California Ag Network

Category: Livestock

  • Postharvest State of the California Table Grape Industry

    How did the 2024 harvest fare for California table grape growers following the extensive high heat conditions they weathered over the summer? What are the biggest challenges concerning growers moving into 2025? California Fresh Fruit Association President Daniel Hartwig addressed these questions at Malcolm Media’s annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in his State of the Industry address. Watch his interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Setton Farms Acquires 50 Owl Boxes From Tulare FFA

    Supporting the next generation of farmers in sustainable stewardship of the land is a priority for Setton Farms, the second largest pistachio processor in the United States. That is why they have partnered with the Future Farmers of America Tulare Chapter to support their agricultural programs while distributing 50 student-made owl boxes across their farming operations. Watch this brief interview with Mike Smith and Jared Castle meeting with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during the owl box exchange to learn more.

  • Mike VanMaanen Elected President of Livestock Marketing Association

    Mike VanMaanen married into a family of Livestock Marketing Association members in the 1980s, but never dreamed he’d one day lead the organization. Even though he immediately recognized the benefits of membership, he thought he was too busy to get involved or since his niche market wasn’t nationally known, he didn’t have a place. Soon enough, VanMaanen learned he was wrong on both accounts, and May 17, he was elected president.

    VanMaanen, who grew up on a corn, soybean and hog farm in Iowa, attended Missouri Western State University, where he graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and agronomy. It was there he met Lori Angell, a third-generation livestock marketer. The two married soon after graduation and joined her family’s auction market business in Columbia, Missouri, and bought into it in 1990. In 2000, the couple, along with two of her cousins, took over Eastern Missouri Commission Co., in Bowling Green. Last year, they became sole owners.

    The World Livestock Auctioneer Championship was VanMaanen’s gateway to Livestock Marketing Association leadership, first serving as a judge in the Parsons, Kansas, qualifier in the fall of 2009 and at the finals in Oklahoma City the following summer. He joined the association’s government and industry affairs committee in 2014 and the board of directors in 2016. During his tenure on the board, he also chaired the membership services committee for two years. He said his time on the board has had many highlights, and he looks forward to what’s to come.

    “I’ve had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Committee on Transportation, I worked alongside many others to get Dealer Statutory Trust signed into law and was a part of the producer profitability initiative we launched last fall,” VanMaanen said. “I’m extremely proud of the work LMA has done and look forward to continuing it.”

    VanMaanen will take over the reins from Mark Barnett during the association’s annual convention in June. First up on his agenda? Having deep discussions with members and staff about how to protect the livestock auction market sector.

    “We’re going to take a look at what it takes not only for the larger markets to survive, but what it takes for those small markets that are so important in their rural communities, to keep them alive and going,” VanMaanen said.

    But the conversation won’t just be about markets. He said Livestock Marketing Association members will continue to push their producer profitability initiative, aimed at bringing the entire industry together for a common goal.

    “By supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, we are supporting the future of livestock marketing, too,” VanMaanen said. “We know producer profitability is industry sustainability.”

    The incoming president said he hopes all members will take the opportunity to get more involved this year, whether that means attending the convention, participating in the D.C. Fly-In, joining a committee — or even just staying in touch with their region executive officer.

    “I think when people start getting involved, they find it really rewarding,” he said. “And you don’t have to be a big operator — I’m a good example of that. You just have to want to pitch in and do some work to improve your livelihood. If you can stay active and participate in conversations, we’d love to have you.”

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.

  • Registration Now Open for Fresno Stockmanship & Stewardship Event

    Registration is now open for a Stockmanship & Stewardship event, October 18-19, at the Fresno State Animal Sciences Pavilion in Fresno, California. Funded in part by the Beef Checkoff, Stockmanship & Stewardship is a unique educational experience for cattle producers featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training, facility design sessions and industry updates.

    “Educational programs like Stockmanship & Stewardship elevate producers’ commitment to continuous improvement through BQA principles,” said Bill Dale, Executive Director at the California Beef Council. “By participating in Stockmanship & Stewardship, California’s cattle ranchers and beef producers are demonstrating to consumers that they are striving to produce the highest quality, safest beef possible.”

