“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

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The state veterinarian has the responsibility of regulating the movement of animals into the Commonwealth of Virginia, while DWR is charged with the management of the state’s wildlife resources. Ruminants must bear identification and have their identification number noted on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Animal identification, like an ear tag issued by a state or federal entity, helps the state veterinarian to trace animals in the event of a significant animal disease outbreak. The importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited, with a DWR permit required to possess any member of the deer family within Virginia.

Every year, VDACS and DWR work together to ensure Santa has the correct permits and procedures to allow his reindeer to enter the Commonwealth.

“Santa’s visit to Virginia may be brief each year, but it’s still vitally important to our state agricultural industry that his reindeer are healthy,” VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus said. “It’s a privilege to issue permits for entry for Santa, and I hope he enjoys some fresh local Virginia milk and that the reindeer get plenty of Virginia grown carrots during their visit.”

“In order to protect Virginia’s wild white-tailed deer and elk herds, a DWR permit is required to possess any member of the deer family within Virginia and the importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited,” said DWR State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. John Tracey. “But this time of year, VDACS and DWR work together to ensure the correct permits and procedures to allow Santa and his reindeer to enter the Commonwealth. Santa has always been an excellent partner and his attention to the health of his reindeer team cannot be overstated. We look forward to his yearly visit.”

–Michael Wallace, VDACS

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RICHMOND, Va. — Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:

• Discover the craft of Virginia’s sparkling wine production.
• Learn how Southwest Virginia farmers found community support in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
• Explore how to care for lantana container plants and ways to boost garden production.
• Learn how to whip up Chef Tammy’s cider-braised mussels and spice-crusted duck breast.

December’s first episode premiered Dec. 14 on the Real Virginia YouTube channel. Stories from the second episode will become available over the following two weeks, and the full episode will be available on YouTube Dec. 31.

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 5 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month in the Voices of Agriculture program on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV; and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WBRA digital channel 15.2, the WHRO World Channel, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third Sundays of each month at 10 a.m. on WVIR Charlottesville and at 10:30 a.m. on WHSV Harrisonburg; and on the first and third Saturdays at 8 a.m. on WRLH Richmond and at 5:30 a.m. on WSLS Roanoke.

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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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Many rural railroad crossings typically are private with limited safety features. Some areas lack gates or lights that signal an oncoming train. Meanwhile, farm machinery is noisy, preventing farmers from hearing an oncoming train.

The national rail safety education organization, Operation Lifesaver Inc., reports that approximately 15% of all U.S. rail collisions each year occur on private crossings such as those on farmland.

“Rural railroad crossings have an increased risk for train collisions when crossing with farm equipment that often is heavier, longer, or needs to move slower,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation safety coordinator Matt Nuckols. “Having visual contact with rail lines and looking both ways before crossing is critical.”

A September 2024 Virginia Rail Safety Month proclamation noted a decrease in highway-rail grade crossing collisions, with the commonwealth ranked 26th in the U.S., down from 13th in 2021, according to data from the Virginia Federal Railroad Administration.

“Farm Bureau supports improved safety strategies and best practices to protect the safety of farmers at railroad crossings,” added Ben Rowe, VFBF national affairs coordinator. “We are pleased to see Congress funding improvements to rail crossings and infrastructure that will create a safer environment for farmers moving equipment and commodities.”

This summer, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D- 7th, announced an award of $3.2 million—made possible through the bipartisan infrastructure law—to improve railroad crossing safety in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Hanover counties. The funding will be used by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to make safety improvements at rural crossings.

American Farm Bureau Federation has partnered with Operation Lifesaver Inc. to spread awareness to rural motorists and farmers alike:

• Slow down when approaching a railroad crossing. Stop for oncoming trains at least 15 feet away.
• Look and listen for a train. Open cab windows, turn off radios and fans and remove headphones. Rock back and forth in your seat to see around obstacles. The average freight train traveling at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop.
• Once you start across, do not hesitate. Do not change gears. Tractors pulling heavy or bulky loads may take more time to clear a crossing than anticipated.
• Low-clearance vehicles can get hung up on train tracks. If a low-clearance warning is posted, use another route.

For more information visit oli.org or see VFBF farm safety resources at vafb.com/Safety.

–Virginia Farm Bureua

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The program provides financial assistance to help specialty crop farmers expand markets and manage higher costs. The program focuses on producers of commercially marketed specialty crops including fruits (fresh and dried); vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms and vegetable seed); tree nuts; nursery crops, Christmas trees and floriculture;  culinary and medicinal herbs and spices; and honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed.

“Specialty crop farmers don’t have access to risk management tools typically available for row crop producers,” noted Tony Banks, senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “MASC is intended to provide financial assistance to help specialty crop farmers manage increased marketing costs and expand existing markets or establish new ones.”

He added that MASC payments can help farmers pay for specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control; damage-preventing packaging; and high labor costs. “However, the program doesn’t require funds to be directed toward marketing-specific activities, allowing specialty crop farmers flexibility to use the financial assistance as needed,” Banks explained.

To be eligible for the MASC program, producers must be in business at the time of application. They also must maintain an ownership share of producing a specialty crop that will be sold in 2025.

FSA will issue MASC payments after the end of the application period. For details, visit MASC Program or contact your local FSA office.

–Virginia Farm Bureau

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Volunteers will read the book to thousands of children during Virginia AITC’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week, March 17-21.

With bright illustrations by Xin Li, Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm explores how produce is grown both inside and outside on farms. Readers can join best friends Emma and Efrem as they learn about their families’ farms and the various farming equipment, innovations and techniques involved in growing the food we enjoy.

“This year’s selection spotlights the diversity of agriculture and the technology used to produce food for our communities and worldwide,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC’s executive director. “Agriculture Literacy Week is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to share stories of farming with children across the commonwealth. Over 70,000 youth participate in this event annually, spurring their interest in agriculture and in growing food and fiber.”

Now in its 15th year, Agriculture Literacy Week is AITC’s largest educational event of the year, with thousands of volunteers reading to children across the commonwealth. The program helps teach youth about the importance of agriculture, and about the origins of their food.

Copies of Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm are available for purchase at $14 each from Virginia AITC, and a book order form is located on the Virginia AITC website, virginia.agclassroom.org.

In addition to the book, orders will include free supplementary resources to expand learning at school and at home. Books will be accompanied by a volunteer guide, as well as other teaching resources to be presented to the classroom educator.

Volunteers are encouraged to read Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm to children in pre-K through third grade. Virginia AITC also will share highlights on its social media platforms throughout the week.

Agriculture Literacy Week participants include county Farm Bureau volunteers; Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees; FFA and 4-H members; partners from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state agencies; and members of other agricultural organizations and businesses. Colonial Farm Credit and Farm Credit of the Virginias have been supporters as well.

For details or to order books, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.

–Virginia Farm Bureau

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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

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