Japan-U.S. Agriculture Agreement Could Help U.S. Catch Up to Global Competitors

Farmers, ranchers and many others involved in U.S. agriculture are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a mini-trade deal between the United States and Japan, a long-time, steady customer of U.S. ag products. Over the last 20 years, ag exports to Japan averaged $10.7 billion, dropped only once below $8 billion ($7.9 billion in 2005), and reached $12.9 billion in 2018. Japan is already the fourth-largest buyer of U.S. farm and ranch goods –…

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Secretary Perdue Statement on Signing of US-Japan Trade Agreement

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding the signing of the new United States-Japan Trade Agreement:   “This agreement between the United States and Japan is a better deal for the entire U.S. economy, but is a particularly big win for our farmers and ranchers. When I visited Japan in May for the G20, I made it clear that the U.S. is Japan’s best customer and we felt…

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South Dakota: Feed Situation

Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, Ness School of Management & Economics, South Dakota State University Large rainfall events have made it a challenging growing season in South Dakota and neighboring states. The quantity and quality of feed from pastures and crops have been affected. The resulting feed situation is influenced by both local and national factors. Cattle inventories are expected to be constant to slightly lower locally and nationally, meaning steady…

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Cattle Handling and Carcass Value

Steve Boyles, OSU Beef Extension Specialist Utilization of proper cattle handling is key. It can eliminate carcass bruising and the presence of dark cutters. Although the industry has observed a decrease in the presence of carcass bruising according to the 2016 National Beef Quality Audit results, the “2016 Lost Opportunities in Beef Production” publication indicated that carcass bruising cost the industry approximately $62.15 million. Additionally, the presence of dark cutters cost the beef…

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Study Shows Premium in Cattle from BQA Certified Producers

While producers have traditionally participated in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) because it’s the right thing to do, there is sound research that indicates BQA certified producers can benefit financially as well. According to a recent study by the Beef Checkoff-funded BQA program and conducted by Colorado State University (CSU), results show a significant premium for calves and feeder cattle sold through video auction markets. The research study “Effect of Mentioning BQA in Lot…

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Valuing Standing Oat or Spring Triticale Cover Crops for Feed

– Mark Sulc, Extension Forage Agronomist, Dianne Shoemaker, Extension Field Specialist, Dairy, Bill Weiss, Extension Dairy Nutritionist, Stan Smith, OSU Extension PA, Ben Brown, Agriculture Risk Management Oats planted in late summer and originally intended as a cover crop are also high quality and valuable feed. Considering the current shortage of quality forages, and the abundance of cover crops that were planted in Ohio this summer, the question has been asked, “How do…

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Former Agriculture Secretaries Announce Support for USMCA

(Washington, D.C., September 19, 2019) – Today, all former U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture since President Reagan’s Administration announced support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In a letter to Congressional leaders, former Secretaries John Block (Reagan), Mike Espy (Clinton), Dan Glickman (Clinton), Ann Veneman (W. Bush), Mike Johanns (W. Bush), Ed Shafer (W. Bush), and Tom Vilsack (Obama) underscored the importance of passing USMCA saying, “We need a strong and reliable trade deal…

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Water Wells Need to be Tested After Flood

After floods, well water needs to be tested for safety according to AgriLife Extension specialists. (AgriLife Extension Service photo) COLLEGE STATION — Private water well owners whose wells flooded during Tropical Depression Imelda should assume that their well water is contaminated until tested, said Diane Boellstorff, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service water resource specialist. “You should not use water from a flooded well for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing your teeth or…

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NCBA Announces Leadership Changes

DENVER (Sept. 18, 2019) - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced two significant leadership changes today. The NCBA Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association confirmed Colin Woodall to serve as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer. Woodall, who was named this morning after an exhaustive national search, managed NCBA’s efforts in Washington, D.C., for more than a decade. Since joining NCBA in 2004, Woodall has been instrumental in ensuring the…

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Bumper Crop of Pasture Weeds Needs Action

SEDALIA, Mo. – Leonardo da Vinci might have been describing the last few growing seasons for pastures when he wrote, “Even the richest soil, if left uncultivated, will produce the rankest weeds.” University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz says the Renaissance polymath’s words ring true. “The past one to two years have been hard on pasture stands,” Schmitz says. “Last summer’s drought followed by a wet winter and summer this year…

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