“The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the federal government under penalty of severe fines and jailtime,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “FinCEN should do the right thing and provide a realistic delay to the Corporate Transparency Act until Congress has an opportunity to provide a permanent fix that protects family farmers and ranchers.”

On Monday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, holding that the government is likely to prevail in a constitutional challenge. This decision places many small businesses in jeopardy that have not yet filed Beneficial Ownership Information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In light of the Fifth Circuit’s decision, FinCEN announced it will delay enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act until January 13, 2025—just three weeks from now. This delay does not allow enough time for millions of small businesses to comply with the law, and it is deeply concerning that FinCEN will proceed with enforcing this law when it has failed to give adequate notice and instructions to law abiding family business owners.

NCBA will continue fighting for a permanent solution that protects cattle farmers and ranchers from this overreaching mandate. In the meantime, cattle producers are advised to consult their attorney and/or tax professional regarding this new development.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

–National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

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I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there.

To give time for reflection and enjoyment this holiday season, we will not be sending out our daily emails the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The Morning Ag Clips’ daily email will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

There will still be news articles published on our site, so make sure to stay up-to-date by going to morningagclips.com. Every day there will be something new, and there will be an editor watching for breaking ag news every day. But like you, we all need a break, and the only way to get it is to be extremely intentional about it, so we are!

Here’s to you, your family, and a prosperous and healthy New Year! We will see you in 2025!

With love,
Kate

The post Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

I expect the January Cattle Inventory report to show some additional liquidation has occurred leading to a smaller calf crop in 2025. It seems most likely that the summer of 2026 is the soonest substantial national heifer retention may begin. While there is recently elevated uncertainty around international trade that should not be overlooked, most anticipate domestic beef availability to decline perhaps by 2-3% per year (per person) in 2025 and 2026.

Given this setting and the opportunity for some extended armchair-pondering around the holidays, some context on economic concepts and an important historical reminder is prudent. Economists analyzing the beef industry use the term “demand” to refer to the willingness and ability to buy beef at a specific price. A change in beef demand is not triggered by changes in beef prices but rather by consumer income or wealth adjustments, changes in prices of other goods, or perceptions of beef quality evolving. To this later point, the clear improvement in overall beef quality (simple example is Prime or Upper Choice percentage versus past decades) has been core to beef demand growth (see K-State demand indices here: https://agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-domestic-meat-demand-indices-usdabls-data/monthly-domestic-0 ).

As we turn to 2025 it is important to pause and connect the dots around things such as current feedlot supplies, future breeding herd size and corresponding beef availability, and what one may expect at the retail and food service level. Yes, lower beef supplies are expected and with that, most anticipate higher end-user beef prices. In fact, the industry should be hoping for that! Research with Melissa McKendree, Ted Schroeder, and Nathan Hendricks (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1093/ajae/aaz034 ) shows that feeder cattle sellers stand to gain the most when beef demand grows, and lose the most when demand falters.

If alternatively, lower beef availability is observed in conjunction with flat or lower beef prices, then beef demand clearly declined. In that unfortunate situation, economic viability for most in the industry also declines. While some younger market participants may dismiss this scenario, recall the 1980s & 90s was a period largely characterized by a shrinking herd, weakening beef demand, and overall decline in industry vitality. Indeed, lower beef volumes alone do not guarantee higher beef nor cattle prices. This experience is worth periodic reflection as the industry has made massive improvements that should not be overlooked or taken for granted. To the extent that beef prices increase reflecting stable or growing beef demand that indeed is a market outcome that should not only “be allowed” but encouraged. While the term “demand destruction” is likely to appear more in coming months, industry stakeholders are encouraged to take pause and in fact hope that higher prices develop reflecting stable or growing beef demand.

Finally, and most importantly I wish all readers a Merry Christmas, the ability to see the true reason for the season, and a joyous New Year.

— Glynn T. Tonsor, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

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Projects are being financed by the fifth round of the ReConnect Program and are a central part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild the economy.

“Keeping the people of rural America connected with good, reliable high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs,” Secretary Vilsack said. “That’s why USDA’s ReConnect Program is an important part of our partnership with rural communities. Through these investments, we are connecting the most rural and remote communities to a global marketplace and bringing new opportunities within reach.”

USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke made today’s announcement during a visit to Consolidated Telephone Company in Brainerd, Minnesota, which is receiving a $5,510,933 million loan and a $5,510,933 grant to connect 2,831 people, 67 businesses and 78 farms in Crow Wing and Morrison counties.

