Friday December 21 Cattle on Feed + Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 1 PERCENT

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.53 million cattle on feed on December 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.  The inventory was down  1 percent from last year.    Placements in feedlots during November totaled 465,000 head, down 3 percent from 2011.    Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 400,000 head, up 7 percent from last year.  This is the highest November marketings since the data series began in 1994.   Other disappearance during November totaled 15,000 head, equal to 2011.      



United States Cattle on Feed Down 6 Percent
   
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.3 million head on December 1, 2012. The inventory was 6 percent below December 1, 2011.  

Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.92 million, 6 percent below 2011. Net placements were 1.84 million head. During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 645,000, 600-699 pounds were 450,000, 700-799 pounds were 375,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 453,000. 

Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.76 million, 1 percent below 2011.  Other disappearance totaled 88,000 during November, 9 percent below 2011.



Plant Scientists Hope to Use Epigenetics to Improve Crops
            Plant scientists long have known they can alter crops genetically to improve performance; they've been doing it thousands of years. But what if they could dramatically improve crops by leaving the genes themselves unchanged but instead change how they're expressed in a way that would be passed down to future generations?

            That question is at the heart of research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Plant Science Innovation, and the results so far are encouraging. The findings, expected to be commercialized in the next couple of years, could play a role in helping meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, said Sally Mackenzie, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources plant scientist.

            Specifically, scientists focused on a gene called MSH1, short for MUTS Homolog1, which is present in every plant. They discovered that if they "silenced" that gene in some plants, their growth patterns changed dramatically – dwarfed, highly branched and behaving as if they have seen high levels of stress, including cold, heat, sale, drought and high light. Then, after they reintroduced the gene and crossbred it with a plant that wasn't altered, the crossbred plant showed signs of enhanced growth, vigor, lodge resistance, high biomass production and higher yield.

            Those changes in some cases were huge: up to a 100 percent increase in above-ground biomass, up to a 70 percent increase in yield in sorghum, for example.

            "We changed the way the plant is expressing its genes, even though we didn't change the genes themselves," Mackenzie said. The process is called epigenetics.

            Mackenzie stresses these key points about her lab's work:
            – It's not transgene-mediated modification, which is controversial in some parts of the world and heavily regulated, thus slow to reach the market.
            – It's worked in several crops so far – not so-called model crops, but actual agronomically useful crops, most importantly soybean, sorghum and millet, and also tobacco and tomatoes.
            – These changes can occur in just two generations of plants, rather than the 10 or more it can take for genetic modification to take hold. That's appealing given the sense of urgency in figuring out how to feed a world whose population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.

            The potential of epigenetics to improve other crops is unknown. It's possible that most of the potential already has been reached in corn, for example, because it's been heavily hybridized. Until now, scientists couldn't know what percentage of improvements in corn was due to genetic changes and what percentage was due, unwittingly, to epigenetics.

            Besides soybean and sorghum, it seems likely there's great potential for epigenetics to improve crops such as cotton and dry beans.

            "And if you could do this in rice and wheat, you could perhaps change the world," Mackenzie said.

            "It's promising, but I don't want to overhype this," Mackenzie said. Yet to be determined is whether these effects will be stable and able to be scaled up as the techniques are commercialized and expanded to more fields and more crops.

            "It's important we explore this for every potential it offers for addressing some of the challenges in agriculture," she added.

            The research is funded by the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation.



NDA ANNOUNCES NEW NAYC MEMBERS

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today announced the selection of the members of the 2012-2013 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC).

The NAYC is entering its 42nd year with the installation of the new Council members.  This year’s Council is comprised of 19 college-aged men and women that exhibit a passion for agriculture and educating others about the agricultural industry.

The Council is responsible for coordinating several agricultural learning experiences for Nebraska youth including: visiting elementary classrooms to discuss where food comes from, taking urban youth to experience farms and what a day in the life of a farmer is like and visiting with high school students from across the state.  The primary focus of the NAYC is to coordinate the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), a five-day conference for current high school juniors and seniors.

