Friday December 02 Ag News

 RURAL NEBRASKANS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WATER QUALITY, POLL SHOWS

Rural Nebraskans are concerned about water quality and water contamination affecting their own or their family’s health, according to the 2022 Nebraska Rural Poll.

Two-thirds of respondents to the poll — an annual survey of rural Nebraskans conducted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln — say they are “somewhat concerned,” “concerned” or “very concerned” about contaminants in their water supply impacting their health.

“A goal of the Nebraska Rural Poll is to give rural Nebraskans a voice on issues affecting their communities and the state, including their views and concerns related to natural resources,” said Heather Akin, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at Nebraska. “The majority of rural Nebraskans are satisfied with their access to clean water but expressed concern about contaminants.”

Respondents from the Panhandle region are most concerned, with 40.7% saying they are “concerned” or “very concerned” about contaminants to their home water supply; followed by the Northeast region, where nearly 38% indicate they are “concerned” or “very concerned.”

Most rural Nebraskans surveyed (68%) get all or some of their home tap water from city water or rural public water systems, while a quarter rely on private wells. Forty-five percent of respondents have tested for nitrates, E. coli, lead, pesticides or other contaminants. About 30% are unsure whether they have tested their water. Slightly more than three in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed have tested their water for nitrates specifically. Most respondents with private well water (55%) have tested their water for nitrates, while almost four in 10 have tested for E. coli, lead and pesticides. Only 13% who get their drinking water from private wells have not tested their water, and 23% are unsure if it has been tested.

“The concern about contaminants may contribute to the level of testing we saw in the results,” said Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, a professor and extension specialist at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. “The levels of concern expressed by rural Nebraskans may be a result of being vigilant and watchful, not necessarily a belief they have contamination.”

Despite residents’ concerns, most rural Nebraskans surveyed – about six in 10 – do not treat their home tap water before drinking it. Just under two in 10 treat their home tap water using either a carbon filter or reverse osmosis.

Rural Nebraskans with higher household incomes are more likely to have tested their home tap water for contaminants than those with lower incomes. Almost four in 10 respondents with household incomes of $100,000 or higher have tested their water for nitrates, compared to just over two in 10 with household incomes under $40,000. And those with the lowest household incomes are more likely to be unsure (44%) if their water has been tested.

Seventy-two percent of respondents living in or near communities with populations under 500 do not treat their home water, compared to 45% of persons living in or near communities with populations ranging from 5,000 to 9,999.

“This is an opportunity for all Nebraskans to work together for solutions that ensure the future vitality of our state,” said Crystal A. Powers with the University of Nebraska Water Center, who was part of the team that contributed questions to the 2022 Rural Poll. “This survey helps guide development of our statewide research and extension efforts.”

This year, 1,105 rural Nebraskans completed the Nebraska Rural Poll — an 18% response rate. In 2022, the Rural Poll asked respondents about their community, the economy and employment, their individual and family’s well-being, and views toward natural resources.

The Nebraska Rural Poll, now in its 27th year, is sent to 7,000 households annually in rural communities across the state.

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 3%. Complete results are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu. The university's Department of Agricultural Economics conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension.



Mexico GM Corn Ban has Determinantal Effects – The Association Calls for Initiation of USMCA Enforcement Case

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are urging Mexico and the Biden Administration to reach an agreement by following the science of genetically modified (GM) corn. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has clearly violated the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade pact by issuing a decree to ban the imports of GM corn. NeCGA has repeatedly requested an USMCA enforcement case be initiated.

Mexico has published a decree calling for a phase-out of GM corn for human consumption in Mexico by January of 2024. This is determinantal to not only U.S. farmers but the Mexico economy. If the GM corn ban is implemented, the World Perspectives, Inc. (WPI) study estimates that Mexico will create an additional $5.6 billion burden for the economy just to afford the same amount of product they currently have. The WPI report also finds that the first year the GM ban is implemented, tortilla prices will increase by 30% and then 42% in the second year. This is destructive to the Mexican economy and their consumers. It is doubtful Mexico will be able to fully replace the lost U.S. products used for human consumption and possibly livestock feed, no matter where corn is purchased.

Mexico has indicated a willingness to make a deal to annually exempt U.S. feed corn, but no deal is being considered on white corn for direct human consumption, according to a statement issued by the office of Mexican President AMLO.