The ReConnect Program is specifically designed to fund the most difficult high-speed internet projects in the nation, which are in the most rural, remote and unserved communities.

Many residents and businesses in rural areas would not have high-speed internet service without the ReConnect Program. The program is a key part of the Administration’s Internet for All initiative to connect everyone in America to high-speed internet by 2030.

Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department has invested approximately $4.4 billion for 360 ReConnect awards that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 680,000 people in the most rural and remote areas of America. More than $2.2 billion of this funding, which will benefit an estimated 341,000 people, was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Today’s investments will connect people to high-speed internet in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

For example:

• In Michigan, Waldron Communication Co. is receiving a $3 million loan and a $3 million grant to provide high-speed internet that will connect 599 people, 18 businesses and 32 farms in Hillsdale and Lenawee counties.
• In Arizona, CoxCom LLC is receiving a $14.7 million grant to connect 6,579 people, 88 businesses, two farms and nine educational facilities in Cochise, Pima and Pinal counties.
• In Washington, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is receiving a $19.1 million grant to connect 165 people, six businesses and 20 farms across the Colville Reservation in Okanogan County.

Today’s announcement also includes a Broadband Technical Assistance pilot project in Nevada. Valley Electric Association Inc. is receiving a $542,281 Cooperative Agreement to promote the deployment of high-speed fiber networks to the rural areas of Clark, Esmerelda, Lyon, Mineral and Nye counties.

The project will use innovative partnerships with local internet service providers and energy providers to promote the development of mid-mile and last-mile fiber in these remote areas of Nevada. The project will provide solutions for the delivery of products and services that include design, engineering, procurement, permitting, construction, operations, maintenance and repair and regulatory compliance.

The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program supports technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources, and to conduct data collection and reporting.

Since the launch of the BTA program in April 2023, the Department has provided more than $16.29 million to support 42 technical assistance projects across 24 states.

A full list of projects from today’s announcement is available online.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

— USDA Rural Development

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Angus Foundation Heifer Package

Each year the Angus Foundation Heifer Package leads off the National Angus Bull Sale. The 2025 heifer package is donated by Pollard Farms of Waukomis, Oklahoma.

The heifer, POLLARD Rita 4012 (AAA* 20875621), is a daughter of EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B and out of a productive, young two-year-old that is “on her way to the donor pen,” said Dr. Barry Pollard of Pollard Farms. She stems from the PF W34 Rita 4139, a long-time donor in the Pollard Farms program.

Rita is an elite donor prospect. She exemplifies the phenotypic and numerical balance that Dr. Pollard and his crew strive to produce, ranking in the top 1% for $C, Marb, $G, $AxH and $AxJ; top 2% for $B and $W; top 5% for RADG; top 10% for WW, YW, and HP; top 15% for CED, BW, PAP, and $M; top 20% for RE; and top 25% for CW and $F.

The heifer package also includes an Advanced Reproductive Technology Package from Trans Ova Genetics; trucking to the buyer donated by Lathrop Livestock Transportation; and 30 days of mortality insurance donated by Jeanne Conover, Livestock Insurance Agent with Conover Auction Service.

The sale starts at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

To learn more about the Angus Foundation Heifer Package visit bit.ly/2025HeiferPackage.

Fund the Future Offerings

A special feature to the January events is the Angus Foundation “Fund the Future” donation lot that will sell. The Bases Loaded Sale, held January 7 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City, will feature a heifer pregnancy donated by Riverbend Ranch with complimentary trucking included by Lathrop Livestock Transportation.

This headlining female of the Riverbed and Vintage Angus programs, sells as Lot A with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s mission. The Fund the Future program allows breeders to donate proceeds from a designated sale lot to the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars to support the breed.

This Fund the Future donation lot features a heifer pregnancy from the $194,000 valued second-generation Riverbed Ranch donor, Miss Belle 9209 and sired by the American Angus Association’s Sire of the Year, Connealy Craftsman. The anticipated due date is February 24, 2025.

Angus Herdsman Social

The Foundation and Association will again host a celebration for the Angus family at the 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress. The Angus Herdsman Social serves as an evening of fellowship in Oklahoma City, Friday, January 10.

The doors of the Cattlemen’s Bar in Barn 3 will open at 3:45 p.m. following the National Angus Bull Sale. The social will feature the announcement of the 2025 Angus Herdsman of the Year, food, refreshments and a group of auction and raffle items to benefit the Foundation’s mission.