According to NDA Public Information Officer and NAYC Adviser Christin Kamm, “The members of the NAYC each exhibit a passion for the agricultural industry and a desire to educate others about agriculture.  The effort put forth by these young adults is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing this year’s Council members implement new ideas and educate even more people about agriculture.”

2012 – 2013 Council Members include:
·         Jud Hoffschneider is the son of Scott and Jennifer Hoffschneider of Arlington.  He is serving as the Chair of the Promotion Committee.
·         Trent Mastny is the son of Brian and Joan Mastny from Howells.
·         Katie Holoubek is the daughter of Mark and Willow Holoubek of David City.
·         Gavin Kenney is serving as Head Counselor.  He will assist in the day-to-day coordination of all NAYC activities, as well as NAYI 2013.  Gavin is the son of Paul and Angie Kenney of Amherst.
·         Haley Harthoorn is serving as Head Counselor. She will assist in the day-to-day coordination of all NAYC activities, as well as NAYI 2013. Haley is the daughter of Barry and Sue Harthoorn of Ainsworth.
·         Emily Ibach is the daughter of Greg and Teresa Ibach of Sumner.  She is serving as the NAYC President.
·         Evan Ibach is the son of Greg and Teresa Ibach of Sumner.  He is serving as the NAYC Secretary.
·         Alyssa Dye is the daughter of Bart and Kathy Dye of Alliance.  She is serving as the chair of the Social Media and Technology Committee.
·         Michelle Dvoracek is the daughter of John and Robyn Dvoracek of Elba.  She is serving as the chair of the NAYI Improvement Committee.
·         Lauren Ibach is the daughter of Todd and Barbara Ibach of Sumner.  She is serving as the chair of the Youth Outreach Committee.
·         Will Miller is the son of John and Karen Miller of Culbertson.  He is serving as the chair of the Sponsorship and Alumni Relations Committee.
·         Bryce Dibbern is the son of Billy and Karen Dibbern of Amherst.
·         Emma Likens is the daughter of Tim and Sue Likens from Swanton.
·         Devin Heusinkvelt is the son of Myron and Jeanette Heusinkvelt from Cortland.
·         Aksel Wiseman is the son of Robert and Sara Wiseman from Hershey.
·         Steven Fish is the son of Mark and Kathy Christensen from Imperial.
·         Larissa Wach is the daughter of Loran and Nancy Wach from Wauneta.
·         Samantha Schneider is the daughter of Jason and Jennifer Schneider from Cozad.
·         Brennan Costello is the son of Steve and Becky Costello from Gothenburg.   He is serving as an ex-officio member of the NAYC after his recent selection as a National FFA Officer.

To learn more about the NAYC or NAYI, please visit the NAYI web page at www.agr.ne.gov/nayi or search for Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute on Facebook.



Livestock Handling Expert Temple Grandin is Heuermann Lecturer Jan. 15

Temple Grandin, a world leader in understanding livestock behavior and designing livestock handling facilities, is the Heuermann Lecturer at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Hardin Hall auditorium on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus, 33rd and Holdrege.

Her topic is "Improving Animal Welfare and Communication with the Public." A short reception follows the lecture.

Born autistic, at age 2 Grandin had no speech and showed all signs of severe autism.  While doctors advised institutionalization, Grandin's mother disagreed.  Through many hours of speech therapy and intensive teaching, Grandin learned speech.

She also over time learned that she thinks in pictures, while many people do not.  She said it is the ability to think in pictures that helps her help animals and their handlers using low-stress, behavior-based livestock handling techniques and facilities she has developed.

An animal sciences professor at Colorado State University, Grandin has had a major impact on the meat and livestock industries worldwide through design of animal handling facilities, industry consulting, research, media exposure for the livestock industry concerning animal care, and various means of outreach.

It is important the public know about the many improvements made in handling animals, Grandin said, adding, "in my communication with the public, I have found that many people are curious and just want to know.  The industry needs to do a better job of communicating."

