Mississippi Cattlemen's Association

Washington Conference

During the Washington Spring Conference, Jacob Megehee met with Senator Roger Wicker to discuss concerns over a proposed EPA rule that would move many water bodies from state oversight to the federal agency under the Clean Water Act.
Trade issues and importation of Brazilian beef were also topics of concern.

Winona Board Sale

Twenty loads of feeder cattle sold April 1 at Winona Stockyard in the annual Cattlemen's Exchange Feeder Calf Board Sale.
Approximately 1,100 head sold for an average of $1,230 per head with one lot of 875 lb. steers selling for $1,439 per head. The complete sale report is available online.

Farm Bill Programs Roll Out

FSA Schmidt

In last week's meeting with Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs Mike Schmidt, he outlined procedures for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, slated to begin signup tomorrow.

The program will cover grazing losses dating back to October, 2011.

Under the new Farm Bill, the program will be ongoing, therefore not experiencing the delays in assistance common in past years. Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Contact your local FSA office for details.

Glazed Tri-Tip Roast with Gorgonzola Sauce

Throw that dish towel over your shoulder like a cape.

Then wipe those hands and take a bow 'cause you're the hero tonight.

Total recipe time: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Serves: 6 to 8

Control weeds with Grazon Next HL

Jr. Hereford Association

The Miss. Junior Hereford Association will sponsor a steak cookout on Friday, April 18, at King CPA in Petal.
Proceeds will support exhibitors attending the National Junior Hereford Expo this summer.
For more information, call 601-441-0953.

Ryegrass Hay Blog

In his blog from the South MS Branch Experiment Station, Dr. Daniel Rivera discusses ryegrass hay quality.

Making Tracks 2014

MJCA members are invited to attend the Wax Junior Leadership Camp June 16 - 18 at Mississippi State University.
Check the May issue of Cattle Business in Mississippi magazine for the Making Tracks application.

Save The Dates! Cattlemen's College

Cattlemen's College will be held August 27 and 28.

4.14.14

DCJ Ranch
Complete Brangus
Herd Dispersal
April 16

Cattle Market

Notes

Dr. John Michael Riley

April 11, 2014

Cash Cattle:

Fed cattle cash prices slid lower again this week. The five-area fed steer price came in Friday at $149.32 for live sales, down $2.11, while dressed steers were at $240.29, down $3.19 versus two weeks ago. Once again, state-level cash markets did not record enough trade by mid-Friday for a trend to be called.
Feeder and stocker steers and heifers in Oklahoma City were steady to $2 higher, feeder and stocker heifers were $2-$3 higher, and calves were steady. In Mississippi auction markets, feeder steers were $10 lower, feeder heifers were mixed, and all calves and stockers were mostly steady. Cull cows were $2 lower while bulls were $4-6 lower.
[ ... For Livestock Prices and Production data and trends CLICK HERE ... ]

Futures:

Cattlefutures moved higher this week despite there being limited positive news bouncing around. First, boxed beef cannot seem to find it's footing which has added the most significant pressure to cash and futures prices up until this week. Second, equity markets continue to decline, which typically signals weakness at the consumer level. Never the less, cattle futures were able to shake these and move higher largely due to support from limited supplies, exports that remain strong, and higher wholesale prices from competitors pork and chicken. A bit of good news did surface Friday with the monthly Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey showing an improvement to 82.6 compared to 80.0 last month and an expected 81.0 reading.
Corn futures lost some of their steam. Wednesday's supply and deamand report from USDA revealed few bushels expected to be carried over at the end of the current marketing year (ends in August). Dr. Williams has more detail on that report (CLICK HERE).

Beef:

Wholesale beef continued to move lower throughout the week. Choice boxed beef averaged $225.50 for the week, down $6.63. Select averaged $214.99, down $7.09.