This is Heather Lassen, special projects editor for the Angus Journal, with the September 15, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains an opportunity for college students to apply to attend Certified Angus Beef’s Youth Beef Leaders seminar; a link to a podcast episode from NCBA about anti-agriculture activism in the U.S. Senate; a report on packer margins; and an announcement about how you can showcase your talents at CattleCon24.
College Students: Apply for Youth Beef Leaders Seminar
Adapted from a release by Morgan Boecker, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Certified Angus Beef is now accepting applications to experience the best beef in Wooster, Ohio, with industry experts and young leaders in the beef industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to see behind the scenes at the brand’s home office, step into the meat lab for beef fabrication and learning with CAB meat scientists, and network with CAB staff and other college students passionate about Angus cattle and beef. Applications close on Sunday, Oct. 15, and are available at the link in this episode’s description.
Beltway Beef Podcast: D.C. Update: Anti-Agriculture Activism Hits the U.S. Senate
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Each week, Beltway Beef brings the latest policy news affecting the U.S. cattle and beef industry. Hear from subject-matter experts, producers and industry leaders on the topics that affect the business viability of farms and ranches across the country.
On this episode, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane provides an update on Senator Mike Lee’s attempt to add the anti-checkoff OFF Act to the Senate agriculture appropriations bill. Lane explains how the OFF Act would affect America’s cattle producers, reveals who is funding activist groups that are pushing for this legislation, and shares how cattle producers can voice their concerns to policymakers in Washington. To get involved, text CHECKOFF to 52886.
To listen, click on the link in the show notes.
Daily Livestock Report Sept. 14: Packer Margins
Adapted from a report by Len Steiner, Steiner Consulting Group
The Livestock Marketing Information Center calculates beef packer gross margin (live to cutout spread) per 1,000 pound of steer on a monthly basis using the live Dodge City steer price, choice boxed beef and a byproduct value from USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Beef packer gross margins lost about $6 per 1,000 lb. in August compared to the prior month, and are about $20 below last year. Beef packer gross margins have averaged (monthly) just under $300 per 1,000 lb. of steer in 2023, with only one month exceeding $400 per 1,000 lb. This is quite the contrast to last year, which averaged $385 per 1,000 lb. of steer per month.
For the full report, go to dailylivestockreport.com.
Showcase Your Talents at CattleCon24
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Whether you are pitch-perfect or know how to make beef sizzle, CattleCon24 has a variety of contests to showcase your hidden talents. Applications are now open for the Beef It Up Recipe Contest, National Anthem Contest and Beef’s Got Talent at www.convention.ncba.org.
New at CattleCon24 is the Beef It Up Recipe Contest, which invites entrants to feature beef in their best-tasting recipes. Entries will be accepted in categories including appetizer, utilizing ground beef, flank steak or top sirloin, which will be served during the convention welcome reception; and entrée, using ground beef or chuck roast, which will be featured during Thursday or Friday lunch.
For more information or to apply, go to convention.ncba.org.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.