She has published several hundred industry publications, book chapters and technical papers on animal handling, plus 63 refereed journal articles and 10 books. Her book "Animals in Translation" was a New York Times bestseller, while "Livestock Handling and Transport" is in its third edition.

Among her other books are "Thinking in Pictures; Animals Make us Human; Improving Animal Welfare: A Practical Approach," and "The Way I See It."

"Temple Grandin is the world's foremost authority on livestock handling systems and is well known for being an avid communicator on the critical importance of attention to animal stewardship and care throughout the entire animal agriculture supply chain," said Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan vice chancellor, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL.  "It is a tremendous opportunity to have her with us as a Heuermann Lecturer to discuss and reflect on America's high standards and dedication to animal stewardship by our farmers and ranchers in the production of the highest quality and safest products in the world."

Among Grandin's many awards are the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Livestock Conservation Institute and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.   In 2010 she was named to Time magazine's list of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World." In 2011 she was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and in 2012 into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame.

A movie about her early life and career with the livestock industry received seven Emmy awards, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award.

Grandin is a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America and lectures throughout the U.S. on her experience with autism.

Interviews with Grandin have appeared in the New York Times, People, Time, and on National Public Radio, 20/20, The View and the BBC.

Heuermann Lectures in IANR focus on providing and sustaining enough food, natural resources and renewable energy for the world's people, and on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.  They're made possible by a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.

Heuermann Lectures stream live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu, and are archived at the site shortly after the lecture.  They are broadcast on NET2 World at a date following the lecture.




Red Meat Production Up 1 Percent From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.31 billion pounds in November, up 1 percent from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in November 2011.

Beef production, at 2.21 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.78 million head, down slightly from November 2011. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,321 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.1 million pounds, 7 percent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 70,500 head, down 4 percent from November 2011. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.08 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.11 million head, up 1 percent from November 2011. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 276 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was down 2 percent from November 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,800 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up 2 pounds from November a year ago.

January to November 2012 commercial red meat production was 45.4 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 5 percent.

By State:      (million pounds, % of last year)
Nebraska ..:         624.1            102      
Iowa ..........:         589.6             98      
Kansas .....:         440.2            104      



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers were down 4 percent from the previous month but up 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 8 percent from the previous month but up 13 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 30 percent from last month but down 8 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on November 30, 2012 were down 16 percent from the previous month but up 10 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 43 percent from last month but up 33 percent from November 30, 2011.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on November 30, 2012 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from November 30, 2011.  Butter stocks were down 12 percent from last month but up 36 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 6 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 4 percent from last month but up 3 percent from a year ago.



SW Iowa Renewable Energy Announces Fiscal Results

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC (SIRE) announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (Fiscal 2012). SIRE reported a net loss of $661,609 or $50.35 per unit, compared to a net loss of $2,707,306 or $206.05 per unit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 (Fiscal 2011). The cash flow from operations for Fiscal 2012 was $8,463,759 compared to $25,307,440 for Fiscal 2011; with the overall cash flow for Fiscal 2012 of ($4,722,653) as compared to $7,574,046 for Fiscal 2011.

Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted for unrealized hedging losses (gains) was $12,823,990 for Fiscal 2012 and $26,297,767 for Fiscal 2011. SIRE had $6.29 million in cash and equivalents and $9.125 million available under committed loan agreements (subject to satisfaction of specified lending conditions and covenants) as well as an additional $6.25 million available under uncommitted loan agreements at September 30, 2012. For reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to SIRE, see "Adjusted EBITDA" below.

Brian Cahill, SIRE's president and CEO, stated, "As we look back on Fiscal 2012, we made strong strides in improving our operations through increased output and lower costs and greatly reducing our net loss in the midst of quickly rising commodity market prices. At the same time, we made another significant net reduction in our debt. The continuing improvement in the cash flow from operations allowed us to have a net reduction of approximately $7.7 million on our debt during the year ended September 30, 2012."

