CattleNetwork.com, KS
09-07-06
Iowa To Benefit From More Cattle, Experts Say
(DES MOINES, IA – Sept. 7, 2006) – Iowans have a choice to make as to
whether more or fewer cattle are raised in the state. Whatever that decision, it
will have a great impact on the state’s future says Dr. John Lawrence, director
of the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University.
Speaking at the Farming Matters: An Iowa Crop and Livestock Forum sponsored
by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) Aug. 25 in Cherokee,
Lawrence told attendees that Iowa is in the position to regain the number one
rank in beef production.
The state last held that distinction from 1968 to 1972.
“When the world changed in the 1970s and consumer demand for beef fell by
nearly half and willingness to pay for prime cuts diminished, Iowa lost its footing
in the cattle market,” said Lawrence. “Well, the world is changing again and the
question is whether Iowa is going to meet the new demand.”
Demand for beef has increased more than 20 percent since 1998 and the
emphasis is on quality grades of beef. “Consumers are hungry to purchase
choice beef in the grocery store,” Lawrence said, “and that’s what Iowa beef
producers do best.”
Iowa is also in a position to raise cattle competitively due to a cost-structure shift
caused by the ethanol industry. A co-product of ethanol production is distillers
grain, a high-protein feed source that can be fed to cattle and other livestock.
Distillers grain can be fed wet or dry, but is most economical and efficient when
fed wet and transported short distances to feedlots.
“It costs 15-20 cents per bushel to dry and ship distillers grain out of state,” said
Evan Vermeer, membership vice president with the Iowa Cattlemen’s
Association. “Transporting it shorter distances to nearby feedlots will increase the
profitability of the cattle industry in Iowa.”
Vermeer challenged Iowa farmers to respond to this opportunity before others
come into the state and do it.
“Someone will feed cattle in Iowa,” said Vermeer. ”Let’s have it be Iowans.”
Manufacturing ethanol is a tremendous boost for Iowa’s economy, Vermeer
added. Cattle production can maximize that impact by adding more employment
pportunities while providing a natural market for the abundance of distillers grain
to create a self-sustaining partnership.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was founded and is funded by the Iowa
Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau,
Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association and Iowa Soybean
Association. Its mission is to help Iowa’s communities prosper by offering
livestock farmers timely assistance in following regulations and enhancing
neighbor relations. More than 540 families have been served by CSIF since its
launch in 2004.
For more information, contact the CSIF at 1-800-932-2436 or
www.supportfarmers.com.