Wednesday September 13 Ag News

Farm Safety Week 2023 - No One Can Take Your Place

With harvest season ramping up, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are encouraging everyone to slow down and dedicate an extra moment to ensure the safety of both themselves and fellow travelers on the road.
 
Remember, no one can take your place.

Nebraska Corn looks to promote safety during National Farm and Safety Week Sept. 17-23.

Agriculture remains one of the most important, yet unpredictable and dangerous lines of work. Farmers are susceptible to various injuries, both life-threatening and non-life threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, transportation incidents, which include tractor overturns and roadway crashes, were the leading cause of death for farmers and farm workers. More than 11,880 non-fatal agriculture-related injuries are reported each year, with many other incidents going unreported.

“As farmers prepare for the busy harvest season, we can sometimes get in a hurry to get things done,” said John Krohn, District 7 director for the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Albion. “It is important to take the extra time to slow down and be safe because it can truly make a difference.”

Harvest is a stressful time for farmers due to unpredictable weather and the short timeline they have to get their crops out of the field. It is imperative that farmers take care of themselves both physically and mentally to ensure a safe and bountiful harvest.

“Harvest is one of the busiest seasons for farmers and there are a lot of different details we need to keep track of,” said Ethan Zoerb, Nebraska Corn Growers Association grower services committee chair and farmer from Ravenna. “To ensure a safe harvest season for all, take time for safety. We know the work we do can be dangerous, but remember your family wants you to come home at the end of the day.”

Not only are farmers at risk for injury, but so are those who may be traveling in rural areas this harvest season. Nebraska Corn encourages everyone to slow down and be aware of the increased farm traffic. In rural areas, parents of small children should develop safety rules to prevent youth from playing on or near harvest equipment, regardless the time of year.

Look at these other safety tips to ensure that you make it home safely because no one can take your place.

Equipment Safety
Be careful when approaching harvest equipment. Approach equipment from the front and get operators attention.
Ensure the harvesting equipment is fully stopped and disengaged before approaching.
Do not go near any unguarded or otherwise running machinery.
Avoid pinch points between equipment – such as tractors with grain wagons. Visibility can be limited, and serious injury can occur.

Entanglement Hazard
Before unplugging any equipment, disengage power and remove energy from the equipment.
Never pull or try to remove plugged plant material from an operating machine.
Never remove shields. Keep in place to avoid entanglement when working around equipment.

Fall Hazard
Be careful when climbing on or off equipment.
Be alert and extremely careful when working in wet or slippery conditions.
Keep all walkways and platforms open and free of tools, dust, debris or other hazardous obstacles. Clean all walkways and platforms before use.
Wear clothing that is not baggy or loose.  Also wear proper non-slip, closed toe shoes.
Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery. Face machinery when dismounting and never jump from equipment.
Never dismount from a moving vehicle.

Fire Prevention
Carry a fire extinguisher with you in your vehicle (A-B-C, 5 or 10 pound).
Check bearings regularly to prevent overheating and the chance of fire. Remove build-up or dust from equipment.

Grain Cart Safety
Never exceed maximum weight limits on grain carts. As weight increases, grain carts can be more difficult to control.
Load grain bins evenly to distribute weight and prevent weaving or instability across the grain bin.
Inspect grain bin tires and replace any worn or cracked tires.

Grain Bin Safety
Check the air quality before entering an enclosed space.
If entering a bin, wear a harness attached to a secure rope.
Never work alone.
Never allow children to get too close or inside the bin.
Wear a dust filter or respirator when working in bins.
Stay out of bins when equipment is running.



Soybean Gall Midge Detected Across Nebraska Fields
Travis J. Prochaska - Nebraska Extension Educator
Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist
 
Soybean gall midge was first described as a new soybean pest in Nebraska during the 2019 growing season. However, the 2023 growing season has presented several growers in the area with their first experience with the emerging pest, even as others in eastern Nebraska have been dealing with the pest for several years.

The first detection of an adult gall midge for the 2023 growing season was observed on May 26 near Mead. This is the earliest recorded date of adult emergence since the alert network started in 2019 (McMechan et al.). Typically, adults emerge in early to mid-June.

Overwintering adult soybean gall midge emerge from the previous year’s soybean fields and fly to an adjacent soybean field to lay eggs on young soybean plants. As the eggs hatch, the immature larvae feed on stem tissues underneath the epidermis, disrupting water and nutrient uptake within the plant. As the larvae grow, they will transition from a white to a bright orange color specimen.

Infested soybean plants can wilt or lodge at the feeding site and, in some cases, result in the death of the plant. Plants become susceptible to infestation around the vegetative V2 leaf stage as fissures (small cracks) develop near the base of the stem, providing an entry point for females to lay eggs.