SIRE is an Iowa limited liability company, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, formed in March 2005 to construct and operate a 110 million gallon capacity ethanol plant. SIRE began producing ethanol in February, 2009 and sells its ethanol, modified wet distillers grains with solubles, corn syrup, and corn oil in the continental United States. SIRE also sells its dried distillers grains with solubles in the continental United States, Mexico and the Pacific Rim.



County Cattlemen Noted for Membership Success

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association successfully ended its 2012 membership year at 9,592 members, its highest number since 2007. "That was accomplished through the efforts of county members talking to fellow producers and supporting businesses," said John Fluit Jr, of Inwood. Fluit was the chairman of the ICA membership committee during its drive.

Ten counties were noted for their 2012 membership year success during the ICA Convention and Annual Meeting held in Altoona, Dec. 10-12. Recognition was give to:
-- Sioux County was noted for being the largest membership county (345 members).
-- Crawford County had the largest number of new members (33 new members).
-- Jones County had the largest percentage of membership growth. County membership grew at 118%, with a final tally of 84 members in 2012, compared to 71 in 2011.
-- Seven counties were perfect in their membership renewal rate. These counties all retained 100% of their members in 2012: Bremer, Chickasaw, Keokuk, Union, Wayne, Winnebago, and Wright.

There are 97 organized county cattlemen's associations, and 58 of them met or exceeded their 2011 membership total. The 2013 membership year is underway, and already ICA has passed the 50% mark in renewals and new enrollments.

"The Iowa Cattlemen's Association has never been more active in protecting the best interests of Iowans and Iowa cattle farmers, and that attracts members" Fluit said.

Cattle producers who would like to join ICA, can call the ICA office at 515-296-2266 or 800-888-1730.



Soy Checkoff Helps Increase Demand for Soy by Bringing 45 New Products to Marketplace

U.S. soy’s customers vary from tire and furniture manufacturers to food companies and poultry. This year, the soy checkoff helped 45 new products hit the marketplace, keeping demand for U.S. soy strong.

These 45 products represent 45 new ways of enhancing the market for our soybeans," says Russ Carpenter, a soy checkoff farmer-leader from Trumansburg, N.Y. "All of the products the checkoff helped develop this year and in past years, including some that we can use on our farms, come together to create a valuable market for our soy."

The checkoff provides funding to manufacturers of industrial and consumer products to research, develop and commercialize new products that contain soy. Partnerships like these have helped bring hundreds of new soy products to the marketplace, dramatically increasing demand for U.S. soy oil in the process.

This year’s list includes new additions to some popular soy-based product categories, such as foam, candle wax and elevator fluids. But it also includes products in some completely new categories like paintballs, gel mattress filling and nail-polish remover. 

Industrial demand, including biodiesel manufacturing, is on a steep upward trend. In the last 10 years, industrial uses for soy have grown almost fivefold.

Manufacturers use soy oil as a replacement for petrochemicals to make their products more renewable and more environmentally friendly while maintaining or, in some cases, exceeding performance. Soy products are often more biodegradable and contain fewer volatile organic compounds than traditional products.



NCBA Statement on Animal Disease Traceability Rule

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Veterinarian Kathy Simmons issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) final animal disease traceability (ADT) rule, which was announced by Secretary Vilsack this afternoon.

“NCBA has been an industry leader in working diligently with USDA APHIS to ensure cattlemen’s concerns are addressed in this new animal disease traceability program. We are encouraged by today’s comments from Secretary Vilsack, and we are in the process of thoroughly reviewing the rule and sharing this information with our members.

“From the Secretary’s comments, NCBA is encouraged that many of the priorities of cattlemen and women have been considered in this final rule. Cattlemen and women are looking for a rule that does not come with additional costs and does not hinder the speed of commerce. Brands will be recognized when accompanied by an official brand inspection certificate as means of official identification for cattle. The rule will also allow flexibility in tagging procedures and paperwork. Most important to cattle producers is the Secretary’s announcement of separate rulemaking for beef cattle under 18 months of age.