Auction highlights include a men’s and/or women’s custom-made cowboy hat from Greeley Hat Works, a set of whiskey barrel chairs and a custom cowhide bag from Holy Cow Couture. A 2025 National Finals Rodeo ticket package, among other exciting items and experiences, is available for bidding.

Those interested in any of the January events and offerings supporting the Angus Foundation are encouraged to contact Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director, at JBoester@Angus.org, or their regional manager. To learn more about the Angus Foundation and its mission, visit angus.org/foundation.

–Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist
American Angus Association

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Live fed cattle prices remain strong with cash trades better than $190 but prices for the year look range-bound to me between $180 and just better than $190. The boxed beef cutout value is holding better than $300 with a mix of performance at the primal level. Rib prices have been seasonally outstanding, and tenderloins have also been strong. Loins are showing some seasonal weakness as is ground beef. End meats are showing solid price levels but not much in terms of improvements. Once the market retreats from the strong rib purchases, and the Choice-Select spread seasonally softens, much will be determined by Chucks and Rounds. Also, this will be the period the market moves into the time of year when packer margins are the weakest. My point? The strong finish to the year in calf prices has little to do with what is going on downstream.

It is also not reacting to grain market news. Information from recent Crop Production and WASDE reports suggest some firming of feed grain prices. After a series of reports through the summer where production steadily increased, the November reports communicate some softening of yields, overall production, and a modest tightening of stocks-to-use. However, forage prices remain much below prior years and availability is substantially better.

Carcass weights remain truly impressive and have backed up very little from the four weeks at 960-pound average steer weights – heifers are following suit. It will be interesting, and important, to see the magnitude of any seasonal decline in weights. How much of the 40-pound increase based on the same week of the year prior persists? With lower corn prices and longer feeding periods then heavy weights will persist. But how heavy and what are the possible further increases?

These weight increases in all likelihood hang over the market as well as do the front-loaded cattle on feed inventories. The calculated cattle on feed over 150 days has been larger than any of the proceeding years – other than 2020 – but this inventory has been moving lower through the summer and fall. The exception is November’s number. The inventory of these long-fed animals has been large relative to what is seen in the 120 days on feed inventory. Inventories on feed over 120 days are this month tighter than 2023. Whereas the 150-day number is even compared with last year. Again, big numbers and weights now – and back through the summer and fall – but the prospect is for change come the first quarter. The pipeline is full for the near term with less so into next year. But then there are first-quarter packer margins to navigate.

The Markets

What does the technical picture say? Live cattle and feeder cattle futures have again posted strong rallies in September, October, and November. However, the market currently sits at resistance formed in the spring, and the spring strength was less than the excitement from this time last year. Approaching resistance is a sell signal. Cow-calf producers need to be getting ready and looking hard at LRP into next year. And I have talked to several that received payment this year. I see next year’s GFX contract looking a lot like this year’s. Strong sell-offs, strong up moves, and a lot of underlying volatility. And that is until herd building begins in earnest. As always, watch your charts. And add that Cattle on Feed report to the list. Placements through the spring will be an important signal.

— Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

The post In the Cattle Markets: Strong Calf Prices Finish the Year appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The conference brought together 152 4-H’ers from 26 states, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about poultry. Participants engaged in various events designed to enhance their decision-making, public speaking and poultry-related skills. The conference featured five competitive events: poultry judging, chicken barbecuing, turkey barbecuing, an egg chef challenge, and the Avian Bowl—an exciting game of poultry and egg trivia. Additionally, industry leaders from the poultry and egg sectors led a Poultry Careers workshop, providing attendees with valuable insights into career and educational opportunities within the industry.

The team from Texas, coached by Jeremy Lee, finished as the top overall team. Trent Ellebracht, from Texas, was named as the top overall individual. Barbara Jenkins, vice president of education and student programs for USPOULTRY and executive director of the USPOULTRY Foundation, presented the awards.

Through 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation reasserts its commitment to student outreach programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders in poultry careers. As a long-time sponsor, the USPOULTRY Foundation is dedicated to supporting these talented young people and recognize that they represent the future of the poultry industry.

“Our mission is to inspire these young people to pursue careers in the poultry and egg industries, as they are the future leaders, scientists, decision-makers and more. Through 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation reaffirms its ongoing commitment to student outreach programs that encourage the next generation of poultry professionals. As a long-time sponsor of both 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation remains dedicated to supporting these talented individuals,” said Jenkins.