Management has been hit-and-miss. Research studies completed by Nebraska Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist Dr. Justin McMechan’s lab have shown some results, but foliar-based treatments have been inconsistent between locations and years. Chemical control should only be considered if the history of gall midge has been recorded or an adjacent field has shown a history of gall midge. Gall midge is a field edge pest, so any treatments should be confined to the first 60-120 feet of the field.

Research has shown that hilling — a process where soil is used to cover the base of the stem — can be an effective strategy to control; however, it is difficult to implement at the V2 stage and not cover up the small soybean plants.

Granular at-plant applications with Thimet 20G have shown consistent control, but its use is limited due to the need for additional specialized equipment.

A multi-year field study funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board has shown that delaying soybean plantings until late May can reduce infestation and injury.

Studies led by Dr. Bob Koch, University of Minnesota, are showing some success with biological control and predators (i.e., ground beetles, parasitic wasps, etc.); however, further studies are needed to fully understand their impact.

As with any insect-related program, scouting will be key. Scout field edges of soybean that are adjacent to fields planted to soybean last year. Scouting should begin approximately two weeks after the first adult detection. To receive alert notifications of soybean gall midge adult emergence, go to soybeangallmidge.org and register for the alert network.

To assess a soybean plant for larval infestation, look for any dark brown or black discoloration near the base of the stem below the cotyledonary nodes. If found, peel back the outside layer of the stem to reveal any possible white or orange larvae.

As we approach September, there are no practical management tactics this late in the season. However, scouting to build a profile and a history will be helpful for possible treatments for the 2024 crop.



NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days

During Husker Harvest Days this afternoon, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.
“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts’ projects involve many dedicated individuals working to make the good life great,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

2023 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:
NRD Director – Darwin Anderson, Columbus, Nebraska
NRD Employee – Kent O. Miller, North Platte, Nebraska
NRD Supporter – James Cannia (posthumously), Mitchell, Nebraska
 
Darwin Anderson – NRD Director
In 1975, Anderson was sworn onto the Lower Loup NRD board. Now, 48 years later he continues to be an active, valued member of the board.

In his time with the Lower Loup NRD, Anderson has attended nearly 600 board meetings (so far), racking up more than 115,000 miles traveling to the NRD headquarters in Ord, Nebraska, and back home again. In addition to his many other roles and committees with the NRD, he served as secretary for 25 years.

As a former Platte County highway superintendent, Anderson’s professional experience in bridge construction, road maintenance, culvert placement, right of way policies, and public safety has proved valuable to the Lower Loup NRD when working on flood prevention and erosion issues. Anderson has also been a member of the Lower Platte Weed Management Area (LPWMA) since its founding. The group works to control the spread of noxious and invasive plants, and to raise awareness through education. A priority for the group is working with landowners to control invasive phragmites in wetlands and in riparian areas.

“Darwin is always willing to donate his time to help at the regional Envirothon competition or hand out trees at Husker Harvest Days,” said Lower Loup NRD General Manager Russ Callan.

Kent O. Miller – NRD Employee
Miller was hired as Twin Platte NRD’s general manager in 1973 and is the only original manager still working in the NRD system.

During his 50-year career, Miller has been instrumental in many beneficial conservation projects. In the 1980s, he worked with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the irrigation canal companies to help set up the incidental water rights system, which allowed the canal systems to operate with less water and keep their water rights across the system. Miller has promoted the South Platte Compact for more than 20 years and due to his persistence, headway is currently being made to bring additional water to the State of Nebraska from Colorado. In 2012, under Miller’s guidance the Twin Platte NRD and the Republican Basin NRDs formed the Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement (NCROPE) project. Most recently, Miller has been instrumental in the creation of the Twin Platte NRD’s Water Data Program that uses technology to calculate ag producers’ real-time water use.

Miller has both Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1975 he was certified as a Professional Engineer in both Nebraska and Colorado.

James Cannia – NRD Supporter (posthumously)
Before his untimely death in August 2020, Cannia worked with many NRDs across that state during his varied career in hydrology.

According to Lower Platte South NRD Water Resources Coordinator Dick Ehrman, Cannia developed what is arguably the most comprehensive groundwater monitoring network in Nebraska while working for the North Platte NRD. Cannia systematically installed hundreds of monitoring wells in a grid-like pattern throughout the North Platte valley. In the early 2000s, this network of wells was critical in building the Platte River Cooperative Hydrology Study model.

