Top Beef Buzz - Oklahoma Farm Report

Glen Klippenstein receiving the Checkoff Visionary Award from CBB Chair Dr Cheryl DeVuyst In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Missouri cattle producer and Hereford breeder Glen Klippenstein, one of the cattlemen involved in the early development of the Beef Checkoff. Klippenstein was recently recognized with the Beef Checkoff Visionary Award for his work helping establish the program in the 1980s. Looking back, he says getting the checkoff approved was anything but easy. Part one of this story can be found here. The Checkoff Faced an Uphill Battle Klippenstein says the effort to establish the checkoff encountered setbacks before cattle producers eventually succeeded in getting the program in place. “It might have failed twice, and it was kind of an internal deal that made it fail,” Klippenstein said. “That’s the lesson. I’m not going to spill any names or anything, but yes, it was.” Eventually, the effort was reorganized and brought directly to cattle producers. “And finally, finally, we liquidated that and got it on our own,” he said. Klippenstein says the value of the checkoff becomes easier to appreciate when considering how much the cattle industry and individual animal values have changed since the program began. What the Checkoff Has Done for the Cattle Industry When the checkoff started, Klippenstein says cattle producers were paying just $1 per head. Today, that same $1 investment remains relatively small compared with the value of the cattle being marketed. “It’s amazing what we’re doing with a little bit of money that we have,” he said. Klippenstein points to the dramatic increase in cattle values over the decades as one way to put the checkoff investment into perspective. “Our cattle have gone from—I don’t know what they were then. They weren’t that much—but you know, to a $2,500 weaned calf today, compared to maybe a $500 one then,” he said. “You know, just think what would have happened, and that’s scary to think about it.” He says the checkoff has also had implications beyond the individual cattle producer. “What we wouldn’t have done, what would have happened to our industry, if we, the people that are involved in industry, whose communities thrive from the beef cattle business, if we wouldn’t have had the checkoff,” Klippenstein said. More Research Could Tell Beef’s Sustainability Story Looking ahead, Klippenstein says research should be a major priority for the beef industry, particularly research that can help consumers better understand beef production and sustainability. “We need to invest more in research. Absolutely, we do,” he said. “The pitiful amount that we’re putting into our research that feeds this nation—almost a third of our land mass in this country—is owned and managed by cattlemen.” Klippenstein says the industry needs research that can help connect beef consumption with the broader environmental and economic role cattle producers play. “And the least that we can do is to do the research that, eventually, I hope, will allow everybody that takes a mouthful of beef to think, ‘Hey, I not only enjoy this and it’s good for me, but it’s also good for the planet, and it’s sure good for the sustainability of our rural communities and our individual ranchers,’” he said. Don’t Take the Industry’s Success for Granted Klippenstein also says the cattle industry should use the current period of strong demand and cattle values as an opportunity to invest in promotion and build consumer confidence. “When we were Glenkirk Farms at one time, we got to really going good,” he said. “And I told our guys, ‘Hey, we’re going to spend more on promotion and advertising, and we’re going to make sure that we can confirm and verify that what we are saying is what these cattle will do.’” “That’s what we need to do,” Klippenstein said. “Give people confidence. Make them our partners. Make them sing our song with us.” Stay Ahead of What Comes Next Klippenstein says the tools available to cattle producers and the demand for beef today are far different from what existed when the checkoff was first created. “I mean, we’re a success story, but let’s not rest on our laurels,” he said. He says the next generation of cattle industry leaders needs to stay engaged and be prepared for changes rather than simply reacting to them. “I tell you, I don’t want to start over again,” Klippenstein said. “Of course, I’m way past that point. But these young leaders, and we’ve got some great young people that are kind of into it. But make sure, stay with the program because things change, and let’s not be reactive. Let’s be pro.” Klippenstein summed up his philosophy with a lesson from sports. “I never won a ball game when I didn’t have the ball,” he said. The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today. The post Beef Checkoff Pioneer Glen Klippenstein Reflects on Its Beginnings and Future first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays spoke with Missouri cattle producer Glen Klippenstein, recipient of the Beef Checkoff Visionary Award, about his early days in the cattle business, his decision to raise Herefords and his involvement in establishing the Beef Checkoff. Why Klippenstein Chose Hereford Cattle Klippenstein said Herefords were the cattle his family had raised, and he quickly developed an appreciation for the breed. “Well, at that time, Herefords were the king of the hill, and my parents had had Herefords, and I liked their disposition. I just liked the Hereford