Thursday April 9 Ag News + WASDE

Farmers Coop Members Approve Merger into CVA
The stockholders of Farmers Cooperative Company (FCC) met on Tuesday March 31, 2015 to ratify the votes cast by the FCC member­-owners approving the merger into Central Valley Ag Cooperative (CVA) effective July 1, 2015.  Farmers Cooperative Company membership voted on the merger proposal, with Iowa law requiring 50% of the member­-owners to vote, with 2/3 of those votes cast to favor the proposal in order to be ratified.  Accounting firm Meriwether Wilson & Company PLLC certified that the member‐owners of FCC overwhelmingly approved the merger proposal.  The unified cooperative will retain the Central Valley Ag name and be headquartered in York, NE with Carl B. Dickinson serving as CEO.

Darwin Franzen, the current CEO of FCC, stated “We are very pleased that the FCC patrons have overwhelmingly supported the unification proposal with CVA.  We feel this is a positive step forward in accomplishing our four strategic goals.  Securing members equity, maintaining a voice in our future, investing in assets and restructuring our grain business.  Thanks to all the FCC patrons for their support, and now the real work begins." 

“We are very excited to welcome the member­-owners of Farmers Cooperative Company to Central Valley Ag Cooperative,” says Dickinson. “Their overwhelming support means the world to us.  This merger is a great example of how we are reforming the cooperative system to meet the needs of our member-owners today and into the future.”



Nebraska Corn Representatives Tell Ethanol's Story on Capitol Hill

Ethanol advocates from across the nation came together in Washington, DC in late March as part of a "Biofuels Beltway March" to share their ethanol stories and communicate the widespread grassroots support for American Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).   The conversations with policymakers were part of the annual march sponsored by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), which took place March 24-25, 2015.

Nearly 70 corn farmers, ethanol plant managers, retailers and other ethanol supporters took part in the Biofuels Beltway March.  Members of the group met with Congressional Representatives and Senators from 44 states including Nebraska, Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina and Texas.

Nebraska's corn industry was represented by Jon Holzfaster, a farmer from Paxton, Nebraska and director on the Nebraska Corn Board, and Kim Clark, director of biofuels development for the Nebraska Corn Board.

"The best lobbyists for American Ethanol are not lobbyists at all," Holzfaster said.  "It's the farmers, retailers and rural community leaders who have seen ethanol's dramatic and positive impact on their communities, their economies and their future. The focus of this initiative was to share those personal stories, put a face on the industry and show policymakers—without a doubt—that the RFS is working for our nation."

" We used this opportunity to share that American Ethanol fuel blends such as E15, E30 and E85 provide greater consumer choice at the pump, create jobs across the country, improve our environment and promote cleaner, healthier air for all of us to breathe, " said Clark.

While in Washington, DC, participants from Nebraska attended the Nebraska Breakfast, a 70-year-old tradition that allows constituents to engage with the Nebraska delegation and get updates on legislation and issues.  Senator Hugh Butler began the Nebraska Breakfast tradition in 1943.  It is held every Wednesday when both the House and Senate are in session.



 Nebraska CattleWomen Announce Beef Ambassador Contest Winners

Nebraska CattleWomen (NCW) today announced the winners of the 2015 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for youth to test their skills at being spokespersons and future leaders in the beef industry. Hosted by the NCW-Consumer Promotion and Education Committee, the Kearney event had ten students competing in three divisions.

The Junior contestants gave a presentation on a beef-related topic. This year’s Junior winner is Rianna Chaney from Elwood. She is the daughter of Becky and Lee Chaney.

The Intermediate and Senior contestants had a three-part competition. They were asked to write a response to an issue seen in the media. They were also interviewed on a beef industry subject by agriculture reporter Ken Rahjes. The final part of the competition was consumer interaction. The contestants chose promotional materials (provided by the Beef Check-off Program) to display and used props to engage consumers. Using their selected materials and their own knowledge, they answered consumer questions about beef.

The 2015 Intermediate winner is Tigh Renken of Bertrand, son of Richard and Annette Renken. The 2015 Senior division winner is Ashtyn Shrewsbury of Lincoln, daughter of Justin and Amy Shrewsbury. Both Tigh and Ashtyn will represent Nebraska in the National Beef Ambassador contest in Denver held this fall. The 2014 Intermediate winner, Cooper Grabenstein will also be eligible to compete at the 2015 National contest.