After many years of public service, Cannia co-founded Aqua Geo Frameworks, a company specializing in airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys and hydrogeologic framework models. He was directly involved in nearly every AEM survey in Nebraska before his passing. He advocated strongly for its widespread adoption to solve critical groundwater challenges. Today, nearly 30,000 line-miles of AEM surveys have been flown in the State, making Nebraska a world leader in the use of this technology.

“Jim had the foresight to know the long-term value of the monitoring data,” Ehrman said. “His dedication to the profession and boundless enthusiasm had a profound impact on the conservation and protection of Nebraska’s groundwater.”

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 25.



High Culling Continues to Occur
Elliott Dennis, Extension Livestock Economist, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

The annual fall feeder run is about to begin. Given cattle prices, forage conditions, and the economy the question of whether heifers will be retained to rebuild the beef cow herd remains uncertain. Consider these factors that give pause to whether this expansion will occur with as much momentum we might think.

Retail and Wholesale Ground Beef Prices
US consumers love eating ground beef. Ground beef is primarily made from beef trimmings. These trimmings can either come from the domestic or import market. In the domestic market, trimmings come from fed cattle (steers and heifers), bulls, and cows (dairy and beef). Fed cattle have more fat than bulls and cows so meat processors use trimmings from both to create different meat/fat blends such as the traditional 80/20 (i.e. 80% meat, 20% fat). Beef trimmings from the domestic market consist of about 70% of all beef trimmings used. The remaining 30% comes from imports.

The percentage of beef trimmings from steers and heifers is much more stable than cows/bulls since the latter tends to move lockstep with the cattle cycle. Imports and trimmings from bulls and cows tend to substitute for each other. As of recent, 75 percent of all beef imports are beef trimmings mainly coming from Australia and Brazil. However, this has dramatically dropped off in the last year to 65% and is almost entirely due to a reduced amount of beef trimmings being imported – down about 500 million pounds. This has in part led to higher prices for ground beef at retail. But consumers are still paying these higher prices.

Trying to determine what the upper ceiling consumers would pay for ground beef is hard to say. Comparing the Meat Demand Monitor (MDM) willingness-to-pay (WTP) vs. current retail ground beef prices indicates that ground beef prices could continue to rise another $2-3 at retail. Current retail prices for ground beef are about $5 per pound whereas the MDM WTP is estimated at approximately $8 per pound. It will likely not go that high as there is almost always a gap between what consumers say they will pay and what they actually pay. They will also substitute into other meat products lowering the quantity demand for ground beef. But the fresh 90% ground beef at wholesale will certainly push the retail ground beef price higher pulling more cows and bulls to be slaughtered. Further, meat processing plants that have a ground beef line may be able to soften some of the impacts of higher fed cattle margins.

Boxed Beef Cutter Cow Cutout
There is a seasonal inversion in the boxed beef cutter cow price. Seasonally prices normally climb till May/June and then decline through December as more cows come to town. In 2022, this seasonal trend was inverted as the market high came between January and April and then began to decline throughout the year. Contrast that with 2023, we followed the same seasonal pattern from January to May/June – gradually increasing albeit at nominally higher values. But rather than peaking and coming back down prices have continued on a steady upward trajectory reaching $243 per cwt. For perspective, this is what a 600-900 lb. Choice carcass was trading at in September 2023. Important to understand that this cutout value is calculated and consists of several subproducts each continuing at a fixed weight/proportion of the carcass. That allows us to determine what is driving that value higher. This higher price almost entirely contributed to strong prices for lean beef – approximately 85% to be exact. This is in line with the higher retail ground beef prices. Higher the cutout, the greater incentive to harvest more cows, thus limiting herd growth.

Cutter Cow and Slaughter Cow Prices
Cutter cow and slaughter cow prices have likewise remained high. Both are significantly higher than both the 5-year average and 2022. National direct live cutter cow prices were trading at $94 per cwt. compared to $74 per cwt. a year ago and $54 per cwt. on average between 2017-2021. The seasonal pattern also shows that there is general price support at $90 per cwt. for cutter cows and $85 per cwt. Higher and stronger ground beef prices and boxed beef cutter cow cutout will only keep these prices high or increase them into the fall. These seasonally higher prices should continue to impact the beef cow slaughter rate.

Beef Cow Slaughter
Beef slaughter continues to remain elevated above the 5-year average, on an annual basis, although the weekly slaughter rates have come more in-line during the last few months. During periods of expansion, the typically seasonal uptick in cow slaughter in the fall is much smaller. Seasonally that uptick will not occur till the end of September. Watching the slaughter rate will provide some indication of what economic force is proving most powerful for producers. On one hand, we have the higher feeder cattle prices, current and deferred, which incentivizes the desire to retain cows and heifers to get profits in the future. However, there are also atypically seasonal incentives to sell both cull cows and heifers at higher current market values than previously experienced and forgo profits next year.

