EVENT COVERAGE

The two-day 2018 Bottom Line Conference for farmers and ranchers in the southwest Kansas region kicks off Aug. 22 at the Kearny County Fairgrounds in Lakin, Kansas.

Anniversaries. Whether it’s five years, 20 years or 50 years, they give us an opportunity to reflect and refocus – and that’s exactly what happened at the 50th anniversary of the Beef Improvement Federation.

From pet food, to fast food, to ads in the weekly newspaper, a common trend in the retail world is encouraging bigger and better beef.

Colin Woodall, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), told producers at the Texoma Cattlemen’s Conference that beef interests are hitting a high peak of negotiations headed into the summer, as they relate to transport rules, the farm bill, export trade and beef labeling.

When National Beef Quality audits from three decades ago began revealing bruised carcasses and primals, butchers and retailers told industry representatives there was a problem – cancer in their beef cattle.

Cattle producers preparing to add more livestock to the cow-calf herd should be willing to include one interested party before heading to the sale.