Friday March 20 Cattle on Feed + Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 4 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.50 million cattle on feed on March 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 4 percent from last year. Placements during February totaled 450,000 head, down 1 percent from 2019. Fed cattle marketings for the month of February totaled 420,000 head, up 1 percent from last year. Other disappearance during February totaled 10,000 head, down 10,000 head from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 670,000 head on March 1, 2020, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was unchanged from February, but down 6 percent from March 1, 2019. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 625,000 head on feed, down 2 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,295,000 head, down 1 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during February totaled 108,000 head, down 3 percent from January and down 19 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 69,000 head, down 22 percent from January but up 44 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 177,000 head, down 11 percent from January and down 2 percent from last year.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during February totaled 106,000 head, down 2 percent from January and down 3 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 79,000 head, up 27 percent from January and up 103 percent from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 185,000 head, up 9 percent from January and up 25 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 7,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up Slightly

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on March 1, 2020. The inventory was slightly above March 1, 2019.

Cattle on Feed, By State
                     (1,000 hd  -  % March 1 '19)
Colorado .......:     1,050          100             
Iowa .............:         670           94          
Kansas ..........:      2,380          103            
Nebraska ......:      2,500           96         
Texas ............:      2,880          104          

Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.71 million head, 8 percent below 2019. Net placements were 1.65 million head. During February, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 340,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 315,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 470,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 411,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 115,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 60,000 head.

Placements by State
                          (1,000 hd  -  % Feb '19)
Colorado .......:      165            89           
Iowa .............:      108            81       
Kansas ..........:      390            92          
Nebraska ......:      450            99           
Texas ............:      320            86           

Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.78 million head, 5 percent above 2019.  Other disappearance totaled 58,000 head during February, 12 percent below 2019.

Marketings by State
                          (1,000 hd  -  % Feb '19)
Colorado .......:      210           124           
Iowa .............:      106            97         
Kansas ..........:      400           110         
Nebraska ......:      420           101         
Texas ............:      365           107         



Beef Shines at Nebraska ProStart Competition
NE Beef Council Newsletter

The ProStart cooking competitions in Nebraska took place the last week in February and the first week of March. ProStart is a high school curriculum that teaches students the basics of culinary and foodservice management. Students who take these elective courses are then prepared to advance their education at the collegiate level.

Schools offering the ProStart culinary curriculum can enter teams into three regional state competitions with the final 9 teams competing for the state championship. The Nebraska Beef Council offers a “Best of Beef” award to the team that creates the best beef dish at the state competition along with a $100 voucher for beef products to be used in the classroom.

This year’s state competition included teams from Scottsbluff, Hemingford, Lincoln, Plattsmouth and Omaha. The best beef dish went to Roncalli High School for their seared ribeye cap steak. Of the 9 teams participating in the state finals competition, 5 of them chose to feature beef as their main entrée. The top three culinary teams at the state competition will then compete head-to-head for a chance to represent Nebraska at the national ProStart competition in Washington D.C. 



Tyson to Send More Meat to Supermarkets

If you're worried about food products running out at grocery stores, there is good news from the supply chain. Tyson Foods is reacting to the widespread restaurant closings in the U.S. by making a major shift in its meat production toward the types of cuts sold more often in supermarkets.  "This is the most significant shift we've ever initiated," the company told Bloomberg News this week.

CEO Noel White said in a message to employees that "protecting team members and ensuring the continuity of our business are essential as we continue efforts to address COVID-19 (coronavirus). We've been actively monitoring this situation and are continually adjusting our approach as we learn more about the spread of this virus. Tyson Foods' role as America's largest food company is critical, so ensuring we're able to continue producing food is essential. That's why we're taking additional measures to protect our people and our company."

The production shifts include changes for chicken, beef and pork production.

In Nebraska, it operates plants in Dakota City, Lexington, Madison and Omaha.  In Iowa, it operates both Council Bluffs-Case Ready and Council Bluffs- Prepared Foods, as well as Waterloo-Pork Plant and Waterloo-Prepared Foods KPR, in addition to other facilities in Independence, Columbus Junction, Perry and Storm Lake.

White added to his message to employees, "I want to remind you that COVID-19 is not considered a food safety concern. The CDC says, 'Ccurrently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.' USDA reports, 'There is no evidence at this time to suggest that the Coronavirus is a foodborne pathogen.' According to a statement from the FDA, 'We are not aware of any reports at this time of human illnesses that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.'"