cattle.” Klippenstein said he also became interested in carcass value and eventually experimented with breeding Herefords to Holstein cattle. “I’m kind of always been kind of a carcass freak, and I found out one time I had dairy cattle as well, and I mated my Herefords with my Holsteins, and I fed those cattle out and I sold them to people with freezers.” He said that experience showed him the potential of the cross. “I found out then that I got more retail yield edible product from that mating than I did out of the straight Herefords or the straight Angus.” Klippenstein said his appreciation for Herefords went beyond the cattle themselves. “I just love those Hereford cattle. I always have.” He also praised the people involved in the Hereford industry. “The people in the Hereford business—they are amazing, amazing people.” Making a Living With Beef on Dairy Klippenstein’s early experience with beef-on-dairy also provided a practical way to make a living while working with limited resources. “Well, I didn’t know it was cool. I knew I had to make a living and I didn’t have much money to do it with. So that was a good transitional step.” Bringing Seedstock Producers Into the Beef Checkoff Effort As the Beef Checkoff was being developed, Klippenstein recognized that seedstock producers represented an important part of the cattle industry that needed to be involved. Klippenstein was serving as chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Association membership committee when he said he realized there was an opportunity to bring more seedstock producers into the organization. “Hey, we’re missing a big segment of our industry, and some of the best leadership in our industry are seed stock producers, and we’ve not paid any attention to them.” He said he made an effort to recruit those producers into the National Cattlemen’s Association. “So I went after them, and of course, you know so many of them knew me, and I don’t know how many, several 1000 breeders I’m sure came into the National Cattlemen’s Association, and it helped propel things.” Klippenstein said the effort also helped create more balance among different segments of the cattle industry. “It helped even things up from a cow-calf producer standpoint compared to probably the feedlot industry, the background industry had mostly control at that time, but now it’s kind of evened out.” Taking the Bull by the Horns Looking back at the 1980s, Klippenstein said cattle producers were facing a difficult period and recognized the industry needed a stronger way to communicate with consumers. “Those of us that had been in the cattle business knew that wasn’t easy, and it was really getting more difficult. Our industry, believe it or not, it was going down like a rock.” He said producers believed they had a good story to tell but lacked the resources and organization to effectively communicate that story. “We had as good a good a story to tell as anybody could tell, and we kept telling each other that. But we didn’t have any money. We didn’t have any organization.” Klippenstein said the industry also needed to develop a stronger message about beef’s safety and its connection to the environment. “Hey, our product is safe. We eat it too with our families.” He said cattle producers also needed to explain the role cattle can play in the land and environment. “That cow, that cow that we love so much in our ranches, she rejuvenates the soil, the earth. She allows all the flora, everything else to have more and more life.” Klippenstein said that message was important because it countered what consumers were hearing at the time. “Every mouthful of beef that you guys eat is is a help for the environment, and that was exactly the message that they needed to hear because it was the opposite of what they were hearing.” He said the cattle industry ultimately realized producers had to take responsibility for telling that story themselves. “And so we took the bull by the horns and said, ‘Man, nobody’s going to take care of us unless we do.’” The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today. The post Glen Klippenstein Reflects on Herefords, Beef Checkoff and the Early Days of the Industry first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features comments from K-State livestock market economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor on the ongoing labor disruptions at meatpacking facilities in southwestern Kansas and what they could mean for cattle and beef markets. Labor Disruptions Could Pressure Cattle Prices Tonsor says the beef packing industry depends on a substantial workforce to keep cattle moving from live animals to beef products. “The conversion of live animals into meat is a pretty laborious effort.” He says disruptions at large packing plants can create problems throughout the cattle market because fewer cattle are being processed. “Anything that disrupts the labor in converting live animals into beef products for U.S. consumers…is going to have the effect of depressing cattle prices compared to what they would have been, and increasing beef prices compared to what they would have been.” Tonsor says the short-term disruption creates a backup of cattle that reduces demand for fed cattle while also limiting the amount of beef moving through wholesale, retail and export channels. “You have at least in the short term disruptions in the flow.” Comparing the Situation to the Pandemic Tonsor says the market mechanisms at work are similar to