“Raising healthy cattle is a top priority for cattlemen. NCBA remains supportive of an animal disease traceability program for cattle health purposes. We commend APHIS for its efforts to listen to concerns of America’s cattlemen in developing this traceability program. NCBA encourages the agency to continue working with industry leaders on this and all animal health issues.”



NPPC Praises Final Animal Traceability Rule

Calling it vital to the U.S. pork industry’s ability to more quickly control and eradicate foreign animal diseases and keep export markets open, the National Pork Producers Council today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture for issuing a final rule to implement a national animal identification system.

“An effective traceability system is critical to our nation’s animal health infrastructure and is one of the components the World Organization for Animal Health considers essential for an effective veterinary services program,” said NPPC President R.C. Hunt, a pork producer from Wilson, N.C. “The goal of a traceability system is trace back of an animal to its farm of origin within 48 hours of the discovery of a disease. That would allow a disease to be brought under control and eradicated more quickly, saving animals – and taxpayer dollars – and keeping foreign markets open to our exports.”

Many major livestock-producing countries, including Canada, the European Union and Japan, have implemented, or are implementing, animal traceability systems. And most meat-importing countries require such a systems as a condition for importing meat, NPPC pointed out.

The U.S. pork industry in 1988 established a swine ID system, which helped eradicate pseudorabies from the commercial herd. It since has enhanced its system by registering more than 99 percent of the premises of the nation’s 67,000 pork producers and asking pork packers to require premises registration as a condition of sale. Premises registration data includes the physical location of a farm, a contact telephone number and other publicly available information.

USDA in 2004 established the National Animal Identification System, but a series of missteps, misinformation from groups opposed to it and a lack of federal funding hampered its implementation.

NPPC worked with USDA to come up with a traceability system the livestock industry can support and that works for U.S. pork producers.



More Moves on the Hill 

Washington transitions continue, with more departures, appointments and leadership positions announced recently. Here's a roundup:

Incoming Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) will take seats on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. They are replacing Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), both of whom are leaving the chamber.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) was tapped to head the Senate Appropriations Committee this week following the death of longtime chairman Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii).

Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was recently named as the replacement for Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who is retiring to take the helm at the Heritage Foundation.

On Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) announced his panel’s subcommittee chairmen for the coming session. They include:
    Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), chairman of the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight and Nutrition
    Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas), chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
    Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry
    Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture
    Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit

Conaway was also recently selected to be the new chairman of the House Ethics Committee.

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) also announced Thursday the Committee’s new Democrats in the 113th Congress. They will include Representatives-Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M); Ann Kuster (D-N.H); Gloria McLeod (D-Calif.); and Filemon Vela (D-Texas).



The Andersons Announces Increased Cash Dividend

The Andersons, Inc. announced a first quarter 2013 cash dividend of 16 cents ($0.16) per share payable January 23, 2013, to shareholders of record on January 2, 2013.  "The increase in the dividend for our shareholders reflects our positive financial results and our confidence in our earnings capacity going forward," says Nick Conrad, V.P Finance and Treasurer.  This is The Andersons' 65th consecutive quarterly cash dividend since its listing on the Nasdaq on February 20, 1996. There are approximately 18.6 million common shares outstanding.



Passage of Defense Department authorization bill clears way for biofuel industry growth

Congress on Friday gave its clear endorsement to the military’s advanced biofuels programs, passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) without including controversial proposals that would have banned the Department of Defense from expanding its use of advanced biofuels.

After passage, Environmental Entrepreneurs co-founder Nicole Lederer made the following statement:

“This is good for the military, but it’s also good for our economy and our environment. 

Just like it did with industries ranging from aviation to the Internet, the military is leading the country on deploying advanced biofuels.  By turning back short-sighted attempts that would have kept the military dependent on a single fuel source – oil – Congress has cleared the way for the Department of Defense to continue to make investments in advanced biofuels that will have positive impacts on the industry and our economy.”