“Continuing the ban on white corn is a non-starter for Nebraska corn farmers and in the strongest terms, I implore Ambassador Tai to initiate an enforcement case within the

USMCA rules. It’s vital to the success of U.S. farmers, agriculture, and our country’s economy,” Andy Jobman, NeCGA president, states. “We must stand up for what is right, science-based, and ultimately the best decision for the U.S. economy. We cannot and will not allow opinions to trump science.”

In October, NeCGA President, Andy Jobman, a farmer from Gothenburg, Nebraska published an opinion piece urging President AMLO and Ambassador Tai to protect, support and expand trade for U.S. products, including GM corn. However, the Biden Administration and the office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) have been timid about engaging in trade discussions abroad. Science has continually proven GM corn is not only safe but also necessary to produce enough food and agricultural products for a growing world.

“We must continue to follow the science,” Jay Reiners, NCB Chairman states. “The U.S. cannot sacrifice the growing of white corn which is used for human consumption for yellow corn and livestock feed. We must have the ability to feed the population of Mexico. Agriculture uses science, and Mexico’s decree doesn’t follow decades of science we’ve used and trusted.”

Genetic technology has increased the resiliency of crops to meet a growing population and reach new markets. Genetically modified crops have farmers across the U.S. to farm with reduced tillage and chemical application. Nebraska Corn implores the Biden Administration to stand on the agreement of USMCA.

 

Nebraska Congressional Delegation Pushes Biden Admin to Enforce USMCA Terms for American Corn Growers

Nebraska Congressmen Flood, Bacon, and Smith recently wrote the United State Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai to express concern that Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) wants to ban genetically modified (GM) corn imports by 2024. This ban would have a direct harm on Nebraska’s corn growers in a state where 90 percent of corn is genetically modified to help grow 1.83 billion bushels in 2021.

“Losing this key foreign trade partner would cost the American economy $73.89 billion and approximately 32,000 jobs would be lost,” the Nebraska Congressmen wrote. “This issue has hung over the heads of producers for far too long. USTR must take concrete steps to prevent this catastrophic policy from bankrupting American producers.”



Extension sets financial record-keeping course for farmers and ranchers in January

The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part record-keeping course, will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. Central time on Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Participants should plan on attending each of the four workshop dates. The course requires participants to have an internet connection.

This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line. Participants will work through the financial statements of a case study farm, watch pre-recorded videos, complete assignments, and participate in video chats. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners, and lenders.

The course fee is $20 per participant and class size is limited to 20 people. Register online at https://wia.unl.edu/know by Jan. 3.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2020-70028-32728.



IDALS, APHIS Confirm Case of HPAI in Buena Vista County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Buena Vista County, Iowa.  The virus was found in a commercial turkey flock.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.



New Publication Series Offers Insight and Direction on Sampling for Vitamin and Mineral Status

It’s important for producers to know the vitamin and mineral statuses of animals in their operation but it takes more than a simple glance to accurately determine. A new three-part publication series from Iowa Pork Industry Center, Sample Collection and Handling for Vitamin and Mineral Analyses, can help producers learn how to properly take feed and biological samples as part of the diagnostic process.

Lead author and graduate student Sarah Elefson said vitamin and mineral statuses are important to ensure that diets fed to the animal provide adequate nutrients and that the animal’s vitamin and mineral status are sufficient.

"When there is a potential nutritional deficiency or toxicity, it is critical to take proper feed and biological samples, and handle them appropriately to help narrow down the cause of the nutritional issue accurately," she said. "Improper sample collection and handling can lead to inaccurate vitamin and mineral analysis results."

These resources offer information on the importance of proper blood sampling techniques and choice of blood tube for collection to avoid inaccurate vitamin and mineral analysis, and how storage can potentially affect the nutrient status of tissues. The first publication provides a general overview of sample collection, the second is focused on blood sample collection, and the third covers biological sample collection and storage, she said.

Download these pdf publications at no charge from the ISU Extension store.
    IPIC205A Collecting Feed and Biological Samples for Vitamin and Mineral Testing. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16573
    IPIC205B Blood Sample Collection For Nutrient Analysis. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16574
    IPIC205C Biological Sample Collection and Storage Issues. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16575

"These three publications are short and to the point, with photos and figures to illustrate the information," Elefson said. "None are more than three pages and each highlights key points in collecting feed and biological samples intended for vitamin and mineral analysis."



