Vet Fined For " Mad Cow "

       In 2009, the U.S. almost encountered another scare with a cow that tested positive for BSE.  What is BSE some ask? BSE is an acronym for bovine spongiform encephalopathy or known by many as "Mad Cow".

        A judge in Winnipeg fined Dr. Fawcott George Taylor, a Manitoba veterinarian, $80,000 for allowing the infected cow to be shipped to the U.S. and Canada boarders.  An U.S. inspection agent at the boarder found one animal unable to stand and stopped the shipment.  After further test, the cow tested positive for BSE.
 
      I feel these large fines are very necessary so everyone stays up to date on this topic and ensures its containment.  In addition to the Vet, three farmers were also fined due to their negligence.

Cattle on Feed (COF) report

The USDA released the monthly COF report, which is the number, or percent, of cattle that are being shipped to feedlots.
Over the past 10 years(2001-2010), the U.S. has averaged a 21% increase of feed cattle from July to August. Last year, 2011, was the year of the Southern Plains Drought and rendered an unsurprising 5% increase.
This year as a nation we have experienced some rocky weather activity, such as storms and low water tables, but still managed to produce a higher yield of corn and soybeans. This yield is measured by comparing the amount and quality produced this month a year ago.
This being said, July to August COF only reached a 4.2% increase this year. Only one year has recorded lower numbers in the 16 years COF has been documented. In summary, record lows of cattle on feed are being recorded in a month of higher yield of feed products.


 

Isaac's Impact on Farms/Pasture

Hurricane Isaac has played a large role in pasture land for many farms across the nation, both good and bad.  According to the USDA drought has covered 62% of the lower 48 states.  With Isaac stringing showers across Arkansas and some central states, many row croppers and cattlemen were thankful of the rain provided. However, many farms located in the southern region of the state (MS) were not so lucky.  Many places, such as mine, experienced flooding of fields which lead to roads, fences, and pasture washing away from strong water flow. 

Fields are soon to be disked in preparation of ryegrass being planted so many farms are quickly trying to rebuild.  Rebuilding of fence and land causes large amounts of debit to build.  The FSA and USDA are currently trying to form some type of disaster relief program to aid in damages received by Hurricane Isaac.  For more information and these programs you will need to contact your local county agent or government office.

Proud to be a Mississippi Cattleman

    Poultry, catfish, timber, and row crops are what come to mind when many think about Mississippi’s agricultural commodities.  Often overlooked, Beef productions play a large role in Mississippi agriculture production.  Mississippi’s cattle inventory totals 950,000 head state wide with 568,000 being beef cows.  Stocker calves also represent 42% of cattle farmed in Mississippi.  Our state has approximately 18,000 functioning beef cattle operations, which ranks 7^th in value of production among agriculture commodities.  I have grown up on a cow-calf production farm my entire life so my cattle roots run deep.  We currently have commercial Angus and Braford cows along with registered Angus cattle.  I consider myself to be a blessed man each day I get to spend on my farm and hope to be farming cattle in many years to come.