 Community Partners Join Together to Promote GI Livestock Complex

Four community partners including the Nebraska State Fair, Fonner Park, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Grand Island Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau have joined together to create an organization to market and promote the year-round use of the State Fair livestock buildings at Fonner Park.

Known as the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA) the group’s primary mission will be to market the facilities to prospective livestock, agricultural and other shows that may benefit from use of the $42 million dollar facility at Fonner Park for their shows.   The use of these buildings will in turn create an economic boon for Grand Island as show participants eat, sleep and shop while in Grand Island.

According to Nebraska State Fair executive director, Joseph McDermott, “The creation of GILCA has been a painstaking two-year effort to identify the specific needs to run such a program and how best to reach out to national shows and programs interested in a state-of-the-art facility located in the center of the nation. Everybody can meet in the middle.”

In 2015 alone, the livestock complex is home to the National Alpaca Show and Sale, American Boer Goat Association National Show, the North American Junior Red Angus Event, the American Shorthorn Association Junior National, the Junior National Hereford Expo, and the Nebraska Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Sale as well as several livestock breeder auctions.

“This is what the buildings were originally designed to do, Cindy Johnson, president of the Grand Island Chamber said, “Each of the buildings designed for the State Fair has far more life to them than the 11 days of the fair each year.  I believe people expect a return on those buildings, and GILCA is providing the avenue from which it is happening.  If people are lining up at check-out, then we know we’re successful.”

The Nebraska State Fair buildings include the Five Points Bank Arena, a sheep and cattle barn, a swine barn with arena and the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center.  Alone or together, these buildings create an environment to accommodate national shows and sales no matter their size.

Brad Mellema, executive director of the Grand Island/Hall County CVB says, “When the livestock buildings are busy, Grand Island is busy. They are poised to generate positive growth and become a real community identifier. The GILCA partnership is a team approach to finding new business for our community."

The Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority will oversee a staff comprised of individuals from the Nebraska State Fair and Fonner Park to attract shows to the area, and see to each group’s needs from set up through tear down of each event.

Hugh Miner, President and CEO at Fonner Park says, “Looking down the road, GILCA is also talking to the National Dexter Cattle Show, the Simmental Junior National Show and the Charolais Junior National Show.  Bids have gone out for the Gelbvieh Junior National Show and the Limousin Junior National Show among others.  Fonner Park is pleased to be a part of an organization that promotes livestock and through working together, get things done.”

The partnering entities forming GILCA will contribute financially to underwrite the shows coming to Grand Island as well as work on marketing to groups and organizations that will benefit from holding their events in Grand Island. 



Trade Talk: TPA

As corn farmers look to increase demand in the face of abundant supply, the importance of Trade Promotion Authority to U.S. farmers has grown. National Corn Growers Association Director of Public Policy Zach Kinne sat down to explain why TPA is important not only for agriculture but also for all Americans.

Kinne began by explaining what exactly Trade Promotion Authority is, and what it does.

"Trade Promotion Authority is legislation that does three things," said Kinne. "First, it allows Congress to give direction to the executive branch on trade policy priorities and objectives for any trade agreements that are being negotiated. Second, it establishes Congressional requirements for consulting stakeholders and the public before and during negotiations to ensure that those objectives are being met. Finally, and most importantly, it renews the president's authority to submit trade agreements to Congress for an up or down vote without amendments. This assures our trading agreement won't be altered by Congress."

Additionally, Kinne took a look at the history behind TPA, its benefits for the U.S. economy and its importance for farmers in particular.

"We are expecting a bill as soon as next week," said Kinne. "When the bill is introduced, it is critical that farmers let Congress know that TPA must be passed, and very quickly, in order for us to move forward in expanding and opening markets.

"The clock is ticking. The rest of the world is not going to wait for the U.S. to get its act in order. They will move forward with their own preferential agreements in some of the fastest growing regions of the world. We have a lot of opportunities ahead of us on the horizon. The United States is in the midst of expansive trade negotiations in both the European Union and the Asia Pacific region. With such opportunities out there, it is time for Congress to act."