About the USPOULTRY Foundation

The USPOULTRY Foundation’s mission is to support the recruitment and training of the brightest students, seek and fund scientific research, foster student scientists and promote careers in the poultry and egg industry.

—USPOULTRY Foundation

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Plant-parasitic nematodes feed on agricultural crops at their roots, reducing yields and profits for producers. In the U.S., soybean producers lose about 11 percent of their crops to soybean diseases, including the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, or SRKN as it’s commonly known. The nematode forms abnormal growths — or knots — in soybean plant roots that disrupt water and nutrient uptake, essentially starving the plants.

According to the Crop Protection Network, U.S. producers suffered approximately $172 million in damages due to SRKN in 2023. More than half of those damages occurred in Arkansas, where producers lost approximately $95 million.

Caio Canella Vieira, a researcher for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and assistant professor of soybean breeding, is leading a new project to develop resilient soybean plants and prevent SRKN from gaining a foothold in producers’ fields.

“We want to develop soybean lines that are resistant to this pathogen so farmers have effective tools to manage SRKN and protect their crops,” Vieira said.

Vieira received a three-year, $791,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to conduct this research. The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Moving north

Soybean plants in Southern states have developed some resistance to these microscopic pests over time, Vieira said. However, these nematodes have recently been crawling northward into areas where soybean plants are highly susceptible.

“With changes in climate patterns and how farmers are adopting earlier planting dates and using earlier maturing soybeans, the problem has been expanding,” he said. “There are occurrences of southern root-knot nematode in Illinois, northern Missouri, and Indiana, for example. And this can become a serious threat over the next few years.”

Southern root-knot nematode is the second most destructive soybean pathogen, only behind soybean cyst nematodes.

“Historically, the research community emphasized the soybean cyst nematode because it was more broadly distributed across the country. But now, with southern root-knot expanding, it started to gain attention,” Vieira said.

Soybean plants affected by southern root-knot nematodes will show stunted growth, leaf wilting and discoloration, and deformation of roots. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for abiotic stress, such as drought or nutrient deficiency, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective management strategies. Vieira says farmers may experience loss without ever seeing any symptoms.

The nematodes’ short life cycle and high reproductive rates also make management a challenge.

The root of the problem

Standard management practices such as crop rotation and chemical treatments have limited efficacy against SRKN, Vieira said.

In crop rotation, most flowering crops can still be hosts to SRKN. Chemical treatments can be expensive, require specialized equipment and can be toxic to the environment. Vieira said that a few options have been banned and the available options haven’t been very efficient.

“There’s no other management source for SRKN,” he said. “Genetic resistance is the most sustainable approach to managing the problem and sustaining soybean production.”

Previous research showed that yield losses in susceptible crops are 25 to 30 percent higher than in resistant crops. If extremely high pressure is present, meaning more nematodes in the soil, it’s a total loss.

But those earlier studies also had good news.

“Genetic resistance works as ‘crop insurance,’” Vieira said. “If nematodes are present, the resistant genes will protect the crop. If no nematodes are present, the yield is unaffected.”

Genetic ‘crop insurance’

Vieira’s research has three main objectives:

• Identify the soybean gene that regulates resistance.
• Search for and identify new genetic sources and different modes of resistance.
• Develop soybean populations with improved genetic resistance by combining multiple sources of resistance.

“We know there is a resistant gene because we use this genomic region in current soybean breeding efforts, but we don’t know exactly what gene this is,” Vieira said. “The first step will be finding the causal gene, understanding its function, and how it interacts with the pathogen.”

The team will screen hundreds of genetically diverse soybean lines worldwide to identify potential new sources of resistance, including from China, South America, Europe, and Russia. They will then develop soybean breeding populations combining different genetic sources of resistance, aiming to create improved soybean varieties resistant to southern knot-root nematodes.

“The goal is to have resistant and high-performing soybean lines,” he said. “We want to expand our knowledge of SRKN but also develop tangible products available for farmers ready to grow.”

Collaborators in this project include the Division of Agriculture’s Travis Faske, extension plant pathologist and professor; Joanna Kud, assistant professor in the entomology and plant pathology department; and Henry Nguyen, professor of plant genetics and biotechnology at the University of Missouri.

This research also relies on the support of the United Soybean Board, the Mid-South Soybean Board, and the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.

This grant is part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative from USDA-NIFA. The project award no. is 2024-67014-43275.

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

–Jenifer Fouch
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
via EurekAlert!

