"We work every day...not just sale day!"

Sunday, February 24, 2013

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SHOVEL RAIN

We need moisture whether it comes as snow or rain!  Lack of demand and cautious buyer attitude for replacement heifers is driven by fear of another dry summer and recent record high feed prices.  I'm convinced that if I could figure out a way to pipe thunder and lighting into these production sale barns we could raise the price on both heifers and bulls by a good amount.
 
If we do get wide spread rain this spring, look out!  The prospect of ample green, lush April/May grass drives cowmen nuts!  They'll fall over the top of each other to get it stocked.  God knows they only get one chance to harvest spring and early summer grass when it's at it highest in nutrient value.  That's their pay day, they're good at what they do, and for many of them it's the only thing they know how to do.  So, let's hope for a wet spring and a break in this drought cycle.  We've got people to feed!
 
 It's not cool to have major storms during calving but having ample feed for the herd is a better deal than being short on feed after a good weather calving season.  Overshoes in the calving barn and a rain coat at breeding time make for a happy banker at shipping time.  Keep your fingers crossed.
 
 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

BQA CERTIFICATION....it's Free!

Thanks to a National Sponsor, BQA Registration will be available at no charge until March 15th.  See below:


For More Information, Contact:

Rene Ward, 816-236-8276

Associate Director, Public Relations and Internal Communications

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.


 

Ryan Ruppert, 303-653-6905

Senior Director, Beef Quality Assurance

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association


Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Becomes Sponsoring Partner for BQA Certification

Producers get educational resources for operational improvement, and ways to talk with consumers about the beef industry

DENVER, Feb. 6, 2013 — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is pleased to announce that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is partnering with the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, and will be sponsoring the cost of BQA certification for American cattlemen and cattlewomen this spring.

The cost of BQA certification is normally $25-$50; however, between Feb. 11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification, making it free for producers.

“BQA provides cattlemen with the tools they need to produce the safest, highest quality beef in the world while also looking at ways to make their operations more efficient and productive,” said BQA Senior Director Ryan Ruppert.

Ruppert notes that BQA is the gold standard of livestock handling and animal welfare programs, and that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s support of BQA certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving the industry and telling consumers about the sound production practices most cattlemen use every day. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. has also placed emphasis on managing herd health before problems arise to prevent issues and keep operations running efficiently.

The BQA has customized programs specific to cow/calf, stocker, feedlot or dairy operations. These easy to use modules teach sound management techniques they can apply to their operation. The cattle industry has embraced BQA because it is the right thing to do; but certified producers also report improvements in efficiency and increased profitability. It also helps cattle operations tell their story to consumers who might not understand all of the safety measures cattlemen take in producing the food on the table.

"We're proud to partner with BQA to bring this important certification program to more American cattlemen and dairy producers," said David Korbelik, director of cattle marketing for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "Much like our Prevention Works approach to animal health, BQA is about monitoring and making incremental improvements throughout the life cycle to prevent disease and ensure a quality end product. We will also be working with the BQA to allow access to the training and certification program for animal health and veterinary students.”

Those interested in taking advantage of this BQA certification opportunity can go to www.BIVI-BQA.com. “It’s clear that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is committed to helping consumers understand that beef is produced in a safe and humane manner,” said Ruppert. “This partnership will help producers learn about the latest industry advancements and demonstrate the ways they continue to provide a top-quality food product.”

For more information on the BQA program, visit www.BQA.org. To complete the BQA certification process, visit www.BQA.org/team.

To learn more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Prevention Works program, visit www.bivipreventionworks.com. To learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. visit www.bi-vetmedica.com/cattle.

Like Boehringer Ingelheim Prevention Works on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BIVIPreventionWorks.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

 

As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to be socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability, are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavors.

 

In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $17.1 billion (13.2 billion euro). R&D expenditure in the business area of Prescription Medicines corresponds to 23.5 percent of its net sales.

 

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/boehringerus.

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