As legislation progresses, NCGA will continue to supply timely information and opportunities for farmers to voice their support for Trade Promotion Authority.



World Ag Supply and Demand Estimate - April 9, 2015

WHEAT:
U.S. wheat ending stocks for 2014/15 are projected 7 million bushels lower with reduced imports and higher domestic use mostly offset by lower exports. Imports are projected 15 million bushels lower (mostly durum) based on available shipment data. Feed and residual use is projected 10 million bushels higher on disappearance during the December-February and September-November quarters as indicated by March 1 stocks and revisions to December 1 stocks, both from the March 31 Grain Stocks report. The all wheat export projection is lowered 20 million bushels on continued strong competition in global markets. This would be the lowest export total since 2009/10. The projected season-average farm price range for all wheat is raised 10 cents on the low end to $6.00 to $6.10 per bushel.

Global 2014/15 wheat supplies are raised 0.8 million tons with increased production more than offsetting lower beginning stocks. The largest production increase is for EU, up 0.8 million tons for both 2013/14 and 2014/15 on revised country data. The Pakistan crop for 2014/15 is also raised 0.5 million tons. Global beginning stocks are lowered 0.9 million tons mostly on an EU increase in wheat feeding for 2013/14.

World wheat imports for 2014/15 are raised 1.5 million tons mostly on the addition of six African countries (Benin, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda) to the official USDA wheat database this month. Global exports are also raised 1.5 million tons with EU having by far the biggest increase. EU exports are raised 2 million tons to a record 33.5 million on the continued fast pace of export licenses and the competitiveness of EU supplies to key markets in the Middle East and North Africa. Canada and Russia are each raised 0.5 million tons. Canada is raised on a strong pace to date and Russia on expectations that small shipments will continue despite export taxes. Argentina is lowered 1 million tons on the slow pace of export licenses.

Global wheat consumption for 2014/15 is raised 1.3 million tons largely on the addition of the six African countries. Global wheat ending stocks for 2014/15 are lowered 0.5 million tons with large decreases for Canada, EU, and Russia and large increases for Pakistan and Argentina.

COARSE GRAINS:
U.S. feed grain ending stocks for 2014/15 are projected higher with increases for corn, barley, and oats, only partly offset by a reduction for sorghum. Projected corn ending stocks are raised 50 million bushels with a reduction in expected feed and residual use reflecting December-February disappearance as indicated by March 1 stocks. Barley feed and residual use is lowered 5 million bushels, also on indications from March 1 stocks. Oats stocks are projected higher with a 3-million-bushel increase in imports based on the pace of trade to date. The projected range for the corn season-average farm price is narrowed 5 cents on each end to $3.55 to $3.85 per bushel.

A number of significant changes are made this month to the 2014/15 U.S. sorghum balance sheet to accommodate the continuing strong demand from China. Domestic sorghum use is lowered 41 million tons with decreases projected for food, seed, and industrial (FSI) use and for feed and residual disappearance. FSI use is lowered 16 million bushels reflecting use for ethanol production to date from the Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production report which indicated that use for ethanol dropped to zero in February. Feed and residual use is projected 25 million bushels lower.  Projected exports are raised 50 million bushels based on the continued strong pace of shipments and large outstanding sales. Ending stocks are expected 9 million bushels lower. The season average sorghum farm price is projected at $3.85 to $4.15 per bushel, up 10 cents at the midpoint of the range and 30 cents higher than the corn farm price.

U.S. sorghum feed and residual use for 2014/15 is projected at 85 million bushels, despite indicated feed and residual disappearance for the first half of the marketing year (September - February) of 154 million bushels. Early harvested 2015-crop sorghum, particularly from Texas, is expected to augment 2014/15 marketing year supplies and support exports at 350 million bushels during the 2014/15 marketing year that ends August 31. The Prospective Plantings report indicated that Texas producers intend to increase sorghum plantings by 20 percent for 2015. Last year, more than 80 percent of the Texas sorghum crop was mature by mid-August. These additional supplies, exported before the September 1 start of the new marketing year, push feed and residual use during the second half of 2014/15 (March-August) well into negative territory. These supplies will also boost first-quarter (September-November) feed and residual disappearance in the 2015/16 marketing year, as in 2014/15. NOTE: For additional information on this month’s sorghum changes see the April 13 Feed Outlook available from the Economic Research Service at www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/corn.aspx.