    During the event, attendees can become BQA and BQA Transportation certified, network with fellow cattle ranchers and beef producers, participate in hands-on demonstrations led by animal handling experts, and learn innovative management techniques. Industry experts will cover topics such as low-stress loading, effective stockmanship, biosecurity, preharvest management, and California trailer laws. Stockmanship & Stewardship is sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Neogen, the California Beef Council, the California Cattle Council, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program.

    “Neogen is dedicated to the advancement of human and animal well-being through science and technology,” said Elizabeth Wonsowski, livestock director of marketing at Neogen. “As a leader within the beef industry and proud partner of cattle ranchers and beef production, we recognize the important role that education and resources play in helping the cattle industry continue to grow in a healthy and sustainable way. We are proud to support NCBA and the Beef Checkoff through the Stockmanship & Stewardship program. Together, we can fuel a brighter future of global food security.”

    For more information, complete agenda, fees and to register, visit www.StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. Cattle producers attending Stockmanship & Stewardship are eligible for reimbursement through the Rancher Resilience Grant. To apply for a grant to cover registration costs and two nights hotel, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.

    About the California Beef Council

    The California Beef Council (CBC) was established in 1954 to serve as the promotion, research, and education arm of the California beef industry, and is mandated by the California Food and Agricultural Code. The CBC’s mission is to amplify the voice of the California beef industry to strengthen beef demand through innovative promotions, research, and open communication. For more information, visit www.calbeef.org.

    About the Beef Checkoff

    The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents of the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national Checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

  • USDA Secures Market Access for U.S. Poultry Exports to Colombia

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have reopened the Colombian market for U.S. poultry and egg product exports, culminating several months of collaborations with the Colombian Institute of Agriculture to resolve this trade barrier. U.S. Trade Representative’s office has reopened the Colombian market for U.S. poultry and egg product exports, culminating several months of collaborations with the Colombian Institute of Agriculture to resolve this trade barrier.

    “We’re pleased that Colombian officials are living up to the commitments outlined in the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor. “Holding our trading partners accountable is critical to ensuring the benefits of trade are felt by our farmers and ranchers across the United States and in their local communities.”

    “Reopening this market was of critical importance to U.S. poultry producers and to USDA,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Our team collaborated tirelessly with Colombian officials to demonstrate that U.S. poultry and egg products do not pose an animal health risk and can be safely imported.”

    Before the market was closed in August 2023 due to concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the region, Colombia was the 10th largest market for U.S. poultry, with exports reaching $105 million in 2022.

  • Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit: Ready, Set, Solve!

    The Partnership’s Amanda Lucey to moderate event focused on advancing animal ag

    The Animal Agriculture Alliance has opened registration for its 2024 Stakeholders Summit, themed “Ready, Set, Solve! Advancing Animal Agriculture.” The 2024 Summit is set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Mo. Register by March 8 for the lowest rates offering savings up to $100. Register here!

    Dozens of speakers. Hundreds of perspectives. Countless ideas. And that’s just at the starting line of the 2024 Summit. It’s going to take a team to drive our future forward. It’s going to take you, running alongside fellow stakeholders from across the food chain who know that putting in the work is the only way to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions. Are you ready? Then take your spot at the 2024 Summit.

    “The annual Stakeholders Summit is unique in its ability to bring together each link of the food supply chain to discuss emerging issues facing everyone from farmers and ranchers to retailers and food brands,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “No matter where you sit in the supply chain, we’re all seeking ways to advance animal agriculture and getting our goals across the finish line. There’s no better place to discuss these challenges and opportunities than at the 2024 Summit where you’re surrounded by peers and stakeholders.”

    Amanda Lucey, CEO of The Partnership, a marketing and brand communications agency, will serve as moderator throughout the event. In her 20-year career, Lucey has personal experience in strategic public relations, marketing, branding, and corporate communications for clients, companies, and government institutions at a national and international level. She previously served as the director of communications and public relations for Dairy Alliance. She has held executive roles with U.S. and U.K. governments as vice consul, head of political, press and public affairs for the British Consulate General and as a media correspondent and director of communications for the U.S. government.

