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U.S. red meat exports have a tough act to follow after a record-setting year in 2011, but the early indications for 2012 are good. January pork exports jumped 28 percent in volume and 43 percent in value while beef exports were even in volume but rose 14 percent in value, according to statistics released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

"There is a challenge to follow a very successful year like 2011 and sustain the momentum," said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. "The good news is that there are opportunities to expand the presence of U.S. red meat by exploring new market niches as well as increasing access with several key trading partners."

Several key measurements also showed continued growth: export value per head and percentage of total production exported. For pork, January's export value equated to $59.44 per head of commercial slaughter compared to $43.59 a year ago, and 29.6 percent of total production (including variety meat) was exported in January versus 24.2 percent last year. For just muscle cuts, 25 percent of production was exported this January compared to 20 percent last year.

Beef exports equated to $197.95 per head of fed slaughter in value compared to $170.10 last year. The percentage of production exported - 12.3 percent for beef and variety meats and 9 percent for just muscle cuts- remained the same.

There is much more detail in this report which can be found by clicking here. 

Angus Heifer Shown by Kolby Sheppard of Perkins Tryon is Supreme Champ at OYE- Our Full OYE Recap from Tuesday 

There was quite a variety of size and quality in the Supreme Beef Heifer drive on Tuesday afternoon at the 2012 Oklahoma Youth Expo- and the judges, Dave Duello and Jimmy Williams, commented on that fact as they summarized their two day's work in the final coming together each breed champion and reserve female.  Both judges confirmed that they felt that while each of the animals were tops in their breed- four stood out and they considered them the cream of the crop- not sure about the second pair- but the top two were identified by the judges as the Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion Beef Heifer of the 2012 show.

Kolby Sheppard of Perkins-Tryon 4-H had the top Angus heifer- and she was slapped by Deullo as the Supreme Champion- Williams walked over and congratulated Cole Moore of the Madill FFA Chapter for showing the Reserve Supreme Champion- which was the Chianina Breed Champ.  We will have all of the Beef Heifer Breed Champions and Reserves up a little later this morning on our Blue Green Gazette pages- click here to jump there- and we have the pictures of all of the breed champs and reserves on our Flickr page this morning- click here for the Flickr page where we have almost 500 photos we have snapped since Sunday of the entire OYR to date.  

Also on Tuesday- we covered the Commercial gilt show, where 875 gilts were paraded in front of the judges- Champion Commercial gilt- best of those 875 was shown and owned by Lexi Beier of the Perry 4-H.  Reserve Commercial gilt was shown by Paden Day of the Mulhall Orlando 4-H.  Click here for the complete rundown of the purebred and commercial gilt class winners- and a great interview with the Commercial Gilt judge- Kevin Wendt from Ohio. (Pictures from both the Purebred and Commercial Gilt shows are also on Flickr.)

Salt Tolerance in New Wheat Variety Increases Durum Yields 25 Percent

Crop scientists in Australia have bred salt tolerance into a new variety of durum wheat, increasing yields by 25 percent in salty soils.

The scientists from the University of Adelaide used non-GM crop breeding techniques to introduce the gene into commercial durum wheat. The results, researchers say, has been nothing short of spectacular.

"This work is significant as salinity already affects over 20% of the world's agricultural soils, and salinity poses an increasing threat to food production due to climate change," Dr. Rana Munns says.

The results were published March 11 in the journal Nature Biotechnology. 

You can read much more about this new variety of salt-tolerant wheat by clicking here.

Trade Implications of Changes in the Mexican Cattle and Beef Industry

The drought that is affecting the Southern Plains extends into central Mexico. Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel says dry conditions are significantly impacting their cattle industry and may support growth in beef imports. Here is his analysis:

Drought conditions in northern Mexico remain very severe and the region has shared little of the moisture that has been received this winter in some parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Though no comprehensive data is available, indications from producers in northern Mexico indicate that significant herd liquidation is taking place across the region. There is little doubt that the 1.42 million head of Mexican cattle imports in 2011, the largest annual import total since 1995, was significantly enhanced by the drought.   This level of imports is not sustainable and will be offset by sharply reduced imports in the future. However, without better data, is uncertain how much additional liquidation might occur in 2012 if the drought persists and thus what level of imports might be possible this year. I suspect that imports may drop some from 2011 levels but weekly data so far this year indicates that Mexican cattle imports are currently up 27 percent year to date from last year. Certainly strong U.S. cattle prices will attract Mexican feeder cattle if there are cattle available for export.

You can read more of Derrell Peel's analysis of what the continuing drought in Mexico means for U.S. ranchers by clicking here. 

CropLife America President Discusses Modern Agriculture in Light of 'Silent Spring'

CropLife America (CLA) president and CEO Jay Vroom spoke about the history of advancements in the crop protection industry with attendees of the University of Utah's Wallace Stegner Center's 17th Annual Symposium, "Silent Spring at 50: The Legacy of Rachel Carson," in Salt Lake City, Utah. Vroom's presentation discussed the influence of Carson's seminal book, and its impact on the regulatory framework, environmental awareness, and development of crop protection products. Vroom emphasized that whether it's through improved chemical formulas, more precise applications or integrated pest management programs, the crop protection industry continues to advance and help growers safely and responsibly produce food, fiber and renewable fuel.

"Silent Spring launched the modern environmental movement, and it is important to reflect on the impacts made on U.S. agricultural policy and the regulation of crop protection products," said Vroom. "By looking back at the societal changes ignited by Ms. Carson's writing, we can also look forward to future research and development opportunities and the creation of better modern agricultural tools. CropLife America is excited to engage in an open dialogue about this important book, discuss the improvements the crop protection industry has made in its wake, the advancements still happening every day, and how modern agriculture better interfaces with today's environmental concerns."

In his presentation, Vroom highlighted specific changes spurred by the 1962 publication of Silent Spring.

You can see a video of Jay Vroom in an interview with the president of the Environmental Working Group as well as read more of this story here. 

Newest Products and Services Exhibited at TSCRA Trade Show

More than 200 exhibitors will showcase the newest products and services to cattle producers across the state at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) 37th Annual Trade Show during the TSCRA Convention Weekend March 30 - April 1, 2012 in Fort Worth.

Registration is open now and attendees who register on or before Friday, March 16, will receive a $50 per person discount.

As the largest cattle industry exhibition in Texas, the TSCRA Convention is a must-attend for anyone involved in livestock production. Whether you own cattle, horses or simply own land the TSCRA Trade Show has something for everyone.

To ready more about the trade show and access the link to their agenda and registration page, click here.

Watonga Teacher Named Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom Teacher of The Year

A 31-year veteran of the classroom has been named Oklahoma's latest Ag in the Classroom State Teacher of the Year. Shirley Lettkeman, a fourth grade and gifted education teacher in Watonga was honored at a school assembly.

Lettkeman has a master's degree in education, is reading specialist certified and has achieved National Board Certification. Though she grew up in Clinton, Lettkeman has taught in Watonga for 31 years.

Lettkeman says, "I always try to make learning a fun and enjoyable experience. I do not want to make the students read for the sake of reading, I want them to fall in love with reading. I want it to be a lifetime experience. The same is with agriculture, community and our love for our country; I want them to fall in love with it too." 

Click here to read more about Oklahoma's newest Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year.