Global coarse grain supplies for 2014/15 are projected 4.2 million tons higher with much of the increase reflecting higher sorghum and millet output in Sudan. There are a number of smaller changes to corn, sorghum, and millet production in several other countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Elsewhere, corn production is raised for Serbia, Mexico, and Argentina, up 0.9 million tons, 0.8 million tons, and 0.5 million tons, respectively. The change for Serbia is based on the latest government revisions for the crop that was grown last summer. Heavy fall rains delayed harvesting and the final tally for that crop. Production is raised for Mexico reflecting the latest government statistics for the crop grown last summer. Increased area, exceptional winter rains, and plentiful supplies of irrigation water support prospects for the winter crop that was planted in the final months of 2014. The increase for Argentina is based on early harvest results that suggest very good yields in early planted corn and abundant soil moisture for the later planted corn now in grain fill. In addition to last month’s reduction of 2.0 million tons, the South Africa corn crop is lowered an additional 0.2 million tons based on further analysis of weather and satellite imagery.

Global coarse grain consumption for 2014/15 is raised slightly, mostly on higher sorghum and millet food use for Sudan. China sorghum feed use is also raised, up 1.5 million tons with higher expected sorghum imports from the United States. Indonesia corn feeding is raised 0.4 million tons, more than offsetting a decrease in FSI use. Lower domestic use of corn, sorghum, and barley in the United States offset much of these increases. Global corn trade is raised for 2014/15 with imports higher for Indonesia, China, Iran, Algeria, Peru, and Colombia. Partly offsetting is a reduction in imports for Mexico with the larger crop. Corn exports are raised for Argentina and Serbia, but lowered for South Africa. Global coarse grain ending stocks are higher with corn stocks projected up 3.2 million tons mostly on increases for the United States, Indonesia, and China.

OILSEEDS:
U.S. soybean supplies for 2014/15 are projected at 4,091 million bushels, up 5 million on increased imports. Soybean exports and crush projections are unchanged at 1,790 million and 1,795 million bushels, respectively. Seed use is raised in line with the record plantings indicated in the March 31 Prospective Plantings report, and residual use is raised based on indications from the March 31 Grain Stocks report. U.S. soybean ending stocks are projected at 370 million bushels, down 15 million from last month.

Soybean oil supplies are increased this month with higher imports more than offsetting slightly lower production resulting from a lower oil extraction rate. Soybean oil domestic disappearance is raised on increased food use which offsets reductions for palm oil and canola oil consumption. Despite lower projected soybean oil exports, ending stocks are projected at 1.38 billion pounds, down 125 million from last month.

Projected prices for soybeans and soybean oil are reduced this month. The range for the season average soybean price is lowered 10 cents at the midpoint to $9.60 to $10.60 per bushel based on marketings to date and lower expected prices for the second half of the marketing year. Soybean oil prices are projected at 30 to 33 cents per pound, down 0.5 cents at the midpoint. Soybean meal prices are projected at $355 to $385 per short ton, unchanged at the midpoint.

Global oilseed production for 2014/15 is projected at a record 532.8 million tons, up 0.6 million from last month. Gains for soybeans, rapeseed, and sunflowerseed more than offset lower projections for peanuts, copra, palm kernel, and cottonseed. Global soybean production is projected at 315.5 million tons, up 0.4 million from last month. Argentina soybean production is forecast at 57.0 million tons, up 1.0 million from last month on higher yields resulting from favorable rainfall and mild temperatures across much of the growing area. India soybean production is reduced 0.7 million tons to 9.8 million reflecting below average yields resulting from an unusually short monsoon eason. Uruguay soybean production is raised this month on higher harvested area. Changes for other crops include higher rapeseed production for India; higher sunflowerseed production for Argentina, Bolivia, and Russia; lower peanut production for Vietnam; lower cottonseed production or India and Australia; and lower copra production for the Philippines. Palm oil production is reduced for Malaysia on excessive rainfall in December and January and also for Thailand on dry conditions in the southern producing areas.