According to a recent E2 report, more than 14,000 jobs and about $10 billion-plus in economic activity could be created if the military meets its previously announced biofuels goals. The Air Force and Navy – two of the biggest users of oil in the world – want to get 50 percent of their fuel from advanced biofuels by 2020.



Program Set For Heart of America Dairy Expo
The program is set for the new multi state regional Heart of America Dairy Expo and trade show scheduled for January 25-26, 2013 at the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri.  It is open to all dairy farmers and allied industry.

"The Friday January 25 morning program kicks off with Dr. Max Hawkins of Noblesville, Indiana, who will present "Nutrition Technology Opportunity in a Challenging Crop Year," says Dave Drennan, Expo Sales Manager.  "This is a very timely subject for dairy farmers considering the effects of the summer drought on our available feed supply.  Dr. Hawkins was raised on a grain/livestock farm in Illinois that included cattle feeding, cow/calf production, and purebred swine and sheep.  Prior to joining the Dairy Technical Staff at Alltech he worked in the feed industry in technical sales positions with Hubbard Feeds and Micron Bio-Systems.

"Following Dr. Hawkins will be Dr. Michael K. Moore, DVM, Novartis Animal Health, with a question "Are Your Vaccinations Causing Reproduction Problems", says Drennan.  "Reproduction success is a key ingredient to a successful dairy farm.  Dr. Moore’s involvement with Novartis has given him the opportunity to present programs to veterinarians and producer groups.  He has been active in training new territory managers on subjects ranging from basic immunology to various cattle diseases.

"The Friday morning program concludes with Rick Short of Central Life Sciences from Romance, Arkansas addressing "Heifer Mastitis-Economics, Prevention, Treatment".

"During Friday's luncheon, sponsored by Hiland Dairy Foods, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Pork Association and Purina Animal Health, Dr. Scott Brown of the University of Missouri will present a "Market Outlook--What's in the Cards for Dairy," says Drennan.

"Brown has worked with the U.S. Congress over the past two decades in determining the quantitative effects of changes in dairy and livestock policies and has testified regarding dairy and livestock policy issues before House and Senate Agriculture committees.  He has also worked on the economic effects of industry led programs such as the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) that currently operates in the dairy industry.

"A top producer panel will follow lunch and feature four Missouri dairy farmers talking about what they did this summer to combat the effects of the drought on their dairy herd and their plans for 2013.  The panel will represent all options for dairy farming, from rotational grazing to an inside feeding operation, and be moderated by Joe Horner of the University of Missouri.

"Following the producer panel will be Dana Brooks, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in Washington DC.  Brooks will speak to "Dairy Policy--Where Do We Go From Here?"

"Where we go from here in dairy policy is top of mind for dairy farmers who have been over the widely quoted "fiscal cliff" and back up several times this year," says Drennan.  "After reaching monumental consensus across the country for new dairy policy in the Dairy Security Act proposed in the Farm Bill, dairy farmers expected Congress to act quickly and pass the Farm Bill.

"Brooks will cover the options we face now based on her experience with NMPF since 2009 in the day to day politics of Washington," says Drennan.

"Missouri's five dairy breed organizations will hold their annual meetings and board meetings Saturday morning January 26 followed by a luncheon sponsored by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and the Missouri Soybean Program.

"In addition, the Expo's trade show will feature the latest dairy technology and information from over 50 exhibitors.

"Registration is free for dairy farmers and their families but meal reservations are required for the Friday and Saturday luncheons.  For more information and reservations, attendees can register online at www.heartofamericadairy.org.   Allied industry registrations are $40.00 for the two day Expo unless they are an exhibitor or sponsor of the Expo," says Drennan.

"Hotel reservations for the Expo may be made online at oasis@springfieldoasis.com or by calling 417/866-5253 or 888/532-4338 and ask for the special rate for the Heart of America Dairy Expo room block.

"We hope all dairy farmers and their families in the Midwest will join us at Expo, and maybe also take in the many attractions at Branson which is only 45 miles from Springfield.

"Additional questions may be directed to dairystl@aol.com  or 636/519-9300," says Drennan.