Georgia Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/category/georgia/ America's #1 Ag News Source Fri, 27 Dec 2024 22:35:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.morningagclips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-MAc-Logo1-1-32x32.png Georgia Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/category/georgia/ 32 32 NCBA Warns Cattle Producers That Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Will Return https://www.morningagclips.com/ncba-warns-cattle-producers-that-corporate-transparency-act-reporting-requirements-will-return/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:25:46 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657589 WASHINGTON — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) warned cattle producers that Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements are back in effect following a court decision that reverses the injunction that previously halted this mandate. “The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the […]

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WASHINGTON — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) warned cattle producers that Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements are back in effect following a court decision that reverses the injunction that previously halted this mandate.

“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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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! https://www.morningagclips.com/merry-christmas-happy-new-year/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:40:46 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657420 GREENWICH, N.Y. — Wow! 2024 is drawing to a close. Where did the year go? 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 […]

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GREENWICH, N.Y. — Wow! 2024 is drawing to a close. Where did the year go?

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

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Georgia Students Showcase Innovation in 2024 Fall STEM Challenge https://www.morningagclips.com/georgia-students-showcase-innovation-in-2024-fall-stem-challenge/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:22:07 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657456 MACON, Ga. – Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades put their science, technology, engineering and math skills to work in the 2024 Fall STEM Challenge, Turning Trash Into Treasure. Special education classes, homeschool groups and community or after-school groups participated in this hands-on sustainability project. The challenge tasked students with answering the question: “Why is composting important, […]

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MACON, Ga. – Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades put their science, technology, engineering and math skills to work in the 2024 Fall STEM Challenge, Turning Trash Into Treasure. Special education classes, homeschool groups and community or after-school groups participated in this hands-on sustainability project.

The challenge tasked students with answering the question: “Why is composting important, and how do brown and green materials break down differently?” To explore this, students created compost bins, documented the decomposition of organic waste and shared their findings through creative video presentations.

First-place winners were selected in four categories: after-school groups, third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade. Each received a prize package totaling $350 for their class.

The Ithica Elementary Garden Club from Carroll County, led by Lura Scruggs, won first place in the after-school category for their teamwork, detailed research and creative use of compost to enrich their school garden.

Rowes Growers from Austin Road Elementary in Barrow County, led by Andrea Rowe, earned first place in the third-grade category. Their entertaining skit about worms’ role in composting and their use of household materials to create compost bins impressed the judges.

The homeroom class of Amanda Edwards from Chattahoochee County Education Center took first place in the fourth-grade category. Their project demonstrated strong research and a clear understanding of how green and brown compost materials break down differently.

The Trash Transformers from West Point Elementary in Troup County, led by Valerie Carter, claimed first place in the fifth-grade category. The team creatively used cafeteria scraps and materials from the school grounds to build their compost bins and involved the entire school community in the process.

“This challenge gives students a hands-on way to learn about sustainability,” said Phoebe Beard, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture educational programs assistant. “We were so impressed by their creativity and hard work, and we cannot wait to see what ideas they come up with for the next challenge in February.”

The biannual STEM Challenge is organized by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom program and sponsored by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau.

The next STEM Challenge will launch in February 2025. For more information, visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE: The GAE is a mobile classroom, created by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, housed in a 36-foot trailer that gives third through fifth-grade students and consumers a chance to virtually visit a poultry house, cattle pasture, stand of timber, horticulture nursery, cotton and peanut fields, and a produce stand full of fresh Georgia fruit, vegetables and pecans. Colorful farm photos, interactive technology and displays of products made from the various ag commodities highlight the importance of Georgia agriculture to our daily lives. All exhibits and lessons that are part of the GAE mobile classroom have been professionally designed to meet STEM curriculum standards.