Emergency Proclamation Helps Corn Farmers Continue to Feed and Fuel the Country 

Today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a State of Public Health Emergency Proclamation granting a temporary weight limit exemption and extension of hours for trucks operating on Iowa roads transporting corn and “agricultural supplies and commodities, including but not limited to, livestock, raw milk and crop supplies,” during the global COVID-19 outbreak. This allows for trucks to haul 12.5% per axle (up to 90,000 pounds).  

“On behalf of Iowa’s farmers, we extend a big thanks to Governor Reynolds for this proclamation as it provides tremendous help to farmers during this time of uncertainty as we work to get food and fuel across our state as well as the global system,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Jim Greif, a farmer from Monticello.  

Overweight trucks cannot haul on the interstate, exceed maximum axel weight, and must comply with all posted limits on roads and bridges. The proclamation will be effective starting immediately and lasts until April 16, 2020, at 11:59 pm. The proclamation directs the Iowa Department of Transportation to monitor the operation of the proclamation and assure the public’s safety by facilitating the movement of the trucks involved.  



Iowa Learning Farms to Host Webinars During COVID-19 Pandemic

As field days and in-person gatherings are postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) will host weekly webinars each Wednesday at noon.

These new weekly webinars will supplement the regular monthly webinar series hosted by ILF and allow timely education on issues related to water, soil, wildlife and other conservation topics. The first webinar, Wednesday, March 25, will focus on carbonate research and the potential for carbon storage in Iowa soils.

Wind-blown loess soils of western Iowa contain a significant amount of calcium carbonate in the form of the mineral calcite. These soils are naturally calcareous due to the calcium carbonate that formed from minerals originally deposited in glacial parent material.

Some carbonate is present in the form of carbonate nodules, which can readily be seen in the soil profile. How much carbon is stored as carbonate in Iowa’s soils? Are there land management practices that degrade or stimulate carbonate deposition?

Mark Rasmussen, director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will discuss these questions, as well as other aspects of the research being done on carbonate.

“We are interested in these nodules because carbonate minerals form one of the largest reservoirs of carbon on the planet and these minerals play a significant role in the long-term balance between atmospheric carbon and climate,” said Rasmussen. “A major focus of our study is to understand the biological and chemical processes that result in carbonate formation, including the carbon source used in its formation.”

To participate in the live webinar March 25, shortly before noon, visit https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172 or go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.

Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing 1-312-626-6799 or 1-646-876-9923. The meeting ID is 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website for viewing any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live webinar.



IDALS Hemp Plan Approved by USDA
Farmers can start applying for a hemp license on April 1

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has approved the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s hemp production program.

The public hearing to solicit comments on the state plan that was scheduled to be held on April 3 from 9-10 a.m./CT will now be hosted via teleconference. Interested parties can participate by calling 866.685.1580 and entering code 0009990941#.

It is not legal to grow, possess, buy or sell hemp in Iowa until official notice is published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin, which is scheduled to occur on April 8, and you have received a license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“We know farmers are eager for new opportunities and this milestone means they are one step closer to being able to grow hemp during the 2020 growing season,” said Secretary Naig.

Applying for a hemp license
Farmers can start applying for a license to grow hemp on April 1. Detailed instructions on how to apply for a hemp license are available at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp. All individuals associated with the hemp production operation must be listed on the hemp license application and must submit their fingerprints for a background check. Interested growers can request a fingerprint card at (515) 725-1470 or hemp@iowaagriculture.gov. A license cannot be issued until all applicants associated with the hemp license pass the background check.

Applying for a permit to sell hemp seed
Before selling, distributing, advertising, soliciting orders, offering, or exposing hemp seed for sale in Iowa, a retailer must obtain a seed permit from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Seed dealers can apply for a seed permit now. Detailed information about hemp seed testing and labeling requirements are available at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.

All questions about applying for a hemp license or seed permit should be directed to hemp@iowaagriculture.gov or (515) 725-1470. Additional resources for hemp growers are available at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.

This commercial hemp production program does not legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for human consumption, extraction or processing in Iowa. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is still working to determine if CBD is safe for human consumption. Hemp grain, hemp seed oil and protein powder derived from hemp grain have been cleared by the FDA for human consumption.



Rounds Unveils Three-Pronged Approach to Address Cattle Market Crisis

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) Thursday announced a number of steps he is taking to address the ongoing cattle market crisis, which has been magnified during the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and could lead to producer bankruptcies.

