A number of topics are priorities for cattle producers in the coming year, beginning with the passage of a new Farm Bill. “Everybody is trying to push completion of the Farm Bill before the current one expires, and we are no different,” said Colin Woodall, senior vice president of government affairs with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “We want to …
CattleFax Predicts Large Supply and Strong Demand in 2018
It appears strong demand will continue to support the cattle industry in the coming year, even though the supply continues to grow. “The cattle cycle is pretty well on track,” said Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax. “We saw the USDA numbers released yesterday that indicated the herd expanded again in 2017. We expected that would be the case. But it …
CIRB Honors Mary Kay Thatcher
After over 30 years with American Farm Bureau Federation, the name Mary Kay Thatcher has become well known in the agriculture world. But as of January 31, Thatcher retired from AFBF and is now looking forward to her next challenge doing federal relations for Syngenta. Mary Kay has been a regular speaker at the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) …
USDA Deputy Censky Visits #CIRB2018
U.S Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky visited the 2018 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau annual meeting this week in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Our crop insurance program here in the United States is the envy of countries around the world,” said Censky. At the same time, he admitted that the 2018 farm bill will be facing budget challenges. “The dollars are …
Report Outlines Animal ID & Traceability Recommendations
A key report regarding U.S. beef cattle identification and traceability systems was released this week and the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show in Phoenix. Developed by World Perspectives, Inc., the report contains conclusions and recommendations based on surveys and interviews with industry stakeholders as well as other research. “I think a few things emerged from …
Dealers Seek Solutions for Growers at Develop with Deere
The 2018 Develop with Deere conference saw growth in the number of local equipment dealers attending, as they continue to seek solutions that will help their customers. “They’re certainly looking to fill gaps in the Operations Center that are specific needs to their customers in their areas. That varies greatly,” said Brad Silva, Platform Marketing with John Deere. “It doesn’t …
Builta Named GROWMARK Vice President, Energy and Logistics
GROWMARK has named Mike Builta the new Vice President of Energy and Logistics. He will replace Kevin Carroll, who will retire on February 15 after 32 years of service. GROWMARK’s energy and logistics division includes lubricants, propane, diesel and gasoline products. It also encompasses the warehouses for storage and transportation of those products. “It’s a huge portion of the business. …
NCBA President Reflects on 2017
During his time as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Craig Uden has had the opportunity to see a lot of cattle country and meet with many producers like himself. He believes the grassroots nature of the organization continues to be one of its most important attributes. “These challenges that come from these states are the backbone of why …
#CattleCon18 Kicks Off in Phoenix
The 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show is underway and cattlemen and women are ready to Blaze a Trail in Phoenix, Arizona. We caught up with NCBA CEO Kendal Frazier to talk about the convention and what draws producers to the event year after year. “We are going to have a big crowd here in Phoenix. We expect …
TapLogic Provides ‘Ease and Control’ in Soil Sampling
Growers who want to handle soil sampling on their own terms might appreciate the connection between John Deere and TapLogic, a longtime leader in “do it yourself” soil sampling. “We really built everything with the grower in mind first,” said Cyrus Alexander with TapLogic. “It’s ease and control. Control is a big thing… control and choice. A grower gets to …