Heifers on Feed
Heifers as a percent of total cattle on feed continue to remain high – 40% – and remain at the highest levels they have been in the last 20 years. The next USDA Cattle on Feed report will, in addition to feedlot inventories and marketings, indicate the number of heifers on feed. I anticipate this will still be high. The telling report will be the December report as that will indicate how many heifers were sent to feedlots during the entire fall run. With the current Choice-Select spread favoring more quality meat combined with cheaping feedstuffs (corn, distillers, forage) and higher feeder cattle prices, there are some reasons why feedlots may continue to feed current inventories longer rather than buying in more expensive feeder cattle. This could have an impact on the relative composition and fill of feedlots this fall delaying placements and putting downward pressure on feeder cattle prices.

Heifer Auction Receipts
Another indicator, although a much weaker one, is the total number of heifers being sold in auctions, direct, and video sales. Approximately 39% of all feeder cattle receipts were heifers. Separating out the natural seasonal movements can show the overall trend in the data. This shows that heifers as a percentage of all stocker cattle receipts has been slightly decreasing, albeit slowly, since the early part of this year. Comparing this percentage to the last cattle cycle indicates that we are at the same percentage as we were in 2011. If the current trend continues we should see fewer heifers sold this fall. This should narrow the steer-heifer price spread up a bit.

Conclusion
In summary, as steaks, roasts, and other meats become more expensive, ground beef seems to be carrying the day. Lots of simple and easy-to-cook recipes while families attempt to stay within a budget all while general inflation, food included, continues to rise. Demand for lean beef is strong. Combine that with low imports of lean beef and cutter cow boxed beef prices are likely to remain high. This primary demand from consumers should continue to support higher prices for the slaughter cows. Ultimately, the tradeoff will be between chasing after those $310 per cwt. values on 500-600 lb. feeder cattle in 2024 and taking the cash up front this year. Producers need to be extremely diligent about calculating how much they can pay for replacement heifers as well as how much value that heifer has when she is retained rather than sold under current market conditions. Understanding what all needs to go right, and what can go wrong, for heifers and bred cows to pay themselves back will be extremely important this fall.



Secretary Naig Announces the Availability of Grants for Urban Water Quality Projects

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting pre-applications for cost-share grant funding to support urban conservation projects.

“Communities of all sizes can utilize urban conservation cost-share grants for locally led projects that help manage stormwater, reduce runoff and improve water quality,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Whether a community is pursuing a first-time project or looking to build upon larger ongoing efforts, these grants will aid in the acceleration of our statewide water quality progress.”

Examples of eligible urban conservation projects include but are not limited to bioretention cells, bioswales, native landscaping, permeable pavement, rain gardens, tree trenches, and wetlands. These practices capture and treat rainwater to help reduce sediment entering local waterways.

The proposed urban water quality improvement projects should be spearheaded and implemented by local leaders, organizations, and volunteers. Successful pre-applications should leverage existing partnerships with local stakeholders who can help contribute financial and technical resources to ensure their success. Cities, counties, county conservation boards, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCDs), other units of government, not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public water supply utilities or watershed management organizations are eligible to submit pre-applications.

Projects should include a strong education and outreach component that helps raise awareness among homeowners, municipalities, businesses, and other communities to encourage the adoption of urban water quality practices. The full list of urban water quality projects funded during the last grant cycle is available on the Department’s website.

Pre-applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023. Pre-application guidance can be found on the Department's website or by contacting the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality at 515-281-5851. Stakeholders will be notified by December 15, 2023, if they are invited to submit a full application. Full applications are due on February 9, 2024, and selected projects will be announced in the spring of 2024.  

The Department has offered cost-share to help support urban conservation projects through the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) funding since FY2015. To date, the state has awarded over $10.9 million in funding to support 110 urban water quality projects. The state’s funding has spurred an additional $41.3 million in project contributions from private partners and landowners.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/8/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 8, ethanol production expanded 2.7% to 1.039 million b/d, equivalent to 43.64 million gallons daily. Output was 7.9% more than the same week last year and 6.5% above the five-year average for the week. Yet, the four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.8% to 1.026 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.73 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks slid 2.1% lower to 21.2 million barrels—the smallest volume since the latter part of December 2021. Stocks were 7.3% less than the same week last year and 2.6% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 10.9% to a 30-week low of 8.31 million b/d (127.35 bg annualized). Demand was 2.2% less than a year ago and 6.3% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol curbed just 0.8% to an 8-week low of 899,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.78 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.6% more than the same week last year and the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 68,000 b/d (2.9 million gallons/day), a 17.1% decrease from the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded after 22,000 b/d hit the books the prior week.



