Think Outside the Barn

In the News - Missouri Milk Gives Healthy Dose of GDP Value

We agree that some milk products should be considered health foods (maybe not that pint of Ben & Jerry's Double Fudge Brownie, but it sure is good!). Did you know that the Missouri milk industry doesn't only grow strong bones? It has historically grown Missouri's economy, one dairy farm at a time. 

The University of Missour's Commercial Agriculture program recently released a study detailing just how the dairy sector's manufacturing and production contributes more than $2 billion to the state's gross domestic product (GDP) while supporting more than 23,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

"Missouri agriculture produces lots of commodities. What is different about Missouri's dairy industry is that our state's dairy processing industry transforms every drop we produce into higher-valued products. In addition, much of Missouri's dairy processing is owned by local dairy farmers through their cooperatives, allowing farmers to capture the value they create."

To check out the full summary, click here to visit Missouri Ruralist's website. For the full study by Joe Horner and Ryan Milhollin, go to: http://dairy.missouri.edu/dairylinks/DairyMfgEconImpact.pdf.

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

This week’s story was basically a continuation of the past several weeks. Cattle which are suitable for grazing are still taking a hit in the markets, but have held out better than those headed for the feedlots. Supply was moderate to heavy, although some markets late in the week were affected by an early spring snow storm.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

 

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Pressure continues to weigh heavy on the market for those cattle heading to corn rations. Tight supplies and backgrounder’s plans for lush green pastures in a few weeks did however push the stocker market higher on some of the higher quality calves in the condition to gain weight quickly.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Consumer Protection Week - Meat Processing Facilities

The Missouri Department of Agriculture touches the life of nearly every Missourian every day by ensuring that the food, fuel and other products consumers buy for themselves and their families are sold in a fair, equitable marketplace.  This week, in honor of National Consumer Protection Week, we’re highlighting the work of some of the Department’s programs that directly impact consumers’ lives.

The Department’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Program includes inspectors located throughout the state - working with agribusinesses by region.  Staff inspect Missouri's custom processing facilities multiple times each year.  During those inspections of operations processing meat for livestock owners and hunters, they're reviewing the facility's sanitation practices, checking coolers and cookers to ensure meat is kept at appropriate temperatures, and labeling - ensuring that consumers get the cut and amount paid for at the counter. 

Missouri is also home to many inspected facilities that make meat and meat products, like jerky and sausage, available for sale to consumers.  In those facilities, inspectors are present every day the business is processing meat to ensure that consumers can count on a safe, high-quality product.

Want to know more? Visit the Department online at mda.mo.gov. The Missouri Department of Agriculture works hard each day to protect all Missourians. Consumer Protection is a top priority for MDA, and our team takes pride in helping consumers continue to enjoy a safe, fair marketplace.

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Many auctions were closed this week due to the second major winter event in the last two weeks. Feeder cattle movement basically has been at a standstill for a week and a half now with very limited activity since February 20. Although parts of South Central and Southeast Missouri didn’t receive the heavy snow this go round, auctions in those areas had light receipts or were cancelled as buyers were unable to ship cattle across snowier parts of the Midwest.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Today is National Pig Day!

In honor of National Pig Day - Did you know that Missouri ranks No. 7 in the United States in pork production? Missouri is home to more than nearly 2.8 million hogs, making it one of the leading segments of the state's No. 1 industry-agriculture. 

Our hats go off to hog producers across Missouri working hard to make sure the best care is given to their livestock and that consumers can continue to count on a safe, high quality food supply.

National Pig Day was started in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave celebrating "one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals."

While most consumers think of their favorite pork products, from delicious tenderloins to crisp bacon, the pork industry provides a versatile list of items ranging from alternative energy from manure to pharmaceuticals like insulin. 

And if that isn't enough to get you excited about celebrating National Pig Day, the Huffington Post has an article highlighting famous pigs, from Miss Piggy to Babe to Porky Pig online today.

Equine Herpes Virus Indentified in Florida

Equine Herpes Virus, a neurological disease affecting horses, was identified last week in Florida. The affected animal, a horse at a show near Ocala, Fla., exhibited clinical symptoms of the disease and was transferred to the University of Florida for treatment.  Several other horses and facilities have been quarantined for testing and observation. No Missouri facilities are quarantined at this time as a result of this case, nor has the Department been notified of any quarantines affecting Missouri horses.

Our counterparts at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are working hard to ensure all those involved in this situation have the most current and accurate information available.  Here's the latest news from their Division of Animal Industry:

A horse participating in the Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) horse show in Ocala was referred to the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine after showing clinical neurological signs on February 20^th.  The horse subsequently tested positive for the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), wild-type strain.  Currently, the horse is in stable condition and continues to be treated at the University of Florida.  There are no additional suspected or confirmed cases of the neurological form of the disease at this time.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Animal Industry online at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/ai/.

Want to learn more about Equine Herpes Virus? The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has a brochure available online as a PDF. Download it here -  Download Equine Herpes Virus Brochure.

And as always, if you have concerns about the health of your animals, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian!

Bird Health Awareness Week

February 24-March 2, 2013 is Bird Health Awareness Week, and our partners at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are working to help Missourians keep their birds healthy.  Whether your birds are backyard pets, and 4-H or FFA project or part of your family's livelihood, USDA has information that can help you protect your flock. 

USDA-APHIS encourages all bird owners to keep simple steps, like maintaining good hygeiene when handling poultry, and following the Healthy Flocks tips to keep backyard poultry disease free.  Those tips:

1) Look for signs (of disease)
2) Report sick birds (to your veterinarian or local USDA-APHIS office)
3) Protect your birds (from disease)

Want to learn more about Bird Health Awareness Week? Visit USDA-APHIS online at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/.

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

The feeder supply was light to moderate this week. The most talked about factor might have been the late week winter storm that basically shut down not only the state, but much of the Midwest. Nearly all late week auctions were closed as producers were unable get cattle to the barn.  If they could get cattle there, buyers did not want to be out and truckers sure did not want to head across country with a pot load of cattle only to find roads closed. The moisture from this storm was well-received, however.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

The supply of feeders was moderate with prices being about the only deterrent from marketing cattle this week. Although southwestern parts of the state received enough snow to cover the ground, it came in the form of big fluffy flakes and was short lived. Quality feeders with good health programs are still finding the most desire, even with tighter supplies. 

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618