This is Heather Lassen, proofreader for the Angus Journal, with the August 11, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains a story about how genetics, technology and environment all work together for one Angus breeder; a report on the premium beef market, an opportunity for college students to apply for NCBA convention internships, and a report on the food consumer price index in July.
Going Full Circle
Adapted from a release by Megan Silveira, Angus Journal
It’s arguably the simplest of shapes — no lines, no edges, no corners. Simple doesn’t mean easy, however, as anyone who’s tried to draw a perfect circle knows. From the size of the shape itself to the smoothness of its borders, making anything come full circle can be a challenge.
Valley Oaks Farms is built on the concept of this “perfect circle.” They strive to take their customers on a journey through the entire cycle of the beef production chain, a journey marked by its complex simplicity.
The mission started in 1992 when David and Sandra Ward purchased land and a cattle herd in Knob Noster, Mo. Years ticked by, and the herd decreased in size to ease management.
To read more, go to angusjournal.net.
CAB Insider: Premium Beef Remains in Fashion
Adapted from a release by Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Since the start of 2022, the national Choice grade percentage posted record-large numbers through the first week of June. Easily the highest volume quality-grade category, Choice increased specifically due to slippage in the proportion of Prime carcasses.
This year’s Prime grade percentage was not expected to surpass the summer 2020 highs of 10%, but the recent drop below 8% is disappointing to end users trying to fill orders at a reasonable price.
Recent data shows the Choice carcass category declined from 74% in the first week of July to 72.4% by the month’s end. However, it’s not due to more carcasses receiving the Prime stamp. Quite the opposite — quality grades are dropping, resulting in more Select-grade carcasses.
To read more, visit cabcattle.com and select CAB Insider under the News tab.
College Students Encouraged to Apply for Convention Internship
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is offering college students a unique behind-the-scenes experience through its annual convention internship program. The 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the largest annual meeting of the U.S. beef cattle industry, will take place Feb. 1-3, 2023, in New Orleans, La.
Up to 18 interns will be selected and will be responsible for setting up the demonstration arena, assisting at committee meetings and Cattlemen’s College, participating in the NCBA booth, and posting on social media. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will strive to provide students time to maximize industry networking.
Student interns must be able to work Jan. 29-Feb. 4, 2023, provide their own transportation to New Orleans, and be at least a junior-level college student at an accredited university at the time of the event.
For more information go to ncba.org.
Food Consumer Price Index in July
Adapted from a release by Len Steiner, Steiner Consulting Group
Consumer Price Index data released Aug. 10 showed inflation in July was about unchanged from the previous month, but still 8.5% higher than a year ago. Equity markets jumped on the headline number because equities remain singularly focused on what the Federal Reserve will do. If inflation starts to slow down, the odds of big rates increases also decline. However, inflation in July was unchanged mostly because of lower fuel prices. Gasoline was down 7.7% and field oil was down 11%. The decline in fuel costs helped offset increases in food, medical services, electricity and new cars. By far the biggest increases were in food, and food inflation at grocery stores led the pack.
To read more, go to dailylivestockreport.com.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.