All 20 members of the 25th Class of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association's Cattlemen's Leadership Academy, signed an open letter to producers in the state, yesterday.

The statement was penned to express the group's collective support for the passage of the proposed Oklahoma Beef Checkoff referendum, initiated by the OCA, and to encourage eligible voters to vote YES on their ballots.

"The Class 25 of the OCA's Cattlemen's Leadership Academy urges the cattle producers of Oklahoma to support the Oklahoma Beef Checkoff ballot and vote yes on Nov. 1," the statement reads. "The continued success of beef cattle is dependent on timely and effective marketing, research, and education of beef and beef products. 

"By adding a dollar to the beef checkoff, we increase the value of our product and continue to shape a flourishing enterprise for generations to come."

All those who own, buy or sell cattle in the state, regardless of age, are eligible to vote. Ballots can be requested from the OCA between now and October 20th by email, or by calling 405-235-4391. Ballots must be returned or postmarked on or by October 27th.

Eligible voters also have the opportunity to vote in person November 1st, by visiting their local county extension office.

To read the complete statement made by the members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Leadership Academy, click or tap here.

MEANWHILE- a group called the National Taxpayers Union has decided to instruct cattle producers in Oklahoma to vote no on the checkoff referendum. 

In a release that you can read here, they call it a tax and say "Hiking the checkoff tax - a mandatory entry-fee to participate in the marketplace - would increase costs to consumers, reduce producer profits, and make it harder for both independent and young cattlemen and women to gain a foothold in the industry."

By the way- the state of Oklahoma considers this an assessment on each animal sold- and if the vote approves the secondary state beef checkoff- any producer who does not like the work being done on their behalf- can request a refund- providing accountability to anyone paying the assessment.

During the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Convention held at the beginning of this week, I had the chance to speak with Don Close, cattle market watcher for Rabo AgriFinance, about where the industry stands when it comes to the US beef cow herd. According to him, the nation's herd continues to grow as 2017 approaches its end, and he says, too, that price opportunities appear favorable for the coming year as well.


"All of our long-range work really suggests to us that we're still expanding numbers," Close said, clarifying that there has been more displacement of cattle in the West where fires have raged rather than actual liquidation. "Our data implies we're still expanding, although at a substantially slower pace than what we did any of the previous three years."


Close says he fully expects the January 1, 2018 numbers to be larger year-over-year, but admits that the displacement of cattle from the multiple natural disasters that have occurred this year, have indeed created a cloud of uncertainty. The good news cow/calf producers can count on though, is that calf prices have been notably stronger this year compared to last. He believes calves currently are a good value and says cow/calf producers have recognized the more attractive price at which calves are currently trading. But he adds also, that calves are selling at a price level that provides a reasonable profit opportunity for cattle feeders who are taking advantage of an inverted basis and the strength in deferred live cattle contracts. Looking ahead, while no official projections have been made just yet, Close says he sees continued profitably in during the first of the year.


"Right now, I think we're ok," he said. "For late first, early second quarter - a spring high - I'm kind of thinking that mid $1.20 - $1.30 for a fed steer price. Clearly, with the majority of the cattle that are on feed today, we'll still see some very solid profit opportunities."


Listen to Don Close of Rabo AgriFinance and I discuss the ongoing expansion of the US cow herd, and what producers can expect to see in the cattle markets for early next year, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.

 

At the start of this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency announced that it would temporarily suspend acceptance for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) applications.

Bovine Respiratory Disease is responsible for up to 70 percent of deaths in feedlots and 89 percent of deaths in stocker operations.

In an effort to better serve producers, and help them reduce BRD morbidity and mortality in their operations, animal pharmaceutical leader Zoetis, announced this week the launch of a new website aimed at simplifying the process of finding solutions to BRD problems in your herd.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance says it has reason to celebrate this year. Not only because it happens to be the Alliance's 30th anniversary - but also because it has in fact, been an especially good year with the group's significant progress in bridging the communication gap between "farm and fork" as the put it. Their achievements have been highlighted in the organization's annual report for this year, that has recently been released.

"Our annual report showcases the successful efforts the Alliance is making to ensure each year is our best one yet," said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. "It is especially meaningful this year to look back over 30 years of accomplishments to see how far our organization has come, and envision where we will go."

Included in the highlights of this year, is the successful execution of the Alliance's eighth edition of the College Aggies Online program, which reached more than 2.3 million people with positive ag messaging.

The Alliance is also celebrating significant engagement with the public under the #WhyIThankAg campaign as well as another successful Stakeholder Summit meeting, among other accomplishments.

You can read more about the Alliance's success during its 30th year of advocacy on behalf of the ag industry, by clicking here, to view the complete annual report.