The Georgia Ag Experience has been visiting schools statewide since 2021. Each year the mobile classroom travels across Georgia educating students on the importance of agriculture in their communities and the role agriculture could play in their future. For more information about the Georgia Ag Experience visit www.georgiaagexperience.org.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA FOUNDATION for AGRICULTURE: The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for success in Georgia agriculture. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture. To make a tax-deductible donation, learn more about the foundation or the scholarships, visit www.gafoundationag.org or contact Lily Baucom at info@gafoundation.org or 478-405-3461.

ABOUT GEORGIA FARM BUREAU AG IN THE CLASSROOM: The purpose of the Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom program is to increase agricultural literacy among children and consumers. It provides tools for effective teaching about agriculture and its role in our daily lives. The program assists Georgia educators in using agriculture-related concepts in the classroom. This mission is achieved through the activities of county Farm Bureau volunteers in their local communities and through teacher training courses held throughout the state. Learn more by visiting: https://www.gfb.org/ag-in-the-classroom/about

–Phoebe Beard, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

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In the Cattle Markets: Dec. Cattle on Feed Report & Cautionary Note on “Demand Destruction” https://www.morningagclips.com/in-the-cattle-markets-dec-cattle-on-feed-report-cautionary-note-on-demand-destruction/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:00:51 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657479 LAKEWOOD, Colo. — On Friday, December 20 USDA NASS released the latest Cattle on Feed report (https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/m326m174z?locale=en ). December 1st inventory was estimated at 11.98 million, on par with 2023. Placements in November were estimated at 1.80 million, down 4% from 2023 while marketings were estimated at 1.73 million, down 1% from 2023. Overall, this report […]

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LAKEWOOD, Colo. — On Friday, December 20 USDA NASS released the latest Cattle on Feed report (https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/m326m174z?locale=en ). December 1st inventory was estimated at 11.98 million, on par with 2023. Placements in November were estimated at 1.80 million, down 4% from 2023 while marketings were estimated at 1.73 million, down 1% from 2023. Overall, this report was in line with pre-report expectations and likely will not be a market-mover with interest transitioning to 2025 reports including the January Cattle Inventory report.

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.

cattle feed livestock

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

Livestock Marketing Information Center

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Harper Calls on President Biden to Act Swiftly https://www.morningagclips.com/harper-calls-on-president-biden-to-act-swiftly/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:32:11 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657313 ATLANTA — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issues a statement praising the passage of critical disaster relief and economic assistance by both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. He is urging President Biden to swiftly sign the legislation into law to provide immediate relief to Georgia’s agricultural community. “This vital legislation delivers much-needed relief […]

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ATLANTA — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issues a statement praising the passage of critical disaster relief and economic assistance by both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. He is urging President Biden to swiftly sign the legislation into law to provide immediate relief to Georgia’s agricultural community.

“This vital legislation delivers much-needed relief to Georgia’s farmers, ranchers, and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “The past few years have been among the toughest in our nation’s history for farm families—battling soaring input costs, plummeting commodity prices, the expiration of the Farm Bill, and catastrophic natural disasters. I commend both the House and Senate for recognizing these unprecedented hardships and taking decisive action. I urge President Biden to sign this bill without delay to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most, as quickly as possible.”

Of the total package passed by Congress, $31 billion is specifically allocated for an agricultural aid package designed to provide much-needed relief to U.S. farmers facing a range of challenges. Of the $31 billion, $21 billion is allocated for immediate disaster relief for U.S. farmers affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and drought in 2023 and 2024, including support of recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Another $10 billion is earmarked for economic recovery initiatives to help U.S. farmers offset the sharp decline in income, rising supply costs, and falling commodity prices. This aid package will provide much needed support for Georgia farmers, ranchers, and producers. Additionally, the legislation includes a critical extension of the Farm Bill, offering vital stability and security to the agriculture sector amid ongoing uncertainty. This historic measure is a vital step in aiding Georgia’s agricultural communities as they recover and rebuild from the devastating impacts of the storm.