“In recent years, cattle producers have suffered from an undervalued product and low market prices—despite a consistent and growing demand for U.S. beef,” said Rounds. “This has only intensified in recent months following a fire at a meatpacking facility, and now, the spread of COVID-19. We’re at the point where many South Dakota ranching families are on the brink of going under. This is unacceptable. However, there are steps we can take to reverse this trend, if we act now.

“Today, I’ve taken a number of steps that I believe would provide much-needed assistance for our cattle producers. This includes providing immediate relief for cattle producers who are being unfairly harmed due to COVID-19 market disruption, supporting efforts to reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL), and urging a federal investigation into multiple allegations of anti-trust violations by meatpackers.

“Our producers are on the frontlines of our food supply chain. We cannot allow unjustified, unfair and unwise practices to put them at a disadvantage –or worse – force them out of business altogether.”

Regarding his letter to the Department of Justice, Rounds said:
“Today, we are asking the Department of Justice to investigate continued allegations of price fixing within the cattle market. Just last summer, we saw the most recent allegation that resulted in the Department of Agriculture investigating the packers.  That investigation is still under review. Additionally, we are asking the Department of Justice to definitively answer whether a packer oligopoly exists within the cattle market and inherently creates an anti-competitive market place that unfairly disadvantages the cattle producer and consumer.

“Cattle producers are seeing record losses and bankruptcies. Meanwhile, the shelf price of meat is at record highs, and boxed beef prices are increasing as well. These margins don’t make any sense. The reality is that there is an inverse correlation between the producer’s price and the consumer’s price. We want to know why. If the Department of Justice finds that there are no violations, then we must reconsider the statutory environment of this industry, because the status quo isn’t working.

“We need these answers quickly and decisively to protect the integrity of the industry, and every stakeholder, including consumers who are footing the bill.

Steps Rounds has Taken to Address the Cattle Market Crisis:
    Urging a federal investigation into whether the nation’s top meat packers have engaged in anti-competitive activity by abusing their concentration of market power and have engaged in an unlawful price fixing scheme. In a letter to the Department of Justice, Rounds urged the agency to examine the current structure of the beef meatpacking industry and determine whether it complies with U.S. Antitrust law. 

    Urging President Trump to support trade negotiations to allow mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) in the United States. In a letter to President Trump, Rounds offered his support for South Dakota Concurrent Resolution 601, which “urgently requests the President of the United States and the United States Trade Representative to negotiate and execute agreements, with Canada and Mexico, which will remove trade barriers to MCOOL.” MCOOL requires labeling to include where the product is sourced. MCOOL was repealed in 2015. Since then, American producers of beef and pork have been at a disadvantage when marketing their products. Additionally, consumers are unable to differentiate between domestic and foreign products when choosing which meat to purchase at the store. Without reinstating MCOOL, and because of existing loopholes within USDA regulations, foreign beef can currently be labeled as a product of the U.S.A.

    Submitting Legislation to Help Offset Loss by Cattle Producers This week, Rounds submitted legislation to Senate leadership to include in a COVID-19 response bill that would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to offset losses cattle producers take in the live and feeder cattle markets. The legislation would use USDA Economic Research Service projections for 2020 as a baseline for market losses. Producers would report to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office the month or months in which they sold their cattle and the amount they sold. USDA would then use the reported average sales prices compared to the indexed feeder or live cattle average to determine the COVID-19 market disruption.

    For example, USDA projected that in 2020 feeder cattle would sell at an average of $150 per hundred weight. If a producer sold cattle in April, USDA would calculate the average sales price for that month and pay the producer the difference based on the amount/weight of cattle sold. Therefore, if the average sale for the month of April was $130 per hundred weight, each producer (regardless of their individual sale price) would qualify for a $20 per hundred weight market correction—for 2020 only (all months). The same goes for live cattle sales, meaning it would apply to cattle being sold for slaughter as well as cattle being sold to a feedlot. Conversely, if the market rebounds and the average sale for the month or months reaches the USDA 2020 projected price, then no payment is necessary.  Rounds intends to introduce this as standalone legislation on Friday, March 20, 2020.

Rounds previously introduced the U.S. Beef Integrity Act, which would outlaw foreign beef from being labeled as a “Product of the U.S.A.” and make certain that label only goes on beef and beef products exclusively derived from animals born, raised and slaughtered here in the United States.  Currently, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) does not require that beef be born, raised and slaughtered in the U.S. in order to carry a “Product of the U.S.A.” label. This loophole allows beef from livestock born and raised in foreign countries to be labeled “Product of the U.S.A.” as long as the beef undergoes additional processing at a processing plant in the U.S.