Crop Insurance Discount Program Applications Now Available

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged farmers and landowners who planted cover crops this fall to apply for the Crop Insurance Discount Program by Jan. 13, 2023. Eligible Iowa farmers and landowners can receive a $5 per acre discount on spring crop insurance premiums for cover crop acres located within Iowa.

“Iowa farmers are continuing to invest in and implement proven conservation practices, like cover crops, to enrich soil health and improve water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “This successful program was started in Iowa and has become a model for other states as it has been an effective incentive to get more cover crops planted.”

Farmers can sign up now for the cover crop insurance premium reduction program at apply.cleanwateriowa.org. To qualify, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs.

Cover crops help improve soil health, prevent soil erosion and lock in nutrients, especially during extreme weather events. Cover crops are a proven way to reduce the loss of nitrogen and phosphorous from the soil, which helps to improve water quality. Cover crops also offer weed control and livestock grazing benefits for farmers and landowners.



Grants Available to Help Teach Agriculture in Iowa

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is making mini-grants available to support the integration of agriculture into classroom instruction or after school programs with an academic focus.

The Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants, made possible through support from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, are designed to help Iowa teachers initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy in students. Teachers can apply for $250 grants that can be used to fund innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips, and other projects. Up to 180 grants will be awarded to teachers throughout Iowa.

"Through our grant, students were able to learn about plant lifecycles, pollination, milk production, and coding," said 2022 grant recipient Amber Evans, Pocahontas Elementary. "I knew that just because my students live in a rural community doesn't mean they understand the agriculture happening outside the city limits. This grant really brings it to life."

Preschool through 12th grade teachers, librarians, afterschool program coordinators, and Homeschool Assistance Programs at Iowa schools are eligible to apply. Grants must relate to social studies, science, math, language arts, or 21st century skills and integrate agriculture into the learning.

"We enjoyed seeing the garden progress throughout the year and having the students discuss the garden with their expanded vocabulary," Michelle Zimmerman, Seeds of Faith Early Learning Center, said of the school garden program funded through the IALF grant. "Our students learned about plant lifecycles, gardening, worms, and vegetables. Each week the students were excited to make observations about the garden."

"The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is proud to provide financial assistance to support teachers in their classrooms," said Ronnette Vondrak, IFBF community resources manager. "Agricultural literacy is critical in further expanding knowledge and an understanding on the value and impact of Iowa agriculture."

The deadline to apply is Jan. 9 and the proposed project must take place between Jan. 15 and June 4, 2023. To apply or for more information visit www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants.



Statement from Secretary Vilsack on Congressional Action to Avert Rail Shutdown

“I thank Congress for taking swift action to prevent a potentially crippling national rail shutdown by sending to the President’s desk legislation that adopts the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators. A rail shutdown would have had significant and long-lasting effects on American food and agriculture and would have been devastating to the nation’s economy. Under President Biden’s leadership, U.S. farmers and ranchers, as well as American consumers, can breathe a sigh of relief that the trains will stay on track to deliver food, inputs, raw materials, and other essential items across the nation.  

“Our work doesn’t stop here. This Administration will continue to make progress on fostering economic growth and strengthening supply chains, and supporting workers who deserve protections in the workplace.”



NCBA Statement on the Signing of Resolution to Avoid Rail Disruptions

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall released a statement following the signing of H.J. Res. 100 to avert disruptions in rail service:

“America’s cattle producers are grateful for the bipartisan effort that prevented disruptions in critical rail service across the country. A rail shutdown would have been disastrous to our supply chain, and would have interrupted the essential feed, fuel, and fertilizer shipments cattle producers need. We are pleased that this joint resolution was swiftly passed by Congress and signed into law.”



AFBF Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Keep Economy Moving

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Biden’s signing of legislation to avert a disastrous rail strike.

“AFBF applauds Congress and President Biden for working together to avert a rail strike. High diesel prices, a truck driver shortage, and low water levels on the Mississippi River have already made shipping conditions difficult. A rail strike would have had a devastating effect on the American economy, especially as families grapple with higher prices caused by inflation.

“Farmers rely on trains to transport food and feed, and they also depend on the rails to bring important supplies like fertilizer back to the farm, which is why AFBF urged Congress and the president to find a solution to the rail worker impasse. Their bipartisan efforts will help ensure farmers can continue delivering food from their farms to families across the country.”



RFA Thanks President, Congress for Ending Rail Strike Threat

After quick congressional passage earlier this week, President Biden today signed legislation imposing an agreement to avert a major national rail strike that would have crippled America’s supply chain. Had a strike occurred, it would have seriously impacted the U.S. ethanol industry, the Renewable Fuels Association noted in thanking Congress and the President for their work.