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY:
The 2015 forecast of total red meat and poultry production is raised from last month as higher beef and pork production more than offset lower turkey production. The forecast for broiler production is unchanged. Beef is higher on greater cow slaughter and heavier carcass weights. Pork production is increased on higher-than-expected first quarter slaughter and expectations of larger second-half slaughter. USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, released on March 27, estimated the December-February pig crop was 9 percent higher and indicated that producers intend to farrow 2 percent more sows in March-May. Turkey production is reduced based on slaughter and hatchery data to date. The egg production forecast is lowered based on recent hatchery data.

The 2015 beef import forecast is raised from last month as demand for processing grade beef remains strong and strength of the dollar makes the United States an attractive market. Beef exports for 2015 are raised based on trade data to date. Pork exports are unchanged from last month, but the forecast for imports is raised as the strong dollar makes the United States an attractive market despite larger production. The broiler export forecast is lowered. The recovery in exports after U.S.-wide highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)-related restrictions has been limited by weak economic growth in a number of key markets and the strong dollar. Turkey exports are also reduced as the strength of the dollar makes it difficult to expand exports in the face of HPAI restrictions from a number of countries. The egg export forecast is unchanged.

Cattle prices for 2015 are raised as demand for fed cattle remains strong. The hog price forecast is reduced as greater production pressures prices. Broiler prices are unchanged at the midpoint.  Turkey prices are lowered. The egg price is raised on strong demand and slightly lower production. The milk production forecast for 2015 is lowered from last month as growth in output per cow is constrained by dry conditions in the West. Fat basis imports are raised on demand for butterfat, but skim-solids imports are unchanged. Exports are hampered by relatively weak international prices and the strong dollar; thus forecasts for both fat and skim-solids are reduced from last month.

Product price forecasts for butter and cheese are raised on domestic demand strength. However, relatively weak exports of nonfat dry milk (NDM) are expected to pressure prices lower. The whey price forecast is unchanged. The Class III price is raised on the strength of cheese prices, but the Class IV price is reduced as a lower NDM price more than offsets a higher butter price. The all milk price is forecast at $17.10 to $17.60 per cwt.



The Word on Wheat: “The Truth About Pasta”

Between fad diets and the onslaught of nutritional misinformation, carbohydrates – specifically breads and pasta – have been getting a bad rap among health-conscious consumers. While tips about healthy eating, good nutrition and exercise are helpful, too often carbohydrates fall victim to unhealthy claims, such as “Carbs make you fat.” The truth is carbohydrates are actually a key nutrient and an important component of a healthy diet. To address these false claims and promote the many healthful benefits of carbohydrates, the International Pasta Organization has launched a new initiative called “The Truth About Pasta.” The initiative aims to connect consumers with fact-based information and healthy pasta meal recipes.

In addition to nutritional information, the “Truth About Pasta” initiative also shares the sustainability story of pasta. In addition to being a healthy choice for consumers, pasta is also one of the more environmentally friendly and sustainable food products. It is one of the least intensive foods to produce and has a small carbon footprint from farm to table as compared to other foods. Research published in Ecosystems found that grains, like the wheat used to make pasta, use only 0.51 liters of water to produce one calorie of food. Learn more about the “Truth About Pasta” initiative here... http://wheatfoundation.org/pasta-healthy-for-you-healthy-for-the-environment/.  



U.S. Ethanol Exports Establish New February Record; DDGS Exports Rebound
(Renewable Fuels Association)

U.S. exports of denatured and undenatured ethanol in February totaled 85.2 million gallons (mg), up 24% from January, according to RFA analysis of government data released this week. This represents the highest February export volume on record, eclipsing the February 2012 figure of 76.3 mg. Year-to-date exports stood at 153.9 mg—in line with exports during the same period last year, and implying an annualized total of 923 mg for 2015. Brazil received about one quarter (28%) of total U.S. ethanol exports in February, followed by India (20%), Canada (17%), and the United Arab Emirates (12%). The Philippines, South Korea, the Netherlands and Peru were other key destinations in February.

February exports of denatured ethanol for fuel increased 5% over January, rising to 25.3 mg. Shipments primarily moved to Canada (12.6 mg, or 50%), United Arab Emirates (10.0 mg, or 40%), South Korea (1.1 mg, or 4%) and Peru (1.1 mg, or 4%). Shipments of undenatured ethanol for fuel use were 57.2 mg in February—the second-highest level in more than three years, with Brazil the largest destination at 23.8 mg (42%). India (16.9 mg, or 30%) and the Philippines (7.3 mg, or 13%) were other major players. February exports of undenatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage more than doubled from January to 710,355, while denatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage use slipped back to 2.0 mg.