–Matthew Agvent, Georgia Department of Agriculture

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USDA Connects Rural Areas to Reliable High-Speed Internet in 18 States https://www.morningagclips.com/usda-connects-rural-areas-to-reliable-high-speed-internet-in-18-states/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 01:58:41 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657154 BRAINERD, Minn. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced more than $313 million in funding to connect rural residents, farmers and business owners in 18 states to reliable high-speed internet. Projects are being financed by the fifth round of the ReConnect Program and are a central part of President Biden’s Investing […]

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BRAINERD, Minn. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced more than $313 million in funding to connect rural residents, farmers and business owners in 18 states to reliable high-speed internet.

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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After Victory Over Fla. in Water War, Ga. Will Let Farmers Drill New Irrigation Wells https://www.morningagclips.com/after-victory-over-fla-in-water-war-ga-will-let-farmers-drill-new-irrigation-wells/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:50:32 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657161 ATLANTA (AP) — Jason Cox, who grows peanuts and cotton in southwest Georgia, says farming would be economically impossible without water to irrigate his crops. “I’d be out of business,” said Cox, who farms 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) acres around Pelham. For more than a decade, farmers in parts of southwest Georgia haven’t been able […]

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ATLANTA (AP) — Jason Cox, who grows peanuts and cotton in southwest Georgia, says farming would be economically impossible without water to irrigate his crops.

“I’d be out of business,” said Cox, who farms 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) acres around Pelham.

For more than a decade, farmers in parts of southwest Georgia haven’t been able to drill new irrigation wells to the Floridian aquifer, the groundwater nearest the surface. That’s because Georgia put a halt to farmers drilling wells or taking additional water from streams and lakes in 2012.

Farmers like Cox, though, will get a chance to drill new wells beginning in April. Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division will begin accepting applications for new agricultural wells in areas along the lower Flint River starting April 1.

Jeff Cown, the division’s director, said in a statement that things have changed since 2012. The moratorium was imposed amid a parching drought and the collapse of the once-prolific oyster fishery in Florida’s Apalachicola Bay.

The state of Florida sued in 2013, arguing that Georgia’s overuse of water from the Flint was causing negative impacts downstream where the Flint and Chattahoochee River join to become the Apalachicola River. But a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 rejected the lawsuit, saying Florida hadn’t proved its case that water use by Flint River farmers was at fault.

That was one lawsuit in decades of sprawling litigation that mostly focused on fear that Atlanta’s ever-growing population would suck up all the upstream water and leave little for uses downstream. The suits include the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint system and the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa system, which flows out of Georgia to drain much of Alabama. Georgia also won victories guaranteeing that metro Atlanta had rights to water from the Chattahoochee River’s Lake Lanier to quench its thirst.

Georgia officials say new water withdrawals won’t disregard conservation. No new withdrawals from streams or lakes will be allowed. And new wells will have to stop sucking up water from the Floridian aquifer when a drought gets too bad, in part to protect water levels in the Flint, where endangered freshwater mussels live. New wells will also be required to be connected to irrigation systems that waste less water and can be monitored electronically, according to a November presentation posted by the environmental agency.

In a statement, Cown said the plans “support existing water users, including farmers, and set the stage to make room for new ones. We look forward to working with all water users as they obtain these newly, developed permits.”

Georgia had already been taking baby steps in this direction by telling farmers they could withdraw water to spray vulnerable crops like blueberries during freezing temperatures.

Flint Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers, who heads the environmental organization of the same name, said Georgia’s action is “good news.” He has long contended that the ban on new withdrawals was “an admission of failure,” showing how Georgia had mismanaged water use along the river. But he said investments in conservation are paying off: Many farmers are installing less wasteful irrigators and some agreed to stop using existing shallow wells during drought in exchange for subsidies to drill wells to deeper aquifers that don’t directly influence river flow.

“What we’re going to do is make it more efficient, make it more equitable and make it more fair,” Rogers said. “And we’re in the middle of doing that.”