what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when labor disruptions affected meatpacking operations. “The mechanisms of that are very similar to what the pandemic did because during the pandemic we had labor disruptions there.” However, Tonsor cautions against treating the current situation as an exact repeat of the pandemic. “The scale and scope of this is not the same, so that’s not like a perfect analogy.” Instead, he says the comparison provides an indication of what could happen if disruptions continue for an extended period. Larger Plants Could Have Nationwide Effects Tonsor says the size of the affected facilities is important when considering the potential market impact. “It particularly can if it’s impacting larger facilities, which is the case here.” He says a small local facility would not have the same effect on the national market as a large plant processing thousands of cattle each day. “If you’re disrupting a 5000 head a day plant for multiple days, it starts becoming relevant.” Tonsor says cattle could eventually be rerouted to other facilities if disruptions continue, but doing so would create additional costs for producers. “Is there a way to do it, yes. Is it free? Heck, no.” He says producers could face higher transportation expenses, new business relationships and other transaction costs, all of which could continue to put pressure on cattle prices. Tonsor Encourages Patience as Producers Watch the Market Beyond the immediate packing disruptions, Tonsor says cattle producers are also watching several other developments, including plant closures, cattle numbers and beef demand. He says there has been some slippage in beef demand over the past couple of months, making it something the industry needs to continue monitoring. When asked about the cattle market outlook, Tonsor says there has been plenty of discussion about whether producers should retain more heifers and whether government policy should encourage herd expansion. His recommendation is to be patient and allow market signals to work. “I’m encouraging some patience and more of a hands-off mentality.” Tonsor says strong beef demand has already provided producers with a signal through higher calf prices. “Stronger beef demand has sent the signal of higher calf prices, which has sent the signal that if Mother Nature and allows it, and you have the risk appetite for it to expand the herd.” He says his goal is to remain data-driven and apolitical when discussing a market that can quickly become political. “Let markets work.” That phrase, Tonsor says, has become the message he uses to close many of his presentations. “I think the market’s been attempting to work, and we need to let it continue attempting to work.” Dr. Tonsor’s comments came from his most recent appearance with Shelby Varner on K-State’s Agriculture Today. The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today. The post Glynn Tonsor Explains How Kansas Plant Disruptions Could Affect Cattle Markets first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays spoke with Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey about OCA’s upcoming fall gatherings and the legislative issues the organization is monitoring this fall. OCA Fall Gatherings Bring Cattle Producers Together Kelsey says the fall gatherings are some of his favorite events because they give him a chance to get out of the state Capitol and spend time with cattle producers across Oklahoma. “It’s out in the countryside where men and women are raising their kids and raising cattle and feeding, literally feeding our country and the world.” The gatherings are designed to be informal, with meetings held at ranches and other local establishments rather than traditional meeting spaces. Kelsey says the goal is to give cattle producers an opportunity to socialize, network and discuss the issues affecting their operations. “We want to be casual. We want to be comfortable. We want folks to feel like they’re coming to a neighbor’s place, if you will, and we just talk and serve a great beef meal.” Kelsey says the meetings also provide OCA with an opportunity to listen to its members and better understand what producers are facing. “We’re going to talk about issues, and we’re going to listen, and we want to learn, and we want to understand where people are at.” Encouragement During Challenging Times Kelsey says one encouraging trend at the fall gatherings has been seeing more young families attending, including parents bringing strollers and car seats. “What do you want to hear in church and a cattlemen’s meeting? It’s a crying baby. That’s what you want to hear.” At the same time, Kelsey acknowledges the challenges facing cattle producers, particularly with weather and economics. He says the gatherings provide an opportunity for producers to support one another during difficult periods. “Our fall gatherings give us an opportunity to get together, maybe cry on each other’s shoulder a little bit, but also encourage each other.” Kelsey says the social and mental side of the cattle business is something OCA is increasingly concerned about. “There is a mental side to this business, and I’m really concerned that we’re really stressing our farmers and ranchers on a mental basis right now.” He says producers are dealing with pressure from weather and economic conditions, making it especially important for cattlemen to have opportunities to come together. “I think it’s very important for us to get together.” OCA Watching Oklahoma Legislative Interim Studies