“We thank President Biden and members of Congress who overwhelmingly supported keeping our nation’s freight moving at this difficult time,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. “Shutting down the rails would have shut down our industry’s ability to provide lower-cost, low-carbon ethanol and other important coproducts like distillers grains to customers here at home and across the border to Canada and Mexico. More than 400,000 jobs across America are supported by the ethanol industry, and a long rail dispute would no doubt have put many of them at risk.”

RFA has been at the forefront of efforts to derail the strike threat, and earlier this week took part in a letter calling on Congress to move quickly to hold the railroads and their unions to the agreement. This followed letters in September and early November, as well as testimony in April to the Surface Transportation Board.

The majority of the ethanol produced in the United States—more than 70 percent—is transported via railway across the lower 48 states as well as into Canada and Mexico. In fact, over the last five years, U.S. railroads have transported an average of nearly 395,000 carloads of ethanol per year. In addition, roughly 25 percent of grain comes into ethanol plants by train, and an estimated 30 percent of outbound distillers grains, an important livestock feed produced at biorefineries, departs via rail.



ACE Thanks President Biden for Initiating Action to Resolve Rail Dispute

Following approval in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, President Biden today signed into law legislation adopting the terms of a contract negotiated among freight railroads and most of their unions in September, ahead of the Dec. 9 deadline to reach an agreement before the labor union workers promised to strike.  

“The American Coalition for Ethanol thanks President Biden for pressing Congress to pass legislation that resolves the rail dispute, as a strike would have had a domino effect on our industry, from the producers of the fuel to midstream partners and ultimately the retailers and motorists who fill up with low-cost fuel at the pump,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “This week’s quick action by the Administration and Congress helps keep ethanol moving to the marketplace, and we’re grateful as our members heavily rely on an efficient and timely rail system.”



USDA Dairy Products October 2022 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.17 billion pounds, 1.4 percent above October 2021 and 2.4 percent above September 2022. Italian type cheese production totaled 495 million pounds, 1.4 percent above October 2021 and 0.3 percent above September 2022. American type cheese production totaled 467 million pounds, 1.3 percent above October 2021 and 5.6 percent above September 2022. Butter production was 161 million pounds, 2.0 percent below October 2021 but 14.3 percent above September 2022.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with October 2021)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 124 million pounds, up 2.9 percent.
Skim milk powder - 56.2 million pounds, down 27.6 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with October 2021)
Dry whey, total - 77.3 million pounds, up 3.3 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 97.2 million pounds, up 0.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 47.0 million pounds, up 0.8 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with October 2021)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 59.7 million gallons, up 9.3 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 32.4 million gallons, down 8.1 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.16 million gallons, up 10.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.38 million gallons, down 5.2 percent.



Texas auctioneer wins World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifier

Andy Baumeister of Goldthwaite, Texas, was named champion at the 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) qualifying event at Longview Livestock in Longview, Texas. A total of 30 contestants competed for a top ten placing, granting them a spot in the 2023 WLAC semifinals at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia, Fla.  

“As a kid, I was just infatuated with auctioneers and horse sales, actually,” Baumeister said. “We had a local horse sale that was once a month, and I think I was probably 12 or 13 when I went and got to sell for a bit. Once I got older, I would go and help every month, and then went to Missouri Auction School when I was 21.”

Baumeister and his family currently own and operate Lampasas Cattle Auction in Lampasas, Texas, where he sells regularly. He says that winning the qualifier in his home state is a wonderful feeling.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” Baumeister said. “I was just hoping to make the top 10. I’ve gotten hooked coming to these things, and I love it. The lifelong friends that we’ve met through this contest are great.”

A live cattle sale took place, with the market’s regular buyers and sellers in the seats. Auctioneer contestants were judged on the clarity and quality of their chant, presentation, ability to catch bids/conduct the sale and how likely the judge would be to hire the auctioneer. Judges for the qualifying event were livestock market owners, managers, dealers and/or allied industry members from across the nation.
 
Individuals advancing to the semifinals with Baumeister are Shannon Davis, Winnsboro, Texas; Runner Up Champion Justin Dodson, Welch, Okla.; Lane Marbach, Victoria, Texas; Reserve Champion Brandon McLagan, Elmer, Mo.; Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas; Ethan Schuette, Washington, Kan.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Seth Waldroup, Westminster, S.C.; and Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, Neb.
 