    Get involved: 

    Show your support for the Alliance’s outreach efforts by becoming an official Summit sponsor today! For more information on 2024 sponsorship opportunities still available, contact Logan Hall at lhall@animalagalliance.org.

    Help us spread the word about Summit! If you refer a friend to attend the 2024 Summit who has never attended a previous Summit and they list your name as the person who recommended them when they register for the event, you’ll both be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card! Each referral will count as one entry and there is no limit on the number of entries for referrers. We will give away two $100 gift cards during the Summit – one drawing for referrers and one drawing for those who were referred. All registrations for the in-person event with a referral listed made until online registration closes on May 3 will be entered. Both the referrer and the person referred must be registered to claim the gift card.

    Check the Summit website for the most up-to-date information. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA24 for periodic updates about the event on social media. For general questions about the Summit, email summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160.

    About the Alliance:

    The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

  • Animal Agriculture Alliance Releases Reports from 2023 Animal Rights Conferences

    The Animal Agriculture Alliance has concluded the release of reports from four prominent animal rights extremist conferences held throughout 2023. The conferences included: Direct Action Everywhere’s Animal Liberation Conference (ALC) (held June 9-14), The Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit (held July 27-30), Humane Society of the United States’ Taking Action for Animals (TAFA) Conference (held August 5-6), and Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Law Conference (held October 20-22). The Alliance also released a report from The Reducetarian Summit (held October 27-29).

    Key discussions among speakers at these conferences included: a need for increased “investigations” and “open rescues” conducted at farms and processing facilities; calls for animal rights extremists to become more engaged politically and in the legislative process; strategies to pressure restaurant, retail, and foodservice brands to reduce their sourcing of meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood; and ways the animal rights movement can tap into other key issues to gain attention such as public health and climate change.

    “Monitoring the strategies and tactics of the animal rights movement, including through our release of conference reports, allows Alliance members and the broader agriculture community – from farm to fork – to be aware of how these organizations are becoming increasingly aggressive in their efforts to take meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood off of consumers’ plates,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance president and CEO. “I hope that everyone involved in raising, processing, and retailing animal protein will take the opportunity to review the main themes of these reports and implement measures to safeguard their livelihoods.”

    Direct Action Everywhere’s (DXE) Animal Liberation Conference primarily focused on its “right to rescue” campaign, as DXE has been advocating for the legal right to conduct “open rescues,” which entail entering farms and plants without permission and taking livestock and poultry. DXE extremist Alicia Santurio, who faced trial this year in charges stemming from one such incident, says DXE’s version of “open rescue” is, “[W]e do go into these places of violence and if we see a sick or injured animal that really needs us, those are the ones we rescue, but I don’t think that’s the only reason you have to rescue an animal.” Speakers at the event made their viewpoints of animal agriculture clear as Erin Wing, Animal Outlook’s director of “investigations” claimed, “Animal agriculture is a complex machine refined over centuries and designed to torture and destroy all of the living beings within it.”

    The decision for the Supreme Court to uphold California’s Proposition 12 was a key focus at several conferences, including the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit and the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) TAFA Conference. Both conferences emphasized the recent “victory” and its implications for the animal rights movement. Kate Brindle, HSUS, said, “The court’s decision… not only upheld Proposition 12 and laws like it… it essentially gave a judicial green light so that we can keep working in the legislatures to free animals from suffering and extreme confinement.” The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act was also denounced as “the biggest threat…ever seen to animal protection.” We expect to see more pressure on this proposed legislation in 2024 as several animal rights supporters, including speakers at the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Law Conference have called it a “disaster for farmed animals.”

    Several conferences also touched on their strategies to continue pressuring restaurant, retail, and foodservice brands to reduce their sourcing of meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood. Josh Bisig with ProVeg, an organization focused on “food system change,” said, “Our mission is to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.”It was also stated that creating change at the food brand level was an effective way to force change at the farm level. Danielle Melgar, U.S. PIRG, shared an example: “We saw an opportunity to instead turn to a corporate campaign approach, so that we could get major restaurant chains to make commitments to purchasing meat that was raised without the routine use of antibiotics. This would then change what their suppliers are doing.”