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The machine, called Cheggy, is the first non-invasive in-ovo sex determining technology of its kind to determine the sex of a chick before hatching. This is currently the most cost-effective process on the market that integrates into existing production lines. The technology was created by Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT)—a German-based company.

“We are thrilled to introduce this revolutionary non-invasive in-ovo sexing technology to the United States,” said Jörg Hurlin, Managing Director of AAT. “The high accuracy rate and unparalleled efficiency of this machine will undoubtedly transform the egg production industry with growing demand for welfare and sustainability practices in the poultry industry.”

Cheggy is a cutting-edge solution that boasts an impressive high accuracy rate, setting a new standard in modern egg production. Utilizing hyperspectral measurement technology, this innovative system identifies differences in the measured light spectra to accurately classify the gender based on feather color. Because the technology is non-invasive, it bears no risk of contamination, ensuring the quality and safety of the embryos throughout the sorting process – a key differentiator from other in-ovo sexing machines.

The unveiling event for the Cheggy technology took place on Tuesday, December 10, bringing together industry leaders from the AAT and NestFresh teams to witness a live demonstration of the machine, showcasing the innovative sorting process. Cheggy is the fastest machine of its kind and has the capability to sort up to 25,000 brown layer hatching eggs per hour and unit, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity for hatcheries. In 2019, AAT started the transformation process with its Cheggy in Germany and France and is now the market leader for in-ovo sex determination of brown layer lines in Europe with 12 units in 7 countries.

Furthermore, the sustainable nature of this non-invasive technology is evident as it requires no expensive consumables and therefore produces no non-recyclable waste, making it a cost-effective solution for hatcheries. Additionally, the machine’s compact design requires minimal space, occupying less than 322 square feet—about the size of a one-car garage, making it a practical and efficient choice.

This momentous event marks a significant milestone in the advancement of modern egg production and a step toward more sustainable and humane practices. Currently, male chicks from layer lines cannot be used in egg or meat production, and in-ovo sexing is the key to addressing this difficult challenge.

“The Cheggy technology is an innovative and exciting solution for an age-old challenge within the egg industry,” said Jasen Urena, Vice President of NestFresh Eggs. “Proudly known as a pioneer in humane and sustainable egg production, NestFresh is thrilled to be the first to implement this technology and bring in-ovo sexed eggs to the U.S. market.”

About Agri Advanced Technologies GmbH: The main field of activity of Agri Advanced Technologies GmbH (AAT), Visbek, is the development of specialized application technologies for poultry breeding and husbandry. This includes, for example, machines for in-ovo sexing, sorting and vaccination equipment for broiler breeding or technical solutions for egg disinfection. As part of a global network, AAT works closely with all parties involved in the value chain as well as in research. AAT regularly cooperates with external institutions such as universities, research service providers as well as agricultural organizations, producers and commercial enterprises. AAT is the pioneer and market leader for in-ovo sex determination in Europe, and with two high-volume Cheggy machines in Texas and Iowa, it is now possible to respond to customer demand in the US.

–Agri Advanced Technologies GmbH

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“I appreciate all the directors, members, sponsors, and partners who joined us in San Antonio last week,” USCA President Justin Tupper said. “The Annual Meeting is a critical time to set the direction of the association for the year ahead and join in conversation on issues impacting the industry. The meeting hosted a number of panels focused on hot-button issues and the group has a renewed momentum to make positive change as we enter a new year with a new administration.”

Panel presentation topics this year included emerging technologies, Beef Checkoff, livestock risk protection, and mandatory animal ID. In addition, Certified Angus Beef Director of Commercial Industry Relations Troy Marshall shared a look at the industry and how the branded beef program has impacted its history. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux provided an overview of the tools FSA has to support its producers.

USCA reviews its policies every two years and accepts new policy submissions at the Annual Meeting. This year, new policies were presented regarding animal health and ID, all of which will be sent to the membership on the year’s official ballot.

USCA also welcomed newly appointed Board of Directors members who will be placed on the upcoming ballot, including Todd Clemons (Region XI: Florida and Georgia); Luke Frantz (Region XIV: Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois); and Curtis Thomas (Region I: Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii).

The USCA Annual Meeting sets the policies and focus of the Association for the year ahead, which will culminate this year in the USCA DC Fly-In. Issues to be included for discussion include Animal ID, Producer Profitability and Competition, Trade and more. Any USCA members interested in participating in the 2025 fly-in should contact USCA’s Federal Policy Director Kalina Reini: kalina@wssdc.com.

–U.S. Cattlemen’s Association

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