The United States imported 2.6 mg of fuel ethanol in February after importing less than 30,000 gallons the prior month, and total 2015 imports are trending lower than last year at this time. Nearly all undenatured ethanol was sourced from Guatemala (1.8 mg) while most denatured ethanol originated from Lithuania (579,224 gallons, or 77%) and Russia (164,856 gallons, or 22%). With February net exports hitting 82.6 mg, the United States has again enjoyed a net exporter status, continuing the trend since September 2013.

February exports of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product manufactured by dry mill ethanol plants—rose 13% to the highest monthly level in 5 months, 803,203 mt, as the Chinese market continued to recover. However, exports to China remain at about half the level enjoyed prior to the market collapse. Exports to the rest of the world, however, have been on a four-month slide, decreasing by 30% during that period. In February, China managed to recapture the top market share for the U.S. DDGS, pulling in 272,220 mt (34% of total), while Mexico took in 222,182 mt (28% of total). Vietnam (48,043 mt), Canada (43,859 mt), Japan (38,621 mt) and Thailand (35,587 mt) rounded out the top customers. Year-to-date exports stood at 1.512 million mt, implying an annualized 9.07 million mt in DDGS exports for 2015.



Merck Animal Health Enhances CreatingConnections Program & Releases New Cattle Handling Video

Merck Animal Health today released an educational video about cattle shipping and transportation as part of its CreatingConnections™ program – designed to help producers better understand cattle behavior and use that knowledge to help reduce stress, improve reproduction and foster stronger immune responses. The first video in the series presents a practical look at low-stress handling techniques that capitalize on beef cattle’s natural behaviors. It also illustrates how to move cattle calmly from the feedyard pens, through the chute, onto the trailer and unloading at the packing plant – utilizing a philosophy based on communication with the animals.

      “The CreatingConnections program and this video in particular are designed to expand the understanding of how human and cattle interactions affect animal health and well-being,” said Paulo Loureiro, D.V.M., Merck Animal Health. “Through calm, confident movements, a handler creates a positive experience for the cattle, which builds trust. As a result, the cattle are easier to handle, diagnose and manage, which makes interactions safer for the animal and the handler."

Understanding cattle behavior
     The key to effectively moving, loading and transporting cattle is to use the animal’s natural behaviors and instincts. “If cattle are relaxed, content and confident, they will move easily,” said Tom Noffsinger, D.V.M., well known for his work on low-stress cattle handling practices. In the video, he walks the viewer through the process with a practical narrative and explains:
-    How to move slowly to guide cattle out of a pen, working with the group’s voluntary flow and follow-the-leader instincts. 
-    Once in the chute, how to apply gentle pressure and calm motion to keep cattle at the front moving forward.
-    The important role that a truck driver plays, and tips for a successful, low-stress transport.

     “It is important that we continue to educate our industry and embrace the techniques that will help ensure cattle are comfortable and experience low stress because how cattle are handled can impact their health, performance and carcass quality,” said Dr. Noffsinger. “For example, we know that low-stress cattle handling and stockmanship greatly impact innate immunity and an animal’s resistance to disease.”

Real-world application
     Shot on location at Kuner Feedyard in Colorado, part of JBS Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC., the video reflects a real-world setting and typical interactions between market-ready cattle and handlers on moving day.

     “By integrating the handling techniques outlined in the video, we have reduced stress levels among the cattle and the handlers. It requires fewer handlers to move and load a pen of cattle, making it a safer, more satisfying experience,” said Mike Thoren, CEO of Five Rivers. “With the help of continuing education programs like CreatingConnections, we are able to drive home the importance of stockmanship to employees across all phases of the Five Rivers system.”

     For more information about CreatingConnections or to view the educational video, please visit www.creatingconnections.info. Additional videos are available on the site to help individuals working with cattle learn more about best management practices that enhance animal care and positively impact the operation’s bottom line. As the year progresses, educational modules will be offered to further advance animal handlers’ knowledge base.