Agriculture : News
DATE: July 31, 2011
HARDIN COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
201 Peterson Drive
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-9370
BY: Doug Shepherd
County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources
FSA Assistance for Livestock Losses:
The recent extremely high temperatures have not only been unbearable for us, they in
some cases have been deadly to many livestock species. Thus the reason for many of the daily “Livestock Heat Stress Warnings” issued by the National Weather Service. Handling and transporting livestock in these high stress situations is not recommended since there is typically no way to cool these animals off rapidly, which can lead to extreme heat stress and possibly death. There have been numerous reports locally and statewide of large numbers of livestock deaths due to the heat wave, and the problem evidently is quite severe in the US Southwest where an extreme drought is coupled with the heat.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced a program that might be of benefit to producers who have experienced livestock deaths due to the heat. Livestock producers who incur eligible livestock death losses due to the recent extreme temperatures and other adverse weather events may be eligible for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Producers need to contact the Hardin/LaRue County FSA Office to sign up for LIP, 270-765-2702.
For livestock losses that occur in calendar year 2011, producers will have until the earlier of, 30 days after the livestock loss becomes apparent to file a notice of loss to FSA, or no later than October 31, 2011. In addition, producers will have until January 30, 2012 to apply for payment.
For more information on protecting your livestock from heat stress contact the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service Office, 270-765-4121.
USDA Cattle Reports:
The recent USDA cattle reports showed that cattle numbers continue to decline nationally which means the quantity of beef available to US consumers is declining which in turn means higher retail beef prices. The reason for declining supplies are due to the continual liquidation of the cow herd due to high feed prices, a weak US dollar that is helping increase beef exports, and the drought in the Southwest which is resulting in many ranches moving cows and/or calves to market earlier than normal due lack of feed.
The recent USDA report showed the US cow herd declined 1% from a year ago, down 5% from 2007. 2011 is expected to see a record 10% of US beef production being exported, caused not only by the weak US dollar but South Korea doubling purchasing since last year and Japan’s 50% increase due to the earthquake/tsunami disaster there. US beef imports from New Zealand, Australia and Canada are down. As a result, the US became a net exporter of beef in September, the first time in modern history that we exported more beef than we imported. The world’s consumers prefer US beef, when they can afford it, due to its wholesomeness and quality!
Placements into feedlots last month were up 4% over a year ago, and the size of those calves were smaller relating to calves being moved from Southwest drought areas.
So what does all this mean: well if corn and soybean yields are near normal which should decrease prices for these grains from highs this summer, then calf prices this fall should be strengthened. The clear message to cow-calf producers is to keep cows, the long term forecast is quite positive for years to come. For the consumer, expect higher prices in the grocery store for beef. It’s all about supply and demand, the demand is there - the supply isn’t!
On the positive side for consumers - pork and chicken cold storage stocks are well above a year ago, so there should be some good pricing on these two “white” meats.
Rinse and Return this week:
Just a reminder that Hardin County’s “Rinse and Return” Plastic Pesticide Container
Recycling Program’s collection day is this Thursday, August 4th, from 10:00 AM until noon. Location will be the Hardin County Road Department on Bacon Creek Road. Plastic pesticide containers that are up to 5 gallons in size, that have either been pressurized rinsed or triple rinsed, and had all labels and caps removed are eligible for recycling. However, the containers must also be clean on the inside and outside.
This recycling program has been held here in the County since 1991 and is a cooperative effort by Hardin County Fiscal Court, Hardin County Farm Bureau, Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and local ag chemical retailers.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, or disability.
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