AVMA Champions Law to Help Vets Get More Training

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) welcomed the introduction of the VET MED Act (Veterinary Education and Training Minimizes Educational Debt, H.R. 6134) by veterinarians in Congress, Reps. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) and Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). This important legislation will help alleviate the cost of additional training for veterinarians. The AVMA has taken a leadership role in advocating for this legislation.

"Residencies and internships are critical to preparing veterinarians for high-need specialties like emergency medicine, oncology and large animal medicine, but during this time spent in additional training, veterinary borrowers face massive interest accumulation that can make loan repayment feel insurmountable," said Dr. John Howe, president of the AVMA. "The VET MED Act is an important step toward alleviating this debt burden, and we're thankful to Representatives Schrader and Yoho for introducing this bill."

Currently, many veterinarians who enter residencies, internships or Ph.D. programs are required to make educational loan payments and will also accumulate significant interest on their loans during their time spent in training. This can present significant fiscal challenges to recruit veterinarians for specialized training because the average residency salary in 2019 was about $34,000.

The VET MED Act would help address this challenge and ensure the nation has enough highly trained veterinarians by allowing veterinary borrowers to pause their interest accumulation and loan repayment while pursuing additional training in veterinary residencies, internships or DVM/Ph.D. programs.

The AVMA is looking forward to working with the veterinary community to pass this important legislation.



U.S. Wheat Associates Statement on Major Chinese Wheat Purchase

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) President Vince Peterson issued the following statement about news of Chinese wheat import purchases.

“The USDA report today that Chinese buyers have purchased 340,000 metric tons, or about 12.5 million bushels, of U.S. hard red winter (HRW) wheat for delivery in the 2020/21 marketing year is very good news for U.S. wheat farmers. This is a significant purchase volume and the largest since China implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. wheat in March 2018.

"This purchase falls under China’s 9.64 million metric ton tariff rate quota (TRQ). China has agreed to work toward filling its TRQ for wheat imports. As USW has noted, if the changes are in fact implemented, and Chinese millers can respond to market signals, most of the TRQ should be used. U.S. wheat farmers are in a good position to help fill the TRQ given current export prices, relatively low freight rates and the ready supply of the wheat classes China needs. 

"USW appreciates the efforts of both the U.S. and Chinese governments to reach the Phase One trade agreement that has helped re-open the door to U.S. wheat imports by China. We believe that China’s flour millers and growing baking industry want the opportunity to purchase high-quality U.S. wheat classes again and we hope this is only the beginning of a new, more productive trade relationship.”



NAWG Welcomes News of Large Wheat Purchase by Chinese Buyers

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President and Cass City, MI wheat farmer Dave Milligan made the following statement in response to largest purchase of wheat by Chinese buyers since the country implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. wheat in March 2018:

“With the Coronavirus pandemic adversely impacting domestic and international economies, China’s purchase of American wheat is welcomed news.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that Chinese buyers purchased 340,000 metric tons, or about 12.5 million bushels, of U.S. hard red winter (HRW) wheat for delivery in the 2020/21 marketing year.

“NAWG also hopes that this is just one of several steps towards implementation of Phase I of the new U.S.-China trade deal. China is one of the largest buyers of U.S. wheat, and we hope that the new U.S.-China trade deal will restore the export opportunity that was building in China for American wheat farmers.”



NCGA COVID-19 Task Force Convenes

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is moving quickly in its efforts to better understand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s corn growers. In a letter to NCGA members
Thursday, NCGA President Kevin Ross and CEO Jon Doggett announced the formation of an NCGA COVID-19 Task Force to facilitate the collection of information, streamline the decision-making process to make recommendations and coordinate activities with the broader corn value chain.

The Task Force held its first organizational meeting via teleconference Friday morning. The Task Force consists of state and national farmer leaders and staff, with support from Ross, Doggett and NCGA’s Management Team.

Task Force members are NCGA First Vice President John Linder (OH), Deb Gangwish (NE), Denny Maple (IN), Harold Wolle (MN), Robert Gordon (TX), Bill Leigh (IL), Evan Miles (MD), Paul Thomas (ND), Craig Floss (IA), Colleen Klein (NY), Gary Marshall (MO), and Lisa Richardson (SD). Linder will serve as Task Force Chairman.

Corn growers can follow the work of the Task Force by subscribing to NCGA’s News of the Day e-newsletter or following NCGA on twitter. Farmers are also encouraged to share what they’re seeing in their local regions and any concerns of which they’d like the Task Force to be aware through CoronavirusInput@NCGA.com.



