Missouri Beef Industry Council

Week of August 25, 2008

This Week in Missouri:

Speaking of Beef Spokesperson Training - Mt. Vernon and Columbia
Missouri Council on Activity and Nutrition meeting
MBIC Elections ballots must be postmarked August 29, 2008

Websites

This week the MBIC Blog www.missouribeefcouncil.com, eatures several segments from the Beef Showcase at the State Fair, including video of one of the beef cooking demonstrations.
www.mobeef.org, MBIC's website, has great recipes for the grill - wonderful ideas for Labor Day weekend!
www.lunchlearn.com, the Lunch and Learn website, features an article regarding "Why we moved animals inside", which explains the need for better animal housing.

Market Update

Choice/Select Spread: $6.55/cwt.
25,718 feeder cattle sold in the state of Missouri last week compared to 29,962 a year ago. Avg. prices/weights:
558 lb. steers averaged $119.70
550 lb. heifers averaged $109.38
655 lb. Holstein steers $75.07
Springer Holstein Heifers $1,925-2,300

Beef Fast Facts Reveals Tips for Keeping Beef Safe for Customers
The latest issue of Beef Fast Facts focuses on helping meat associates effectively communicate food safety procedures to customers. Research shows that there is a disconnect between knowledge and action; customers know what they should be doing to keep their food safe, but they don't always do it. This issue of Beef Fast Facts outlines four steps to safe meat handling, common food borne illnesses and steps to take during a recall, as well as how to keep ground beef safe.

State Beef Tour set for August 30
Mizzou's Commercial Agriculture program will be hosting the annual Missouri Beef Tour, Saturday, August 30, in the Lamar and Nevada area. Don’t miss this annual educational event! See the link below for details and a map, Click Here.

Apply now for A LOT Class XIII!
ALOT is a two-year adult leadership training program targeted toward rural leaders and agricultural producers who have a passion to promote Missouri agriculture and strengthen their rural communities. The program enhances participants' communication and leadership skills, expands their understanding of agricultural issues, encourages involvement and leadership initiative in their industry and communities, connects participants to ALOT's 325 alumni participants across Missouri and introduces them to hundreds more of Missouri's innovative and involved citizens who offer their personal experiences and insights to help participants become more effective leaders.

Applications for Class XIII are due September 15, 2008. For applications, visit www.alotmissouri.com.

MCF Beef License Plates
Missouri producers can show their pride in the beef industry while enhancing the lives of Missouri youth. The proceeds from the first livestock-specific vehicle license plate will benefit the Foundation's three programs: Cattlemen's Children Fund, Farm Safety and youth education and scholarships.

The plate's colors and design represent the rich heritage of Missouri's cattle industry and the dawning of a new day in Missouri with a cow silhouetted on the horizon.

The cost of Missouri's Cattlemen Foundation Specialty Plate is $25 per plate, per year minimum donation to MCF, or $50 for a two-year tag in addition to the regular registration fees. Also, an additional $15 annual personalized plate fee will be made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). For more information about the program Click Here.