This is Jaime Albers, graphic designer for the Angus Journal, with the September 26, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains a story about Kansas ranchers recognized for their sustainability efforts, a story about the risks of potential disruption of market reporting if there is a government shutdown, comments from NCBA about a bill designed to strengthen oversight of foreign agricultural purchases, and an announcement from USDA about expanded access to school lunch and breakfast for some students.
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Kansas Ranchers Recognized for Sustainability Efforts
Adapted from a release by Nicole Lane Erceg, Certified Angus Beef
The view of Wharton 3C Ranch, near Syracuse, Kan., in the summer of 2023 is so green Shannon and Rusty Wharton might have better luck convincing people it is a slice of heaven rather than the harsh, drought-ridden environment locals know.
In fact, a few years ago, there wasn’t a cow in these pastures. A lack of rain left the soil unable to produce much more than dust.
The commercial outfit is made up of about 600 head spread across more than 35,000 acres, most of that a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife conservation easement. A 1,000-head grow yard prepares calves for finishing.
To read more, go to angusbeefbulletin.com/extra and select the management tab.
Daily Livestock Report for 09-25-2023 — Government Shutdown Risks
Adapted from a report by Len Steiner, Steiner Consulting Group
It’s important to note the potential for disruption due to a government shutdown. This seemed like a remote possibility a few weeks ago, but at this point, it is now becoming a distinct possibility. In our view, the biggest risk is the effect the government shutdown could have on market reporting. Traditionally, meat inspectors have been considered essential employees, so processing of livestock and poultry will likely not be disrupted. The last government shutdown was in December 2018 and it lasted into January 2019. At that time, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service market news was deemed an essential service and there was no disruption to the mandatory price reporting system.
For the full report, go to dailylivestockreport.com.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Backed Legislation to Boost Oversight of Foreign Ag Purchases Advances
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Last week, the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services advanced a bill supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association that strengthens oversight of foreign agricultural purchases. The legislation, the Agricultural Security Risk Review Act introduced by Rep. Frank Lucas, would add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an interagency committee that reviews the national security impact of foreign investments in the United States.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus said, “Cattle producers have been extremely watchful of foreign purchases of farmland, agricultural technology and other important inputs. Adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS would provide a critical voice for American farmers and ranchers and ensure that the federal government does not overlook agriculture’s role in national security.”
To read more, go to ncba.org.
USDA Expands Access to School Breakfast and Lunch for More Students
Adapted from a release by the USDA
The USDA on Sept. 26 announced that it is giving an estimated 3,000 more school districts in high-need areas the option to serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost, by expanding the availability of the Community Eligibility Provision, commonly known as CEP.
The Community Eligibility Provision is a simplified meal service option that allows schools to provide meals at no cost to all students without requiring families to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Instead, school districts receive federal funding based on a formula using existing data from SNAP and other programs, and local or state funds must fill any gap between program costs and federal support.
For more information, click on the link in this episode’s description.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.