Other contestants who competed were Gary Crawley, Kiowa, Okla.; Keelan Dunn, Bowie, Texas; Cody Hanold, Brighton, Ill.; Kirby Hill, Paris, Texas; Travis Holck, Lake Crystal, Minn.; Calvin Hollis, Mannford, Okla.; Michael Imbrogno, Turlock, Calif.; Takoda Kiser, Wytheville, Va.; Jonathan Lopinto, Amite, La.; Tilon Mast, Auburn, Neb.; Justin Mebane, Bakersfield, Calif.; Bill Nance, Sheldon, Mo.; Tate Rainey, Sweetwater, Texas; Luke Schubert, Brainerd, Minn.; Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kan.; Dustin Smith, Jay, Okla.; Brooks Thompson, Prague, Okla.; Scott Twardowski, Swanville, Minn.; Tim Yoder, Montezuma, Ga.; and Zack Zumstein, Marsing, Idaho.
   
The final WLAC qualifying event will be held at Windsor Livestock Auction Co., Inc. in Windsor, Mo., on January 4, 2023.



Taste Drives Demand and Profit
Lauren Mosher, Certified Angus Beef intern

Quality starts long before feedyard rations reach the bunk, and it weighs heavily on the bottom line. Brian Bertelsen, vice president of field operations for U.S. Premium Beef LLC (USPB), discussed marbling’s impact on grid marketing at the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) annual Feeding Quality Forum.

"Quality is not a recent trend, but instead a long-term trend," Bertelsen said. With a Choice-Select spread of $12/cwt. in 2020 and $18.50/cwt. in 2021 (the highest in 10 years), the numbers speak for themselves. Prime percentages keep growing, averaging 10% in recent years, but rewards on the grid are actually larger. Our industry is supplying a higher quality product, with better eating satisfaction and consumer demand drives that higher premium in the wake of increased supply. Historically, most Prime is purchased by restaurants. When supplies increase, it allows for wider retail availability.

Bertelsen elaborated, due to decreasing percentage of Select in the industry from 37% to 14% in just six years, the industry has pushed retailers to purchase less Select, and instead buy higher quality meat. "Select may be cheaper for the grocery store, but consumers notice that taste difference," he said.

What does that demand all come down to? Marbling.

"You can use EPDs (expected progeny differences) to build genetic potential—but then you have to manage the animal to express that," Bertelsen said.

Caption: Summarizing individual animals marketed on the USPB grid, sorted by Yield Grade, showed that as Yield Grade increases so does carcass weight, marbling and total dollars per head on the grid.

Specifically, producers must carefully manage body condition scores, herd health, docility, calving season and colostrum. To tweak it even further, bull calves should be castrated early and once weaned, fed grain-based growing rations.

While the calories in corn enhance marbling, the key management component is targeting an optimal end weight or body fatness, he said. That’s where partnering with a seasoned cattle feeder becomes critical. Summarizing individual animals marketed on the USPB grid, sorted by Yield Grade, showed that as Yield Grade increases so does carcass weight, marbling and total dollars per head on the grid.

Bertelsen noted that marbling continues to influence the grid and adds to the bottom line.

In the 2021 packer survey conducted by CAB, premiums from cattle qualifying for CAB reached $182 million, or more than $3 million per week paid to producers. The top reason cattle don’t qualify for the brand has always been insufficient marbling.

In search of those premiums, cattlemen may wonder if it’s possible to meet the specification on marbling by feeding cattle longer. Bertelsen said it definitely helps.

"Cattle with the most genetic potential are the ones we ‘ought to feed longer," Bertelsen said. "If an additional three weeks on feed is the line between achieving a higher quality grade, those extra days will increase total value because we’re adding marbling, carcass weight and total dollars per head."

Marbling has the biggest effect on the price per pound of a carcass on a grid, but ribeye size and backfat are the best indicators for muscling and leanness. For cow-calf producers, it’s a balance between carcass quality and maternal traits, Bertelsen said.

And that balance comes down to personal preference, genetics and the market.

"How long we feed them depends on the potential for the animal and market conditions, or premiums on the grid," Bertelsen said. "If cattle producers are willing to change their mindset, there can be significant increases in total income through feeding to the proper endpoint and marketing on a value-based grid."

Taking the time to fine-tune marbling potential affects the cattleman’s bottom line and consumer demand, he concluded.