Kelsey also discussed the Oklahoma Legislature’s interim studies and some of the topics OCA plans to monitor this fall. He says the list of interim studies appears lighter than in previous years, which he believes is partly because lawmakers are preparing for an election year. Among the topics OCA is watching are tax policy, water, agriculture, solar panels and data centers in rural areas. Kelsey also specifically mentioned a screwworm study led by Senator Kern. “There’s one on screwworm by Senator Kern, and there’s some others on solar panels, data centers, some of those types of things in a rural environment.” Kelsey says some of those studies have not yet been scheduled and are expected to take place later in the fall. He also says OCA will be watching the changes coming to the Oklahoma Legislature following the election. “We’re going to see a turnover in some of our senators and legislators and so forth, so some of our legislative leaders are kind of waiting to see how that’s going to shape out before they get too far into the policy weeds.” Kelsey says the OCA will continue monitoring those discussions while using its fall gatherings to hear directly from cattle producers across the state. The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today. The post OCA Fall Gatherings Focus on Oklahoma Cattle Producers, Legislative Issues first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays looks at how recent concerns surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Kansas have disrupted the cattle processing workforce and created uncertainty across the beef industry. ICE Concerns Disrupt Kansas Cattle Processing Hays says the issue gained attention last week after reports began circulating about possible ICE activity at one or more fed cattle packing plants in Kansas. Citing reporting from Cassie Fish of The Beef Read, Hays says the initial reports were largely based on rumors and social media posts, with no official information available at the time. By Thursday, however, Fish reported that the situation had begun affecting cattle processing in Kansas. Hays says worker absenteeism caused by the ICE presence sharply reduced slaughter numbers. Tuesday slaughter was reported at about 100,000 head, compared with 105,000 head estimated by USDA for Tuesday and an estimated 106,000 to 108,000 head based on packer profitability. Wednesday was even lower, with slaughter reported at 94,000 head, about 16,000 head below the scheduled level. Cattle Industry Calls for Transparency Hays says the disruption prompted the Kansas Livestock Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association and Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association to issue a joint statement calling for greater transparency from the federal government. The groups said they respect the responsibility of federal agencies to enforce the law but also emphasized the importance of a stable workforce for livestock businesses. Hays says cattle producers, feedyards, dairies, livestock markets and processors depend on workers to care for animals, maintain food safety and keep the supply chain operating. Sudden workforce disruptions can create animal welfare, operational and economic consequences that extend beyond an individual business. Fear Creates Additional Uncertainty Hays says one of the biggest concerns for the cattle industry is the effect that ICE activity and the surrounding uncertainty could have on legal, documented workers. He says the fear surrounding possible enforcement actions has already contributed to absenteeism and disruptions at Kansas packing plants. Hays also notes that disruptions in processing could eventually affect consumers through higher beef prices. Oklahoma Watching the Situation While the concerns have been centered primarily in Kansas, Hays says Oklahoma’s livestock industry is watching the situation closely. Hays says Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur reported that she was not aware of any raids or worker arrests at Oklahoma Livestock or processing facilities Arthur’s conversations with Oklahoma processing plants, feedlots and dairies have focused on making sure businesses have their paperwork in order, and Hays says she anticipates no problems in the state based on those conversations. Hays also says Arthur has been in contact with her counterpart in Georgia, where ICE has reportedly been making contact with poultry processors, although those interactions have been described as more of a “touching base” effort. Federal Officials Address Kansas Reports Hays says the situation has also prompted clarification from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the former Oklahoma senator. According to Hays, Mullin has said ICE is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas. Mullin is quoted saying, “ICE is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas. ICE law enforcement has conducted operations targeting heinous criminals including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers and illegal aliens with final orders of removal.” — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin For the cattle industry, however, Hays says the combination of uncertainty, fear and worker absenteeism has already had an impact on cattle processing and the broader beef supply chain. The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today. The post ICE Concerns Create Workforce Disruptions In Cattle Industry first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.