July 2021

The official newsletter of Kentucky's Beef Industry.
KCA Submits Comments on USDA's Build Back Better Initiative

Today, KCA submitted comments on USDA’s Build Back Better Initiative funds through the American Rescue Plan to support new competitive entrants in meat and poultry processing. USDA will provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to address concentration within the meat and poultry sectors and relieve supply chain bottlenecks by supporting new meat and poultry processing facilities. USDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public input into its strategy to improve meat and poultry processing infrastructure and will hold targeted stakeholder meetings and other public engagement to better understand the needs, gaps, and barriers to fair and competitive meat processing markets.
 
In its comments, KCA highlighted the need for food safety and the technical assistance in food safety that would facilitate processing expansion.
Peel: Feeder Cattle Markets Adjust To Higher Feed Prices
Higher feed prices reflect how cattle may be produced. Typically, cattle are grown to heavier weights before they are placed in a feedyard reducing the price slide for feeder cattle as weight increases. Read more
Registration Now Open for 2021 Stockmanship & Stewardship Regional Tour Events
Registration is now open for five events on the Stockmanship & Stewardship Regional Tour, with the first stop in Elko, Nev. in July. Events will also be held in Colorado, Indiana, Oregon and Kentucky. 
KCA Hall of Fame Nominations Due
Send your nominations by August 6
Commissioner Quarles files response to Governor's State Fair Board lawsuit
Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles has filed a response to the lawsuit filed by Governor Andrew Beshear that challenged the reorganization of the Kentucky State Fair Board.
 
KCA is Hiring Interns

Our office will be hiring up to SIX interns this Fall. We are looking for college students who can fit in a variety of our program areas. Job descriptions can be viewed at https://kycattle.org/positionopenings.html
Applications are due July 31, 2021.
Checkin' on the Checkoff
Who are the decision makers behind the Beef Checkoff?
This is a commonly asked question, and the answer is – you, the producers. Did you know that 60 percent of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) is made up of cow/calf producers? The Beef Checkoff is more local and grassroots than some producers might think. It's not just the producer leaders on the CBB whose thoughts and ideas are used to make Beef Checkoff decisions – the CBB also implements an extensive producer listening initiative to understand and address all U.S. producers’ concerns. See how the Beef Checkoff listens and uses producer insight to promote beef and educate on beef production practices.
Nutrition Research Improves Public Perception of Beef
 As the Beef Checkoff celebrates its 35th anniversary, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is shining a light on the successful promotion and research programs that drive the demand for beef. Consumers today are more open to the nutritional benefits of beef than at any other time since the Checkoff began more than three decades ago but getting here was not easy and required consistent long-term investment in nutrition research to turn the tide. Read more here
Louisville Burger Week Underway!
KBC is proud to sponsor Louisville Burger Week for the fifth consecutive year! With over 25 participating locations, Burger Week offers up some of the most creative and delicious gourmet burgers for only $6. Burger Week fans can download a Passport and participate for a chance to win a $250 prize by visiting four participating burger week locations! In 2020, Louisville Burger Week resulted in 50,000 burger sales. Visit: louisvilleburgerweek.com to learn more. Your next great burger awaits!
Happening at Eden Shale Farm
EDEN SHALE FARM UPDATE - June 2021
Spring time is hectic at the farm, and this year’s mild weather has allowed us to be productive. With the help of some fertilizer and sunshine we were able to turn the heifers out on the paddocks a little early this year. There are 32 replacement heifers that will graze through the paddocks as part of a two year study conducted by USDA-ARS. I will go into more detail on this project next month.
In The News
RETAIL INSIGHTS
What's happening with Beef at Retail? These monthly articles leverage scanner data and other sources to inform retailers and other channel audiences on key beef industry trends and measures at retail. The topics may vary by month. We welcome your feedback, and if you are interested in a specific topic, please let us know by contacting BeefNewsNow@beef.org
Bovine tuberculosis, a contagious disease in animals that can infect humans, has been detected in a cow on Molokai for the first time in 25 years, according to the state Department of Agriculture (DOA). The DOA said Friday in a news release that the cow came from a herd of 30 in Hoolehua, Hawaii, but had been temporarily moved to the east side of the island because of a drought. The herd is currently in quarantine.  

Advocates in Action
Dear Richard Branson: What's Worse, A Rocket or a Steak? Read More
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