Missouri Beef Industry Council

Week of May 12, 2010

This Week in Missouri:

Preparing for summer beef promotions

Websites

www.missouribeefcouncil.com, MO Beef Update, is the place to learn about what’s brand new in the beef world!
www.mobeef.org, MBIC’s website, is the place to find great new recipes you can use to celebrate May – Beef Month!
http://twitter.com/beefcouncil, is where folks are currently talking about the tenderloin aka filet!
http://www.farmerfreedom.com, is the place to learn about what activists are up to in regard to beef production.

Market Update

Choice/Select Spread: $2.61/cwt.
32,953 feeder cattle sold in the state of Missouri last week compared to 28,562 a year ago. Avg. prices/weights:
543lb. steers averaged $129.28
540 lb. heifers averaged $117.61
550 lb. Holstein steers averaged $89.71
Springer Holstein Heifers $1,200-1,385

(Pictured from left): Kevin Hurst, corn farmer from Tarkio; Archie "Rusty" Mulford, poultry farmer from Aurora.; Donna Telle, dairy farmer from Uniontown; Matt Holliday, left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals; John Ridder, beef farmer from Marthasville; Rick Rehmeier, hog farmer from Augusta; Warren Stemme, soybean farmer from Chesterfield.

Missouri Farmers Are Stepping Up to the Plate
A coalition of Missouri agriculture organizations has launched a summer education campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals. Themed "Stepping Up to the Plate," the goal of this initiative is to increase consumer understanding of how today's farmers are using the latest technology to provide safe, affordable, nutritious food. And the agriculture coalition is bringing in a heavy hitter.

St. Louis Cardinals left-fielder Matt Holliday is teaming up with Missouri corn, soybean, beef, pork, poultry and dairy producers to highlight the great strides farmers are making in meeting the nation's growing nutritional needs while improving the environment. A native of Oklahoma, the nation's number two producer of beef cattle, Holliday is partnering with Missouri farmers on an advertising campaign featuring radio ads, grocery store promotions and print advertising.

"Farmers have such a great story to tell," said featured corn grower and Missouri Corn board member Kevin Hurst. "As our population demands additional corn for feed, food and fuel, Missouri farmers are utilizing innovation and technology to grow more using less fertilizer, water and energy than ever before. Doing more with less is something we can all relate to in today's economy."

Five other Missouri farmers are being featured in the educational campaign:

Donna Telle, a dairy farmer from Uniontown, Mo.
John Ridder, a beef farmer from Marthasville, Mo, and MBIC Board member.
Archie "Rusty" Mulford, a poultry farmer from Aurora, Mo.
Rick Rehmeier, a hog farmer from Augusta, Mo.
Warren Stemme, a soybean farmer from Chesterfield, Mo.

In addition to learning more about the six family farmers featured in the St. Louis Cardinals campaign, Missouri residents can also sign up online to win the "Ultimate At-Home Tailgate Party," where one lucky fan will win a new gas grill, flat screen television and Missouri-grown products. The registration form is available at www.farmersfeedus.org by selecting Missouri as the state. While visiting the website, consumers can watch a video tour of five additional Missouri farmers, their families and their operations.

"Missouri agriculture in the 21st century is so much more than the traditional farms people usually envision," said Hurst. "Today's agriculture has changed to meet demand and the realities of modern economics and farmers are excited to be answering the growing needs. While our responsibilities are increasing, our commitment and dedication to our farms, families and communities remains the same."

A follow-up to the Missouri "Farmers Feed US" initiative announced in January, the St. Louis Cardinals educational campaign is expected to run from May through September. In addition to MCMC, participating Missouri agriculture groups include the Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Association, FCS Financial, The Missouri Egg Council, MFA Incorporated and the Missouri Pork Association.