Feeder cattle markets went for a wild ride during the month of July, but moved into August very close to the price levels of late June. Normally, mid-summer heat and the dog-day-doldrums result in uneventful cattle markets with neither buyers or sellers getting very excited about doing business. But, this was no ordinary year! Yearling buyers became aggressive on both sides of the Independence Day holiday, causing sellers to get antsy, which sent marketing agents scrambling to facilitate business. Salebarns held huge yearling specials and both internet/video and direct country sales were active as a high volume of ownership exchanged hands while prices for feedlot replacements gained $8 to $12. Many markets eclipsed all-time records posted in late-March, including the CME Feeder Cattle Index (based on a 750-pound steer) that posted a high of 139.44 on July 15.

Prolonged exposure to heat can have a number of adverse physical and emotional effects, but awareness and proper care can help people of all ages beat the heat monster, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts. “Excessive exposure to a hot environment, especially while active or working, can bring about any of a number of disorders or illnesses related to hyperthermia,” said Dr. Carol Rice, AgriLife Extension specialist in health and wellness education. “Some of the physical effects range from heat cramps to edema – swelling of the ankles and feet – rash, exhaustion or heat stroke.”

It is remarkable that over the years milk yield per cow per day continues to increase in comparison to a slower rate of increase in dry matter intake. Cows are just fascinating; the efficiency of ruminal fermentation and digestibility of the dietary components are key factors in improving the efficiency of feed we use in modern diets.

This year, fed cattle prices will average about 18% above a year ago, while calf prices surge about 30%. The only real beneficiaries of record high cattle prices in 2011 will be cow-calf producers and breeding stock providers in non-drought regions. After a few good months in early 2011, cattle feeding began to record huge losses. Even with higher fed cattle prices this fall, the red ink will continue on feedlot closeouts for at least the balance of 2011.

Moving cows is an everyday activity that deserves great attention and care. Especially during fragile stages of their life cycle, pen moves can directly impact the dairy cow’s ability to maximize feed intake, which will influence herd milk production and health.

Dairy producers along the I-29 corridor are invited to a Forum on National Dairy Policy and Immigration Reform to learn more about dairy pricing policy proposals and immigration issues that may impact their operations. The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The free forum will include lunch and is hosted by members of the I-29 Dairy Consortium. Reservations are requested by Aug. 25 to sddairyproducers@gmail.com or (605) 692-1775.

The 100 percent farmer-owned cooperative that makes Borden Cheese has launched its Friends of Elsie Tour, a hands-on exhibit that brings the farm to families through local dairy farmers, on-farm activities and a live country music experience. People may meet dairy farm families and take part in activities such as, a cow portable milking machine, a cow-to-person height comparison chart, samples of cow feed and an interactive farm game. Information is also available to help consumers understand different types of cheese and butter. Tour stops include community events and state fairs.

Vernice and Dan Moon, Monona, Iowa, have been named the third Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award winner, which will be presented at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The winner of the McKown Master Breeder Award is chosen by the members of the Klussendorf Association. The award honors a well-managed breeder herd who is successful showing and judging and emphasizes all qualities of the Klussendorf Award, including ability, character, endeavor, and sportsmanship. Vernice and Dan Moon’s Moondale Holstein herd fits every criteria of the McKown Master Breeder Award. Vernice and Dan, along with Vernice’s wife, Bev; Dan’s wife, Nancy; and Dan and Nancy’s children, Kyle, Emily, and Ryan, also are involved with Moondale Holsteins.

Cargill Animal Nutrition has announced it is forming an alliance with Fresno, California-based Integrated Grain and Milling, Inc., (IGM) to fully leverage the marketing teams of each organization. Under this alliance, the marketing teams will act as sales agents for each of the respective companies.