    Animal rights groups have been using the coattails of issues of significant public interest such as climate change, public health, and social justice to reach wider audiences. David Meyer, Food Systems Innovations, put it this way: “What is it about this climate crisis that is actually a huge opportunity for the animals? Well, it’s a new reason to not eat animals, but this one can’t be ignored.” Brian Kateman, Reducetarian Foundation, said, “We are in a room where everybody agrees that we must end factory farming and we have to reduce the size of consumption of animal products. We don’t have to agree on everything in order to make progress on that one thing.”

    All 2023 animal rights conference reports, which include accounts of speaker presentations and general observations, are available to Alliance members in the Resource Center on the Alliance website. The Alliance website also includes reports from previous years’ animal rights conferences. Media wishing to obtain copies of the full report, or for all other inquiries, please contact Emily Ellis, manager, communications and content, at eellis@animalagalliance.org.

    About the Alliance:

    The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

  • USDA Surveying California Beef & Dairy Cattle Operations

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey about 2,000 cattle operations in California to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories.

    “This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduction. It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export,” said Director Gary Keough. “Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agriculture industry.”

    During the first two weeks of January, California producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed information. To make it as convenient as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the Internet, telephone, or mail.

    NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data in aggregate, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified.

    The January Cattle report will be released on January 31, 2024. This and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/publications. For more information, call the NASS Pacific Regional Field Office at (916) 738-6600.

  • Arizona National Livestock Show Celebrates 76th Anniversary December 27-31, 2023

    The Arizona National Livestock Show, the largest livestock show in the Southwest, returns to Phoenix, welcoming everyone back to the Arizona State Fairgrounds December 27-31. Dedicated to youth and agriculture, this prestigious show offers an atmosphere of warm hospitality, a wide range of events, and a passion for the livestock and agriculture sectors. The show highlights the bygone days of the Western way of life, coming to life at the fairgrounds for five days.

    Executive Director Tyler Grandil notes, “The true success that the Arizona National Livestock Show achieves is not just its long history of celebrating the best traditions of animal husbandry in agriculture but that we provide invaluable experiences for families to share together.”

    Celebrating its 76th anniversary, the Arizona National Livestock Show began in Phoenix in 1948. Exhibitors travel from more than 40 states, bringing nearly 2,500 heads of the nation’s best cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine for competition, all competing for the coveted “Grand Champion” title. Premium awards are paid to junior and open exhibitors yearly, totaling more than $200,000.

    In addition to the livestock competition, youth compete in public speaking and creative speaking contests, livestock judging, and skill-a-thon competitions.

    Livestock Show Event Highlights

    The Farm Experience runs December 29-31. It is a series of events designed to educate people, especially children, about farm animals, their care, and their importance in agriculture. Bring the young buckaroos for an interactive glimpse into the agricultural lifestyle where they can enjoy the experience of riding a wooly sheep or roping at a Wrangler Round-Up, and enjoy a Pedal Tractor Pull, Li’l Buckaroo Rodeo, Goat Roping – Breakaway and Team Roping.

    Cattlemen’s Day is on December 30. Men and women from across the state gather for fellowship and spirited competition during the Arizona Working Ranch Horse Competition, Ranch Replacement Heifer Show and Sale and the Ranch Horse Sale.

    Ag Mechanics Show, held December 29-31, showcases agricultural mechanics projects created by students and participants, often in the context of agricultural education programs or 4-H clubs. This event provides a platform for individuals to display their skills and craftsmanship in various categories, including Ornamental Welding, Woodworking, Small Metal Projects, and more.

    Held in conjunction with the livestock show, the Cowboy Classics Western Art Show and Gear Exhibit runs December 29-1. It showcases the rich, unique life of the American cowboy, presented in bronze sculptures, leather and silver works, oil paintings, and a variety of other art mediums. Another attraction of the Arizona National is the Cowboy Classics Gallery, an exhibit illustrating Arizona’s long ranching history, filled with memorabilia and displays provided by prestigious ranching families and other organizations with agricultural roots.