Peterson: Agriculture and Food “Absolutely Critical” in Fighting Pandemic

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson welcomed the designation of agriculture, including food production, distribution, and retail, as critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security in an announcement made by the DHS on Thursday.

The announcement allows those along the food and agriculture supply chain to continue operating to meet the national need. In a statement, Peterson noted the importance of farmers, food processors and producers, distributors and retailers as essential to the well-being of the country as it faces the growing coronavirus pandemic.

“Our food system is absolutely critical right now to keeping Americans fed, calm, and healthy,” Peterson said. “As we have heard from farmers and from food companies, we have enough food. The important part now is protecting and supporting the people that grow, raise, distribute and sell that food so supply can continue. The food processing industry is also being impacted by the same shortage of disinfecting products and protective equipment that has reached a crisis situation for our medical professionals.”



Harvesters Urge Agricultural Considerations Amid COVID-19

U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. today announced a call for the public and government to consider the ag industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  COVID-19 has already had a detrimental effect on most industries, especially those which provide food to the world.

“We are an essential part of the food supply chain and must be allowed to continue our work,” says Glen Jantzen, USCHI President, and owner of Jantzen Harvesting in Plymouth, Nebraska.  “Many concerns are arising from our members that our board and I are working to combat.”

Concerns specific to the custom harvester industry include:
-    H-2A workers – finding employees is the #1 concern in our industry.  Without our overseas workers, our businesses simply cannot complete their jobs.
-    Travel throughout the country – harvesters travel from February to December chopping and combining crops across the country.  With DMVs closed and current waiting periods, we will not be able to license any drivers.
-    Restaurants/grocery stores – as these harvesters travel with crews ranging anywhere from 5 to 100 people, they must have the ability to provide resources for their employees.

Agriculture is an essential business.  A functioning agriculture industry cares for the public by supplying a basic human need.  Custom harvesters harvest these crops that feed the world.  Without farmers and in turn, harvesters, no food will be stocked on grocery store shelves.  We must be allowed to provide a safe, secure food supply.

Please know that our organization stands with you all as we navigate this unprecedented event.



Dean Foods Dumps Dairy Co-Op

Milk processor Dean Foods Co. undid its designation of Dairy Farmers of America Inc. as the lead bidder at a planned bankruptcy sale, removing bid protections that favored the dairy cooperative.

Dean in papers filed Wednesday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston said it agreed to "mutually terminate" an asset purchase agreement with DFA, which has offered $425 million for 44 of Dean's processing facilities and other assets.

Bondholders and other creditors had objected to protections included in the bidding rules that favored DFA in exchange for its commitment to put a floor on the purchase price. The protections included a $15 million breakup fee and up to $8 million in reimbursements for DFA's expenses.

The judge overseeing Dean's bankruptcy rejected the proposed bidding rules last week, saying they didn't provide enough transparency for potential alternate bidders and tilted the playing field against other potential bidders.

Dean said Wednesday that DFA wasn't withdrawing from the bidding process. Bondholders are also formulating a bid for a stand-alone restructuring of the company, Dean said. Under Dean's proposed rules, bids for company assets are due on March 30, with a sale hearing to approve winning bids on April 3.

Some creditors have argued that a deal with DFA would run the risk of being rejected by federal antitrust cops, who have been probing the milk processor's possible tie-up with DFA for months.

The Justice Department has discussed with farmers and retailers the potential impact on competition in the heavily regulated dairy industry if DFA, which counts Dean as its biggest customer, were to amass more dairy facilities and purchasing power.

The outcome of any antitrust review could determine the fate of dozens of plants and other assets Dean owns. Competition authorities could also decide to take no action.



Jersey Cow Breaks World Butterfat Record

For the first time in more than a dozen years, a new world record for fat production by a Registered Jersey cow has been recorded by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Last October, 'Lyon Renegade Barb' completed a 365-day lactation of 3,072 pounds of fat, breaking the record set in 2007 by 'Norse Star Hallmark Bootie.' The record-setting lactation had a butterfat test of 8.6%.

The complete lactation, begun at 6 years, 1 month of age, was 35,716 lbs. milk, 3,072 lbs. fat, and 1,382 lbs. protein (94 DCR). Based upon federal order pricing, the gross dollar value of the lactation was $11,042.

Owned by Logan and Autumn Courtney of Chouteau, Okla., the Excellent-90 daughter of BW Renegade-ET was bred by Lyon Jerseys, Toledo, Iowa.