Prices for Majority of Fertilizers Continue Lower During First Week of September

For the second week in a row, most retail fertilizer prices continued to fall, according to sellers tracked by DTN for the first week of September 2023.

All but one of the eight major fertilizers were less expensive compared to last week. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Again, the only fertilizer higher was anhydrous. The nitrogen fertilizer was 9% more expensive compared to last month with an average price of $693 per ton.

The remaining seven fertilizers were all lower compared to the prior month. Two fertilizers were notably less expensive.

10-34-0 was 14% lower compared to last month with an average price of $611/ton. Potash was 8% less expensive looking back to last month with an average price of $518/ton.

The remaining five fertilizers were slightly lower compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $738/ton, MAP $745/ton, urea $563/ton, UAN28 $356/ton and UAN32 $390/ton.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. DAP is 23% lower, MAP is 26% less expensive, both urea and 10-34-0 are 30% lower, UAN28 is 38% less expensive, both potash and UAN32 are 42% lower and anhydrous is 49% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Clean Fuels Releases Outlook on Global Supplies of Used Cooking Oil for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Production

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America released a new report assessing potential global supplies of used cooking oil (UCO) to meet growing demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through 2030. In 2022, global UCO trade reached 3.7 billion gallons, according to the report authors, LMC International/GlobalData Plc. With anticipated demand and added value from biodiesel and renewable diesel production, the supply could grow to between 5 billion and 10 billion gallons by 2030, the authors project. With additional global UCO collection, the potential supply could increase by an additional 4 billion to 7 billion gallons.

“Growing demand for better, cleaner fuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF is creating a tremendous opportunity to develop additional supplies of low-carbon fats and oils, including used cooking oil and surplus crop oils,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America. “Our industry envisions sustainably producing 6 billion gallons of clean fuels by 2030, and this report identifies crucial additional feedstocks. Our vision supports national goals to decarbonize aviation and other heavy-duty transportation sectors.”

The report indicates that the United States has the most well-developed UCO collection system, due to long-standing practices for its use and disposal. In 2022, the U.S. supply reached 850 million gallons. Increasing biodiesel and renewable diesel production is incentivizing domestic use of that supply – curbing recent export trends. The report identifies additional room for growth in U.S. collection to 1.1 billion gallons.

 Global UCO trade reached 1.3 billion gallons in 2022. The majority of collected UCO supplies moved from Asia to Europe. The report identifies the potential to increase UCO collection in Asia, South America and Europe to meet global demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF. Additional collection could be achieved in those countries with U.S.-style collection practices.



Showcase Your Talents at CattleCon24

Whether you are pitch perfect or know how to make beef sizzle, CattleCon24 has a variety of contents to showcase your hidden talents. Applications are now open for the Beef It Up Recipe Contest, National Anthem Contest and Beef’s Got Talent at convention.ncba.org.

Beef It Up Recipe Contest
New at CattleCon24 is the Beef It Up Recipe Contest, which invites entrants to feature beef in their best tasting recipes. Entries will be accepted in categories including appetizer, utilizing ground beef, flank steak or top sirloin, which will be served during the convention welcome reception; and entree, using ground beef or chuck roast, which will be featured during Thursday or Friday lunch.

Contest winners will receive convention registration for two, and the recipe will be featured during convention, highlighted in the onsite program, promoted through social media and featured in NCBA’s National Cattlemen magazine. Contest submissions will be accepted through October 15 and winners will be notified by November 30.

National Anthem Contest
The 11th annual National Anthem Contest is accepting entries through October 15. The contest winner will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the convention’s Opening General Session and will receive round trip airfare to Orlando, a hotel room for three nights, free convention registration, plus a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.

Any member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American National CattleWomen, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, or family member are eligible to participate in the contest. Previous NCBA National Anthem Contest winners are not eligible. The top four finalists will be chosen by October 20, and videos will be posted to the convention website. Voting will be open to the public from November 1 to November 15 (one vote per person per day), and the winner will be announced November 17.

Beef’s Got Talent
Solo singers, bands and others with unique talents are encouraged to enter Beef’s Got Talent. Selected acts will receive a complimentary registration, invited to perform on stage during convention and will be recognized through social media. One winner will also perform at the opening of the Friday night event.

CattleCon24 registration and housing are now open with a variety of ticket options available. For more information, to enter contests and to register, visit convention.ncba.org.