    Livestock Judging is held on December 31. The event is the first national Collegiate Livestock Judging competition of the year, in addition to a Junior Judging Contest for youth in 4-H and FFA. This contest utilizes the best animals from across the country.

    Speaking contests are held on December 31. They allow participants, often students or individuals involved in agricultural education programs like FFA (Future Farmers of America) or 4-H clubs, to deliver prepared speeches on topics related to agriculture and related fields. These contests allow participants to enhance their public speaking skills, demonstrate their knowledge, and advocate for agricultural issues.

    Cattledog trials are held December 27-28. Also known as cattle dog trials or stock dog trials, these competitive events are where herding dogs, often Border Collies or Australian Cattle Dogs, demonstrate their skills in working livestock, particularly cattle. These trials are not only a showcase of the dogs’ herding abilities but also a practical test of their usefulness in ranching and farming operations.

    “Farming Simulator”  runs December 29-31 and is a popular video game series that allows players to experience the life of a modern farmer, managing various aspects of farming, including planting and harvesting crops, raising livestock, and operating agricultural machinery.

    Skill-A-Thon is held on December 29 and is a specialized competition that tests participants’ knowledge and skills related to livestock, including various aspects of animal care, management, and agriculture.

    Horse Show Event Highlights

    The Arizona National Horse Show has long been part of the event’s annual competitions. It runs December 14-17 at Scottsdale’s WestWorld equine complex and features equine competitions for various interests, including an American Quarter Horse Association Show and Youth Horse Show.

    The Arizona National Livestock Show is free for spectators to attend. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit the website.

    About The Arizona National Livestock Show

    The Arizona National Livestock Show is the largest livestock show in the Southwest, an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948. It is dedicated to youth and agriculture; its goal is to support the industry’s youth and share a passion for the livestock and agriculture sectors with the population as a whole. Exhibitors and their families travel from more than 40 states, held on the Arizona State Fairgrounds between Christmas and New Year’s. Over 4,200 head of the nation’s best cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, and cattle dogs take part in the for competition. For more information visit the website.

  • Speaking Proposals Sought for 2024 Animal Ag Stakeholders Summit

    The Animal Agriculture Alliance has announced the theme of its 2024 Stakeholders Summit: “Ready, Set, Solve! Advancing Animal Agriculture.” The 2024 Summit is set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Mo. Speaking proposals for the event are being accepted through November 22. Interested speakers can submit their proposals at https://bit.ly/AAA24RFP. Registration for the event will open in January.

    Dozens of speakers. Hundreds of perspectives. Countless ideas. And that’s just at the starting line of the 2024 Summit. It’s going to take a team to drive our future forward. It’s going to take you, running alongside fellow stakeholders from across the food chain who know that putting in the work is the only way to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions. Are you ready? Then take your spot at the 2024 Summit.

    The Alliance is currently seeking proposals for keynote presentations and panel discussions that fit the 2024 theme. Presentations should provide unique and thought-provoking ideas and focus on actionable tools attendees can immediately use and implement. For more information, visit the proposal guidelines and form. For questions about the speaker proposal process, contact Abby Kornegay at akornegay@animalagalliance.org.

    “The annual Stakeholders Summit is known for its dynamic speaker-filled schedule, and the 2024 Summit will be no different,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “The Alliance team is excited to tap into the 2024 Olympics theme with an emphasis on propelling animal agriculture toward the ever-evolving finish line as we all work to reach our collective goals. We look forward to curating an agenda that embodies this focus.”

    Registration for the Summit will open in early 2024 and a tentative schedule will be shared at that time. Check the Summit website for the most up-to-date information. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA24 for periodic updates about the event on social media. For general questions about the Summit please email summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160.

    The Summit is a one-of-a-kind conference attended by a diverse group of decision makers, including representatives from farms, ranches, allied industries, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, legislatures, universities, government agencies and media. The 2023 Summit, themed “Partners in Progress: Building a Sustainable Future for Animal Ag” and held in Arlington, Va., attracted nearly 320 attendees. Select session recordings from the 2023 event are now available for public viewing, including:

    About the Alliance:

    The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.