A lawyer for Florida environmental groups that contend the Apalachicola River and Bay are being harmed declined comment in an email. Representatives for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and state Attorney General Ashley Moody did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Cox, who lives about 165 miles (265 kilometers) south of Atlanta, said he’s interested in drilling a new well on some land that he owns. Right now, that land relies on water from a neighboring farmer’s well.

He knows the drought restrictions would mean there would be times he couldn’t water his crops, but said data he’s seen show there wouldn’t have been many days over the last 10 years when he would have been barred from irrigating, and that most of those days wouldn’t have been during peak watering times for his crops.

Three years ago, Cox drilled a well for some land into a deeper aquifer, but he said even spending $30,000 or more on a shallower well would boost the productivity and value of his land.

“It would enhance my property if I had a well myself,” Cox said.

–Associated Press

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Exclusive Offerings From the Angus Foundation Available in January https://www.morningagclips.com/exclusive-offerings-from-the-angus-foundation-available-in-january/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:45:03 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657111 OKLAHOMA CITY — The month of January kicks off an exciting new year full of opportunities to support the Angus Foundation’s mission of advancing education, youth and research. With numerous offerings available in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, the upcoming month is set to inspire generous support for the Angus Foundation in […]

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OKLAHOMA CITY — The month of January kicks off an exciting new year full of opportunities to support the Angus Foundation’s mission of advancing education, youth and research. With numerous offerings available in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, the upcoming month is set to inspire generous support for the Angus Foundation in 2025.  another year of generous support for the Angus Foundation.

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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In the Cattle Markets: Strong Calf Prices Finish the Year https://www.morningagclips.com/in-the-cattle-markets-strong-calf-prices-finish-the-year/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:43:55 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=656990 LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Cattle and beef markets are wrapping up the fourth quarter on a very strong note – especially for smaller animals. Calf prices for 5-6 weight animals in the southern plains have advanced better than $50/cwt in the last four weeks. And prices for 4-5 weight animals have moved further. The fall run […]

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LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Cattle and beef markets are wrapping up the fourth quarter on a very strong note – especially for smaller animals. Calf prices for 5-6 weight animals in the southern plains have advanced better than $50/cwt in the last four weeks. And prices for 4-5 weight animals have moved further. The fall run is apparently over.

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

Livestock Marketing Information Center

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Tyler Harper: Congress Must Pass Disaster Relief, Economic Assistance for Farm Families https://www.morningagclips.com/tyler-harper-congress-must-pass-disaster-relief-economic-assistance-for-farm-families/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:15:43 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=656960 ATLANTA — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper released the following statement calling on Congress to pass disaster relief for farmers and producers impacted by Hurricane Helene and economic assistance for farm families across the state. “From soaring input costs to low commodity prices, the expiration of the Farm Bill, and devastating natural disasters, these past […]

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ATLANTA — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper released the following statement calling on Congress to pass disaster relief for farmers and producers impacted by Hurricane Helene and economic assistance for farm families across the state.

“From soaring input costs to low commodity prices, the expiration of the Farm Bill, and devastating natural disasters, these past few years have been some of the hardest for our farm families in our nation’s history. We have worked around the clock to do everything in our power to get our farm families back on their feet, and thanks to the diligent work of those members of Congress who are fighting on behalf of agriculture, including a number of those in our congressional delegation, it is my understanding that a deal on disaster assistance and economic relief has been reached and will be released later today.

However, while the destruction and devastation from Hurricane Helene are still all too raw and real in Georgia, some politicians in DC have been using agriculture as a pawn and apparently don’t seem to care about the farm families that deliver the food, fiber, and shelter that this country relies on every day. The continued success of our farm families, our nation’s national security, and our consumers, who will benefit from lower prices at the grocery store, all depend on Congress passing significant disaster relief and economic assistance.

It is time for Washington, D.C. to do its job, and it is imperative that our entire congressional delegation support these measures to ensure our farm families remain strong and consumers can continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. The eyes of Georgia and the nation are watching—and it cannot afford to wait any longer.”

–Matthew Agvent, Georgia Department of Agriculture

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