand


In the wake of the tornadoes that hit northern Colorado last week, and the number of horses that were treated in the field and at the Colorado State University (CSU) vet hospital, CSU veterinarians recommend horse owners keep a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand to prepare for emergencies.

If your horse is injured, call your vet for evaluation and treatment. Until the vet arrives, be prepared to take action with a first-aid kit that includes bandage materials to treat cuts and stop any bleeding. In addition, have pain medications on hand, such as phenylbutazone (bute) or Banamine and make sure your horses are current on their vaccines, especially tetanus. Shock and dehydration are additional concerns during emergencies. Horses that are sha